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- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala alleged irregularities in the “Siriliya Saviya” bank account associated with Shiranthi Rajapaksa, citing alleged false information, missing mandate documents, suspended transactions, and balances and transaction totals under investigation. He stated that the Criminal Investigation Department had investigated the matter but that the file was now with the Attorney General’s Department, and demanded that the investigations be resumed under the National People’s Power Government. 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 cited several alleged Rajapaksa-related corruption cases, stating that Rs. 1,528 million from the CSN case was credited to the Treasury, Rs. 35 million was taken from the Urban Development Authority for the construction of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s parents’ tombs, and Rs. 208 million was recovered in relation to Basil Rajapaksa’s Malwana house. He argued that these recoveries indicate a substantial total amount linked to corruption allegations and referred to documents concerning the “Siriliya Saviya” account. 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 rejected allegations raised by another Member and argued that a previous commission targeting Ananda Wijepala and Anura Kumara Dissanayake was politically motivated and intended to remove their civic rights. He stated that the Court of Appeal and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings rendered that commission unlawful or inoperative, vindicating those targeted. He also questioned recoveries to the Treasury arising from Bribery Commission investigations involving the Rajapaksa family and referred to CSN ownership in that context. 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 - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to allegations raised by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda regarding payments made to Mr. Ananda Wijepala when he served as Director of the Secretariat of the Committee on Eradication of Corruption. Citing the tabled documents and appointment letter, he stated that the cited Rs. 1.2 million amounted to Rs. 45,115 per month over 30 months and consisted of allowances, including a telephone allowance and fuel entitlement, while the officer’s regular salary continued to be paid by his ministry. He argued that the same documents showed similar allowance arrangements for other officials and challenged those making allegations to remain in the Chamber to hear the response. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported the updates to stamp duty and import-export control regulations, framing them within the Government’s wider economic and administrative programme. He argued that the NPP’s consolidation of control in local authorities reflected public confidence and denied any political deals, saying the Government’s commitment was to national rebuilding and development. He also raised allegations of police misconduct in a narcotics-related incident, calling for action against unlawful and corrupt officers while criticizing related media reporting and expressing regret for any misunderstanding. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando defended the increase in stamp duty under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and related regulations, arguing that the NPP Government would manage tax revenue prudently and direct benefits to the public. She contrasted this with alleged misuse of public funds and tax benefits under previous administrations, including at local authorities, and rejected Opposition criticism regarding taxation and local council control. She also stated that the Government works cooperatively with public officials and would continue its programme despite Opposition challenges. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the NPP’s formation of administrations in local authorities after the recent elections, arguing that support from independents or individual members of other parties reflected the public mandate and was not “deal politics.” He contrasted this with alleged Opposition party arrangements and disciplinary action against councillors, and said the NPP’s approach was to use democratic means to advance its political programme. He also cited economic indicators, including current account surpluses, tourism growth, remittance increases and a lower policy rate, to argue that stability and growth were emerging under the Government. He criticised Opposition figures for earlier defending Keheliya Rambukwella over the fake drug import issue and urged patience for the Government to implement its policies. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized NPP MPs from Jaffna over unreleased lands, saying that as Government members they should facilitate access directly rather than petition the President, and raised complaints from unemployed University of Jaffna graduates regarding alleged unfulfilled election promises on appointments. He alleged inaction on corruption complaints involving Northern hospitals, including Jaffna Teaching Hospital and Chavakachcheri Base Hospital, and called for proper financial statements on Patients’ Welfare Society funds and donated medical equipment rather than only internal audits. He also raised concerns about deaths and alleged medical negligence at Mannar, Dickoya, and Jaffna hospitals, and described his earlier efforts at Chavakachcheri to expose missing donated equipment and inadequate hospital facilities. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage spoke during debate on an Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, but focused mainly on local authority control and the Government’s broader mandate. He argued that where the National People’s Power has won the majority of wards, it should form administrations to implement Government programmes, and accused the Opposition of attempting to distort local council outcomes for political advantage. He also defended the Government’s economic record, citing recovery from negative growth in 2022 and 2023, and stated that corruption had been curbed and legal processes were proceeding against those responsible. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Orders and Regulations, including the revision of the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, and argued that the Government is pursuing economic recovery through investment, reserve growth and public administration reform. He rejected Opposition allegations of political deals and selective anti-corruption action, stating that the NPP Government would protect public officers acting lawfully while proceeding against corruption regardless of political affiliation. He urged MPs alleging bribery in local councils to complain to the Bribery Commission, defended officials such as Mahinda Siriwardana, and said disputed claims about CIABOC salaries had already been clarified. He also tabled documents concerning a former SriLankan Airlines officer seconded to the Presidential Secretariat and requested that they be placed in the Library, linking the matter to broader allegations of misuse and money laundering. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara alleged that the Government was using threats and political deals to secure local authority positions, citing the Galle Municipal Council and Medawachchiya Pradeshiya Sabha, and claimed officials and members were being pressured or induced to influence outcomes. He said the Opposition had acted openly in uniting against harmful government decisions, unlike what he described as government manipulation of procedures. He also raised concerns over dairy production, fertilizer pricing and availability, including urea packaging and import risks due to regional conflict, and asked for a contingency plan to protect farmers and the dairy sector. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara opposed the proposed doubling of stamp duty, arguing it would burden land purchasers and small businesses at a time when the private sector is under pressure. He criticized import policy as inconsistent, citing onion imports affecting Anuradhapura farmers and traders, earlier rice import duties, and the differing treatment of petrol and diesel engine imports. He also questioned government claims of anti-corruption, referring to allegations involving a government MP’s intervention in an illicit liquor case. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera spoke in support of the government during debate on an Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that the NPP inherited a bankrupt economy and has restored stability and reserves. He rejected Opposition claims that industries are collapsing and alleged political “deals” in local authorities, citing recent local election gains including Colombo and Galle. He criticized previous administrations for factory closures, tax concessions to associates, unpaid tax arrears, and conduct that he said damaged tourism and investment, while stating that the current government is rebuilding public and investor trust. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika addressed Opposition criticism of the NPP forming local authority administrations with support from other members after the 06 May 2025 local government elections. He argued that, having won the largest number of councils and being short of a majority in some, the NPP was entitled to seek support from individual councillors to establish administrations, while accusing the SJB, UNP and SLPP of forming post-election coalitions to block NPP chairmanships. He cited examples such as Colombo MC, Kuliyapitiya PS and Udubaddawa PS to argue that allowing parties with smaller vote shares to combine after the election and take control would undermine the electoral mandate. 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 Hon. Chanaka Madugoda opposed the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that increased stamp duties would burden tenants, lower-middle-income households, and small businesses operating on leased premises. He also responded to a prior allegation concerning Hon. Namal Rajapaksa by tabling CIABOC Secretariat records which he said showed payments made to Hon. Ananda Wijepala. He further raised concerns about alleged politicization of the National Youth Services Council and requested that trained probationary officers in the youth sector be absorbed to strengthen NYSC operations. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to retain the Simplified VAT mechanism for exporters, arguing that its removal would harm cash flow in apparel, coconut, rubber, tea and other export sectors already facing post-COVID and supply pressures. He requested tax relief and incentives for pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone, citing progress toward domestic production and exports. He also criticized the Government’s lack of local development and questioned its local council alliances, specifically calling for action on complaints and reports relating to the Kurunegala Municipal Council Deputy Mayor. He further asked the Minister of Power and Energy about delays in the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW solar project and the next Kerawalapitiya power project stage, saying stalled decision-making was holding back national progress. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said investor confidence had improved since the 2022 protests, citing Sri Lanka’s hosting of cross-border listing and actuarial conferences with foreign participation. He attributed progress to anti-corruption efforts, digitization, administrative efficiency, reduced political interference in public institutions, and faster implementation. He also referred to strengthened social protection, higher elders’ allowances, additional support for schoolchildren, and assistance to farmers and fishing communities, stating that delivery would continue to be strengthened. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna denied allegations that he had acquired property through illicit enrichment, stating that his assets came from family inheritance and that a family petrol shed existed before his birth. He called for lawful investigations and enforcement against any politician who has illicitly earned property, but urged an end to publishing unverified lists that damage reputations. He requested the Speaker’s protection, saying he would cooperate with any investigation. Personal Explanation - Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. [Unnamed Member] AI summary Asked the Prime Minister, as Minister in charge of Constitutional Affairs, to clarify the number and status of Sri Lanka’s independent commissions, including those established under Article 41B. The member questioned whether these commissions have adopted Standard Operating Procedures for matters such as recruitment, discipline, complaints and public engagement, whether such procedures are public or approved by Parliament, and what oversight exists to ensure consistency and transparency. The member also requested information on planned steps and timelines where SOPs are absent, and asked whether the Government would table them in Parliament to strengthen accountability, including clarifying whether commissions are accountable to Parliament or the President. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Constitutional Commissions (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) to the Prime Minister regarding the Constitutional Council’s role under Article 41B, as amended by the 21st and 22nd Amendments. He noted that the Council is responsible for recommending members to independent commissions that support integrity, transparency and accountability in public administration, and began listing ten such commissions, including the Election Commission, Public Service Commission and National Police Commission. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Constitutional Commissions (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →