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- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that a Cabinet memorandum on e-passports sought approval to award the procurement to Thales DIS Finland Oy/Just in Time Technologies despite ministerial claims that no decision had been made, and he tabled the document while warning of possible international and GSP-related repercussions. He also questioned plans to use Indian funds to assign digital ID printing to Madras Security Printers, citing earlier parliamentary allegations about losses, counterfeit excise stickers and blacklisting concerns. He further raised allegations over an Airbus A330-200 lease, arguing that RTI-disclosed details indicated excessive cost and maintenance risks for an ageing aircraft, and referred to broader corruption and governance concerns including Treasury and municipal-level issues. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations surrounding government tenders and Treasury matters, stating that suspected irregularities should be pursued through courts and formal legal channels rather than public accusations. He said CID investigations into the Treasury incident were underway, with statements recorded from 21 persons, and cited past financial losses in the Beeraluvala Project and a dairy cattle import arrangement to argue that alleged wrongdoing under previous administrations would also be pursued. He affirmed respect for free expression but warned against fake news and interference with investigations, and said he had instructed the IGP to investigate concerns raised by Hon. Jeevan Thondaman while the Government would address public pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had allocated Rs. 10,000 million to provide relief amid fuel, gas and electricity price pressures linked to the Middle East conflict, including possible electricity tariff subsidies, fertilizer price support and extended harvest relief. He moved to extend provisions relating to essential services and the mandate of the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, seeking House approval. He also outlined ongoing police recruitment, including 200 trainee Sub Inspectors already recruited and further recruitment processes for about 10,000 personnel, while noting a review of revised qualifications. Responding to allegations over the e-passport tender, he denied that it had been awarded, said procurement and related litigation were still ongoing, and stated that Cabinet and the Procurement Commission processes would be followed. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about NTC and Department of Motor Traffic processes, including the uneconomic position of private operators purchasing high-cost AC buses while being limited to existing luxury fares. He requested review of the Rs. 2 million bank balance requirement for new bus operators, faster implementation of same-day ownership transfer procedures at the NTC, and action on delays in registering new vehicles. He also tabled an Auditor General’s query regarding alleged unauthorized fee collections for popular vehicle registration numbers and called for investigation, recovery of losses, and regularization under the new Gazette. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake criticized Opposition figures, including Sajith Premadasa, for allegedly opposing wage increases for Malaiyaha Tamil estate workers and taking the issue to the Bribery Commission. He urged Mano Ganesan to align with those supporting the wage increase rather than with those who challenged it. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Minister on whether any supplier that failed to honour a long-term fuel tender was later awarded an emergency spot tender, asking for a clear response. He said public anxiety over fuel, fertilizer and LPG prices stemmed from global supply risks linked to the Middle East situation and the Strait of Hormuz, not political statements. He also pressed the Government on why its election pledge to provide fuel at landed cost by removing taxes and other charges was not being implemented during the current period of pressure on consumers. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition sought detailed information on CPC fuel procurement over the previous 12 months, including registered suppliers, delivery defaults, actions taken, and the number of spot, short-term, and long-term procurements. He requested clarification on evaluation criteria, Cabinet procurement approvals, price comparisons between term contracts and spot purchases, and details of high-priced deliveries and refinery impacts from using Murban crude instead of Iranian Light. He also asked whether procurement committee recommendations had diverged from technical evaluations and whether post-procurement audits exist, citing concern that a supplier allegedly defaulted on a term tender but later received a higher-priced spot tender. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad urged the Government not to hinder or harass businesspeople through arbitrary actions while businesses are struggling to rebuild. He argued that such conduct would undermine the purpose of business-enabling laws and discourage entrepreneurs, and requested government attention to the issue. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad raised concerns about alleged irregularities in overseas money transfers, saying the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Government should accept responsibility rather than placing blame solely on public officials, as such incidents could undermine investor confidence. He also cited complaints from crab sellers in Negombo that local authorities are attempting to relocate or evict stalls employing around 1,500 people, and urged that any relocation of small businesses be planned, suitable, and non-arbitrary. He further alleged that some Ministers and local authority heads are using State influence to demand money from businesses for Vesak zones, including from airport hire-car drivers who fear obstruction if they do not pay. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary The member argued that government mismanagement is reducing state reserves and revenue, citing recent declines in reserves and rupee depreciation despite reliance on taxpayers’ money. He alleged irregularities in several areas, including duplicate RDA contractor payments, the US Postal Service repayment issue, the e-passport tender, fertilizer and coal procurements, oil purchases, and funds at NDB, and warned of risks to GSP+ and exports. He also referred to a Treasury-related USD 2.5 million incident and tabled a letter requesting FBI involvement and an international forensic post-mortem into a deceased officer’s death. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala said the Bill modernizes Sri Lanka’s insolvency framework, replacing outdated laws and introducing measures such as a 60-day period for distressed businesses to consider revival before liquidation. He linked the reform to the Government’s broader economic stabilization efforts and rejected Opposition claims of judicial interference, arguing that independent institutions and the Constitutional Council have strengthened judicial independence. He cited past incidents as examples of political pressure on the judiciary and said ongoing corruption and criminal cases against public figures are being pursued in line with the Government’s mandate, not as an attempt to influence courts. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella supported the Second Reading of the Rescues, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Bill, noting that it repeals the 1853 Insolvency Ordinance and is intended to provide restructuring and relief mechanisms, particularly for MSMEs affected by the economic crisis and tax changes. She stressed that the Bill’s objectives depend on timely implementation, especially the establishment of the Insolvency Regulatory Authority and merit-based appointments to its key posts. She criticized delays in activating statutory bodies and raised concerns about political appointments, citing an alleged USD 2.5 million public funds fraud and calling for accountability and proper appointment procedures. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bill to create a modern rescue, rehabilitation and insolvency framework, arguing that the current liquidation-focused regime destroys businesses, jobs and entrepreneurial capacity. He said the Bill would provide structured, time-bound mechanisms such as dialogue, restructuring plans and administrative intervention, including an initial 60-day rehabilitation window, to preserve viable enterprises. He linked the need for reform to the impact of Covid-19, the 2022 economic crisis, and pressures on MSMEs, and argued that the legislation would strengthen domestic and foreign investor confidence by aligning Sri Lanka with international insolvency practices. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando linked the insolvency debate to broader concerns about alleged mismanagement of public funds, citing the SJB’s Supreme Court fundamental rights case and the recent USD 2.5 million cross-border payment incident. He questioned why Parliament was not promptly informed despite reported Central Bank warnings and conflicting official explanations, arguing that Parliament’s control over public finance and COPF’s mandate over public debt and debt service required disclosure. He also raised concerns about the impact on public confidence in digital banking and called on the Government to acknowledge any mistakes and provide transparent information. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill at Second Reading, stating that it modernizes outdated insolvency and company law frameworks and creates better conditions for businesses, individuals, entrepreneurs, and legal and commercial practitioners. He said the reform would contribute to economic recovery and reflected the Government’s wider efforts to stabilize the country, rebuild international confidence, and improve governance. He also criticized the Opposition over its past economic record and its response to a recent fraudulent foreign remittance incident involving the Ministry of Finance, while emphasizing the Government’s engagement with public officials and salary increases for public servants. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns over the Sports Ministry preventing Sri Lanka’s junior volleyball teams from attending the CAVA championship, delays in restoring upcountry railway services, and alleged government statements undermining the judiciary. He called for implementation of the Budget promise to make eligible casual workers permanent, changes to women police recruitment age and qualification criteria, and reconsideration of the digital ID project involving an Indian company. He also demanded investigations into land permit renewal delays and alleged corruption, publication of beneficiary lists for government loan and housing claims, and urged that Neville Fernando Hospital remain under Health Ministry oversight rather than be transferred to the Air Force. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s approach to public administration and disaster-resilient housing, stating it would protect lawful public officers and build 20,000 homes for people affected by floods and landslides. He said the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill modernizes the 1853 Insolvency Ordinance by prioritizing rescue and rehabilitation before insolvency, with particular relevance to SMEs affected by recent crises and parate action. He outlined provisions including an Insolvency Regulatory Authority, structured repayment and turnaround plans, insolvency practitioners, possible use of District or Commercial Courts, relief for smaller loans and individuals, protection from perpetual credit blacklisting, and standstill periods before parate enforcement. He argued the framework would help viable businesses recover, preserve jobs and supply chains, and attract capital to distressed enterprises. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary USD 2.5 million had been lost through alleged fraud and administrative failures, and politicized public-sector appointments had weakened oversight and sidelined competent officials. The Opposition Leader called for an end to cadre-based appointments under programmes such as “Clean Sri Lanka,” protection for public officers acting according to procedure, and safeguards for freedom of expression, citing the remand of a social media activist who criticized such appointments. He also urged humane treatment and land-based empowerment for the Malaiyaha Tamil community, proposing small tea plots or micro-holdings for landless people and unemployed youth instead of evictions and short-term job quotas. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman raised concerns during debate on the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill about the alleged disappearance of about USD 2.5 million from the Treasury and questioned why the Opposition was denied adequate time to debate it. He demanded that the President, as Minister of Finance, make a statement to Parliament, and questioned the delay in referring the matter to the CID, the interdiction of junior officers, and the role of the Finance Ministry Secretary. He also alleged inconsistencies surrounding the death of Ranga Rajapaksha, criticized premature statements describing it as suicide, and said the Justice Minister had misled Parliament regarding whether the family had lodged a complaint. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the Ministry needs time to inquire at provincial level into allegations of political interference in granting permanent appointments to volunteer teachers, as it currently lacks such information. She said Cabinet approval in 2007 allowed only up to 4,700 volunteer teachers to be appointed as teacher assistants under a 2006 Cabinet Memorandum, and provinces were informed that no further appointments should be made. She added that the Ministry has not recruited volunteer teachers after 4 January 2007. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Points of Order Read →