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- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is investigating the reported loss of USD 2.5 million to determine whether it resulted from negligence or fraud, and rejected claims that it was being concealed. He outlined a timeline of action, including detection on 22 March, a complaint on 24 March, internal audit measures, notification of the Financial Intelligence Unit and SLCERT, police reporting to court, interdiction of four officers, and cooperation with Australian and US authorities. He contrasted this response with alleged past financial losses under previous administrations, stating that the current Government is also investigating those matters and has filed cases, including in relation to Greek Bonds. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna alleged that USD 2.5 million in public funds had been lost and said attempts were made to conceal the matter from Parliament and the Committee on Public Finance. He argued that the Treasury and relevant Finance Ministry authorities failed to report irregularities despite warning signs, and questioned compliance with Financial Regulations. He called for a fair and thorough investigation, including into doubts surrounding a related death, and warned that the loss would ultimately be borne by citizens through taxation. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said investigations are ongoing into the alleged diversion of USD 2.5 million intended for Export Finance Australia during bilateral debt restructuring payments, and into a related attempted email-based interference in an Indian EXIM Bank payment stream. He outlined the payment-processing chain, the detection of a suspicious email anomaly on 22 March, subsequent notifications to SLCERT, the CID and cybercrime authorities, the appointment of a technical committee, and the transfer and interdiction of several officers connected to the process. He rejected claims of government complicity and other alleged financial irregularities as misinformation, stating that findings would be presented to Parliament after law enforcement and technical inquiries conclude. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper objected to the Speaker’s earlier interpretation of Standing Order 19, arguing that written notice and prior permission were not required once 20 Members sought the debate. He alleged serious negligence by Ministry of Finance officials in a USD 2.5 million transaction, saying fraudulent emails from a non-government domain were mistaken for official Australian export finance communications, and called for accountability from the Minister of Finance. He asked whether the public funds were lost through negligence or theft, characterizing any negligence as criminal, while also referring to the death of a senior officer connected to the matter. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the approval of four rules and orders under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021, stating that despite earlier criticisms of the project, the Government’s responsibility is now to regularize and continue it while preventing future irregularities. He cited measures including flexible use of the USD 2,000 duty-free allowance and labour arrangements tailored to Port City operations. He also responded to Opposition criticism over May Day events, corruption cases, and alleged frauds, asserting that pending investigations and court matters should proceed through proper legal and institutional processes. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns over alleged fraudulent foreign debt-related remittances, stating that US$25 million had been sent to a wrong account in ten instances and questioning whether required financial laws, regulations, and procedures were followed. He criticized delays in informing Parliament and the Treasury Secretary’s initial refusal to appear before COPF, and called for details on the death of an interdicted officer and subsequent Treasury staff changes. He demanded that the Government present comprehensive facts to Parliament and clarify accountability for the loss, rejecting any attempt to attribute responsibility solely to a hacker. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that amendments are needed to make Port City activities more accountable while encouraging exports, manufacturing, and foreign investment. He contrasted the Government’s economic approach with alleged mismanagement by previous administrations, citing a Supreme Court judgment holding former leaders and officials responsible for the economic crisis. He presented 2025 economic indicators, including increased investment, GDP growth, low inflation, higher remittances, tourism arrivals, reserves, and a primary surplus, as evidence of recovery and prudent fiscal management. He also referred to a recent peace march and called for Opposition support in building a humane and economically stable country. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said Opposition MPs had sought time to debate alleged Treasury irregularities, particularly the reported disappearance of US$2.5 million, and demanded full disclosure to Parliament. He linked the issue to the appointment of a former MP rather than a career official as Treasury Secretary, questioned allegations about the Secretary’s past dual citizenship, and argued that experienced public officers should not be sidelined. He also referred to the Port City regulations, defending the project he said was initiated under President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and criticized the Government’s May Day messaging and timing of fuel price increases. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended amendments to the Port City framework, stating they are intended to ensure accountability to Parliament, align with international free zone standards, and promote commerce through duty-free measures such as extending the US$2,000 purchase window. He cited investment leads, approved projects, growth, inflation, BOI inflows, private sector credit, and tax-to-GDP figures to argue that the economy is stabilising under current policies, while describing the merger of SSCL for financial services into a single levy as tax simplification. He also said corruption investigations are proceeding through strengthened institutions without political interference, and asserted that investment outcomes are expected in 2026-27 despite global challenges. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of Port City, arguing that while it now supports the project it previously opposed, it has failed to create a clear, transparent, transaction-focused policy framework to attract investors and compete with regional financial hubs. He raised allegations of financial mismanagement, including wrong payments involving a private bank, the Postal Department, the RDA, fuel imports, and coal procurement, and questioned why investigations and accountability measures had not followed. He also objected to the appointment of political coordinators to Divisional Secretariats, suggesting data misuse risks, and urged the Foreign Minister to intervene over a Sri Lankan fisherman from Jaffna allegedly attacked by Indian fishermen and hospitalized in Chennai. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera supported the regulations and orders under the Port City Act, noting that the State Minister had explained the investment needs, legal issues and related tasks. He rejected Opposition allegations of corruption, including claims linked to a US$2.5 million Treasury payment, coal procurement and taxation, and urged those making accusations to present evidence through proper investigations. He argued that the financial services VAT and SSCL changes merely consolidated existing levies into a 20.5 per cent charge and said the Government would follow due process. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister said the incident discovered on 23 March was reported to the CID and remains under investigation, so the Government would present details to Parliament only once adequate quantitative and verified information is available. He said questions about officer involvement, prior knowledge, and internal controls are still being examined, and there was therefore no immediate requirement for an earlier statement. Addressing public suspicion, he stated that reports indicate a suicide and cautioned against unverified claims, clarifying that the written complaint was lodged by the Director-General of the ERD. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Debt Service Payment and Central Bank Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government on alleged erroneous debt service payments, including a reported USD 2.5 million loss, a USD 600,000 issue involving the US Postal Service, possible double payments under Aswasuma, and missing promissory notes related to a French loan. He requested a detailed account of the standard debt payment process, responsible institutions and officers, the dates and actions taken under relevant Financial Regulations and the Payment Devices Frauds Report Act, and why Parliament was not informed earlier. He also asked about verification failures in changing payment details following a fake email, the timing and details of any CID or legal complaints, the status of law enforcement proceedings, and whether the incident constitutes a technical default under the IMF programme. He further questioned whether a fair investigation is possible while the Secretary to the Treasury and other responsible officers remain in office. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Debt Service Payment and Central Bank Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns that state debt settlement funds had allegedly been paid to a party other than the creditor, citing Parliament’s control over public finance under Article 148 of the Constitution. He requested detailed information on the legal framework and institutional responsibilities for managing domestic and foreign public debt, including changes following the State Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024. He also asked for confirmed dates of the 10 payments reported to the Committee on Public Finance, through which USD 2.5 million was said to have been lost. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Debt Service Payment and Central Bank Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the allocation of a Ministerial Official Residence to the Speaker’s Private Secretary, citing a Public Administration Ministry advertisement regarding remaining residences for retail leasing. He referred to the Minister of Finance’s stated position that public resources should not be used unnecessarily and asked why such a residence had been granted in this case. Oral Question Q.6: Speaker's Personal Staff, Vehicles and Official Residence Read →
- 5 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the Central Bank has separate investigative units for banking and non-bank financial activities, but microfinance providers currently operate under varied registration statuses or outside existing legal frameworks. He said the newly established Microfinance Regulatory Authority will bring all non-bank microfinance activities under oversight, enabling supervision and intervention. Oral Question Q.2 (361/2024): The Finance Company - Liquidation and Compensation to Depositors Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about the collapse of The Finance Company, alleging that despite assets exceeding liabilities when the Central Bank intervened in 2008, subsequent actions led to insolvency and losses for depositors. He questioned the mobilization of nearly Rs. 950 million in new deposits before the licence cancellation in 2019, alleged possible misuse of company funds and assets, and argued that insurance payouts did not amount to full repayment of depositors’ money. He requested the Government to intervene beyond the existing liquidation process, appoint a commission or new committee, and provide relief and justice to affected depositors. Oral Question Q.2 (361/2024): The Finance Company - Liquidation and Compensation to Depositors Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake opposed the no-confidence motion, stating that the Government had reviewed the relevant tender process and found no procedural lapse or corruption involving Minister Jayakody, while acknowledging public concern and a separate pending court matter relating to Jayakody’s earlier official role at Lanka Fertilizer. He said the President would appoint a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry, comprising sitting Supreme Court Justices, to examine the entire coal procurement process since 2009, covering around 465 shipments. Rathnayake argued that any wrongdoing found—whether by the Minister or by previous officeholders—should lead to legal consequences, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting its anti-corruption mandate. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the matter should be properly checked, arguing that the actions taken indicate an effort to verify or corroborate the issue rather than pursue any corrupt objective. He maintained that, if there had been corrupt intent, the conduct would have reflected that, whereas the evidence suggested the opposite. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake argued that allegations of wrongdoing in a coal procurement matter were not supported by the conduct described in the relevant report. He said that, after concerns arose, samples were tested not only at a mutually agreed Indonesian laboratory proposed by the supplier but also at a recognized Australian laboratory, indicating additional independent verification rather than a cover-up. He also stated that the registration timeline for coal suppliers did not show preferential treatment, as all bidding companies were registered around 18–19 August rather than any alleged favoured company being expedited. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →