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- 17 June 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said the Government’s conduct had led to the NPP failing to secure leadership positions in 11 of 12 local authorities in Batticaloa, despite holding district-level authority. He criticised alleged district-level arrangements between the NPP and the party linked to Pillayan, who is imprisoned in connection with the Easter attacks and other murder allegations, saying ITAK had refused similar offers on principle. He added that his remarks focused on regional development concerns, including opportunities for local youth to participate in international tournaments. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said repeated concerns about LRC lands relate to irregularities involving political actors, some officials, manipulated records, and misuse of LRC funds, including a COPE-revealed loss of about Rs. 350 million on an organic fertilizer project. He also noted excess staff recruitment during election periods and said the Government is investigating complaints, digitizing LRC records, and preparing procedures to regularize operations. He stated that a plan is being developed to use LRC lands for residential, agricultural, and industrial purposes to support the economy and provide proper access and title to the public. Oral Question Q.??/2025: Land Reform Commission Employee Land Grants Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Nishantha Perera asked whether the Ministry has a programme to provide land to vulnerable and landless families, noting that many poor households, including multiple families living together, lack even a small plot of land. He raised the question in the context of concerns that land has been granted to others, including politicians, while many needy families remain without land. Oral Question Q.??/2025: Land Reform Commission Employee Land Grants Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Nishantha Perera asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on whether the Land Reform Commission had granted land to its employees under special privileges, including the number of beneficiaries and the legal basis for such alienations. He requested a full report and asked whether those lands could be sold or transferred, how many had been transferred to third parties, and what action would be taken regarding such sales or transfers. Oral Question Q.??/2025: Land Reform Commission Employee Land Grants Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana paid tribute to the late Kosala Nuwan Jayawira, describing his service as a young left-wing parliamentarian, student leader, environmental advocate, and representative of workers and local communities in Kegalle. He highlighted Jayawira’s work on free education, estate workers’ wages, anti-corruption efforts in local bodies, and his recent role in COPE addressing public finance losses and fraud. He also referred to World Environment Day initiatives in Kegalle, including plans to protect five forest systems and establish a sanctuary for the endemic “Bandula pethiya” fish, presenting these as causes Jayawira had supported. Debate: Votes of Condolence for Four Former MPs Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that ministerial answers to parliamentary questions must reflect the facts as at the date the question was asked. He said that if a dual citizen was serving as an Ambassador at that time, this should have been disclosed, along with any subsequent resignation or removal. He further contended that the Government had avoided addressing a conflict of interest issue and called for any mistake to be acknowledged to prevent recurrence. Oral Question: Ambassadors and High Commissioners with Dual Citizenship Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that information on Ananda Wijepala’s service had previously been disclosed in Parliament and was not new or secret. She clarified that she had not alleged illegality and had only presented records currently held at the Prime Minister’s Office relating to the period of former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. She said those files contain no reference to a vehicle or a Director General post, while noting that some records may have been moved after Wickremesinghe became President. Oral Questions: Second Round Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned whether the Anti-Corruption Committee established under the 2015 Good Governance Government had legal status, noting that cases were filed through it and that some remain active. He referred to the Prime Minister’s information that the committee was not legally established under the PM’s Office and highlighted the involvement of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Ananda Wijepala. He also asked for a response regarding an incident involving a vehicle allegedly driven without permission and involved in an accident. Oral Questions: Second Round Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The response provided details on the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Committee and its Secretariat in 2015 through Cabinet memoranda and decisions, noting that implementation was entrusted to the Secretary to the Prime Minister though they were not explicitly established under the Prime Minister’s Office. It listed the 14 appointed members, reported that 475 complaints and 667 complaints on administrative irregularities had been received, and stated that records at the Prime Minister’s Office do not contain information on cases filed. It further clarified that available records show no post or holder of “Director General” in the Committee or Secretariat, and that relevant annexures were tabled in the Library. Oral Questions: Second Round Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for details on the Anti-Corruption Committee Office established in 2015 under the then Prime Minister’s Office. He requested the relevant Cabinet memorandum and decision, the committee’s membership details, the number of complaints received and cases filed, and the name and address of its Director General. He also asked whether the Minister was aware of an allegation that the Director General had driven a vehicle without permission and caused an accident, and sought reasons if such information was unavailable. Oral Questions: Second Round Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara noted that irregular practices occur within Sri Lanka Customs, citing instances where imported chocolates are allegedly relabelled or renamed and sold locally. He raised this as an example of issues requiring attention in customs oversight and enforcement. Procedural and Oral Question: Airport and Aviation Services and Standing Orders Clarification Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake rejected allegations by a trade union and said the procurement of diesel straddle carriers involved fraud, leading to legal action and the inability to import 15 units. He stated that a USD 18 million tender was revived and signed shortly before the 2024 Presidential Election under the previous administration, but was later cancelled on Attorney General’s advice, with fresh Cabinet approval obtained and new tenders now being called. He added that port equipment must be built to order, that the Colombo East Terminal work has now begun after delays since 2023 with completion expected around 2027, and that no new port workers have been recruited while the Government seeks to address operational shortcomings. Oral Question: Major Ports Revenue and Expenditure (Q.95/2024) Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake clarified that customs duties collected on containers are not part of Sri Lanka Ports Authority revenue, which consists of port service charges such as handling fees, and said Cabinet has received a proposal to revise port service tariffs unchanged since 2022. He rejected claims that containers are released through political or official influence and stated that the CID is investigating the publicly discussed case of 323 containers. He also said investigations have begun into large-scale corruption at the Port and related individuals. Oral Question: Major Ports Revenue and Expenditure (Q.95/2024) Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri cited the Minister’s figures showing 2024 port revenue of LKR 99 billion and expenditure of LKR 56 billion, and argued that the State is losing revenue from containers released without proper payment of port charges and customs duties. He alleged that such releases occur through influence and bypass Customs inspections, and asked whether the Minister has identified these practices and will take action against those responsible, regardless of rank. Oral Question: Major Ports Revenue and Expenditure (Q.95/2024) Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe — Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development AI summary The Minister said Dedicated Economic Centres are operating inconsistently, with only 14 of 18 functioning and some managed by Provincial Councils outside a unified system. He stated that although about Rs. 1.4 billion in public funds had been spent on these centres, revenue was not being returned to the Treasury due to varied trust-based collection practices. He announced Cabinet approval to regularize the centres through a Management Board and government company, introduce real-time digital price displays, adjust operating hours, and work with transporters to reduce delays, damage, and market costs. Oral Question: Dedicated Economic Centres (Q.12/2024) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the National Transport Commission’s School and Rural Services are being subsidized by Rs. 1.5–2.0 billion annually for routes where private buses are not viable, and asked Members to identify underserved localities while the Government works to improve reimbursement rates. He noted that 500 SLTB buses are being repaired, with about 300 already deployed, and invited proposals for feasible new inter-regional routes that reduce reliance on Colombo and other hubs. He also outlined action on unsafe railway level crossings, elephant-train collisions through visibility, signage and sensor pilots, and said the Government would address corruption in transport agencies, citing recent arrests at the Department of Motor Traffic. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims by SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman that NPP councillors would support the SJB mayoral candidate for the Colombo Municipal Council, stating that the NPP would not enter such arrangements and referring to bribery complaints against the candidate. On the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, she said it would strengthen the NTC’s regulatory powers over public transport, including buses, school and office services, three-wheelers, fares, permits, technology use, and passenger and road safety standards. She argued that long-delayed regulatory reforms had contributed to transport sector problems and road safety costs, and framed the Bill as a corrective measure. She also cited the SriLankan Airlines Airbus procurement case as an example of corruption and weak enforcement imposing continuing public costs. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill while highlighting serious operational shortages at the Polonnaruwa SLTB depot, including the need for drivers, conductors, buses, and restored expressway services. He urged additional bus services for Welikanda, Aralaganwila, Dimbulagala, and Kaju Watta, citing schoolchildren and rural residents affected by inadequate transport. He also called for better treatment of returning migrant workers at the airport and questioned the cost, age, and seating configuration of a newly leased aircraft. He further requested accountability over a reported tender involving the removal of fuel storage tanks at Kaduruwela, asking who authorized it and whether public assets had been undervalued. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan welcomed amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that reforms are needed to reduce delays, corruption and malpractice in transport administration, including route permits, driver licensing, road works and procurement. He urged action on an alleged Rs. 760 million fraud in the Batticaloa–Trincomalee road rehabilitation tender, the recovery of misused public funds, and the prompt appointment of qualified Road Development Authority engineers following completed interviews. He requested phased rehabilitation and construction of several bridges in Batticaloa to improve connectivity across the lagoon, asked for restoration of the previous Colombo–Batticaloa rail timetable to suit onward commuters, and also called for expedited appointments to fill the shortage of school principals. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake moved the Second Reading of a Bill to amend the National Transport Commission Act, No. 37 of 1991, describing it as the Government’s first major transport Bill and a long-overdue update to the framework for regulating passenger transport. He said the National Transport Commission’s role would be broadened beyond inter-provincial private bus route permits to cover three-wheelers, school vans, office transport and other road-based passenger services, with transparent tender-based route allocation, enforceable safety standards and penalties. Referring to the Gerandigala bus tragedy and recent inspections that found unfit long-distance buses, he said the Bill would support nationwide vehicle inspections and standards for long-distance buses and rest facilities. He also identified the transferability of route permits during fleet ownership changes as an issue to be addressed through the amendments. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →