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 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the Anti-Doping Amendment, stating that it updates the 2013 framework to align with international conventions and WADA requirements while meeting domestic needs. He rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims about legal wording affecting children and allegations against Deputy Minister Geetha Jayasinghe and Minister W. A. Samarasinghe, citing a court order that declined to name them as suspects. He also referred to ongoing investigations into the Wasim Thajudeen murder, alleged false claims by former party associates, a reported sale of a parliamentary seat, and the container matter, urging that inquiries proceed without interference. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri supported discussion of the Anti-Doping Amendment Bill but criticised the Government for not providing details on claimed investments raised under Standing Order 27(2). He questioned the reliability of sending doping samples abroad in the absence of local testing facilities and asked whether the reforms adequately protect sports integrity from external influence. He also challenged the Government over alleged reversals on electricity tariff promises, criticised its sports policy and rural school sports neglect, and accused it of failing to act on earlier pledges to punish corruption. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the Government against claims of inefficiency, stating that its mandate is to achieve “system change” through economic democracy, anti-corruption measures, social reconciliation, and long-term development toward high-income status. He argued that first-year fiscal and monetary stabilization has restored confidence, citing increases in Customs revenue, total state revenue, remittances, exports, the current account surplus, and a higher-than-targeted primary surplus. He said the Government’s long-term goal of sustaining 6–7 per cent growth to reach high-income status by 2050 requires confronting challenges such as drugs, organized crime, bankruptcy, and social decay, and pledged continued action against underworld and narcotics networks. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary The Member argued that if the relevant risk had been identified, the Government should have acted sooner rather than waiting until a suspension occurred. He said institutions should have been given timely awareness and guidance during the observation period. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake argued that sport in Sri Lanka had been politicized and distorted during the Rajapaksa era, citing alleged political interference, violence, and the murder of Wasim Thajudeen as examples of abuse. He said the government was seeking to restore the rule of law, investigate corruption, and remove political and criminal influence from sports administration. He called for fair opportunities and facilities for athletes, stronger action against doping and narcotics networks linked to sports and politics, and broad public support to reform sport and combat organized crime. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka’s domestic framework implemented through SLADO with WADA’s 2024 revisions. He argued that strong anti-doping rules and international engagement are necessary to protect athletes and improve sport. He also raised concern about links between sport, drugs, organized crime and political influence in sports bodies, citing historical examples of crime-politics connections and warning that such networks have entered the sports sector. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, noting that they update the 2013 law by shifting doping violations from High Court criminal prosecution to disciplinary adjudication within the anti-doping framework. He argued this aligns with international practice but criticized what he described as policy inconsistency, contrasting the decriminalization of doping sanctions with recent Penal Code amendments on child discipline. He also questioned the Government on implementation of Justice K.T. Chitrasiri’s recommendations for reforming Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance, asking which measures had been carried out. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Rasamanickam objected that points of order under Standing Order 92 should be heard before being curtailed, stating there was a possible constitutional issue to raise. He referred to concerns about CIABOC and the Constitutional Council, alleging that a member involved in approving an appointment had an entry before CIABOC and that complaints involving National People’s Power Ministers and others were not being pursued. He also began to refer to a bank robbery in Batticaloa before being cut off. Privilege Matter: Submission of False Information to Constitutional Council Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam began to raise a matter concerning the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, referring to Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara. The provided excerpt is incomplete and does not include the substantive point, proposal, or question he intended to present. Privilege Matter: Submission of False Information to Constitutional Council Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that false or misleading information had been presented to Parliament regarding the appointment of Governors and the timing of related recommendations, citing an emailed sworn objection by Prof. Dinesha Samararatne to the Speaker. Referring to the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, he claimed the conduct implicated the Leader of the House and the Speaker, breached Members’ privileges, and damaged the dignity of Parliament. He requested that the matter be referred to the Committee on Privileges and that the Speaker provide a clarification to the House. Privilege Matter: Submission of False Information to Constitutional Council Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a privilege issue under Standing Orders 29(1) and (2) concerning the selection process for the Director General of CIABOC. He referred to Constitutional Council deliberations on recommendations submitted for shortlisted candidates, particularly letters from provincial Governors supporting Supreme Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, and questioned whether such recommendations from politically appointed officeholders could constitute political interference in an independent institution. Privilege Matter: Submission of False Information to Constitutional Council Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Susil Ranasinghe acknowledged concerns that acquired lands had been unlawfully sold and described the matter as a long-standing issue not fully resolved despite steps by the Irrigation Department. He stated that action would be taken, with the assistance of Members representing the Matara District, to prepare measures to regularize the process. Oral Questions: Irrigation Department Tanks and Land Reform Commission Lands - Kalutara District Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Industry Ministry’s role is focused on production, while consumer protection and environmental regulation fall to the CAA and the Environment Ministry. He acknowledged weaknesses in enforcement and said the Government is tightening regulation of products, markets, manufacturers, and imports, noting concerns about the quality of some imported goods. He also outlined proposals to reduce packaging through alternative materials, selective bans, changes in consumer behaviour, and mechanisms for producers to bear recycling costs. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti argued that greater independence in the public service and State enterprises has improved efficiency, reduced wastage and corruption, and increased profitability, rejecting claims that CIABOC is politicised. He cited COPE-related data showing several previously loss-making institutions recording profits or higher operating revenue in the first half of 2025, including Lanka Mineral Sands, Milco, the National Paper Company, and Airport and Aviation Services. He also referred to reforms in the gem and jewellery sector, including proposed institutional merger, public disclosure of licence details, and physical inspection procedures for import and re-export, and moved that the financial details be included in Hansard. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti responded to Opposition claims about the appointment of the CIABOC Director-General, stating that the appointment was made through the Constitutional Council process under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, and not by the Government. He noted that the current Commissioners were appointed before the Government took office and that the Director-General, High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, was selected by the Constitutional Council with no objection from Opposition representatives serving on it. He argued that portraying CIABOC as a political tool undermines the independence granted by Parliament and referred to legal remedies and provisions under the Act for challenging decisions or addressing improper allegations. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to act impartially on its anti-corruption mandate, including investigating past corruption and preventing future abuses regardless of political affiliation. He welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s remarks at the United Nations on Palestine, but called for action regarding Israelis in Sri Lanka who, he said, were causing visa and access-related problems. He strongly opposed additional wind turbine installations on Mannar Island, citing prolonged public protests, environmental and community concerns, and alleged tender and approval irregularities, and asked that the proposed 10 turbines be relocated to alternative sites in Mannar District rather than imposed on the island. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha discussed the Fourth COPE Report, highlighting alleged irregularities involving the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund and SLIIT, including the use of funds and agreements that enabled SLIIT to become a private institution without returning profits to the Fund. He argued that corruption, misuse of public funds, and abuse of public property should not be treated as partisan matters, and called on all 225 Members to support transparency and accountability. He said COPE, COPA and the Auditor General’s Department are helping build a new political culture of fiscal discipline, and urged both Government and Opposition to contribute to long-term solutions for the public. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni stated that there is no circular preventing the external purchase of rarely used or urgently needed medicines, provided procedures are followed. He defended COPE’s role as identifying irregularities and corruption, rejecting allegations that it is targeting particular individuals or officials. He also questioned Members’ advocacy regarding certain power plants and companies, and noted that COPE had identified serious irregularities, including election-period recruitments, at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital for rectification. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni welcomed the Fourth COPE Report, stating that COPE’s role is to identify shortcomings and guide corrective action rather than directly punish officials. He said COPE’s observations would support reforms at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, particularly regarding the Waiver of Registration process, which he argued had been improperly bypassed in recent years, leading to substandard and harmful imports. He rejected claims of shortages of analgesics and other essential medicines at the Colombo National Hospital, stating that supplies and procurement mechanisms are in place while maintaining regulatory standards. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about drug trafficking and alleged weapons entering the country through containers, calling for truth, accountability, and equal enforcement of the law. He linked these concerns to broader issues of public health, child protection, and policy consistency, referencing Sri Lanka’s promotion as an inclusive destination for LGBTIQ persons by the Tourism Development Authority. He also urged Members of Parliament to focus on legislation, oversight, national policy, and asset transparency rather than ceremonial involvement in minor local works, while noting continued public hardship over fuel, vehicle costs, and living expenses. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →