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- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that building the promised production economy requires coordinated investment from the Government, private sector, foreign investors, and domestic sources. He argued that stronger transparency and governance processes would help reduce the country’s risk premiums, citing the Central Bank’s recent announcement that rates had fallen further as evidence of improvement. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the repeal of the Foreign Loans Act, linking it to Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and the transition to the Public Debt Management Act enacted in 2024. He argued that past governments misused borrowing powers, citing the bond scam and debt in state institutions such as SriLankan Airlines as examples of weak governance and corruption. He said the 18-month transition would move debt management functions from the Central Bank to the new Public Debt Management Office, which must be equipped with adequate capacity, integrity and technology. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the reported shortage of table salt and conditions at the Elephant Pass and Paranthan salterns in the Northern Province. He alleged politicized management changes, transfers of experienced staff, worker protests, Police-assisted evictions, and reduced production, and asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to clarify the renaming of “Elephant Pass Salt” as “Raja Salt,” current production levels, and whether Cabinet had approved salt imports. He urged the Government to meet the workers, address their demands, restore normal salt production, and ensure dignified treatment and basic facilities for employees. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of a regulation under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends the limits for the Bribery Commission’s escrow account used for bribery entrapment operations, increasing the maximum expenditure limit from Rs. 50 million to Rs. 150 million and setting no limits on receipts, debit balances, or liabilities, with validity up to 31 December 2024. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma supported the legislation as part of the Government’s commitment to make business easier, reduce corruption, and introduce digital processes in certification and related agency transactions, including the use of email. He argued that conflict-of-interest disclosures must be accompanied by ethical conduct, criticized past conduct linked to the Central Bank Bond inquiry, and said the Government would engage credible private sector and business expertise in national economic development. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned procurement and governance decisions related to power generation and the e-NIC project, alleging possible conflicts of interest and large-scale corruption. He argued that a purported dual-fuel power plant was operating on diesel at far higher unit costs than claimed, and called for scrutiny of CEB leadership and board interests. He also opposed the Cabinet decision to buy 15 million polycarbonate e-NIC cards, saying it duplicated the India-funded Unique ID initiative and that cheaper PVC cards would suffice if cards were needed. While supporting funding for the Bribery Commission, he urged it to investigate major procurement-related conflicts of interest, not only smaller bribery cases. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva noted support for increasing the Bribery Commission’s advance payment facility for undercover operations from Rs. 50 million to Rs. 150 million, but argued that anti-corruption action must also address larger procurement and conflict-of-interest issues. He questioned the lack of follow-up on the Committee on Public Finance report on the e-Visa outsourcing process, including the pending forensic audit and accountability for alleged non-competitive procurement and excessive charges. He also raised concerns about conflict-of-interest standards in public appointments, including the reported Auditor-General nomination and roles in state enterprises, and queried the basis for reducing rooftop solar tariffs when a Cabinet paper cited a much higher levelized cost for the Sobadanavi power plant. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Padmasiri Bandara defended the Government during debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and proposals under the Disposals Act, arguing that current shortages and industrial issues, including salt storage and factory closures, were the result of decades of previous administrations’ policies. He rejected Opposition criticism of the NPP/JVP, war-hero commemorations, job losses, and allegations against Minister Sunil Handunnetti, saying the Government would honour service personnel, not sell national assets, and pursue past corruption. He asked that the Government be judged after its full term rather than after six months, while stating it would leave office if it could not deliver. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned who leads the NPP and urged its members to clarify responsibility for policy positions, warning them not to become an appendage of the JVP. He criticized the Government’s handling of shortages of essentials such as salt, rice, and coconuts after six months in office, and called on NPP members to work with the SJB to develop a fair and practical programme. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government over reported salt shortages and queues, alleging the existence of salt, container, and rice “mafias” and accusing ministers of failing to act after criticizing such issues while in Opposition. He urged Minister Sunil Handunnetti to hand over salt distribution or management to capable private traders, naming Raigam as an example, and questioned routing decisions involving Hambantota and Puttalam. He also called on the Minister of Justice to establish a process to investigate and act against alleged corrupt dealings, including those involving Government-aligned persons. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized members of the NPP, alleging inconsistency between their anti-corruption statements and their associations with individuals they accused, including in relation to the Central Bank issue. He also disputed claims that the rice shortage or price problem had been resolved, stating that rice and coconut prices remained high and that people were reducing consumption out of necessity rather than due to government success. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri alleged that low-cost imported salt, like earlier white-onion stocks handled through Sathosa, was being channelled through private companies and resold to the public at much higher prices. He questioned why consumers were paying Rs. 350–400 when costs were far lower, and warned the Government not to repeat practices it had previously accused traders and past regimes of using. He also urged honest members in government to prevent such alleged profiteering and misconduct. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and amendments to the Disposal of Property Act, arguing that import controls, especially for vehicles, should address forged documentation, customs abuses, and delays through more credible online verification systems. He said the amendments relating to escrow funds under the Bribery or Corruption Commission were needed to adjust financial thresholds in light of increased complaints. He also responded to Opposition criticism over war heroes, government spending, and shortages of salt and other commodities, asserting that the Government had provided tangible benefits to veterans and that recent shortages were temporary and worsened by hoarding and Opposition-aligned business interests. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary The Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the Government’s phased relaxation of import restrictions, including vehicle imports, and said the recent salt shortage was a temporary result of weather and climate conditions affecting natural salt production, not Government policy. He stated that the Minister had inspected Puttalam salterns, promised support to increase production, and that imports were arranged to ensure supply during the New Year period. He also rejected Opposition allegations of vote-buying in Puttalam local authorities, accusing Opposition parties of money politics and electoral malpractice, and said the NPP had won local support without such practices. He added that the Government was working to resolve issues relating to reopening the Puttalam–Mannar road for displaced persons and expected progress within the year. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticised the Government for allegedly engaging in traditional political bargaining to form local authorities despite its large mandate and promises to change political culture. He urged electoral reforms to prevent money-based competition and crossovers, and called for a more serious economic and governance approach rather than what he described as symbolic austerity. He also raised concerns about treatment of war veterans, the President’s messaging on national reconciliation, and investor confidence, citing the planned closure of a NEXT apparel factory in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe defended the Government’s position on war remembrance, accusing sections of the Opposition of politicizing the status of “war heroes” while having previously failed to protect the dignity of military personnel. She stated that all who died in the war, from the North, South and East, should be recognized equally, and said the Government’s objective is to prevent renewed conflict and build national prosperity. Turning to the debate, she supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, noting that Gazette Extraordinary No. 2428/07 appoints Bureau Veritas as an inspection agent for vehicle imports from Japan to reduce delays, demurrage and added retail costs. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported approval of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, stating that vehicle import measures are intended to prioritize essential passenger transport vehicles and improve productivity. He argued that imports remain necessary alongside exports, while reforms are needed to reduce abuse and corruption in import processes. He also defended the Government’s decision to end MPs’ vehicle permits and responded to Opposition criticisms regarding war remembrance, presidential remarks, and claims of political “experience.” Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to vehicle imports and LC document exchanges, arguing that they would address documentation irregularities and delays through pre-shipment inspection and online verification involving Bureau Veritas. He said the measures were necessary following the restart of vehicle imports after a long suspension, with many vehicles in the import pipeline. He also referred to proposed adjustments to deposit and advance account limits for several state institutions to support operations, investigations, and anti-corruption efforts. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna denied that he sought anyone’s removal on the basis of being from Kilinochchi, explaining that objections concerned a transfer process involving a manager from Elephant Pass to Mannar and the subsequent appointment of a trade union-linked person. He said people protested that process and rejected accusations of racism, noting that his wife is Sinhalese. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti welcomed the Member’s reference to the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act and said all Members should act in accordance with it. He stated that minutes of discussions with employees had been tabled, noting demands including restrictions on transferring salt to other areas and replacing a manager on the basis that he was from Kilinochchi rather than Jaffna. He rejected such discrimination as unacceptable. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →