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- 19 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on stamp duty and import/export control regulations, noting that the report was ordered to lie upon the Table. He highlighted issues requiring further examination, including stamp duty on long-term leases, the need to align casino machine imports with forthcoming casino legislation and maintain a separate registry, and possible revenue losses from applying a 15% depreciation allowance to nearly new imported vehicles classified as used. He said a random sample indicated a potential Rs. 257 million revenue loss and that the Committee had requested further study by the Ministry of Finance. Papers Presented Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024, noting that Sri Lanka would recognize specified court judgments from 53 countries, including Australia and Canada. He used the debate to argue that the NPP Government had strengthened law enforcement and ended selective application of justice, contrasting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s conduct with that of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He also defended the NPP’s post-local election conduct, citing its victories in 267 of 340 local bodies and saying secret ballots in council administrations were sought to protect members from intimidation. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed noted the All Ceylon Makkal Congress’s performance in recent local authority elections and argued that the current local election system is flawed, citing alleged political interference in forming a council administration. He questioned whether Opposition-led councils in the North and East would receive government funding and support, stressing that local authorities need resources for roads, preschools, sanitation and livelihood development in war-affected areas. He also requested the Education Minister to issue long-delayed original certificates to over 1,000 teacher trainees from several training colleges, and called for the historic Mannar saltern to be modernized in response to the national salt shortage. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Member clarified that the debate concerned Gazette No. 2429/51, issued under Act No. 49 of 2024, listing 53 countries whose judgments may be recognized, registered and enforced in Sri Lanka, rather than a new Bill. She said the framework would assist Sri Lankans abroad, particularly in matrimonial matters such as divorce, while excluding criminal penalties, taxes, fines and penal orders, and noted safeguards including time limits, objections, appeals, and court powers to set aside registrations. She also responded to Opposition criticism on public service performance, stating that the Government was pursuing economic stabilization, efficiency improvements and anti-corruption action, and called for more responsible conduct by the Opposition in relation to international crises and parliamentary debate. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne defended the NPP’s mandate in the Colombo Municipal Council following controversy over the election of the CMC Mayor, rejecting Opposition claims that combined numbers behind other parties should outweigh the leading party’s result. She argued that Colombo voters chose the NPP to end corruption, inequality, poor housing, neglected canals, and failures in city administration, and highlighted the appointment of Vera Kelly Balthazar as the first NPP Mayor of Colombo. She called for the people’s mandate to be respected and said no one had the right to challenge it. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that, while supporting the recognition of foreign judgments, the Government must also uphold judicial independence and avoid political interference in judicial appointments. He questioned the handling of Justice Bandula Karunarathna’s pre-retirement leave, the appointment of an acting Court of Appeal President, and the repeated non-elevation of Justice Mohamed Laffar to the Supreme Court despite seniority, asking why a recent recommendation for Laffar’s appointment was reportedly withdrawn. He also raised concerns over the implementation of Vesak prison remissions and pardons, citing alleged procedural irregularities and confusion arising from a 1 May 2025 circular, and called for the restoration of proper procedures for general amnesty and prisoner remission. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary The Member spoke during debate on Orders under Act No. 49 of 2024 and referred to recent local authority outcomes, stating that the Government side had secured control of the Colombo, Kolonnawa and Nuwara Eliya municipal councils. He argued that the Opposition’s criticism over the Colombo Municipal Council process was unfounded, citing seat numbers, ward results and a unanimous decision to proceed by secret ballot. He also urged that parliamentary proceedings not be disrupted and linked the local election results to the Government’s broader programme to rebuild the country. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman criticized the Government for allegedly using derogatory rhetoric against the Opposition to distract from its failures over the previous six months. He argued that, despite seeking a mandate for systemic change, the Government had resorted to deal-making politics and had disrespected the voters who supported it. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary A formal Ministry-level inquiry will be conducted into identified inefficiency and lack of transparency. The Minister stated that legal action will be taken against those responsible for any irregularities found. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody asked whether measures could be taken to curb and prevent prolonged illegal activities and inefficiency allegedly committed under former administrations, including former Mayors and councillors. The question was framed as a second supplementary seeking possible action against such conduct. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the new complex has 93 stalls, but serious irregularities have arisen in their leasing, including 32 stalls being used by persons other than the original lessees. He said the Ministry will conduct a formal investigation into how such use was permitted, how money was collected, and whether unrecorded payments occurred, and will take action against those responsible. He also noted that 31 stalls remain unallocated and said past institutional failures and possible irregularities during local authority formations will be examined, with legal action to follow if warranted. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody asked the Minister to identify who allowed the alleged illegal acts to continue and whether legal action would be taken against those responsible. He framed the request as reasonable and sought a direct government response. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody raised a supplementary question about alleged irregularities in the construction and allocation of shops in the Minuwangoda market complex. He said promised shop allocations to former occupants had not been honoured, many shops were closed or occupied by persons other than contracted lessees, and the complex suffered from mismanagement and sanitation problems. He asked which officials allowed these alleged illegal activities to continue and whether legal action would be taken against them. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister stated that route permit issuance had long been affected by corruption and political patronage, and said a full audit of past permits has begun to identify and correct irregularities. He said the current administration will issue no new permits without a tender process, including in response to requests from Members. He invited Members, through Coordinating Committees, to propose new sustainable bus routes, noting that bus imports have been permitted and that around 60–65 viable routes should be identified for tendered permits. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Danushka Ranganath stated that a 15-year issue had been raised at the District Coordinating Committee without receiving a definitive response. He said he would submit the final decision taken there and asked whether the Ministry could intervene to help facilitate a solution. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hector Appuhamy questioned the valuation and payment arrangements for leases and a limestone quarry linked to a locally operating foreign investor, noting concerns over profits being repatriated in dollars. He requested a structured discussion with the cement plant and quarry stakeholders to develop a proper programme, offering support at both district and national levels. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Minister said the question concerns the privatization of the State-owned Puttalam Cement Corporation around 1994–1995, a matter not directly under his purview, and noted that the privatization involved significant irregularities. He explained that agreements with Sri Lanka Railways for the dedicated rail track serving the plant were signed in 1999 with PCCL and later aligned after the company became Holcim Lanka in 2002. He stated that a response from the Ministry of Industries would be appropriate on how to maximize national benefit from the resource. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe – Deputy Minister of Labour AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe criticized the Opposition’s walkout over the Iran–Israel conflict, arguing that it had not used the proper procedure under Standing Order 27(2) and was instead reacting to setbacks in forming local authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council. He alleged inconsistency in Opposition alliances with parties they had previously accused of corruption, and called for investigations into reported losses to the CMC from parking contracts linked to politicians. He said the Government would act impartially, represent all communities, and continue development initiatives in the North, including roads and a proposed international cricket ground in Jaffna. He also supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, stating they would help strengthen sport, discipline, and public health. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that opposition members walked out after the Colombo Mayor election result and were now challenging a process they had accepted before losing. He said the secret ballot had been requested by an opposition councillor and unanimously approved by the Council, and cited Section 66C of the Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, to state that the Provincial Commissioner presides over the first sitting and the mode of election may be decided by members present. He defended the Provincial Commissioner’s conduct, criticized attacks on her after the vote, and said the government would protect public officers who act according to law without fear. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam responded to remarks about his past affiliation with the SLFP, stating that he had never concealed it and rejecting any attempt to portray it as wrongdoing. He contrasted this with government members’ past praise of Mahinda Rajapaksa, urged the Deputy Minister not to engage in “cheap politics,” and referred to their previous cooperation against corruption in the District Development Committee. He also sought additional speaking time, questioning whether he would be interrupted again. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →