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- 20 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe referred to the first phase of the Aswesuma programme, which began on 10 November 2025, and raised concerns about alleged party bias in beneficiary selection in Ampara. He requested that, if “Praja Shakthi” committee leaders and secretaries are appointed as observers to review beneficiary data, representatives of all parties should also be included, or alternatively a neutral independent mechanism should be established to ensure fair selection. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe said the Aswesuma welfare programme has benefited many poor people, but alleged that last year’s data collection process excluded many eligible poor households while including affluent persons, particularly in the Eastern Province and Ampara. He urged that beneficiary selection be revised through a committee involving District and Divisional Secretaries and local representatives. He also criticized the “Praja Shakthi” movement as a partisan and non-transparent village-level initiative, and tabled an urgent circular issued by the Welfare Benefits Board. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Aswesuma payment scheme is not a poverty-eradication programme unless linked to a broader strategy covering production, investment, consumption, savings and exports. He rejected claims that the Opposition opposed education reforms, stating that the Grade 6 reform was deferred by the President due to content, teacher training and technical issues, including an obscene link in an English module. He questioned whether parents were being required to fund TVs and smart boards despite assurances that the State would provide such equipment, and tabled related school letters and the disputed module. He said the Opposition supports genuine reforms, including languages and STEAM education, but demanded proper implementation and accountability. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka called on the Minister in charge of Police to expedite investigations and take legal action over an alleged assault at the “Charter’s Edge” hotel on 12 September, noting that no arrests had been made. He then challenged the Minister of Power over the coal procurement process, disputing official answers given to questions raised under Standing Order 27(2) and arguing that low-quality coal could damage boilers, reduce efficiency, increase pollution, and harm public health around Norochcholai. He alleged irregularities in the tender timeline, vessel allocations, and handling of the company Potentia, and invited the Minister to a public debate to substantiate claims of corruption in the coal tender. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva supported extending Aswesuma payments but argued that the programme, originally introduced as a temporary crisis-response measure, should not continue without correcting serious targeting errors identified in research tabled in Parliament. He urged the Government to revise and properly weight eligibility indicators, pilot the revised system with at least 3,000 households before a national rollout, and conduct an independent evaluation of the Samurdhi Development Department’s spending and value for money. He also called for the immediate appointment of an Auditor-General, raised concerns about the proposed “Praja Shakthi” structure, and linked poverty policy to broader needs in education reform, teacher training, technology investment, and preparing for AI-related labour market changes. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on tourism earnings, noting that 2025 arrivals exceeded 2.36 million while per-tourist spending fell and foreign exchange inflows to the banking system appeared weak. He asked the Government to explain the decline in per capita spend, quantify tourism foreign exchange converted through licensed banks, reconcile this with SLTDA earnings figures, and address alleged leakage through offshore booking platforms, overseas card settlements, and unregistered accommodation providers. He further questioned weak enforcement of registration, banking-channel settlement and foreign exchange repatriation requirements, and asked when a tourism policy linked to earnings, reserve accumulation and tax compliance would be presented to Parliament. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Tourism Performance and Deferral of Ravi Karunanayake Question Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked the Minister to identify the “certain MP” referred to and stated that Opposition MPs had no involvement in coal procurement. He said he raised the matter due to public concern and sought clarification on whether the awarded supplier met tender eligibility criteria, including prior experience supplying at least one million metric tonnes of coal with 5,900 kcal/kg GCV. He also questioned why the normal April tender timeline had been departed from. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Coal Supply Tender Process Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy responded to questions on the 2025–2026 coal procurement, stating that the tender followed limited competitive bidding among prequalified suppliers, with NPC consent to a shortened timeline later extended to 28 days, and that no bidder had appealed. He said technical and financial criteria were unchanged from the previous tender, ten bids were received, and the selected supplier was registered and qualified to supply Norochcholai, while rejecting allegations of governance failure or risk to energy security. He noted that the first shipment failed to meet the required Gross Calorific Value and would attract double penalties of about USD 2.08 million, while subsequent testing and enforcement were proceeding, and announced steps to establish an accredited coal-testing laboratory in Sri Lanka through SLSI. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Coal Supply Tender Process Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa raised questions on alleged failures and lack of transparency in the coal procurement process for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant. He asked the relevant Minister to explain the timing and conduct of the tender, the reported reduction of the bidding period, changes to technical and financial eligibility criteria, bid evaluation details, and the selected supplier’s experience. He also questioned reports of substandard coal, delayed testing, increased coal consumption, possible losses exceeding Rs. 10 billion, and risks to coal stocks, boiler performance, efficiency, and plant life. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Coal Supply Tender Process Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath raised concerns about delays in computerizing Samurdhi Banks and the continued reliance on handwritten, paper-based transactions. He stated that beneficiaries face difficulties such as not receiving funds, being unable to withdraw savings, or obtain loans, and asked whether an interim SMS-based programme could be introduced to inform and guide them. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath asked the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment to report on unresolved pension entitlements and arrears affecting Samurdhi Development Officers, including Government measures and timelines to address them. He also sought information on plans and progress for a promotions and grading system, action to expedite disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct and corruption, and steps to complete the computerization of the Samurdhi Bank system. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath stated that the Ministry is reviewing land allocations and will repossess public lands not used for approved development purposes. He said action would be taken against politicians, associates, or others who obtained lands using forged documents, and requested Members to submit local coordination committee findings and evidence to support transparent regularization and protection of State lands. Oral Question: Land Reform Commission Lands in Puttalam District (Q.55/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan raised concerns about LRC lands in Puttalam allegedly obtained or pursued under questionable circumstances by former political figures, including land in Thorawetiya, Nattandiya and Kumbutukuliya. He asked what steps would be taken to release such lands from improper claims and ensure they are allocated only to projects with genuine economic value and proper documentation. Oral Question: Land Reform Commission Lands in Puttalam District (Q.55/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath stated that the Ministry and the Land Reform Commission are identifying relevant lands district-wide, including parcels unlawfully released, while considering long-term occupants who have lived there for decades. He said the Government aims to regularize legal status fairly, take disciplinary action against officers involved in unlawful alienations or favoritism, and ensure transparent procedures for lawful allocation and use of the lands. Oral Question: Land Reform Commission Lands in Puttalam District (Q.55/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan raised concerns about alleged misuse of Divisional Secretariat and Land Reform Commission lands in the Puttalam District through forged documents. He said discrepancies between institutional records and documents produced by occupants create difficulties for authorities and police, and asked the Deputy Minister what measures would be taken to address the issue. Oral Question: Land Reform Commission Lands in Puttalam District (Q.55/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said informal and undocumented allocation of land to politicians and associates has created administrative difficulties and is a longstanding national issue. Regarding Horowpothana, he stated that field inspections are being conducted and the Divisional Secretary has been instructed to submit a report promptly, after which further information will be provided. Oral Question: State Lands on Lease in Anuradhapura District (Q.27/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna alleged that politicians have encroached on State lands, citing claims that former MP S.M. Chandrasena cultivated 75–100 acres in Kodinnewa, Horowpothana using political influence and Civil Security Department involvement. He questioned a contradiction in the Government’s response, which said farmers could not be identified while also naming the former MP, and asked for a proper inquiry and a clear report to Parliament. Oral Question: State Lands on Lease in Anuradhapura District (Q.27/2026) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s proposed education reforms, arguing that they are unilateral, lack a regulatory framework, and undermine the principles of free education. He questioned whether Government members were being led toward authoritarian practices and urged them to oppose the reforms. He called on members to join a protest in Matugama at the statue of C.W.W. Kannangara to defend free education. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathna - Deputy Minister JJB AI summary Cabinet approval has been obtained to clear 150 unregistered Indian-donated ambulances without airbags for the Suwaseriya Foundation, with regulations prepared for Customs clearance. The Deputy Minister said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund has raised Rs. 4.1 billion in an audited Treasury account, and that legislation and a public website will be introduced to ensure parliamentary oversight and donor transparency. She cited housing projects and relief measures for disaster- and war-affected families as evidence of faster recovery, and also referred to the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions as an election pledge. She criticised Opposition conduct, including alleged abusive language and disruptions in the House, and called for greater decorum in parliamentary proceedings. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Speaker’s Ruling on parliamentary discussion of the Judicial Service Commission, arguing that the JSC is an administrative body funded and scrutinized by Parliament rather than a court, and that precedent and Erskine May had been misapplied. He called for transparent procedures for judicial transfers and promotions, alleging that senior judges had been bypassed in higher court appointments and that affected judges lacked an independent remedy. He also questioned reported instructions by the CIABOC Director-General to Magistrates on bail, raised concerns about proposed appointments of Tamil judges without stated necessity, and urged reforms consistent with international judicial conduct principles and Bar Association concerns. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →