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. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam seconded the COPE Chair’s motion and expressed condolences over the deaths of seven monks at the Naa Uyana Forest Monastery in Kurunegala. He argued that COPE must be reformed through scientific selection of institutions, stronger internal audit oversight, and amendments to Standing Orders and related laws to create a pathway for COPE findings to be referred to the Bribery Commission and Police. He said recent COPE examinations had shown malpractice linked to political decisions and some official complicity, and that future reports should lead to action rather than being shelved. He also welcomed the President’s UN address and the Education Consultative Committee decision allowing Muslim schoolgirls to attend school in culturally appropriate attire and in Sinhala, Tamil, or English media. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera moved an adjournment motion urging urgent action on the findings of COPE’s Fourth Report of the Tenth Parliament, including legal action against those responsible for wrongful directions and remedies to prevent recurrence. He said COPE is seeking to move beyond ad hoc inquiries by strengthening legal follow-up, introducing a scientific selection model for examining 457 state-owned enterprises, conducting written and online assessments, and convening institutions to address governance weaknesses. He highlighted recurring issues such as entities acting beyond their statutory mandates, weak planning and internal audit, poor coordination with the Auditor General, and attempts to evade audit scrutiny, citing examples including the Land Reform Commission and the Mahapola Trust Fund. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Speaker AI summary Environmental Impact Assessments were presented as essential for development projects, with Mattala and the Hambantota human–elephant conflict cited as examples of risks from inadequate environmental planning. The remarks clarified that work on only a 200-metre stretch of a 37-kilometre section of the 378-kilometre Central Expressway was briefly halted over a tree-related issue, later resolved by a Cabinet decision, while the wider project continued. It was stated that past signing failures and alleged corruption increased costs from an estimated Rs. 5.2 billion to Rs. 6.29 billion per kilometre, and that discussions are under way with China’s Exim Bank to reduce interest, with completion targets of December 2026/January 2027 for the Rambukkana section and mid-2028 for the Galagedara section. Ministerial Statement: Central Expressway Project Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway had been stalled due to earlier procurement, financing, exchange-rate, and debt-suspension issues, causing local disruption and significant arrears. He stated that Cabinet had approved settlement of USD 189.51 million in arrears, paid as Rs. 57 billion, and that China EXIM Bank had agreed to provide a Yuan-equivalent USD 500 million facility to resume work. He argued that continuing with the existing contractor would cost about Rs. 217 billion, compared with an estimated Rs. 263 billion if the contract were terminated and re-procured, and rejected claims that the project would cost Rs. 450 billion or Rs. 12 billion per kilometre. Ministerial Statement: Central Expressway Project Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna complained that his questions had not received specific answers and objected to being redirected to another Ministry. He alleged that land in the North had been taken under the guise of development, questioned why M. Pradeeban had not been removed following a Governor’s letter alleging corruption, and asked for evidence of completed development outcomes in Jaffna arising from DCC decisions over the past year. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Palaly Airport Allocations Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation following a Jaffna coordinating committee meeting, seeking details on 2025 allocations and expenditure for Palaly Airport, Kankesanthurai, and Northern small harbours, with documentary evidence. He asked for clarification on land acquisition, legal ownership, compensation, and land releases connected to Palaly Airport, including whether similar uncompensated acquisitions occurred elsewhere. He also questioned the Government’s decision not to develop KKS as an international port, sought projections for Palaly’s viability as an international airport, and asked whether airport development was being used to retain land for military or political purposes. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Palaly Airport Allocations Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the driving licence backlog of about 1.1 million had been cleared by April, while acknowledging earlier delays and long-standing problems at the Department of Motor Traffic involving weak institutional capacity, vendor dependence, expired contracts, and alleged corruption. He stated that new licences with updated features are being developed and that tender procedures for number plates have been completed. He said number plates with enhanced security features are expected to be issued by 15 November, with possible interim arrangements before then. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary President-appointed committee findings have been referred to investigative authorities for further action. Bimal Rathnayake said the matter is outside his Ministry’s purview, but based on information received from the State Minister of Finance a week earlier, investigations were still ongoing. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana referred to earlier container congestion and an alleged large-scale fraud involving 320 containers, noting that a report led by the President had been presented to Parliament. He asked whether the report’s recommendations are being implemented and whether those responsible are being prosecuted, in the context of the Government’s mandate to address theft and corruption. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that the Government is fulfilling its mandate by rebuilding the economy, combating corruption and the underworld, and restoring democracy rather than engaging in “media spectacle.” He cited the President’s remarks at the UN General Assembly on anti-corruption, reconciliation, and representation for women and persons with disabilities, and referred to improvements in democracy and rule of law indices. He rejected the Opposition’s allegation of “constitutional autocracy,” pointing to multiparty representation in Parliament, fair elections, local authority administration, and planned vehicle allocations to Pradeshiya Sabhas, including those outside Government control. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that the reported exit of HSBC and possible departure of Standard Chartered indicated serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s investment climate. He questioned the Government over unchecked containers leaving the port despite a UNODC warning, including whether they could have contained drugs, weapons, or explosives. He called on the Government to stop attributing blame, identify any politicians allegedly linked to the Middeniya container issue, and enforce the law while delivering on its election promises. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake argued that drug trafficking and related crime had become embedded in politics, business networks, and parts of the public service, citing recent drug detections in Tangalle, alleged domestic methamphetamine production, and politically influenced police appointments. He said the government must pursue economic relief while dismantling this criminal nexus, including action against corrupt officials and politicians implicated in drug matters. He called for a broad public front involving citizens, politicians, public servants, and the business community to protect youth and prevent Sri Lanka from becoming dominated by methamphetamine addiction and criminal politics. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticised the Government for failing, after one year, to deliver on pledges in its manifesto, citing issues including prices of rice, fuel, electricity and essential goods, tax relief, recruitment targets, graduate employment, social security and pensions, Easter Sunday accountability, repeal or amendment of security and online laws, Provincial Council elections, and teachers’ salary anomalies. He questioned claims about investment, reserves, exports, tourism earnings and economic growth, arguing that the data did not support the Government’s presentation of progress. He also criticised the Government’s position on Palestine and relations with Israel, and urged it to answer these concerns and implement its promises in the coming year. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Dewananda Suraweera defended the NPP Government’s record while speaking in the context of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that it inherited a bankrupt and criminalized state linked to drug networks and weakened rule of law. He cited increased state revenue, improved reserves, anti-drug and anti-crime efforts, and welfare measures including higher public and private sector minimum wages, pension increases, education support, Aswesuma expansion, and assistance for kidney patients. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s improved democracy ranking, World Bank recognition of recovery, President Anura Dissanayake’s election, and the President’s UN General Assembly speech calling for collective global action. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala linked the tourism debate to the President’s recent UN General Assembly address, highlighting themes of improving Sri Lanka’s international image, combating corruption and transnational crime, poverty eradication, digitization, education, health, and ethical governance. He supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to permit the import of 250 small buses and 750 vans for tourism transport needs. He argued that improved transport and supporting facilities are necessary to develop cultural, ecological, agricultural, coastal, religious, sports, wellness, and culinary tourism, particularly given Sri Lanka’s geographic diversity. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the amendment to the Imports and Exports (Control) Act regulations extending the relevant date from 30 June 2025 to 30 September 2025, while framing it within the Government’s wider stabilization programme. He cited improved economic indicators, including GDP growth and foreign reserves, and said the Government had restored international confidence while advancing agriculture, industry, tourism, and anti-poverty initiatives. He also criticized past administrations over alleged links to corruption, narcotics, and underworld activity, and said the current Government was acting through the rule of law to address those issues. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad addressed a regulation under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, questioning why technical barriers affect vehicle imports for tourism and urging Government scrutiny of investment issues in the sector. He criticized alleged political involvement in school events despite earlier assurances, warned that proposed child-protection-related legislation should be studied against international examples, and raised concerns about impacts on teachers and schools. He also alleged pressure on police officers and private-sector actors, citing recent OIC transfers and the exclusion of Vidarshana Publishers from the Book Fair. He challenged Government MPs to publish one year of bank statements to support their anti-corruption claims and demonstrate transparency. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa called for an investigation into Sampath Manamperi and said maximum punishment should be imposed if he was found involved. He demanded clarification on why action had not been taken on the UNODC intelligence report. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala alleged that individuals linked to the Pohottuwa, including Sampath Manamperi, were involved in bringing drugs into the country and attempting to shift responsibility. He accused previous political actors of fostering underworld and drug networks with political patronage, stating that the public was aware of these links and that he would not continue the debate further. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of suspected drug-contaminated containers at the port, citing intelligence reports on two Tehran-origin containers and questioning why 332 other containers were released without checks and why responsible officials or Ministers had not been investigated. He compared the response to failures over Easter Sunday intelligence, called for the full Presidential Committee report to be tabled, and demanded action to identify who authorized the release of containers allegedly containing drugs. He also urged strengthening the Navy’s anti-narcotics capacity, ensuring promotions for the 511 police cadre, and making advance arrangements for O/L and A/L examinations during the northern monsoon. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →