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- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, outlined the roles of fiscal and monetary policy and the respective responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. He said IMF, World Bank and ADB support contributes to stabilization and reforms, including the 2023 IMF Extended Fund Facility, Aswasuma social protection allocations, debt restructuring, governance reforms and public sector transparency measures, while national policy decisions remain with the Government. He noted coordination under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, and identified risks including high public debt, geopolitical and trade uncertainties, inflationary pressures, SOE-related fiscal burdens and social protection needs. Government responses cited included strengthening tax administration, rationalizing exemptions, improving expenditure management, debt and SOE reforms, expanding social protection and digitalization, anti-corruption measures, and promoting exports and foreign exchange earnings. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said the co-operative banking sector, including rural, SANASA and other co-operative banks, has faced serious audit, reporting and pawning-related irregularities, with some reports overdue for several years and pledged items missing. He explained that People’s Bank discontinued the pawning licence due to these issues, but said the Government is taking steps to strengthen the sector through amendments to the Co-operative Societies Law, regulation under a Banking Regulatory Authority, and restoration of pawning facilities under proper oversight. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised concerns about judicial independence and the handling of fundamental rights applications, alleging that some FR petitions are being refused leave to proceed too quickly despite being a key public remedy. He referred to past politicization of the judiciary, reports of suspended judges allegedly without proper inquiry, and concerns about judicial affiliations, promotions, bail decisions, and retirement-age extensions affecting independence. He asked for year-by-year data from 2021 to 2026 on the number of human rights/fundamental rights cases filed, refused leave at the outset, and granted leave to proceed. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan stated that responsibility should not be attributed to individual owners but to the broader system. His intervention framed the issue as a systemic problem rather than one caused by particular persons. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that while the regulations and appropriation resolutions aim to stabilize the economy, the Northern Province requires structural interventions, particularly in education, given its low GDP contribution. He alleged that the Northern Provincial authorities under the Governor have arbitrarily transferred 193 teachers under “exigencies of service” without meeting legal criteria or consulting unions, citing provisions in the Establishments Code and provincial procedural regulations. He further claimed that appeals and transfer decisions were politically influenced, discriminatory and vindictive, affecting teachers in areas such as the Island Zone and Vadamarachchi East and harming students’ access to education. He urged the Government and President, under whose authority the Governor falls, to end arbitrary and discriminatory practices in Northern education if they are serious about developing the province. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act were presented for approval to permit regulated imports of retreaded aircraft tyres and specified Ponni Samba and Kiri Ponni rice substitutes. Upul Kithsiri contrasted the Government’s current economic management with the 2022 crisis, citing shortages, low reserves, power cuts and public service vacancies inherited after halted recruitment. He argued that since 2024 the Government has maintained fuel, fertilizer and services while improving fiscal and external indicators, including higher revenue, a primary surplus, a current account surplus and reduced debt. He called on the Opposition to stop disrupting proceedings and support efforts to improve the economy, while noting ongoing youth, tourism and national development programmes. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged serious irregularities in the release of imported chrysanthemum consignments despite National Plant Quarantine Service findings of live whitefly and rust disease, citing the Plant Protection Act regulations requiring destruction where live insects are detected. He tabled related laboratory reports and claimed that more than 100 containers from the same company had been released despite officers informing authorities, warning of risks to agriculture and exports. He also referred to alleged financial losses from fuel vessel payments and criticized recent rupee depreciation under the Government. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concern over the rapid depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee and its impact on fuel, bus fares, and essential commodity prices, arguing that any claimed Treasury surplus should be used to ease living costs. He questioned the Government’s cost-of-living estimates, saying Rs. 16,690 per month was unrealistic, and cited reported financial and cybersecurity-related losses at People’s Bank, the Treasury, and SriLankan Airlines as operational failures requiring attention. He also argued that the Government’s rhetoric was insufficient in the face of economic hardship and called for Provincial Council elections to test public support. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman challenged the Government’s claim that there was no economic crisis, citing a widening gap between official and street dollar rates, bank rate volatility, dollar shortages, and rising import and essential-goods prices including milk powder. He alleged that vehicle importers with advance knowledge benefited from the 16 May levy regulation through large numbers of LCs opened just before its imposition, and called for equal application of rules to all importers. He also disputed the Government’s cost-of-living figures, arguing they reflect an extreme poverty food line rather than actual household needs, and sought clarity on promised diaspora dollar inflows and related allegations. He urged the Government to acknowledge worsening conditions and take decisive action to address exchange-rate pressure and rising living costs. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri criticized past development projects for allegedly prioritizing Ministers’ own districts and employment opportunities there, leading to public service issues. He asked on what basis the particular village had been selected for the proposed interventions. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala argued that Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis must be understood in the context of institutional politicization, policy failures, debt distress, and shocks such as the Easter attacks and COVID-19, which he said led to bankruptcy and shortages of essential imports. He said the Government’s post-crisis programme prioritized stabilization through the Central Bank and Treasury, restoration of public and international confidence, and a strategic growth plan. Citing the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review, he highlighted growth in agriculture, industry, and services, and pointed to measures such as the “Urumaya” land rights programme and support for SMEs as contributing to food security, productivity, and industrial recovery. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith Agalakada JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Agalakada said the Central Bank report for the first full year after the Government assumed office showed significant improvements in revenue, fiscal deficit, primary balance, per capita income, remittances, tourism, and growth following an inherited economic crisis. He argued that the Government reduced the deficit from 6.8 to 2.3 per cent of GDP, exceeded the IMF primary balance target, and increased state revenue to 16.7 per cent of GDP through disciplined, collective, and data-based governance. He contrasted these results with past economic mismanagement and said allocations were now made fairly across districts based on need rather than political influence. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam submitted documents to Parliament concerning a survey plan identifying an area as reserved forest and questioned how large-scale destruction of that forest was being permitted. He asked whether the Forest Department and the Government were aware of or involved in the matter and requested an official clarification to Parliament, with the documents placed in the Library. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s economic record by citing the Central Bank report, arguing that GDP, per capita income, reserves, tourism, exports and employment indicators improved in 2024, while rejecting Opposition claims about debt growth and vehicle prices as false. He contrasted these figures with the records of previous UNP and SLPP-led administrations, alleging that past growth was accompanied by excessive debt, currency depreciation and weak fiscal outcomes. He also highlighted changes to political practices, including a smaller Cabinet, reduced benefits for MPs and limits on vehicle permits, and outlined disaster-relief payments provided after the 2024 floods and landslides. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticised the Government’s economic management, arguing that the rupee depreciation, rising cost of living, inflationary pressure and increased borrowing show that the country is returning to crisis conditions similar to 2021-2022. She questioned the effectiveness of the Central Bank and its Governor, alleging that political leadership lacks the capacity to respond to economic risks and that public confidence in the Government’s ability to manage the economy is declining. She also raised district-level concerns in Matale, citing unresolved resettlement and relief issues after Cyclone “Dittha” and tabling data on relief payments and deaths, while referring to a District Secretariat circular showing limited progress in housing assistance for high-risk beneficiaries. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera defended the Government’s 2025 economic programme, arguing that reserves in the previous period were built through debt non-servicing, import controls, and stalled development, while the current administration used reserves to resume debt servicing, lift restrictions, restart development projects, and expand employment. He said the Government had chosen a people-centred path different from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s approach, citing higher-than-expected growth and improvements in governance indicators, including the Corruption Perceptions Index. He also rejected Opposition claims on fertilizer support and housing, asserting that agriculture inputs had been provided through official systems and criticizing unfinished housing projects from the Opposition Leader’s tenure. He urged the Opposition to act responsibly in the current global and domestic economic context. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri argued that the Government is claiming credit for economic indicators, such as reserves, remittances, the balance of payments and the primary balance, which he said were largely achieved under the previous administration before the current President and Parliament took office. He accused the Government of failing to fulfil election promises on matters including fuel and electricity prices, public sector salaries, prosecutions, Easter attacks investigations and compensation pledges, while cost-of-living pressures remain severe. He also said policies previously criticised by the NPP, such as Sajith Premadasa’s sanitary pad initiative and smart education tools, had since been adopted or left unaddressed, and called for “true intellectuals” to join in building an alternative economic, political and social programme. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage argued that the Government’s economic management had restored growth from the 2022 contraction to about 5 per cent in 2025, exceeded revenue expectations, and raised per capita GDP above USD 5,000. He said fiscal gains had been directed to public relief, citing public sector salary increases up to 2027, higher Mahapola scholarships, increased estate worker wages, and the resumption of stalled construction and development projects. He rejected Opposition criticisms, stating that the Government had maintained stability despite external pressures through measured interventions, including import controls. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala, during the debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, argued that the weakening rupee and rising dollar rate were increasing import costs, inflation, and hardship for households, and questioned the Government’s claim that the economy had stabilized. He said tourism arrival figures should be judged by actual foreign exchange earnings, comparing them unfavourably with pre-Easter attack levels. He also raised concerns about public officials being reluctant to take decisions following a remittance error involving USD 2.5 million, and criticized delays in post-“Ditva” cyclone housing and land allocation, urging the Government to focus on delivery rather than blaming the Opposition. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticized the Government for alleged incompetence, corruption, and misuse of public funds, citing reported cases involving immigration systems, fuel procurement, misdirected payments, container releases, coal imports, social welfare payments, and other public sector transactions. He argued that these failures have increased costs for fuel, utilities, construction materials, medicines and essentials, worsening the burden on taxpayers and the economy. He also urged the Government to address post-cyclone housing hardships, especially in the hill country, and called for the appointment of a Catholic nun as principal of Nayakakanda Good Shepherd Girls’ School in line with requests from the Catholic community and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →