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- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the increase in the President’s expenditure head, arguing that it contradicted earlier pledges to cut presidential expenses and calling for clarity on whether spending has been centralized under the President at the expense of the Prime Minister’s Office. He said the Opposition did not object to necessary security for the President or Prime Minister, but questioned the Government’s change in position from its earlier statements on reducing such arrangements. He also demanded transparency from the Presidential Media Division under the RTI Act, including details of staff, appointments, salaries, allowances, vehicles and fuel, and warned against using broadband vouchers or the Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” programme for partisan activity. He further objected to disparaging remarks about Aswesuma beneficiaries and noted concerns about targeting errors in the welfare scheme. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary The debate addressed the President’s Head of Expenditure and related institutional heads, with emphasis on maintaining the independence and strength of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised concerns over cuts to parliamentary staff allowances and requested that the relevant committee report be reconsidered with staff input. He criticised what he described as changes in the President’s and Prime Minister’s earlier positions on security, official vehicles and education funding, and questioned the scale and cost of current security arrangements. He also argued that recent growth figures may be influenced by vehicle imports rather than production-led expansion, and called for stronger allocations and policies to raise genuine economic growth. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar defended the Government’s allocations and appointments, saying Muslim representation is being included in relevant institutions, including the Archaeology Advisory Committee, and rejecting allegations concerning retired Judge Ilanchezian. He argued that the Government has a mandate to change political culture, end discrimination and ethnic or religious division, and build unity after decades of conflict and communal politics. He cited continuing post-war hardships in the Northern Province, including widows, orphaned children, housing shortages, debt and poverty, and said increased allocations to Jaffna aim to support recovery and national unity. He also announced plans to celebrate “Sri Lankans’ Day” in December as a national unity initiative across communities, religions, arts and culture. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that constitutionally independent institutions have weakened over the past decade due to insufficient administrative oversight. He called on the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and Parliament to carry out the necessary review. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala responded to Hon. Ajith P. Perera’s comments on the Ombudsman and the Human Rights Commission, noting that these bodies do not exercise judicial power and that the Government supports making them more efficient. He rejected any implication that the implementation of Ombudsman recommendations weakened after the current Government took office, while accepting the broader need for institutional improvement. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that Parliament should protect the independence of Independent Commissions and exercise its oversight powers under Standing Orders 126(1)-(3) rather than relying on public criticism of their performance. He focused on the Ombudsman established under Article 156 of the Constitution, stating that low public use, delays, and non-compliance with recommendations have weakened the office, and called for public awareness, adequate facilities, and stronger effect for its determinations. He also began to raise concerns regarding the Human Rights Commission, noting its statutory independence and the current role of the Supreme Court in fundamental rights jurisdiction. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that Parliament has underperformed in its core lawmaking role, noting that none of the 11 Bills proposed in the previous Budget had been passed and urging a renewed focus on legislation and constitutional reform with expert support. He defended the role of Independent Commissions as safeguards against excessive executive power while acknowledging that they must operate within constitutional and statutory limits. He called on the Committee on Parliamentary Business, under Standing Order 126, to examine the annual reports of Article 41B Commissions, assess their performance and legality, summon officials where necessary, and inform the public if reports have not been submitted. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara rejected Opposition criticism of the President’s foreign relations, citing state visits to India, China, the UAE and other countries in 2024-2025 and listing resulting grants and assistance from JICA, ADB, India and Japan for health, housing and anti-corruption initiatives. He argued that the Government has reduced expenditure in the President’s Office, including recurrent costs, advisory and personal staff expenses, travel, general administration and benefits to former Presidents. He said the Budget would be implemented responsibly and asked the Opposition to correct the Government where necessary but refrain from using parliamentary privilege to spread falsehoods, briefly noting attacks on CIABOC as corruption cases proceed. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that unprecedented events are now taking place. The remark was brief and did not specify the events, policies, or legislation being referenced. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Government to hold postponed Provincial Council elections and correct electoral and delimitation issues, stating that the Opposition would support reforms, including a return to the previous system if proposed. He criticized the allocation of funds through the Finance Commission in the absence of Provincial Councils and said delays in elections were wrong under both the previous and current administrations. He also raised concerns under Parliament’s Head of Expenditure, calling for reinstatement of the long-standing leave allowance for parliamentary staff and improved salary structures and promotion pathways for administrative officers serving Parliament and committees such as COPE, COPA and Sectoral Oversight Committees. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that Independent Commissions must be preserved to protect democracy and citizens’ rights, particularly in the context of Budget allocations for key constitutional offices and institutions. He criticized reported moves to return police transfer and promotion powers from the National Police Commission to the IGP, saying any inefficiency should be addressed through resources and staffing rather than reducing Commission powers. He also accused the Government of shifting from its previous support for independent institutions after coming to power, while acknowledging public expectations for higher standards, reduced waste, and anti-corruption measures. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan addressed the expenditure heads relating to the presidency, prime minister’s office and independent commissions, arguing that both the executive presidency and earlier parliamentary systems had failed to resolve corruption, economic mismanagement, crime and the national question. He welcomed some current government action against the underworld, narcotics and corruption, but urged repeal or reform of the PTA, accountability for wartime abuses and disappearances, truth and remedies for victims, and a just political solution. He cited several killings, abductions and disappearances involving academics, journalists, politicians, teachers and children, demanding investigations, prosecutions and convictions regardless of ethnicity or status. He also criticised the composition of the Archaeological Advisory Committee, calling for representation reflecting Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic society. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to opposition criticisms of the President’s Vote, stating that the 2025 and 2026 allocations are substantially lower than under the previous administration and are directed mainly to the Clean Sri Lanka programme, research and salaries. He said the Presidential Secretariat had reduced staff, advisers, vehicles, travel, buildings and other recurrent costs while maintaining efficiency, and cited significant savings compared with 2024. He also highlighted the decentralisation of the President’s Fund to Divisional Secretariats, increased medical and educational assistance, and 52 Clean Sri Lanka projects, asserting that funds under the President’s Head are not used for personal purposes. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to honour pre-election commitments to resolve long-standing pension anomalies affecting retired teachers and principals, noting related court proceedings and union involvement. He argued that revenue and primary balance outcomes exceeding IMF targets had created fiscal space that should be redirected to poverty reduction, MSME revival, start-ups, and support for farmers, fishers, workers, the self-employed, and women. He also called for an investigation into alleged harassment of the Chairperson of the Aratchchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha and warned that macro-linked bonds in the debt restructuring could increase future debt service as growth improves. He further alleged politicization of the “Community Power” programme and related local structures, questioning whether this was consistent with the Government’s promised system change. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said the Special Expenditure Units reflect the Government’s approach to governance, institutional stability and leadership, rather than only budgetary allocations. She argued that the Government is united by a shared political purpose and party discipline, while responding to Opposition criticism as inconsistent and lacking a coherent policy line. She rejected claims that the Government had adopted neoliberal policies, citing state intervention such as measures to increase plantation workers’ wages within a disciplined fiscal framework. She said the 2026 Budget and related expenditure decisions demonstrate policy continuity, collective leadership and the protection of institutional independence. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Namal Karunaratne acknowledged concerns about paddy released to millers through Government Agents, noting current shortages of both stocks and cash and alleging fraud by some parties. He said the law should be applied equally amid investigations into irregular releases, while highlighting that small millers faced tougher and costlier access to credit compared with large millers. He stated that steps are being taken to address this imbalance and prevent market cornering by larger millers. Oral Question: Q.562/2025 - Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Railways: Lease Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s second Budget as part of a people-centred, fiscally disciplined programme aimed at stabilization, investment-led growth, and social transformation, rather than a set of discretionary annual allocations. He rejected Opposition criticisms on legislative output, capital expenditure, and the Parliamentary Budget Office, citing forthcoming Bills on state-owned enterprises, public-private partnerships, microfinance regulation, anti-money laundering and related reforms. He said Budget spending should be assessed against the Government’s strategic objectives, including sustaining stability and moving toward medium-term growth above 7 per cent. Debate Conclusion and Division: Disposals Bill 2026 – Second Reading Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman argued that the Government is allowing the NPP party office in Pelawatte to influence state administration, citing the Colombo Municipal Council as an example. He criticized the Budget as a continuation of revenue measures introduced under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, including higher VAT, levies, and IMF-linked policies, despite the NPP having opposed them in Opposition. He alleged that taxes on essentials, school supplies, vehicles, rice, and salt have increased the cost of living, worsened poverty, and reduced purchasing power, and called for VAT on school items to be removed. He also accused the Government of failing to support potato and onion farmers during market gluts and said many Budget proposals were recycled from previous policies. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister defended the 2026 Budget, arguing that it maintains fiscal discipline, broadens the tax base, accelerates digitalization, and prioritizes production, MSMEs, investment promotion, wage adjustments, anti-corruption, anti-narcotics measures, and social welfare. He said the Budget includes around Rs. 1,400 billion in capital projects beyond the President’s speech, urged critics to read the full document, and cited measures such as bank-card payments for bus fares and increased assistance to poor hill-country families. He also criticized the Opposition and some plantation-sector political actors, while stating that reforms, including action on informal economies and pavement trading, would be implemented gradually with alternatives. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government is restoring the economy after the 2022 bankruptcy caused by long-term macroeconomic, fiscal, structural, and governance failures. He said capital expenditure implementation had reached 58 per cent by 30 October and was expected to exceed 80 per cent by year-end, contrasting this with previous governments’ performance. He stated that the Government had stabilized macroeconomic fundamentals, recovered some losses from the crisis, targeted 7 per cent medium-term growth, and provided wage increases, scholarships, and social support. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →