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- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala defended the 2026 Budget, stating that the NPP’s policy promised a Rs. 200 State-funded attendance incentive for Malaiyagam Tamil workers, not a Rs. 2,100 wage increase, and said this is being implemented. He argued that the Government had stabilized public finance, acted against corruption, narcotics and organized crime, and restored institutional independence since the 2025 Budget. He highlighted the Rs. 704 billion allocation for education, including support for estate schools in Kegalle District, and said the 2026 Budget builds on the foundation laid in 2025 toward the Government’s policy goals. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government’s Budget, arguing that it is implementing policies it previously opposed, including MCC-related work, digital ID, devolution-linked arrangements, and investment measures, and called for the tabling of recent Indo-Lanka agreements. He questioned the Government’s anti-corruption position, citing past allegations on the bond issue, sugar tax, palm oil taxes, and released containers, and demanded accountability for any political involvement. He warned that lowering the VAT registration threshold would burden small businesses and consumers, urged lawful and verified payment of the estate workers’ allowance with consideration of an increase to Rs. 500, and alleged inconsistency over vehicle procurement and official privileges. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had restored macroeconomic stability, advanced debt restructuring, improved fiscal indicators, and regained investor confidence during 2025. He cited increases in exports, remittances, tourism receipts, revenue and grants, and the primary balance, and said the Budget prioritizes inclusive growth, public-private partnerships, value-added industrialization, export diversification, debt sustainability, poverty reduction, and digitalization. He also highlighted proposed recruitment and regularization in the public service, resumption of pensions, planned debt servicing, and provisions for governance and anti-corruption reforms. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said a road built between 2016 and 2019 at a cost of about Rs. 1,500 million had deteriorated badly, and while he could not confirm corruption or political influence, funds had been allocated for repairs. He outlined ongoing road works in the North, including the Maruthankerny road, Sorampattu-Thallady road, Vattuvakal Bridge, Kurikattuvan Jetty, and the road to Valaiypadu, and invited the Member to inspect them. He also stated that the Water Supply Minister would visit the desalination project on the 19th or 20th, with a handover to the public expected in the coming weeks. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 91(k) and Points of Order Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the poor condition of the Point Pedro–Maruthankerny–Mandalai Pillaiyar Kovil coastal road in Vadamarachchi East, noting that it had been carpeted with public funds during 2015–2019 but had become unusable within five years. He asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development for details on the road’s length and funding, reasons for its rapid deterioration, accountability for planning or supervisory failures, and whether an investigation into alleged corruption would be conducted. He also sought a timeline for properly repairing the road to a usable carpeted standard, particularly with monsoon conditions affecting transport in the area. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 91(k) and Points of Order Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that he had submitted five documents alleging fraud and corruption and asked the Deputy Minister whether any inquiries had been initiated. He argued that inaction on such matters erodes public trust and defended the credibility of his interventions by referring to his medical qualifications. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna argued that political alignments are secondary to delivering meaningful work for the public. He criticized the condition of hospitals in the North and alleged that doctors posted from the South work only briefly there while spending most of their time in Colombo private hospitals. He questioned government inaction and began to raise concerns about corruption. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that the Budget largely continues fiscal and open-economy policies begun under UNP-led governments, and welcomed continuity with fiscal discipline while urging the Government to acknowledge earlier stabilization measures. He questioned the presentation of a surplus despite planned borrowing, saying the liquidity buffer has an opportunity cost and should instead be used to lower interest rates and finance high-return development projects. He warned that rupee depreciation increases the debt burden, noted that several ministry allocations decline in real terms under IMF-related spending limits, and called for stronger investment, revenue growth, and pro-growth capital expenditure. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe defended the 2026 Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s second Budget after the 2024 presidential election, arguing that it should be assessed as a strategic plan rather than only by its figures. He said the Budget is built around six objectives: fair distribution of benefits, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive economic development, poverty eradication, and digitalization. He criticized the previous administration and the Opposition for debt-driven governance, alleged responsibility for the 2022 bankruptcy, and failing to understand or support the Government’s economic roadmap. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka challenged the Government’s claim that the Budget contains no new taxes, arguing that widened VAT coverage and lower registration thresholds would increase the burden on consumers and small businesses despite promises to shift toward direct taxation. He criticised the removal of vehicle permit benefits for professionals and public officers, saying MPs had not received such permits since 2020 and urging priority for doctors in any vehicle imports. He also alleged that a tender for 1,700 cabs appeared tailored to one supplier through restrictive specifications, while urgent health procurement had been delayed. He further questioned the real value of proposed salary increases under inflation and called for the long-delayed Household Income and Expenditure Survey to be conducted urgently. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa requested a government response on illegal online lending apps, citing harassment by such operators and the reported suicide of Gimhaya Sewwandi from Welagedara, Attanagalla. He named several alleged illegal loan apps, tabled a letter listing them, and asked what measures the Government will take to stop these operations and inform Parliament. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s 2026 Budget against Opposition claims that it is tax-heavy, IMF-driven, and provides insufficient public benefit, arguing that the administration has implemented fiscal discipline, economic democracy, and agreed reforms in a way that stabilizes the economy. He said the Government is restructuring and improving state-owned enterprises rather than privatizing them, citing Treasury assumption of legacy debts and a USD 174 million allocation for SriLankan Airlines, along with steps to clear guarantees and digitalize state institutions. He also justified tax measures including broadening the tax base, lowering the VAT registration threshold from April 2026, and introducing a national tariff policy, saying these are necessary for revenue, fair competition, and domestic industry protection. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised a breach of privilege concerning public statements by former CIDA Director Susanta Liyanarachchi following a COPE examination of CIDA’s 2022–2023 audit reports, including litigation expenditure and related legal fees. He alleged that the statements insulted COPE, its Chair, and CIDA’s current Chairman, and amounted to violations of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, including provisions on parliamentary proceedings, summons, defamatory publications, and premature publication of committee proceedings. He also cited alleged misconduct by two CIDA Board members during the COPE sitting, including leaving without permission and non-compliance with instructions. He requested action through the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, noting COPE’s prior resolution to refer the matter. Privilege Matters and Procedural Issues Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka supported the 2026 Budget, stating that it focuses on macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, strengthening State-Owned Enterprises, and public accountability while reducing political perks, waste, and corruption. He highlighted proposals including public sector salary increases and recruitment, support for SMEs, improvements to trade facilitation through the National Single Window, domestic airport expansion, public facility upgrades, and increased Mahapola and bursary payments. He also cited allocations for health infrastructure, women’s empowerment, human-elephant conflict mitigation, regularizing temporary public employees, and housing for artists, media workers, and the upcountry plantation community. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Jagath Vithana argued that the 2026 Budget has not provided real relief to citizens, citing high prices, imports during local harvests, and concerns over vehicle imports for parliamentarians despite past promises to reject perks. He stated he would refuse the double-cab vehicle offered to him and tabled related documents, while questioning the Government’s claims on Treasury strength and foreign reserves, noting limited reserve growth and a current account deficit. He also raised concerns about drug trafficking exposed by media in Colombo and criticized the alleged non-implementation and underfunding of the Anti-Corruption Act and CIABOC. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi alleged that narcotics-related containers, including precursor chemicals for cocaine and methamphetamine, had reached Hambantota and called for a special operation to eradicate the drug problem in the district. He urged that proposed security committees in Hambantota’s 576 GN divisions include representatives of all four parties as well as police, rather than only government supporters. He also criticised the JVP for past opposition to major infrastructure, industry, education, health, and trade initiatives, arguing that the country now depends on many of those policies and projects. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera denied an allegation concerning the Opposition Leader’s sister, stating that she had been defrauded, that the offender was prosecuted in the High Court, imprisoned, and ordered to pay her compensation as the victim. He criticised Government-side Deputy Ministers for making what he described as false and improper statements in Parliament. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne argued that the Opposition’s own opening remarks in the Budget Debate acknowledged economic stabilization, support for the anti-corruption programme, continued public support for the Government, increased vehicle imports, and a Treasury surplus. He said later Opposition criticisms contradicted those acknowledgements, particularly claims that the surplus was achieved merely by raising taxes. He maintained that the Government had improved tax management and compliance by bringing previous tax evaders into the system rather than simply increasing taxes. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Hon. Prageeth Madhuranga defended the Police and Tri-Forces against allegations of involvement in narcotics, stating that any isolated cases should be reported and dealt with without regard to rank. Speaking on the 2026 Appropriation, he argued that the Government had stabilized the economy after default, improved credit ratings, rebuilt reserves, increased revenue to 16 per cent of GDP, reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio, and restored growth. He outlined the Budget’s six pillars, including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, support for MSMEs and productive sectors, rural poverty reduction, and digitization. He also cited debt-servicing figures and expected savings from debt treatment as evidence that future external debt obligations are manageable. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera acknowledged some positive developments under the Government, including improved ease of doing business and greater space for new political voices, but warned that expectations of zero corruption and democratic openness appeared to be weakening. Critiquing the Budget, he argued that it lacked a national vision and relied on IMF-driven fiscal targets, taxation, and primary surplus claims rather than a credible plan for growth and public welfare. He said poverty, unemployment, and reduced purchasing power were worsening, and criticized the continuation or expansion of taxes on essentials such as health, school supplies, and milk powder despite earlier promises. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →