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- 26 September 2025 Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary As a member of COPE, Hon. Thilina Samarakoon spoke on the tabling of COPE’s Fourth Report of the 10th Parliament under Standing Order 120 and said the Committee is pursuing institutional reform and accountability across 457 public institutions, with 14 already examined. He highlighted findings concerning the Land Reforms Commission, including alleged use of Rs. 350 million for an organic fertilizer project outside its legal mandate without proper feasibility work, and the sale of 25 acres at Hantana/Uragala Estate at a very low price before resale as residential plots. He said COPE is working with the Lands Ministry to improve land valuation, staffing, land inventories and project proposals, and would continue exposing misuse of public resources and recommending reforms. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama addressed the adjournment debate on COPE’s Fourth Report, outlining procedural changes under the 10th Parliament’s COPE, including seeking written responses from all 458 institutions on Auditor General findings, issuing institution-specific reports, and proposing Standing Order amendments to enable referrals to the CID or Bribery Commission. He identified recurring governance weaknesses in State institutions and cited findings at the University of Sabaragamuwa, including alleged overpricing of book purchases, removal of soil from university land, and concerns linked to a recent student suicide and possible ragging. He also referred to procurement concerns at the National Youth Services Council and said COPE would pursue fraud, corruption, and illegality beyond mere reprimand. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof criticized Government members for condemning protests despite having used protest politics while in Opposition. He raised concerns in Trincomalee District, alleging that elephant fences in Morawewa may restrict Muslim residents’ access to paddy lands and homes, and linked this to wider concerns over fishing permits, land issues, and the scheduling of a District Coordinating Committee meeting on a Friday. He questioned the Government’s development record after one year, rejected broad allegations linking people to theft or drug trafficking without evidence, and urged action against named offenders while calling for inclusive development for all communities in Trincomalee. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi rejected Opposition claims that the Government is hostile to private enterprise, arguing that it opposes corrupt “models” used to divert or shield public assets. He cited the CEB’s shareholding in LTL and related audit disputes, alleging that corporate structures and litigation had been used to prevent proper public scrutiny despite State ownership. He also referred to COPE evidence on alleged pressure placed on public officials in the LRC and National Youth Services Council, and said the Government is enabling officials to resist corruption. He stated that LRC land alienation has not been generally stopped but legal action is being pursued where misuse is alleged, and called for support for accountability and protection of public funds through COPE processes. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticised the Government over unfulfilled pledges on the Central Bank bond issue, the Easter Sunday attacks, and anti-corruption, highlighting the case of 323 red-notice containers and calling it a major corruption concern requiring accountability. He objected to the handling of a proposed No-Confidence Motion against a Deputy Minister, said Members’ privileges had been curtailed, and stated that complaints would be made to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He also urged the Government not to weaken dental education at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, requested disclosure of the parliamentary canteen inspection report, and called for stronger protection, guidance, and social support for children. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe said the debate on COPE’s Fourth Report should focus on strengthening public enterprise accountability rather than unrelated allegations. He argued that COPE is being transformed from a body that merely tables reports into one empowered, through amended Standing Orders, to refer suspected fraud or corruption to the Bribery Commission or the Inspector-General of Police. He said COPE and COPA are central to the Government’s accountability agenda, noting difficulties in obtaining information from officials and the need to identify political decision-makers behind wrongdoing. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Government to take concrete action on the visa issue, noting that continued inaction could fuel suspicions over the allegations being raised. He also alleged that a tender relating to government paddy stocks had been structured to exclude small and medium rice millers and benefit selected large millers, contrary to the Government’s manifesto commitment to protect small and medium entrepreneurs. He called on the Government to revise its approach and ensure such millers are not displaced from the sector. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Congratulating the COPE Chair and team, Dr. Harsha de Silva raised concerns about a CWE tender to mill paddy and supply rice through Lanka Sathosa, alleging that revised conditions such as a 15,000 kg-per-hour milling capacity requirement exclude small and medium millers and may reduce the State’s due rice output. He asked why the tender permits only a 63 per cent rice yield when stored paddy could yield about 65 per cent, and placed the matter before the House as a possible corruption risk. He also referred to the COPF report on outsourcing online visa and passport services, noting that COPF recommended a forensic audit by the Auditor General and questioning delays by immigration authorities in responding to the amended draft audit report despite Parliament’s mandate for institutional cooperation. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary As a COPE member, Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah said the Committee had reviewed 14 of 457 institutions in six months and found Auditor General-reported cases of fraud, waste, and misuse of public funds. He focused on alleged corruption at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, citing the immunoglobulin scandal, adulterated eye drops, and irregular fast-track imports without required documentation, and called for expedited investigations and redress for victims. He also highlighted drug supply disparities affecting government hospitals and urged action on cadre revisions, promotions, and transfers to address staffing shortages in Northern hospitals. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over the BIA Development Project tender process, citing past delays, consultant payments despite limited progress, and repeated extensions that he said appeared to accommodate deficiencies in Sojitz’s Power of Attorney documentation. He questioned the involvement of Sojitz and Larsen & Toubro, referring to alleged problems in other projects, and urged that the airport project not be undermined by further delays. He also called for action by the Bribery Commission regarding reported foreign currency and cryptocurrency holdings by public figures under the Anti-Corruption Act, and sought clarification on allegations about political links involving a Bribery Commission official, arguing that anti-corruption laws must be applied equally. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary COPE’s work and ongoing judicial processes were cited as evidence that accountability mechanisms are functioning, particularly against corruption in state institutions. The Deputy Minister rejected claims that he, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, and Mayor Ranjan Jayalal were to be arrested, stating that the case file and minutes contain no such decision and that the Mount Lavinia Court had found no disclosed offence warranting an arrest order. He warned against efforts to portray the Judicial Service Commission and Bribery Commission as politically influenced, arguing that such allegations undermine public confidence in independent institutions. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi welcomed the Opposition’s proposals on aviation safety and said the Government would consider them, while linking national progress to the National People’s Power policy framework. Addressing COPE’s Fourth Report, she said COPE findings on State-owned enterprises should no longer end with debate or filing, but be referred where necessary to the CID and Bribery Commission to enable legal action against both officials and responsible political authorities. She assured law-abiding public officials that COPE’s purpose is not to demoralize them, and called for collective action against corruption while emphasizing public confidence in the law and judiciary. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe said COPE has actively examined 14 institutions in the 10th Parliament and argued that its work should move beyond reporting to requiring follow-up action, legal proceedings, surcharges, disciplinary measures, and removals where public funds have been misused. She proposed that all 457 institutions be subject to written examination and inquiry, and that Ministers, Secretaries, officials, and politicians who ignore or cause breaches of COPE recommendations be held accountable. Citing expenditure under the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment’s “Vigamanika Harasara” and “Jayagamu Sri Lanka – Glocal Fair” programmes, she alleged misuse of public funds for electoral publicity and said COPE findings should support complaints to the CID and Bribery Commission. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman argued that COPE findings should be followed by legal action to effectively reduce fraud and corruption, citing the Anti-Corruption Act and the Government’s mandate for transparency after 2022. He raised concerns about alleged selective enforcement and lack of inquiry in matters including the Mannar wind power project, the release of 309 unexamined containers, a liquor distillery licence, appointments in the Bribery Commission, and reported delays in corruption cases. He also questioned refusals to provide Right to Information details on Presidential Secretariat matters and warned that perceived shielding of government-linked individuals would undermine public trust in rule of law. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe said the Government had turned several state entities into profitable institutions, denied misuse of Mahapola Trust funds during its administration, and noted that the Mahapola stipend was increased while stalled Central Road works were restarted after settling dues. He cited revenue and expenditure figures for 2024 and 2025 to argue that fiscal management was improving without waste or corruption. He said the Government aims to reduce VAT from 18 per cent to 15 per cent by 2026/2027, avoid new taxes, narrow the Budget deficit, and pursue policies on public service efficiency, industrialization, social protection, rural empowerment, digitalization, infrastructure, and investment transparency. He also referred to COPE findings on past frauds and said an environment would be created to implement the report. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake expressed condolences over the deaths of seven monks in the cave collapse at the Naa Uyana Forest Monastery and then addressed COPE’s Fourth Report. He said COPE had examined numerous public institutions under its mandate and found instances of misuse, waste, and political interference by some officials. He alleged past misuse of public funds, land-related corruption, and the Central Bank bond scam, arguing that those who promised accountability had instead enabled corrupt figures to return to power. He maintained that during the past year efforts had been made to protect transparency and fiscal discipline and to avoid bankrupting State institutions. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka stated that he had initiated legal action against a television channel and social media figures over allegations linking him and his father-in-law to the underworld, and urged MPs to respond to accusations outside Parliament rather than relying on privilege. He argued that COPE should examine why major projects, including those funded by JICA and other development projects halted after 2015, failed or caused large losses. He also alleged serious irregularities in the release of 323 containers under the current Government, citing findings from a Presidential Committee report and calling for its tabling, a forensic audit, and CID and Police investigations into possible security and public health risks. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana commented on the COPE report, highlighting major cost escalations in the Katunayake International Airport expansion project, where he said Rs. 16.728 billion had been spent on designs over more than a decade without completing the work. He also criticized changes to the NMRA medicine import approval process in 2022, alleging that a fast-track pathway enabled substandard and counterfeit medicines to enter the country, causing deaths and vision loss. He rejected Opposition criticism, linking former officeholders to the failures cited in the report and accusing them of attempting to undermine the Government through strikes and allegations. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna discussed COPE’s Fourth Report, emphasizing the need to pursue corruption investigations and strengthen COPE’s legal capacity to summon all 457 institutions under its purview. He highlighted alleged irregularities in Airport and Aviation Services expansion projects, including costly design changes, major consultancy payments, contract extensions, and politically driven alterations to the airport concourse roof design. He also referred to issues at the LRC, National Youth Services Council, and NMRA, stating that COPE would protect honest officials while pursuing accountability based on Auditor General reports and written submissions. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha used the Adjournment debate on COPE to defend LTL as a profitable and technically capable enterprise, while calling for COPE scrutiny of current issues including alleged misuse of LRC land in Pasikuda, the release of Customs containers, flagged containers at Mideniya, and alleged VAT and CESS evasion on crude edible oil imports. He argued that public officials are being intimidated through investigations and COPE processes, contributing to administrative paralysis and service shortages, particularly in the health sector, and cited reported losses from emigration of medical staff. He also questioned the independence of the Bribery Commission, alleged politicization of law enforcement and police transfers, and raised concerns over a vehicle number plate tender allegedly tailored for a Chinese company, urging adherence to proper systems and a non-aligned foreign policy. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →