Topic
Corruption & Governance Reform
2,708 speeches · 349 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 91 |
| 2 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 86 |
| 3 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 80 |
| 4 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 70 |
| 5 | Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, M.P. SJB | 68 |
| 6 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 68 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 67 |
| 8 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 65 |
| 9 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 64 |
| 10 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 64 |
Speeches
2,708 on this topic- 4 March 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concern about vacancies and qualification gaps across the public service, citing the Government Press, Health sector, and Auditor-General’s Department. He asked whether this indicated systemic erosion and called for urgent modernization, seeking a clear response from the Prime Minister. Oral Question: Government Printing Department Vacancies and Qualifications Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Prime Minister, under Standing Order 38(1), about the prolonged absence of a permanent Government Printer at the Government Printing Department. He questioned whether continued acting appointments comply with service procedures and raised concerns about risks to quality, confidentiality, security printing, and operational continuity. He sought details on any assessments or independent audits of these risks and asked what urgent steps the Government will take to restore technical capacity and appoint a qualified permanent Government Printer. Oral Question: Government Printing Department Vacancies and Qualifications Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that good governance could help Sri Lanka rapidly progress toward becoming a developed, livable, and prosperous country. He said the Government would follow its own policy and roadmap rather than accept the Opposition’s narratives. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Foreign Exchange Act regulation reflected improved external-sector stability after recent foreign exchange shortages, arguing that public confidence and financial discipline had prevented attempted artificial shortages from escalating. He rejected claims that the President had described Sri Lanka as a “failed state,” saying the criticism was directed at past administrations’ failure to develop infrastructure after Independence. He also briefed Parliament on measures taken amid Middle East tensions, including consular notices, a hotline, an operations centre, mobilization of missions, assistance to two injured Sri Lankans, and contingency discussions with the IOM while prioritizing de-escalation and the safety of Sri Lankans abroad. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that Sri Lanka has made significant post-Independence development gains despite conflict, and criticized the LTTE and JVP for obstructing national progress, while also responding to concerns over fuel queues by attributing them to external tensions and public reaction rather than supply failure. He raised allegations regarding a coal procurement tender, naming Trident Chemphar Limited and its local agent Panaurora (Pvt.) Ltd., and claimed substandard coal supplies had caused major losses linked to the Norochcholai power plant. He urged the Minister in charge of Police to direct the CID to investigate the local agent and associated individuals, citing media reports as the basis for the allegations. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake warned that escalation of the Middle East conflict, including Israeli strikes on Iran, could harm vulnerable countries such as Sri Lanka, and linked this to concerns about national intelligence and the handling of Easter attack-related arrests, including Pilleyan and Azath Salley. He questioned why some former security officials were later promoted while others were detained, and argued that wartime intelligence contributors, including Muslim officers, should be assessed fairly. He also raised practical grievances on possible gas and fuel supply pressures, taxes and licensing burdens on beedi rollers, restrictions affecting small papad producers, alleged non-enforcement against an ice cream factory despite health and court concerns, procurement issues involving backhoe machines, and excessive salary deductions from police officers’ quarters in Galle. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved reserves, tourism receipts, remittances, and export earnings allow Sri Lanka to gradually relax capital flow measures in line with the IMF EFF programme. He said the regulation facilitates overseas business expansion by increasing limits for capital transactions through foreign currency accounts and reflects economic stabilization. He also defended the President’s statement to Parliament on the Middle East conflict, criticized opposition allegations of corruption, and condemned civilian killings and attacks in Iran while calling for a swift end to the war. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, arguing that the Government has stabilised key economic indicators since taking office after the crisis and bankruptcy period. He cited higher revenue-to-GDP figures, a reduced budget deficit, a positive primary balance, lower interest rates and inflation, and improved balance-of-payments conditions as evidence of recovery. He explained that the Regulation relaxes foreign currency account limits, raising the Business Foreign Currency Account capital payment cap from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and the Personal Foreign Currency Account cap from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, to support investment, debt servicing and resident flexibility. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda spoke during debate on a Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that the Opposition did not wish to create panic over fuel or gas but urged the Government to address reported shortages of gas at village level. He condemned attacks on Iran, citing Iran’s past support to Sri Lanka and the potential impact of regional conflict on Sri Lankans in the Middle East. He also demanded answers on an alleged fraud in the tri-forces dry rations tender, raised concerns about possible dismissal of Parliamentary Police officers, and objected to alleged attempts to override elected Cooperative Hospital boards in Galle District. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved foreign exchange conditions allow relaxation of earlier restrictions on outward transactions. He highlighted proposed increases to limits for Business Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000, Personal Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 22,000 to USD 25,000, and the reopening of certain outward capital transactions through rupee-funded Outward Investment Accounts. He linked these measures to the Government’s broader economic management, citing revenue performance, relief funding after the “@DOo” cyclone, capital expenditure, lower interest rates, controlled inflation, and recent GDP growth, while calling for cooperation to expand the economy. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Government to treat the coal procurement allegations as an opportunity for correction, particularly on procurement procedure, Public Finance Committee advice, coal quality, and risks to the power sector, rather than merely rejecting Opposition criticism. He questioned whether imports should continue if reports of substandard coal shipments are accurate, and said the Government must meet public expectations for clean governance after its large mandate. He also requested electricity expansion in vulnerable villages affected by wildlife threats and coordination between the Power and Wildlife Ministers, and called for public examinations to be adapted for visually impaired students by avoiding map- and image-based questions. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister rejected the Opposition’s adjournment motion alleging irregularities in the coal procurement tender, stating that the cited volume and four main allegations were incorrect. He said the tender followed National Procurement Commission procedures, incorporated earlier COPF guidance on competition and supplier assessment, selected the lowest compliant bidder, and did not involve improper deviations. He explained that delivery timing and coal quality were managed under contract terms, with load and discharge port testing by accredited third parties, penalties imposed where specifications were not met, and no legal basis for cancellation absent a breach. He warned that premature cancellation could expose the State to damages and argued that procurement decisions must be based on documented compliance rather than unauthenticated claims. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman alleged irregularities in several government decisions, including a withdrawn wheat tender, the release of 323 containers, and the awarding of a 50 MW Mannar wind power project despite an appeal being rejected. He questioned why the President’s committee report on the containers had not been presented to Parliament and accused the Government of failing to uphold its pledges on transparency, anti-corruption, and the rule of law. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned why a coal supply agreement had not been cancelled despite alleged breaches of tender conditions relating to substandard coal and delayed deliveries. He cited a CEB report estimating losses at Rs. 7.6 billion, warned that further shipments could increase the loss, and argued that the proposed 13% electricity tariff increase would pass the cost to the public. He also alleged that the tender had been structured to favour a blacklisted company without sufficient coal supply capacity and demanded accountability for the decision. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman defended the Opposition’s role in raising allegations of fraud and mismanagement, rejecting claims that SJB members were compromised or implicated in corruption. Referring to the coal procurement issue, he cited a 19 February 2026 Ceylon Electricity Board report signed by its General Manager stating that losses from eight coal shipments amounted to Rs. 7,672 million, excluding unclaimed penalties. He questioned the Government’s response to these concerns and argued that Parliament must scrutinize losses involving public funds. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra criticized Opposition Members for allegedly using energy-related debates to advocate for a particular company rather than engaging in substantive scrutiny of government policy. She stated that the Government has no objection to any company winning tenders, including politically linked firms, provided they meet qualifications, pricing requirements, and tender conditions. She urged the Opposition to protect the public mandate, avoid undermining public discourse, and perform its role through legitimate criticism rather than what she described as company-driven interventions. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected the Opposition’s Adjournment Motion on alleged coal tender irregularities, arguing that no specific defect in the procurement process, exclusion of bidders, appeal, or court challenge had been identified. She said coal rejections for quality had occurred under previous governments as well and could be addressed through contractual safeguards such as penalty clauses. She called on MP Marikkar to substantiate his allegation that funds were deposited to an account connected to the Minister’s wife’s mother, or to report it to the Bribery Commission. She further argued that the current tender process was more transparent than past practices where Cabinet Papers were allegedly used to override tender outcomes and favour preferred suppliers. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. K. Ilangkumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilangkumaran defended the Government’s coal procurement for the Norochcholai power plant, stating that tenders were called transparently with ten bidders and that the contract was awarded to the lowest bidder. He accused the Opposition of attempting to mislead the public over the procurement process and contrasted this with alleged past non-transparent coal import arrangements. He also emphasized the need to expand renewable energy, particularly solar and wind in the Northern Province, while meeting rising electricity demand, and cited improved corruption index rankings and growing support for the NPP Government, including in the North. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa defended the Government’s coal procurement for the Norochcholai/Lakvijaya Power Plant, contrasting it with past practices of cancelled tenders and Cabinet-awarded purchases to preferred suppliers. He said the 2025 process registered 26 international suppliers, allowed 28 days for bids, received 10 bids, and included an appeal period with no objections lodged. He explained that coal quality is assessed through load port and discharge port reports, with penalties imposed for deviations, and noted past penalty amounts under previous years’ supplies. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding corruption and bank accounts, challenged them to provide specific evidence, and suggested the criticism was linked to the unsuccessful bidder. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana rejected the Opposition’s coal-related allegations, arguing that they were politically motivated and unsupported by evidence, and challenged MP Marikkar to provide the referenced bank account details. He defended the Government’s 500-day record, citing improved corruption perceptions rankings, increased revenues, profitability in state-owned enterprises, and public survey results, attributing these to anti-corruption policies. He also referred to past coal procurement issues from 2009 to 2016, including alleged tender irregularities, losses from unloading failures, plant shutdowns, and penalty reductions, to argue that previous administrations bore responsibility for major losses in the sector. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →