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- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala supported the proposed “Nation Together” national operation to eradicate drugs, stating that Cabinet has established a multi-sector National Council and district, local and grassroots mechanisms involving security forces, public officers, religious leaders and Public Security Committees. He said the plan addresses organized crime, illicit firearms, drug supply chains, illegal assets, public awareness and rehabilitation, including 25 additional rehabilitation centres and 6,250 awareness programmes with Budget 2026 support. He also referred to the Weligama incident, saying police teams had been deployed and arrests would follow, and stressed that police promotions are handled by the National Police Commission while the Government pursues law enforcement against drugs, underworld activity, bribery and corruption. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman condemned the assassination of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara and criticized the Minister of Public Security for suggesting alleged criminal links after the killing instead of calling for due process and justice. He questioned the Government’s claim that it is dismantling a “criminal state,” alleging that officials implicated in past misconduct, including the 2019 Dr. Shafi case, had been protected or promoted despite investigative records. He tabled related material and called for accountability in unresolved cases involving attacks on journalists, media institutions, and other alleged political crimes. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe moved an adjournment motion calling for support for the Government’s “Nation Together” national anti-narcotics programme, arguing that organized crime, drug trafficking and political protection had previously reinforced one another and that ending such protection is not sufficient on its own. He urged updated laws to seize illicit proceeds, stronger enforcement against organized crime and drug networks, and broad public participation in making communities safer. Citing a Negombo-area survey on drug use and the scale of daily drug-related cash flows, he said narcotics profits fuel violence and rival criminal groups, and announced that the national operation would be launched under the President’s leadership at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on the 30th. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised an urgent question under Standing Order 27(2) to the Minister of Technology regarding the 14 October 2025 collapse of the Lanka Government Cloud and recent cyber incidents affecting State institutions, banks and digital services. He asked for clarification on the cause of the failure, whether any external intrusion or data compromise occurred, the number of similar incidents, financial losses, disaster-recovery arrangements, and assurances on the integrity of citizen and institutional data. He also called for a cyber security audit to be tabled, measures to restore confidence in e-Government systems, and consideration of a legally empowered National Cyber Security Command Authority, along with proposed digital transformation and cyber security legislation. Urgent Question: Digital Infrastructure Outage (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi raised a second supplementary question alleging large-scale land grabs in the absence of proper land allocation for settlement. He asked the Deputy Minister when investigations into these alleged land grabs would begin. Oral Question: Alternative Lands Distributed out of LRC Lands (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi questioned the completeness of a land-related report concerning Nuwara Eliya District, where he said many residents lack even small residential plots. He alleged that several former MPs and public officials had obtained or occupied sizeable extents of land in areas including Ambagamuwa, Kotmale, Talawakelle, Magastota, Bowaeliya, and near Lovers’ Leap, and asked why these names were not reflected in the list presented by the Deputy Minister. Oral Question: Alternative Lands Distributed out of LRC Lands (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Asked for details on the 2010 reconstruction of the internal road from Weppamkulam to Silawathurai in the Musali Pradeshiya Sabha area, including its length, route, and project dates. He requested the relevant agreement with the contractor, the company owners, and the funds allocated, and asked whether the Government is aware of allegations that the road was not reconstructed despite funds being obtained fraudulently, and what action would be taken. Oral Question: Road from Weppamkulam to Silawathurai (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Upali Samarasingha supported the Rules under the Excise Ordinance and the Regulation under the Special Commodity Levy Act, arguing that they are intended to close loopholes, prevent revenue evasion, and ensure taxes collected from alcohol sales are properly remitted to the Treasury. He said excise revenue is important for public services and that legal reforms are needed to hold evaders accountable. On agricultural levies, he stated that existing policies on commodities such as potatoes and onions aim to support food security, lower production costs, and develop the agro-industry, while rejecting Opposition claims as inaccurate. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to concerns about the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, stating that the incident was linked to rivalries among organized criminal groups and did not constitute a broader threat to public security. He said the deceased had multiple criminal cases and alleged underworld links, including matters connected to narcotics proceeds and weapons, and that investigations by the Police and CID were ongoing. He argued that political parties should not appoint persons with alleged criminal backgrounds to public office, while stating that the Government does not condone any killing and would ensure a proper investigation. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concern over the murder of the Chalagama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and requested an impartial investigation, rejecting any premature attribution to drugs or the underworld. He also urged the Government to restore police protection for Members of Parliament, citing increased shootings and security concerns. He then tabled a residents’ letter questioning Urban Development Authority approval for a proposed 40-storey apartment project in Thummulla, alleging possible non-compliance with planning criteria and calling attention to suspected irregularities in the rapid approval process. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Nalin Hewage said Rs. 10.5 billion in unpaid excise dues remained outstanding, alleging that many arrears related to warehouses connected to former Ministers and MPs, though he declined to name individuals during the speech. He urged Members not to divert from the issue and argued that the Government’s current tax measures should be recognized as positive rather than criticized reflexively. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando supported the Regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act and the Rules under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, stating that commodity levies are intended to protect farmers and secure fair prices for crops such as big onion and potato. He said levy decisions are now being made collectively with relevant agencies to avoid past abuses, and noted that the new excise rules would strengthen recovery of around Rs. 10.5 billion in arrears by enabling collection within three months. He also outlined plans to improve agriculture through local seed production, technology, expanded cultivation of available land, fertilizer support, and irrigation rehabilitation, linking revenue collection to farmer welfare and broader self-sufficiency goals. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed referred to declining big onion production due to seed shortages during the debate on onion and potato levies, then raised concerns about post-local government election administration. He urged amendments to Ministry of Home Affairs Circular 3/2025, saying it restricts participation in District Development Committee and Divisional Coordinating Committee meetings to a few local authority members and excludes many elected representatives, particularly from the Opposition. He also requested seating accommodations in local authorities and asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to clarify whether any circular prohibits the use of school halls for student felicitation events, citing a refused request in Vavuniya. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi criticized off-topic conduct in the debate and addressed the Excise Rules and Special Commodity Levy measures under discussion. He said proposed amendments to the 112-year-old Excise Ordinance would strengthen recovery of unpaid excise duties by shortening grace periods and enabling cancellation or suspension of licences, noting large arrears including Rs. 6.75 billion from one liquor company. He defended the potato and onion levy gazette as a seasonal measure to protect local harvests, citing import data to reject claims that importers were tipped off in advance. He also argued that the Government had proposals to improve farmer efficiency and accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation and failing to address seed and production issues when in office. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concern over the shooting death of the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha and said the withdrawal of security for Opposition members made the Government accountable for their safety. He criticized the delayed imposition of taxes on imported potatoes and onions, arguing that earlier action was needed to protect farmers in Uva Paranagama, Welimada and other areas affected by crop and storage losses. He alleged irregularities in a Gazette permitting imports of Ponni Samba and Pal Samba rice, claiming that only traders close to the Government or Minister could benefit due to timing, port arrivals and Indian holidays, and called for either reduced import duties to benefit consumers or direct support such as fertilizer subsidies or cash assistance to farmers. He also questioned the handling of imported salt consignments remaining uncleared at the port and warned a similar situation could occur with rice imports. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam alleged that government figures had met YG Holdings officials at the Kingsbury Hotel to arrange corrupt deals, urging authorities to verify the claim through CCTV footage and take action. He linked the allegation to past fraud involving the sale of a Payagala Distilleries bottling plant and argued that the Government, elected on an anti-corruption mandate, must act consistently against Ministers as well as others. He welcomed the proposal to reduce the grace period for ethanol distributors, producers and distilleries from six months to one month before enforcement action for non-payment. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the consistency of government policy on rice, potato and onion imports, arguing that import controls should protect domestic producers without harming consumers and that licensing should be broadened to reduce monopolies. He supported stricter Excise arrears rules but said the Government had not fulfilled its promise to cancel politically granted bar permits, citing alleged permits issued in Kilinochchi and stating that names submitted to the CID had not been investigated. He also called for an immediate investigation into alleged meetings involving an NPP MP, a State Minister and a businessman regarding the Kalutara Co-operative Distillery and a related lease proposal amid ongoing litigation. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake referred to a previously raised privilege matter concerning a person appointed to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, noting that a complaint had now been lodged with the Commission. After part of his remarks was expunged by order of the Chair, he requested permission to proceed with his privilege matter. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a concern about national security following an incident affecting the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha. He argued that if an elected local government representative cannot safely conduct a public day at the Pradeshiya Sabha, it reflects a serious security failure requiring attention. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Sunil Handunnetti stated that doubts among entrepreneurs about the Government’s economic policy and the balance between the State and private sector had been addressed. He said reforms of State-owned enterprises are being pursued without political interference, while acknowledging decision-making delays as an issue to be resolved to support investors. He added that the Government’s general SOE policy had been explained and that specific responses had been provided on the sugar sector. Ministerial Statements: Poverty Alleviation and Industry Development Read →