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- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, arguing that tax administration must be simplified while strengthening compliance, preventing evasion, and rebuilding public trust in revenue collection and spending. He said politically connected tax losses and arrears, including those linked to the sugar tax reduction and distillery licences, should be recovered, and noted that the Bill provides a six-month opportunity for taxpayers to settle arrears with penalties and interest waived. He also said the amendments clarify taxation of life insurance proceeds, including death benefits, surrender values and maturities. Referencing National War Heroes’ Day, he criticized the political use of military personnel for private or partisan purposes and said respect for war heroes should be shown through proper systems rather than rhetoric. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa marked the 17th anniversary of the end of the war, arguing that the conflict was against the LTTE and calling for recognition of the sacrifices of security forces and civilians. He criticized the Government’s tax policy, particularly threats of imprisonment for not obtaining a TIN, and linked currency pressure to increased fuel-based power generation following alleged coal procurement failures. He also alleged failures in safeguarding public funds, citing missing or misdirected funds in banks, the RDA, SriLankan Airlines, the Treasury and local administration. He urged the Government to address fertilizer shortages and present a plan for affordable fertilizer for paddy, tea, spices and vegetables in the coming seasons, citing wider food and energy security concerns. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe paid tribute to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the armed forces and Police for ending the war, and emphasized that terrorism against civilians by any group should be condemned. He argued that tax administration should focus on widening compliance, education and remedies before punishment, warning that online filing requirements and jail penalties could unfairly affect elderly people and small traders. He criticised the Government’s economic management, citing unpaid dues to electricity producers, alleged losses and irregular payments in coal, energy, transport, banking, postal and welfare sectors, and concerns raised by the Central Bank, Treasury and ADB. He warned of rising poverty, declining reserves, currency depreciation and higher living costs, and urged the Government not to lead the country toward another bankruptcy. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake criticized the delay in presenting the matter to Parliament, arguing that earlier action could have reduced losses. He questioned the economic benefit of receiving the fifth IMF tranche, stating that rupee depreciation increases the local value and carrying cost of Sri Lanka’s external debt by more than the expected IMF disbursement. He also challenged the rationale for raising electricity and fuel prices while allowing the rupee to depreciate, and asked who is accountable for the Central Bank’s handling of exchange rate movements. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Gross Official Reserves were provisionally estimated at USD 6.8 billion at end-April 2026, with Net International Reserves rising from USD 2.487 billion in 2024 to USD 4.285 billion in 2025. Details were provided on reserve composition, swap liabilities with the People’s Bank of China, Reserve Bank of India and domestic banks, and the deployability of reserves. The statement also outlined audit arrangements under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, restrictions on resident-to-resident foreign currency transactions under the Foreign Exchange Act, and noted that CBSL does not collect data on losses through foreign payment gateways while card payment acquirers must be licensed under the relevant payment systems regulations. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned delays by the Central Bank and Finance Ministry regarding oversight of NDB, noting EPF’s approximately 10 percent stake and other state-linked holdings through EPF/ETF, BOC and Sri Lanka Insurance. He asked why directors had not been appointed to represent these interests, whether Central Bank Supervision had investigated alleged malfeasance and losses, and argued that institutional independence should not permit inaction when a bank is deteriorating. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando raised a supplementary question concerning a playground consisting of three lots, stating that two lots have unregistered deeds and a third 38-perch lot has neither a deed nor registration, based on information obtained through RTI. She requested a clear investigation into the land’s ownership and registration status, as well as broader examination of land use by the Council, alleging past mishandling of lands during the tenure of former Chairmen. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Stepni (Stephanie) Fernando JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to explain how the Fatima Road playground land in Mabola was acquired by the Wattala Mabola Urban Council. She questioned whether the land belonged to a former Urban Council Chairman, whether he could legally sell his own land to the Council while serving as Chairman, and whether the sale involved a forged deed. She also requested details of the purchase price, the legality of the transaction, and any action to be taken against officials involved. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said existing UGC circulars already restrict the use of “Professor,” “Senior Professor” and “Doctor” to active university service, with retired or resigned academics permitted to use only “Professor Emeritus” if formally conferred under UGC Circular 12/2021. He noted a separate problem of non-UGC institutions granting honorary doctorates or professorships without proper standards, and said the Higher Education Policy Drafting Committee is working to create a single registry and regulatory framework for all public, private and non-state awarding bodies. He stated that the Government accepts the Motion’s intent and will strengthen enforcement of UGC rules while regulating non-UGC entities that confer such titles. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported establishing a mechanism to prevent the misuse or commercial conferral of “Doctor” and “Professor” titles, arguing that unqualified recipients are being equated with those who earned such titles through study and examinations. He also raised concern over multiple vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, questioning delays in appointments. He urged the Government to table the necessary regulations for the Constitutional Council so judicial appointments can proceed properly and without arbitrariness. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara moved a resolution calling on the Government to develop, through the University Grants Commission, a programme to prevent misuse of titles such as “Professor” and “Doctor.” He argued that public trust in such designations has been exploited in politics and public life, citing controversies over claimed qualifications and the use of titles in election campaigns. He proposed stronger review and regulatory mechanisms to ensure only those who meet proper academic or clearly defined honorary standards may use such titles, in order to protect public confidence and the credibility of institutions that confer them. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Moved a Private Member’s Motion calling for national-level sportspersons and record-holders to be allowed access to sports-related degree programmes based on demonstrated sporting competence, rather than only academic qualifications or Z-score. He argued this would help address the shortage of qualified school sports coaches, citing problems with the 2017–2018 recruitment of coaches as non-academic staff, including low pay, lack of job security and attrition. He urged the Prime Minister, as Minister of Higher Education, and the Minister of Sports to develop a framework, and also commented on the need for proper governance and qualified appointments in Sri Lanka Cricket. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary On behalf of the Committee on Public Finance, Ravi Karunanayake presented its English-language report on the alleged fraudulent foreign debt repayment transaction of US$2.5 million, with Sinhala and Tamil copies to follow. He clarified that responsibility for the relevant debt payments was split between the Central Bank’s Public Debt Department, which handled about 75 per cent of payments before 31 December 2025, and the Public Debt Management Office under the Ministry of Finance, which took over from 1 January 2026 and made the remaining payments. Procedural: Announcements and Tabling of Reports (Constitutional Council, Committee on Public Finance) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson criticized the Government for appointing a former MP as Secretary to the Treasury, comparing it to past controversies over Central Bank appointments and arguing that the promised change has not materialized. He urged the Government to correct such practices, safeguard public funds, and avoid politicizing the death of a public officer, while noting that similar incidents under previous governments would have drawn strong protests. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the Government’s handling of national and public security, linking it to economic, energy, environmental, health and food security. He cited alleged misappropriation at the Central Bank, losses at the Department of Posts, an alleged Rs. 13 billion issue involving NDB, and duplicate payments to RDA contractors, demanding clear accountability and answers on who authorized or benefited from these transactions. He also criticized the Government’s anti-corruption performance, referred to the resignation of a Kurunegala Municipal Council member over unmet promises, and raised concerns over energy-sector failures and 122 reported shootings with 68 deaths between December 2024 and December 2025. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister justified extending the state of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing ongoing relief and resettlement needs after the “Ditwah” cyclone and possible fuel supply disruptions arising from instability in the Middle East. He argued that emergency powers had been used only to deliver essential services and not to detain, suppress dissent, or restrict media freedom. He rejected Opposition claims of interference with judicial independence, stating that corruption investigations and prosecutions proceed through an independent judiciary and that the Government is committed to equal application of the law. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody rejected an allegation by Mr. Marikkar that he awarded a contract to United Solar. He stated that by 2024 the company’s provisional approval had expired and it had withdrawn, and challenged Mr. Marikkar to table the relevant documents and lodge a complaint with the CID. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar opposed the extension of emergency powers, alleging it was being used to intimidate public protests and suppress Opposition scrutiny. He cited alleged irregularities including container, coal, palm oil VAT, Treasury payment, banking, telecom, and solar project matters, and demanded accountability, including the resignation of Treasury Secretary Harsha Suriyapperuma. He argued that ministers and officials linked to the President or government allies were being protected, and warned that public mobilisation would continue despite emergency measures. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha questioned the need to extend the state of emergency for cyclone Ditva recovery, arguing that ordinary laws, courts and administrative machinery should be sufficient and that emergency powers create a climate of fear even if not used for suppression. He urged the Government to reconsider the extension and explain why emergency regulations are specifically required. He also raised concerns about economic security, citing alleged Treasury and banking losses, overpayments by state institutions and risks to investor confidence, and called for accountability, a special task force on systemic financial lapses, stronger Central Bank supervision of bank resilience and digital transfers, and a focus on solutions rather than blaming previous governments. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda opposed reliance on emergency powers, arguing that the Government should first implement actions available under ordinary law. He urged immediate action on railway delays caused by strict speed-limit compliance after recent derailments and faults, including instructions to Railways or attendance relief for affected public and private sector workers. He also accused the Government of failing to act on its anti-corruption mandate, listing numerous alleged losses, procurement irregularities, governance failures, delayed elections, undisclosed agreements, and unresolved investigations, and demanded accountability and disclosure. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →