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- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the Customs Officers’ Association first raised concerns regarding the container issue, after which he and others brought it to attention. He called for those who ordered the releases of the containers to be questioned. Procedural: Questions of Privilege and Parliamentary Conduct Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that national security concerns relating to allegedly risky released containers should be investigated by questioning those responsible for their release, including the relevant Ministers. He said MPs who raised the issue should not be the first to be summoned, as their role was to highlight the potential threat. Procedural: Questions of Privilege and Parliamentary Conduct Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the basis for the Government’s guaranteed price of Rs. 120 per kilogram, asking whether it had been set without data from relevant institutions. He requested that, if such data already exist, they be tabled in Parliament. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Paddy Purchase, Rice Import, Horticultural Crops; Question of Privilege Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya responded to a question on CIABOC action relating to complaints from 2015–2019, stating that 157 cases were filed during 2020–2024 against politicians and public officials. She said 65 cases had been concluded, three cases had been withdrawn, and detailed lists of case outcomes and reasons for withdrawals had been tabled. Oral Question: CIABOC Cases Against Politicians (Q.712/2025) Read →
- 9 July 2025 Cases Filed Against Politicians and Public Officials During 2020–2024 by CIABOC: Details AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman asked the Prime Minister to provide details on cases filed by CIABOC from 2020 to 2024 against politicians and public officials concerning alleged fraud, corruption, and murder incidents from 2015 to 2019. He requested the number of cases filed, concluded, and withdrawn, along with identification of the relevant cases, and asked for reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: CIABOC Cases Against Politicians (Q.712/2025) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the 2017 PACS project for five hospitals, valued at USD 33 million, raised serious concerns about its initiation, implementation, and USD 3 million in payments. He noted that audits and Bribery Commission action are ongoing, while hospitals continue CT and MRI services through alternative image-handling methods despite the lack of a functioning PACS. He said the current procurement and contract structure prevents approval of the next payment tranche to the vendor, and that discussions and committee reviews are continuing, though accountability is difficult to determine due to the way the project was executed. Oral Question: National Hospital Kandy (Q.614/2025) Read →
- 8 July 2025 Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB AI summary Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara rejected Opposition allegations about high salt prices, arguing that recent increases were mainly due to severe weather affecting solar salt production and that retail prices were lower than claimed. He said past attempts to reform Lanka Salt Ltd. and expand production had been obstructed under the previous government, and accused the Opposition of using issues such as salt, rice, coconuts and container releases for political purposes after local authority setbacks. He proposed, sarcastically, that the Minister consider a concessional salt ration for Opposition members, while stating that the Government was advancing local development, reducing corruption in imports, and strengthening village-level administration. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran addressed illegal forest clearing at Nedunkeni/Vedi-vaiththakal in the Mahaweli “L” Zone, stating that about 40 acres had been cleared without permission from the Forest Department or any state agency. He said he had inspected the site with local representatives, the public, and police, submitted a field report to the relevant Ministers, and that “A” reports had been filed in court against suspects. He indicated investigations and legal action were underway, while declining to name a suspect because the matter was before court. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath supported approval of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to permit salt imports, citing a decline in domestic production caused by unusually heavy rainfall and changed climatic conditions in Hambantota, which normally supplies about 60 per cent of national salt output. He stated that Sri Lanka’s annual requirement is about 180,000 metric tons and that imports are needed until the expected July–September harvest, estimated at about 50,000 metric tons subject to weather, is processed and ready for market. He defended debating the matter in Parliament as part of democratic decision-making and accused previous administrations of mismanagement and politicization in the salt sector, while saying the Government would consider constructive proposals. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana criticized the handling of salt imports, arguing that delayed action and later permission for unlimited imports by selected companies led to excess stocks and large trader profits while retail prices remained high. He also opposed rice imports during the harvest season, saying they undermine farmers’ ability to sell paddy. He alleged unfair political conduct in local authority formations in Kalutara and questioned the Government’s alliances with controversial political figures, urging it not to abuse its parliamentary mandate. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera accused the Government of failing to uphold the principles of the Right to Information Act, which he said had been supported by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake when in Opposition. He cited the refusal to provide activist Anuruddha Bandara with details of Presidential Media Division staff and the lack of response to his own parliamentary questions on India-Sri Lanka agreements as examples of withheld public information. He questioned whether the Government had changed its stance on transparency and argued that its failure to disclose basic information undermined citizens’ right to know. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s decision to import salt after 16 years, arguing that poor planning and mismanagement allowed domestic production to fall and prices to rise sharply despite existing State and private saltern capacity. He questioned the handling of container releases, Presidential pardons, and alleged passport fraud, accusing the Government of shifting blame to officials. He also opposed the 18% VAT on digital services from 1 October, saying it would affect youth earning online, and urged the Government to regularize rather than remove small tourism-related operators at Galle Face and Weligama while protecting domestic entrepreneurs and livelihoods. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the need to debate salt import licences in an island nation and argued that the country has become dependent on imports for basic goods. He raised allegations regarding the National Lotteries Board Chairman’s conduct and official housing, called for recovery of stamp duties on undervalued land transfers, and demanded action on public security, including the arrest of Ishara Sewwandi and measures against alleged overseas-linked crime networks. He also urged diplomatic action to reduce a potential 44 per cent US tariff on apparel exports, warned of job losses, and said investigations by CIABOC and the CID were creating fear among officials and paralysing public administration. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Minister’s claim that allegations originated from politicians, stating that Customs trade unions and officials first raised them. He said the Opposition had not named individuals and asked why the relevant report, which should identify those involved, had still not been tabled in Parliament. Leader of Opposition Question Period and Points of Order Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s refusal to officially table a report already presented by Hon. Mujibur Rahuman, stating that it contains several disclosures. He asked why the Minister was avoiding his nine questions and sought clarification on whether there was a “mastermind” or multiple masterminds behind the matter. He argued that, since the President appointed the committee, the Government had a responsibility to table its report in Parliament. Leader of Opposition Question Period and Points of Order Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister said officials were allowed to manage Customs container releases at the Port under existing procedures, including risk management, after the Government took office amid congestion. Responding to Opposition allegations of political interference in the release of 323 containers, including references to the Western Province Governor, he stated that a five-member committee appointed by the Finance Ministry Secretary had submitted its report to the Secretary and the President, and denied any political interference or politically motivated release. He said the Government was willing to table the report through proper procedure for Members to examine and discuss, while CID inquiries were also ongoing. Leader of Opposition Question Period and Points of Order Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns over a committee report on the release of 323 import containers without Customs inspection, arguing that its conclusions suggest the process may not have been conducted in good faith. He asked why the full report had not been officially made public, sought details on the containers’ origins, contents, importers, duties, and related releases of “red” and “yellow” containers, and questioned whether ministerial, governmental, or importer pressure was involved. He also requested clarification on actions taken following the committee’s 12 recommendations, the status of investigations and legal proceedings, the Government’s responsibility for possible illegal goods, and proposed policy or legal reforms to prevent recurrence. Leader of Opposition Question Period and Points of Order Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Preliminary inquiries into some projects have been completed and their recommendations are being implemented. Anura Karunathilaka said that if specific details on failed projects are provided, the authorities will reinvestigate, determine whether failures were due to political reasons or administrative inefficiency, and take action based on the findings. Oral Question: Community Water Projects - Costs and Progress Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara raised concerns over longstanding failures in community water projects, noting that many since 2010 have not provided drinking water despite large expenditure on tanks and infrastructure. He called for deeper technical reviews, including possible intervention by a special panel of engineers, and a comprehensive audit and investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds involving local political figures. He asked what swift action would be taken to address both the causes of project failure and the immediate water supply problems now arising. Oral Question: Community Water Projects - Costs and Progress Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary In response to a question on community water projects in the Galle District, Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that annexes provide project details and completion timelines. He said only 9 of 29 projects had completed construction and provided water, with about 593 of the planned 4,887 beneficiary families receiving supply, indicating a low success rate for projects planned and implemented during 2019–2021. He added that while investigations had not established procurement corruption, weaknesses in contract administration involving some community-based organizations and contractors had been identified, with preliminary recommendations to be acted upon. Oral Question: Community Water Projects - Costs and Progress Read →