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- 30 June 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan said Sri Lanka’s economic failures stemmed less from choosing capitalism or socialism than from corruption, waste, mismanagement and discriminatory development, and he welcomed the Fiscal Strategy Statement and action against those accused of looting public assets. He urged the Government to rebuild the economy by reopening and rehabilitating closed industries in the North and East, including the Valachchenai Paper Mill and other factories affected by the war, to create jobs and reduce poverty, especially among female-headed households and migrant workers. He argued that past tax cuts under Gotabaya Rajapaksa caused major revenue losses and called for progressive, strategic economic action at national, provincial and district levels while noting that reported growth had not yet resolved poverty and price instability. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement for 2026–2030, arguing that the Government has restored economic stability after the 2022 bankruptcy through improved fiscal management and renewed investor confidence. He cited growing interest from Tamil diaspora investors in the North, including proposed projects in poultry, export vegetables, coconut cultivation and industrial zones, as evidence of changing conditions. He also addressed the Chemmany mass grave investigations, stating that the Government has allocated funds for excavations, sought forensic support following the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ visit, and is committed to proper inquiries while continuing land releases and infrastructure work in the Northern Province. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. Chandima Weerakkody AI summary Hon. Chandima Weerakkody defended the Presidential committee report on alleged Customs wrongdoing, stating that it was appointed by the President to determine whether misconduct occurred and to recommend corrections if necessary. He urged members not to politicize or prematurely publicize the report before the President acts, contrasting it with past controversies such as the Central Bank bond issue. He argued that the Government should focus on transparent policy, good governance, and democratic reforms rather than what he characterized as sensationalist opposition politics. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchchi AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchchi supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 by linking it to the State Financial Management Act’s requirements for transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline and evidence-based budget oversight. He said the FSS provides Parliament and the public with a five-year fiscal strategy, borrowing and spending parameters, and a basis for assessing performance before the annual Budget. He argued that such a framework would prevent past ad hoc financial mismanagement, including in State-Owned Enterprises and essential imports, and pointed to page 12 of the FSS as setting out revenue measures, expenditure rationalization, SOE reforms or privatizations, prudent development spending and public sector workforce rationalization. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara said the Government Fiscal Strategy Statement for 2026–2030, tabled under the State Financial Management Act, sets out a transparent plan to restore fiscal discipline after bankruptcy. He argued that the Opposition should scrutinize constructively rather than create panic over issues such as US tariffs, fuel supply concerns, or the “323 containers” inquiry, which he said the Government itself initiated. He cited export growth, revenue collection above targets, and medium-term debt and guarantee limits as evidence of progress, presenting the Statement as a practical strategy to strengthen public finance and governance. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about the Chemmani mass grave, stating that around 33 skeletons, including those of children, had been recovered and calling for accountability for alleged wartime crimes while emphasizing that Tamil people seek justice, not separation. He criticized restrictions on access to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights during his visit and said victims’ families were prevented from being heard. He also alleged that he possessed information about the contents and origins of 323 containers, claimed he was facing pressure, legal action, and CID questioning over parliamentary statements, and invoked parliamentary privilege to argue that his speeches should not be investigated outside Parliament. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that his name had been mentioned in relation to the “323 containers” issue and indicated that he had further matters to disclose. He alleged that, after a prior speech in Parliament, the CID summoned and intimidated him, and said he was afraid to speak further. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over the release of 323 import containers allegedly without proper Customs checks and tabled the President-appointed Committee’s report, which he said had not been presented to Parliament despite being submitted on 12 June 2025. He cited findings that Customs procedures were breached, including release of “red” containers without required scanning or physical examination, unauthorized release of “yellow” containers, lack of proper oversight, and removal of two containers before the relevant decision. He questioned why the report had not been published and why the CID and Bribery Commission had not begun inquiries, urging immediate publication and independent investigations while arguing that political responsibility rests with the President as Customs falls under his purview. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne moved a motion seeking cross-party support for the Fiscal Strategy Statement presented under the Public Financial Management Act as a medium-term public finance roadmap for 2026-2030. She said the statement aims to prevent a recurrence of the economic crisis by strengthening transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline and parliamentary oversight under Article 148 of the Constitution. She highlighted targets including maintaining a primary surplus of at least 2.3 per cent of GDP, raising revenue above 15 per cent of GDP from 2026, limiting primary expenditure, reducing public debt below 95 per cent of GDP by 2032, and lowering the overall deficit below 5 per cent by 2028. Procedural: Points of Order and Debate Preparation on Fiscal Strategy Statement Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake referred to the Prime Minister’s statement and reports concerning the Central Bank, comparing its status with the independence demonstrated by the US Federal Reserve Chairman’s appearance before Congress. He asked the Government to consider bringing the Central Bank within Sri Lanka’s framework of independent institutions, noting that it is not currently among the eleven such bodies. Procedural: Points of Order and Debate Preparation on Fiscal Strategy Statement Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna – Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary The Minister said District and Divisional Coordinating Committees currently operate under Circular 02/2021 and are intended to oversee budgetary allocations and improve public service delivery, not to provide political advantage to the Government. He rejected claims that they violate the 13th Amendment, stating that Government and Opposition Members and local authority heads can participate and raise proposals or criticisms. He said his Ministry and the Presidential Secretariat are revising the circular, with Cabinet policy approval, to address concerns raised in the debate and strengthen the legal framework where necessary. Adjournment Motion: District Coordinating Committees - Effectiveness, Accountability and Legal Clarity of Decisions Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper warned that District Coordinating Committees have historically been used as politicized instruments by central governments to retain control in areas where they lacked local or provincial authority, thereby undermining devolved power. While acknowledging positive aspects of the Motion, he called for clear rules on who chairs DCCs and their composition, including Provincial Council members, Chief Ministers, Governors and local authority chairpersons. He also alleged past misuse of DCC and Divisional Coordinating Committee chairmanships by successive governments to influence or attract MPs, and urged caution before strengthening the mechanism. Adjournment Motion: District Coordinating Committees - Effectiveness, Accountability and Legal Clarity of Decisions Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha argued that District and Divisional Coordinating Committees are important forums for addressing public grievances while MPs work in their electorates outside parliamentary sitting days. She said decisions taken after examining issues often lack effective implementation, and supported the Motion as a means to create a follow-up and accountability mechanism for district development decisions. She emphasized that such a mechanism should secure results through proper procedures and respect for officials, rather than through intimidation or political pressure. Adjournment Motion: District Coordinating Committees - Effectiveness, Accountability and Legal Clarity of Decisions Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Supported the Adjournment Motion criticizing District Coordinating Committees, arguing that DCCs lack legal basis in the absence of functioning Provincial Councils, conflict with the 13th Amendment, and have no effective mechanism to implement decisions. Citing issues in Jaffna including sand mining and concerns raised about Tellippalai Base Hospital, he called for a DCC Bill to give such bodies legal authority and requested that a more suitable chair, such as Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy, be appointed for the Jaffna DCC. He also alleged that he had faced attempts to restrict or penalize him for statements made in Parliament, including over “Container 323”, and expressed concern about ongoing legal and investigative actions against him. Adjournment Motion: District Coordinating Committees - Effectiveness, Accountability and Legal Clarity of Decisions Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu seconded the Adjournment Motion on the effectiveness and legal framework for District Coordinating Committee decisions. He said DCCs are intended to resolve district-level development issues by bringing together officials, MPs, the District Secretary and the Governor, and argued that their implementation and monitoring mechanisms should be strengthened through a clearer legal framework. He also called for constructive input from Opposition Members to improve transparency, accountability and development outcomes. Adjournment Motion: District Coordinating Committees - Effectiveness, Accountability and Legal Clarity of Decisions Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy moved an Adjournment Motion raising concerns about the effectiveness, accountability and legal clarity of District Coordinating Committee decisions. He said DCC resolutions are often not monitored, inadequately implemented or disregarded, and that uncertainty over their legal authority weakens accountability among State agencies. He proposed a national monitoring framework with periodic reports to Parliament, a review and possible amendment of the legal framework, oversight by the District Secretary or an independent body, and quarterly implementation reports for MPs. Adjournment Motion: District Coordinating Committees - Effectiveness, Accountability and Legal Clarity of Decisions Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s revenue and import-control measures, arguing that they should be assessed within the broader macroeconomic stabilization programme rather than in isolation. He cited 2025 revenue targets and collection performance by Customs, Inland Revenue and Excise, rejected Opposition claims about vehicle-related tax revenue and investor flight, and said over USD 650 million in FDI had arrived since the Government took office. He said the stamp duty increase applies only to immovable property, restores an earlier rate, and will support Provincial Councils, while stressing that salary payments are separately provided for. He also referred to IMF, Central Bank and Government assessments of economic stabilization, recent growth figures, and the intention to move toward higher growth while eventually concluding the IMF extended facility. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda supported the Orders under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, while criticizing the Opposition for raising unrelated political arguments during the debate. He argued that recent local authority results show growing public support for the National People’s Power and said the Government has begun stabilizing a country it inherited in economic and social crisis. He also said the NPP has plans for youth development, village-level reconstruction, and broader participation in local governance, rejecting claims that support from others in local authorities amounts to political deals. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda stated that he remained in the Chamber because he expected the Deputy Minister to inquire into the matter, and said the document he tabled was produced at the request of Government members. Referring to the previous day’s Hansard, he argued that the individual concerned had served as Director of the Rehabilitation Authority while also chairing the Bribery Commission, but had been seconded and drawn no allowance. He urged Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala to review the Hansard record, while saying the Opposition should not use the matter for false allegations and that the Government should focus on delivering its promises alongside combating corruption. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that the final circular dated 14 June 2025 from the Commissioner of Local Government does not specify whether votes to select provincial chairmen should be by open or secret ballot, but instead directs action according to the Commissioner’s legal powers and responsibilities. He argued that decisions on the voting method fall within the Commissioner’s discretion under the relevant law, and that Members disputing that authority should challenge it in court rather than raising unsupported claims in Parliament. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →