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- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage defended the Government’s second Budget, contrasting it with the former Wickremesinghe administration, which he accused of excessive taxation, spending on MP compensation, foreign travel, and large upward revisions to borrowing limits. He said the Budget sets six strategic goals, including targeting 7 per cent growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, and monitored development and relief programmes from January 2026. He also highlighted the proposed wage support for estate workers, with contributions from both the Government and estate companies, as a targeted intervention tied to productivity improvements. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody – Minister of Energy AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody outlined the 2026 Budget figures, including total expenditure of Rs. 7,102 billion, expected revenue of Rs. 5,355 billion, a deficit of Rs. 1,757 billion, and a proposed borrowing limit of Rs. 3,740 billion. He argued that the Budget advances the Government’s policy roadmap through six strategic goals covering inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive-sector support, poverty eradication, and digitalization. He highlighted energy transmission projects, investor facilitation through National Single Windows, MSME and domestic production support, reform of Aswesuma dependency, expanded e-procurement and cashless payments, and development of digital infrastructure including communications towers and data centres. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra – Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra said the Budget reflects recovery after bankruptcy and argued that restoring fiscal discipline and strengthening the public service are essential. He opposed reintroducing transferable duty-free vehicle permits, citing major revenue losses and ethical concerns, and supported a system where official vehicles remain state assets and return to a pool after use. He rejected claims of low education funding, stating allocations have risen to 2.5 per cent of GDP for 2026 with an aim to reach 6 per cent over time, and defended government support for plantation sector wage increases as fair recognition of that community’s economic contribution. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe defended the National People’s Power government’s second Budget, stating it continues the policy programme “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” and builds on the first Budget’s efforts to stabilize and rebuild the economy. He rejected Opposition criticisms as misinformed and argued that the government had made progress in economic, administrative, and diplomatic areas within eight months. He highlighted Budget proposals to strengthen the public service, including restoring pensions for post-2016 recruits, recruiting 75,000 staff on merit, digitizing administration, and establishing a Salaries and Pensions Commission. He said implementation would be driven through Cabinet, Parliament, coordinating committees, and the 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions by 31 December 2026. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage criticized the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government has departed from earlier JVP/NPP promises on debt, transparency, official privileges, salaries, and anti-corruption. He questioned how debt repayments would be managed after current IMF, World Bank and ADB inflows, and asked what investment or export diversification plans would generate future revenue. He raised allegations and concerns over salt procurement, rice imports, the release of 323 containers, narcotics-related accountability, and the proposed procurement of 1,700 vehicles, calling for transparent action and withdrawal of the vehicle proposal if unnecessary. He also accused the Government of using northern development politically and contrasted its housing claims with projects initiated under Sajith Premadasa, including an Indian-assisted housing scheme in Rakwana. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. T.B. Sarath – Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath rejected Opposition claims that the Budget introduced new taxes, arguing that higher revenue comes from broader and more effective collection, including reduced tax evasion and leakage at institutions such as Customs. He detailed housing allocations, including Rs. 1 million per house for 7,000 homes, 2,500 estate housing units, urban regeneration and low-income housing in Colombo, and 2,445 houses for conflict-affected families in the North and East at Rs. 1.5 million each. He contrasted these plans with what he described as poor implementation of housing schemes from 2015–2019 and said the Government aims to complete housing for displaced families in the Jaffna peninsula within three to four years. He also defended increased allocations under the President’s Head as funding for programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka, the Digital Economy, and Praja Shakthi. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu defended the government’s budgetary and economic management, contrasting it with previous budgets which he said contributed to bankruptcy, corruption and the “queue era.” He said the current administration had improved transparency, controlled expenditure, strengthened revenue institutions, restored foreign confidence, increased tourism and investment, and advanced anti-corruption action. He highlighted Batticaloa District development, stating that most 2025 projects were completed and noting 2026 allocations for the Mundeni Aru irrigation scheme, the Ponnudaisenai–Kiran bridge studies, Valaichchenai harbour upgrades, and measures addressing human–elephant conflict. He also requested the release of the Thandiyadi Heroes’ Resting Place for public remembrance during the Tamil month of Karthigai. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando questioned the Government’s rationale for a large financial or policy addition, comparing it to measures taken under Basil Rajapaksa’s “Divi Neguma” programme. He requested an explanation from Government economists and urged that international practice be considered before proceeding. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando questioned the Government’s record on law reform, noting that several Bills listed in the previous Budget had not been enacted and arguing that new legislative commitments should not be presented as assured. He also criticised the addition of Rs. 20 billion to the “Prajashakthi” programme after the Appropriation Bill, stating that such a large increase exceeded accepted budgetary practice and raised concerns about possible political use at village level. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Condemning the terrorist attack near Delhi’s Red Fort, Chithral Fernando criticized the Budget Speech as lengthy but inconsistent with fiscal documents. He questioned increased allocations to the Presidency, alleged reductions affecting CIABOC, Provincial Council elections, health spending, and youth agriculture loan programmes, and cited mid-year fiscal and committee figures to argue that claims of SOE efficiency, anti-corruption empowerment, election preparedness, medical supply improvements, and youth support were not supported by actual allocations or implementation. He accepted improved revenue collection but argued that the Government’s broader budget rhetoric should align with reported expenditure and performance data. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued during the 2026 Budget debate that the Government’s 2025 Budget implementation was weak, citing claims that less than half of allocations were spent and attributing this to public officials’ fear of making decisions. He said rising living costs and protests by farmers, teachers, graduates, fisherfolk, and three-wheeler drivers indicate public dissatisfaction, and warned that recent cooperative election losses are an early sign of declining government support. He stated the Opposition would support genuine development initiatives such as Colombo congestion relief projects and Port City investment, but questioned whether the Government genuinely intends to hold Provincial Council elections without clear budgetary allocations. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that, despite the written answer, SLTB depots face serious practical problems including lack of funds, inadequate storage and staff, delayed repairs, and dependence on poor-quality spare parts suppliers. He said longstanding supplier practices, fraud, corruption, and unnecessary stockpiling had damaged the institution over many years. He noted that the Government has begun improvements and staff recruitment, but said at least another year is needed to establish a satisfactory system. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board - Purchasing Spare Parts (Q.1428/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that many Ceylon Electricity Board projects have operated without clear end dates, with large project monitoring units and associated vehicles and facilities continuing beyond expected completion. He said projects begun in 2013 should have been completed around 2020, and that the Government is carrying out a full review and 100 per cent check of CEB assets. He added that assets will be verified separately, assigned to the relevant institutions, and subjected to a full investigation. Oral Question: Affected Persons Due to Construction of Broadlands Hydropower Plant (Q.1404/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi asked the Minister about duty-relieved goods, machinery, equipment, and vehicles imported for the Broadlands project, noting that they had allegedly not been formally handed over to the Ceylon Electricity Board after completion of the power plant. He alleged misuse of public resources, including unused cab vehicles parked in various locations, and requested an inquiry and immediate procedure to return the assets to the Government. Oral Question: Affected Persons Due to Construction of Broadlands Hydropower Plant (Q.1404/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara refers to concerns that certain appointments cannot be made, but the provided excerpt is incomplete and does not include enough context to identify the institution, legal issue, or specific proposal being discussed. Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Privilege Issues Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Raised concerns that some industrial estate plots have been subleased for profit without starting industries, diverting them from their intended purpose. Requested prompt action to reclaim such plots and reallocate them to genuine entrepreneurs. Oral Question: Land Plots at Industrial Park in Poonthottam (Q.1315/2025) Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad criticized the Budget for lacking measures to reduce essential prices, create jobs, improve the business climate, and attract sufficient investment to sustain the Government’s stated 7 per cent growth target. He argued that higher imports reflect increased consumption goods, especially food, rather than productive capital or intermediate imports, and said previous capital allocations were not effectively implemented in the field. He questioned whether the Government had funded forensic audits to identify corruption and urged it to grant financial independence to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. He also criticized the Government’s past use of students and graduates in political mobilization while now advising them to study and avoid mass recruitment expectations. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing it was designed to rebuild an economy and society weakened by the previous administration and to improve living standards. He said the Government had reduced corruption, waste and unnecessary expenditure while prioritizing programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka, anti-drug efforts, support for MSMEs, social protection, agriculture, industry, entrepreneurship, tourism and the digital economy. He cited improved reserves, ratings, remittances, the current account, the budget deficit and borrowing limits as evidence of economic stabilization, and rejected Opposition claims that the economy was collapsing. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran paid tribute to former MP Nadarajah Raviraj on the 19th anniversary of his death and urged Members to uphold the dignity and privileges of Parliament by avoiding unparliamentary conduct. Speaking in support of the Government’s second Budget, he argued that the economy had moved from contraction to about 4 per cent growth, with foreign reserves reaching USD 6 billion and significant cash holdings. He stated that the Government was meeting debt obligations, including a planned Rs. 1,878 billion in principal repayments in 2026, while pursuing economic stability and anti-corruption efforts. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticised the Government’s Budget as a continuation of the IMF Extended Fund Facility framework that the NPP/JVP had opposed in Parliament in April 2023, arguing that the Government should acknowledge it misled voters by previously rejecting IMF conditions while now implementing them. He questioned the absence of a post-2026 roadmap, including how reserves would reach USD 10.3 billion by 2027, and raised concerns about possible divestment of profit-making state entities such as Sri Lanka Insurance, Sri Lanka Telecom, Lanka Hospitals and Litro Gas. He also said promised VAT removals on school supplies and health services had not materialised, and cited rising inflation, World Bank poverty figures, and increases in public debt as evidence of continuing economic pressure. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →