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- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Sunil Handunnetti responded to an Opposition member by questioning claims that monopolies had been dismantled, citing Raigam’s continued dominance as evidence to the contrary. He argued that the conditions enabling such market concentration were established during the period when the Opposition had been in government in 1997. 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 12,450 metric tonnes of salt had been imported, and the Minister outlined the ownership history of Puttalam Salt Limited from its 1997 lease to a consortium of cooperative and banking institutions. He said subsequent share acquisitions by Raigam Group created a controlling interest and led to the establishment of Raigam Wayamba Salterns PLC beside Puttalam Salt Limited, raising legal and conflict-of-interest concerns due to overlapping directors. He stated that the issue, enabled by successive administrations since 1997, had resulted in market power that needed to be addressed, with the process expected to conclude in about two years. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized the Government’s handling of the presentation of Import and Export Control Regulations, arguing that such motions should be introduced by the responsible Minister, Deputy Minister, or Leader of the House to allow Opposition scrutiny and accountable answers. Referring to IMF and World Bank expectations on anti-corruption and governance, he questioned the recent importation of salt from India amid a domestic shortage, alleging that delays, licensing practices, and possible preferential treatment had enabled a “salt mafia.” He said Puttalam produces about half of Sri Lanka’s salt, yet shortages and price increases from around Rs. 130 to Rs. 350 per packet had burdened consumers, and called for investigation, early State monitoring, and timely policy action to prevent manipulation. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage raised a supplementary question about the demolition of the century-old Deiyandara Primary School, stating that all 11 buildings had been removed without a plan. He alleged that roofing sheets, timber and iron pipes worth Rs. 40–50 million were unaccounted for and may have been distributed or sold through political associates. He asked whether the Urban Development Authority, which had been entrusted with the land and buildings, would conduct a proper investigation and take action regarding the removal. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary A takeover conducted under the Ministry’s EHO charters was initially considered procedurally proper, but beneficiaries have since complained that it was not carried out correctly. An investigation has been initiated, and further action will depend on its findings. Oral Question: Takeover of Community Water Supply Centres by NWSDB (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla alleged procedural irregularities and malpractice in the handling of a land matter involving farmer organizations in Badulla. He said a letter indicating that the organizations agreed to construct a building and had funds was suppressed, while another letter claimed they lacked funds and recommended the land be taken back by the State. He requested that all activities on the land be halted, a preliminary investigation be conducted, and the land be re-granted to the farmer organizations. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla alleged that valuable state land originally intended for an agricultural equipment sales centre in the Girandurukotte/Mahiyanganaya area had been transferred through political influence rather than tender or auction. He questioned how land worth an estimated Rs. 300–400 million was registered to the 82-year-old father of a former UNP Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, despite stated criteria focusing on economic production capacity, and requested an investigation into the alleged abuse. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about the proposed preferential lease of State land in Mahiyanganaya Town to Mr. Y.M. Rathnapala. He noted that the land had earlier been identified for an agricultural sales centre and allegedly sought for the Department of Agrarian Services, and questioned the grounds for granting it to an individual over 80 years old. He requested clarification on whether State land allocation criteria, including Government land needs and the recipient’s physical fitness, had been considered, and whether the lease approval would be revoked. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath raised concerns about rural societies that provide benefits such as concessional fertilizer but, in some cases, operate irregularly with alleged corruption and malpractice by long-serving officials. He asked whether the rule requiring two years’ membership to become a president or office-bearer could be amended, possibly reduced to six months, to enable reorganization and better support smallholders. Oral Question: Tea Smallholders in Kalutara District (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi questioned the legality and basis of land grants, including a cited 39-acre allocation allegedly made only on a ministerial letter without feasibility assessment. He alleged that LRC lands in areas such as Suriyakanda, Hetchchatha, Embilipitiya Walawa Region, Kolonna, and up to Hambantota had been allocated based on popularity, retired military status, or political affiliation rather than proper criteria. He requested a review by the District Secretary or another authority and asked whether the Government would re-vest lands not being used for cultivation, offering support for such a plan. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi thanked the Deputy Minister for the response but questioned the basis on which lands had been granted in the Embilipitiya Walawa Region under the Mahaweli Authority over the past decade. He alleged irregular allocations, including land granted under letters bearing Chamal Rajapaksa’s name, appointments made to suit ministerial interests, and plots obtained under the Dole Lanka brand, including 39 acres within the Embilipitiya paper mill premises. He requested an investigation or a committee review into recent land alienations to ensure limited land is allocated properly to genuine agricultural project implementers. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna linked May 18 commemorations to Tamil civilian suffering in 2009 and alleged that later official narratives suppressed evidence of wartime deaths and abuses. He focused on concerns about appointments and management at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, alleging that a doctor without Board Certification was improperly treated as a consultant, that diaspora-funded hospital resources lacked audited reporting, and that Rs. 17 million in claimed equipment could not be accounted for. He also alleged undue influence by the GMOA in health administration, police complaints and strike action, citing incidents at Tellippalai and his own removal, imprisonment and defamation cases after raising corruption allegations. He urged the Government to investigate health-sector corruption and union influence without fear of strikes, and called on judicial authorities in the North to consider the wider context of cases filed against him. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof argued that the Government is criticizing Opposition parties for post-election negotiations in local authorities while itself negotiating with former Rajapaksa-aligned and allegedly corrupt figures, a situation he attributed to flaws in the current local government electoral system. He said the Government ignored calls for electoral reform and must now accept responsibility for unstable council outcomes and govern with its parliamentary majority. He raised concerns over salt shortages and price increases affecting consumers and dried fish producers in areas such as Kinniya, Muttur, Pulmoddai, and Kuchchaveli, and asked whether any commissions were involved. He also demanded publication of the lists of politicians who received bar permits and allegedly misused government vehicles, and urged the Government to address local needs and fulfil its election promises. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that LTTE members should not be portrayed as heroes and said war heroes, under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, fought to preserve a unitary Sri Lanka for all communities. He said the Local Government Election indicated growing opposition to the Government, noting increased support for the SLPP and other Opposition groups rather than a renewed government mandate. He also urged the Government to build on post-war infrastructure projects such as Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Hambantota Port and expressways, saying they could support tourism and economic development if properly used. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna said the Government rejects attempts to revive racist or chauvinist war-time politics and cited recent election results as a mandate to end such politics. He accused Opposition parties of seeking “impure alliances” and having historical links with organized crime figures, while stating that the National People’s Power Government would not rely on corrupt actors. He argued that the local government mandate should be used to address village-level needs such as drinking water, roads, canals and bus services, and said the Government would work with those able to serve the public. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha corrected the Opposition Leader’s figures on NEXT, stating that the company has multiple facilities and has proposed a workforce reduction of about 1,416 rather than a complete closure, and tabled a related document. He supported two Extraordinary Gazettes of 31 January 2025: one continuing a 50 per cent concession on the departure levy to support tourism, and another raising the motor vehicle Luxury Tax threshold from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million. He also cited recent local authority election results as evidence of a mandate for the Government, defended continued engagement with the IMF as a consequence of prior economic mismanagement, and argued that fuel and gas queues have ended while markets and growth are stabilizing. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said salt imports became necessary after weather-related damage reduced domestic production, noting that even opposition members had acknowledged rain-related losses. He stated that Hambantota salterns have a combined capacity of about 100,000 metric tons, but production fell from around 80,000 metric tons last year to about 60,000 metric tons this year. He added that any allegations of fraud or corruption are under investigation and that action would be taken if wrongdoing is found. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi raised concerns about the current salt shortage, noting that Hambantota’s salterns have historically supplied the country and continued production even after the tsunami affected them. He alleged that the present shortage is the result of a major fraud and directed the concern to the Minister. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman urged the Government to accept criticism of its mistakes and correct course rather than assume continued public support. He warned that public opinion can change and stated that the SJB and other Opposition groups accept the challenge posed by the Government. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman accused the Government of contradicting its pledge to introduce anti-crossover legislation while allegedly trying to secure support from opposition and independent members to form local authority administrations. He argued that where no party has over 50 per cent in a council, the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance requires an internal vote to elect the mayor or chairman, and said the SJB was prepared to face such votes. He also criticized the President’s direct involvement in local authority coalition-building and claimed the Government was seeking to change rules it had previously supported when politically advantageous. Rahman urged the Government to stop using executive pressure to secure council control and to recognize what he described as a major decline in its electoral support. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →