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- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that Sri Lanka’s recent economic stabilisation was largely due to measures taken before the current Government assumed office, including the IMF programme and Indian assistance, and said the Government is now constrained by IMF conditions despite election promises such as a 30 per cent electricity tariff reduction. He criticised the loading of CEB legacy debt onto consumers under cost-reflective pricing. He also alleged serious irregularities in the transfer of Lanka Transformers Limited shareholdings to an insider-controlled trust, claiming substantial public asset losses and dividends paid to a small group. He called for a full forensic audit, referral to CIABOC, and legislative reforms to prevent abuse of State-owned enterprise and employee-trust structures. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara defended the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a structured Budget based on inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive economic strengthening, rural poverty eradication and digitization. He highlighted a Rs. 25 billion allocation, including Rs. 1 billion per district, to strengthen rural economies, and argued that the Government is operating collectively and ethically while rejecting Opposition claims of authoritarianism. He criticized ethnic nationalist politics in the North, citing Budget allocations and ongoing infrastructure work there, and responded to concerns about official travel and vehicles by saying overseas delegations are limited and state vehicles are provided for public service rather than private permits. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna (Medical Doctor) Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna welcomed several Budget 2026 proposals, including a National Cardiac Institute, entrepreneurship measures, public–private partnerships, investor visas, and digital initiatives, but questioned whether allocations such as Rs. 200 million for the cardiac institute were adequate. He alleged serious financial irregularities in Northern Province health projects, citing audit reports on Point Pedro Hospital, unapproved works, private bank accounts, missing records, and contracts, and called on the Government to act on its anti-corruption promises. He also criticised the Budget’s debt burden, noting large allocations for debt service, interest, and principal repayment, and argued that limited funds remained for development. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim criticized the Government, arguing that the JVP had abandoned its earlier commitments to Marxist and social democratic principles associated with past leaders such as Somawansa Amarasinghe. He claimed the Government was instead following the IMF’s policy path and said the 2026 Budget had failed to address the public’s key concerns. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim criticised the Government for reversing positions it had taken before coming to power, including promises to recover stolen funds, bring back exporter-held dollars, reject IMF conditions, and resolve debt issues quickly. He argued that the economy is now being managed under IMF direction and said the Government has failed to deliver on pledges of discipline, rule of law, social justice, and anti-corruption. He questioned delays in appointing a Special Committee on the 320 containers issue and alleged irregularities in the expedited procurement of cabs, asking why normal tender procedures were not followed. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government had moved from crisis conditions to fiscal and economic stabilization, citing improved growth, unemployment, exports, remittances, tourism earnings, revenue, and primary balance figures. He argued that anti-corruption and rule-of-law measures, including amendments to the National Audit Act and legislation on recovery of proceeds of crime with a dedicated Police unit, were central to restoring investor confidence and preventing past abuses. He also defended the Government’s capacity to meet future external debt service obligations, including in 2028, and outlined Budget proposals on disability allowances, accessibility improvements, tourism growth, rural poverty reduction, digitalization, and initial funding for a new National Cardiac Unit. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Government’s first full-year Budget, arguing that it is intended to sustain recent macroeconomic stability and maintain medium-term growth after the economic crisis. He outlined six strategic objectives, including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt reduction, support for productive investment, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization, with measures such as merit-based public sector recruitment and integrating certain post-2016 recruits into the standard pension scheme. He also highlighted tourism and aviation constraints, including airport slot limitations, stalled terminal development, SriLankan Airlines restructuring, and plans to expand domestic aviation and tourism capacity. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the 2026 Budget demonstrates fiscal discipline, planned governance and political leadership following the 2025 crisis, citing execution of over half of planned spending, an expected improvement by year-end, and a 2.3 percent primary surplus. She argued that the Government is using the existing public service rather than political appointments, while funding salary increases, allowances, equipment and other reforms to improve service delivery. She rejected claims that democracy or multi-party politics are under threat, saying the Government is enforcing the law and implementing a five-year programme focused on institutional rebuilding, anti-corruption, vulnerable groups, debt sustainability and long-term reform. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne said the Opposition would support government action against organized crime and drugs, but urged the Government to move beyond public statements and use effective administrative and law enforcement measures. He argued that while the Budget presents favourable external indicators such as a primary surplus, reserves and growth, its real test is implementation and household impact. Citing World Bank concerns and several 2025 allocations with very low expenditure—including rural infrastructure, customs and container facilities, digital ID work, and disability support—he claimed about Rs. 642 billion remained unspent and warned that a surplus achieved through stalled development would be harmful. He also noted delays in measures such as the proposed Investment Protection Act and called for assessment of outcomes rather than budgetary announcements. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa argued that the previous administration, led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, failed to hold the overdue local government election by citing lack of funds, which he said amounted to suspending democracy. He said the current Government inherited a bankrupt and destabilized country in September 2024, with severe shortages, debt distress, downgraded credit ratings and loss of international confidence. He stated that within one year the National People’s Power Government stabilized the economy through fiscal discipline and public financial management, citing revenue collection above targets, government revenue rising above 15.3 per cent of GDP, expenditure contained around 13 per cent, and a primary surplus above 2.3 per cent of GDP. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that while the Government has maintained macroeconomic stability under the IMF-backed reform path, the 2026 Budget lacks a credible growth strategy and offers little relief for the cost of living. He raised concerns over alleged politicization and selective action in anti-corruption efforts, citing the E-visa issue, container reports, double-cab procurement, and a People’s Bank building project, and called for suspensions or investigations where necessary. He also criticized changes to VAT thresholds, the absence of promised tax relief, and the planned property tax from 2027, while defending prior reforms on debt restructuring, public finance, the Central Bank, and state-owned enterprises. He warned against moves he described as undermining the multi-party democratic system and said Opposition protests would occur when necessary. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan responded to a privilege allegation raised against him, stating that he was duly elected by Opposition Members to the Constitutional Council and has acted according to the Constitution and public interest. He requested a formal investigation into media-reported allegations that he unlawfully accumulated assets or was involved in liquor licence matters, saying legal action should be taken if any wrongdoing is proven. He argued the matter did not constitute a breach of privilege under Standing Order 29(2) and sought an inquiry under Article 41A(1) to establish the facts. Privilege Question: Breach of Privilege raised by Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake on 23.10.2025 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said the use of Microfinance Division funds followed a Cabinet Paper approved on 25 April 2021, which authorized interest only on borrowings from People’s Bank and Bank of Ceylon, not on the LKR 28,767 million drawn from Samurdhi beneficiaries’ savings. He stated that this omission has hindered recovery of interest and caused an estimated LKR 20 billion loss to the Microfinance Division since 2020, affecting about 1.6 million small savers. He said the Government has repeatedly sought Treasury authorization and will continue to pursue Cabinet approval to protect and compensate the beneficiaries. Oral Question: Financial Assistance Provided to Public During COVID Pandemic (Q.1492/2025) Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined a national anti-drug initiative titled “Whole Nation Together – National Action,” proposing Rs. 1,500 million for narcotics control programmes and 10 voluntary rehabilitation centres, along with Rs. 2,000 million to expand prison capacity, improve infrastructure, and use community and open-prison alternatives. He also set out Budget measures for persons with disabilities, including Aswesuma payments, updated accessibility regulations, Rs. 1,000 million for access facilities in public institutions, enforcement of the 3 percent public-sector recruitment quota, a private-sector wage subsidy scheme, and expanded day-care services. He further proposed continuing the Rs. 6,000 stationery grant for students in 2026, with Rs. 9,000 million allocated under Aswesuma. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake concluded the Budget speech by framing the Budget as a programme to combat bribery, corruption, drug trafficking, the underworld and poverty while restoring confidence and promoting development. He invited Sri Lankans living overseas and those previously excluded from public service to return, invest and contribute under a merit-based system. He called on the Opposition to criticize and question the Government but not to obstruct efforts against crime and poverty, and thanked Ministry of Finance officials for preparing the Budget and supporting its implementation. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary The speech outlines budget proposals to support research commercialization, including legislation in 2026 to establish a Commercialization Institution and a National Council for Research and Development, with Rs. 1,200 million allocated for capital support to viable innovations. It also describes the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as a continuing national initiative covering environmental, ethical, governance, anti-corruption, public service and rule-of-law objectives, with Rs. 6,500 million allocated for 2026. The speech further announces the “Nation as One” operation to combat narcotics, organized crime and related corruption, proposing Rs. 1,500 million for drug-control programmes and 10 voluntary rehabilitation centres under the Rehabilitation Task Force. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary President Anura Kumara Dissanayake moved the Second Reading of the Government’s second National Budget, stating that the administration had restored macroeconomic, fiscal and social stability after inheriting a crisis marked by debt distress, weak governance and fiscal imbalance. He cited 4.8% growth in the first half of 2025, low inflation, lower Treasury bill yields, stable exchange rates, reserves expected to reach about USD 7.9 billion by year-end, tax revenue near 16% of GDP, and a primary surplus exceeding the 2.3% target as evidence of recovery. He said the Budget continues reforms focused on fiscal discipline, revenue administration digitization, expenditure rationalization, debt reduction and transparent public financial management, with central government debt projected to fall to 96.8% of GDP by end-2026 and around 87% by 2030. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Rasamanickam clarified that his remarks were a Personal Statement issue and not a matter of privilege. He called for a Government investigation into an alleged meeting involving a Deputy Minister and another Member at the Kingsbury Hotel, citing possible CCTV evidence and a letter seeking a Rs. 100 million lease, and said Ministers should inquire into the matter and report to the country rather than respond through Personal Statements. Personal Explanation and Privilege Matter: Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Raised concerns over insecurity faced by local authority leaders and Members of Parliament, alleging the spread of underworld violence and “state terrorism” affecting public service. He asked when the requested MIMD risk assessment for elected representatives would be conducted and when adequate protection would be provided. He also demanded action to apprehend those responsible for the daylight assassination of a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman who had reportedly sought police protection, and urged engagement with the IGP to ensure security for citizens and elected representatives. Procedural Matters: Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about medical officer transfers affecting Trincomalee District, citing a Health Ministry circular on transfers effective from 31 January and the withholding of unimplemented transfer orders from 2022 and earlier. He said some late-issued transfer orders require doctors to report the next morning, while others have remained in posts for over 10 years without replacement, creating inequity and allegations of favouritism. He requested an inquiry and clarification or a report back on the matter. Oral Question: Health Service Delivery - Supplementary Questions and Answers Read →