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- 10 September 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the repeal of the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, arguing that it is intended to change the political culture by ending excessive post-retirement privileges for former Presidents while maintaining their security and pensions. He said public funds and state property should not be used for personal benefit, and that rulers should be accountable under the law like public servants and ordinary citizens. Referencing past allegations and events involving former Presidents, he framed the Bill as part of a broader mandate to protect public resources and establish equal accountability, not as an act of revenge. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 Hon. Chamal Sampath Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Chamal Sampath Dissanayake urged the Government to act prudently when implementing popular election promises, warning that decisions taken out of hostility could provoke adverse public reactions. He argued that despite the rejection of Mahinda Rajapaksa electorally, many Sinhala Buddhists still retain respect for him, and said the Government should consider such political sensitivities. He also cautioned that political alignments and voter blocs could shift before the next election, and referred to events in Nepal to stress that governments must anticipate the consequences of their actions while rejecting political violence. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Bill reducing former Presidents’ entitlements, arguing that it targets the official residences of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa while larger governance issues remain unresolved. He asked the Justice Minister to address alleged inconsistencies in cases involving Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando and to review prison conditions and remission policies, while also calling for faster police investigations into murders and fair promotions for Police and STF personnel. He urged equal application of the law on land encroachments and old criminal incidents, rejected politicized claims about a fatal Badulla bus accident, and said the Government should focus on justice, public security and people’s problems rather than evicting former Presidents. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported curbing excessive presidential privileges under the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, but argued that the wider issue is the Executive Presidency itself, which he said has enabled authoritarianism, abuses under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and impunity. He said reasonable pensions and security may be appropriate for former Presidents, but extravagant benefits are unacceptable during economic hardship and resources should instead support jobs, factories, and livelihoods, especially in the North and East. He also raised administrative concerns in the Eastern Province, urging action on volunteer teachers appointed late after wartime service, unemployment among traditional medicine graduates, reduced medical admissions under the district quota in Batticaloa, and significant vacancies in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the repeal of the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that special post-office benefits such as housing, secretarial allowances and transport allowances are inconsistent with equality under universal franchise. He stated that pensions and necessary security arrangements would remain separate, but that former Presidents should not receive privileges beyond those available to ordinary retirees. He framed the repeal as part of broader reforms to political culture and economic recovery following bankruptcy, citing public expectations, the Chitrasiri Report, and the Government’s pledge to treat politicians as ordinary citizens. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara said his side would not oppose the Bill, noting public support and its link to the Government’s policy pledges, but questioned whether the Government was applying its “nothing denied to a citizen should be given to a ruler” principle consistently. He asked that the Chitrasiri Committee Report be tabled in Parliament, argued that modest and defined support for former leaders can be justified while misuse should be addressed, and stated that the related expenditure was very small relative to GDP and revenue. He also urged the Government to focus on wider governance and economic issues, including bank non-performing loans, delays in benefits reaching entrepreneurs after IMF-related measures, unresolved customs documentation, and youth unemployment. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim questioned the Minister of Finance on reports that finance companies charged penal interest and fees during the COVID-19 loan moratorium period in violation of Central Bank Circular No. 9 of 2021. Citing the complaint of Mr. Aslam Marikkar of Kandy and concerns about inadequate action by the Central Bank’s Financial Consumer Relations Department, he asked whether a formal inquiry and relief would be provided, whether the matter would be referred to the Committee on Public Finance for oversight, and what measures would be taken to prevent and expedite action against such financial exploitation. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. Harini Amarasuriya supported the Sri Lanka-UAE agreement, arguing that it strengthens trade, diplomatic relations, and international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic and political stability, while also benefiting over 300,000 Sri Lankans working in the UAE. She emphasized that the Government’s priority is not merely signing agreements but creating the institutional conditions for implementation, including anti-corruption measures and a strengthened independent public service. Responding to Opposition criticism, she rejected claims that public servants are fearful, stating that officials are being freed from political interference while wrongdoing will be dealt with under the law. She also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to dismantling organized narcotics networks and ending political protection for the drug trade. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe alleged that information relating to criminal rackets, including claims about 80 politicians and undeclared assets, had previously been suppressed, and said those responsible would be exposed and brought before the law. He stated that the Government would not protect criminals and would take action to eradicate the narcotics trade. He also described the UAE-Sri Lanka agreement signed that day as important for investment, citing rising remittances, foreign direct investment, and national income as signs of economic progress. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Sri Lanka–UAE Investment Promotion and Mutual Protection Agreement, saying it includes safeguards on sustainable investment, environmental standards, public safety, public morals, and investor de-risking, and is intended to help restore investor confidence. He linked the need for such confidence to past controversies, including the 2007 end of Emirates’ management of SriLankan Airlines and subsequent losses. He also accused members of the former government and Opposition of links to drug trafficking and of selectively taking disciplinary action, while stating that the current government would pursue traffickers and past corruption through law enforcement. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Welcoming the Sri Lanka–UAE agreement, Namal Rajapaksa argued that the Government should improve the investment climate and stop making unproven allegations against investors and political opponents. He questioned the Government’s record on foreign direct investment, factory closures, organized crime, shootings, fraudulent passports, and the release of two containers from the port despite alleged intelligence warnings. He demanded impartial investigations and prosecutions into the container incident and organized crime links, rejecting what he described as selective prosecutions, media displays, and attempts to blame the Opposition. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra AI summary Arun Hemachandra urged Members to focus the debate on approving the UAE investment agreement, which he said required a two-thirds majority and would help rebuild investor confidence in Sri Lanka. He argued that past politically driven actions, including the breakdown of arrangements involving Etisalat, Emirates and SriLankan Airlines, damaged confidence and imposed economic costs on the public. He said the agreement provides a reciprocal framework for genuine investments, with dispute resolution through consultation, a joint commission, UNCITRAL procedures and then ICSID if necessary, and called for broad support to pass it as part of a transparent economic recovery strategy. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates Agreement on Investment Promotion and Mutual Protection, stating that it would help attract investment in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and tourism while strengthening investor protection and the legal framework. He rejected claims that public servants are afraid to act, arguing that only corrupt or bad-faith decisions are being challenged, and cited ongoing development projects at Divisional Secretariat level. He said the Government is seeking to reverse past anti-investment practices, rebuild confidence after the financial crisis, and pointed to increased exports, remittances and FDI as evidence of improving economic conditions. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary A clarification was made that government officials may take private leave to travel abroad. It was argued that an official’s participation in such travel does not by itself make the visit government-sponsored, as it may still be a private tour. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman used the debate on the Sri Lanka–UAE investment agreement to raise concerns about the Gaza conflict and its implications for Sri Lanka’s relations with the Arab world, citing the importance of Middle East remittances to the economy. He questioned the Government’s policy after reports that Sri Lankan media and state-sector personnel travelled to Israel, asking whether the CID would investigate the purpose of the visit and whether it was consistent with Sri Lanka’s stated support for Palestine. He also called for clarification on the role of Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, urged the Government to recall him if his actions contradicted official policy, and criticised free visas for Israeli tourists while alleging a “double standard” in the Government’s position on Palestine. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on vehicles supplied to welfare centres for displaced persons, particularly Menik Farm and other resettlement centres, alleging that some donor-funded or ministry-procured vehicles disappeared from official records after the centres closed. He requested detailed records of vehicles provided, returned, and untraced, including findings from 2014 and 2019 inquiries, and questioned the alleged illegal use of tractor WPRB-2639 linked to the Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha and a politician’s estate. He asked what action had been taken against officials or politicians who may have obstructed investigations or misused public assets, and whether the Government would reopen investigations under the Offences Against Public Property Act and the Anti-Corruption Act. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned why historical Special Commodity Levy data from 2007 onwards was not readily available for decisions on levy changes, while acknowledging post-sugar tax scandal reforms including the Food Policy and Security Committee and the Treasury’s National Tariff Policy Committee. He stressed the need for confidentiality in tariff decisions to prevent market manipulation, but raised concern over the removal of Trade and Investment Policy Director-General Pradeep Kumara, alleging it followed his refusal to impose levies without due procedure. He requested that Kumara be reinstated if proper process had been followed. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon raised concerns about alleged appropriation of public lands and sensitive wildlife areas through political influence and official patronage. He asked whether lands under Divisional Secretaries in human–elephant conflict zones could be reassigned to preserve corridors such as Kalawewa–Nachchaduwa, or allocated for socially beneficial purposes, rather than being given on long-term leases. Oral Question: LRC Lands Allocated for Industrial Purposes - Kegalle District (Q.1250/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that the earlier recruitment process for jobs in Israel showed alleged irregularities, including involvement by some individuals such as a former Minister, and that the Bribery Commission’s investigation is nearing completion with legal action to be reported to the House. He said current recruitment is conducted government-to-government, but reports of money collection and third-party interference have prompted a joint operation with the CID and Israel’s PIBA to act against illegal, unethical, and corrupt intermediaries. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath asked the Deputy Minister about recruitment for employment in Israel, noting strong interest among youth and reports of irregularities, corruption and political interference. He sought clarification on whether the Ministry had identified such issues and what corrective measures were being taken. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) Read →