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- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri seconded Rohana Bandara’s Motion and urged the Government to act on it by reforming medicine procurement, alleging that long tender timelines, emergency purchases, and supplier selection practices continue to enable corruption and shortages. He asked Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to review whether COPE recommendations are being implemented, to take action against corrupt actors, and to establish a system that prevents irregularities, including direct purchases from proven-quality manufacturers where necessary. He also criticised rice importation, arguing that inadequate support for local farmers and under-cultivation lead to reliance on imports, and called for import restrictions to be matched with development of local production. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi said the Opposition supported, beyond party lines, fulfilling promises made to the public, including on the pension matter, and would continue bringing proposals through Private Members’ motions. He argued that the Government should communicate transparently and consistently, noting conflicting statements on issues such as the President’s alleged use of a private jet despite earlier commitments to modest travel. He warned that failure to meet public expectations would undermine the trust of voters who backed the Government seeking a break from traditional politics. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is implementing the NPP mandate to change political culture by removing privileges for politicians and investigating corrupt practices such as bar permits, contract commissions, and misuse of benefits. He stated that vehicle permits have been declined, amendments to abolish parliamentary pensions are being drafted following the Justice Chitrasiri Committee report, 51 luxury official residences have been vacated for productive reuse, and Ministers and State Ministers are not drawing salaries. He added that MP security will not be treated as a blanket privilege but provided only where a specific threat is assessed, and said the Government will continue reporting to Parliament on its remaining commitments. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi said the Motion was part of a long-running effort to challenge unlawful privileges in public office, recalling his experience in local government since 1997. He argued that certain local authority positions, including “Leader of the Opposition,” have been used to claim benefits without legal basis. He stated that newly constituted local authorities should not be allowed to violate the law to obtain such privileges. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka supported the Motion as timely, noting public concern over MPs’ privileges and the Government’s earlier promises to reduce them. He argued that the Government has not taken substantial action and called for practical measures to limit benefits to what MPs need for their duties, alongside stronger systems to prevent fraud and corruption. He also proposed that benefits be determined with reference to MPs’ asset and liability declarations, so that genuine public servants are not left without means after service. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi moved a Motion calling for parliamentary discussion and government action to reduce, remove, or otherwise regulate privileges granted to Members of Parliament, former Heads of State, and their widows. He argued that the Government had not fulfilled public promises to implement such reforms within two weeks, despite seven months having passed, and demanded clear timelines, specific measures, and any necessary legal changes. He also cautioned that changes such as withdrawing MPs’ security should be done through a clear policy rather than for public impression. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said a detailed reply on preventing medicine shortages and related questions would be given on the next sitting day. Addressing the PACS project, he stated that 2018 agreements for an unsolicited USD 33 million project covering 20 hospitals had largely lapsed, with audit and CIABOC inquiries pending, and that the Ministry was considering limited activation in the five hospitals with partial implementation. He also noted a 1.5-year delay in the Kalutara (Nagoda) CT scanner, saying the Biomedical Engineering Service and Ministry were intervening to expedite port clearance, delivery, and supplier-related issues. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s reported move to procure medicines through government-to-government agreements, asking which countries and medicines are involved, why normal competitive procurement is being bypassed, and whether the process complies with the NMRA Act and procurement guidelines. He sought confirmation of reported shortages of 313 medicines and 111 items without suppliers, requested hospital-wise shortage data, and asked whether local production capacity and industry impact had been assessed with stakeholder input. He also asked how transparency, quality assurance, and accountability would be ensured under G2G procurement, particularly if substandard medicines are supplied. He further raised delays in purchasing Elekta radiotherapy machines, disruptions to MRI and CT services at the National Hospital due to PACS issues, and the release of a CT scanner reportedly held at the port for Kalutara Hospital. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake questioned the lease of a 900-square-metre building reportedly costing Rs. 10,394,662 but rented for Rs. 36,000 per month, arguing that the rate is far below market value and asking what steps will be taken to rectify any politically influenced decision. He also asked whether the Ministry would act on alleged irregular land allocations in Badulla District, including areas linked to tourism sites such as Mini World’s End, Green View Village and Annasgala, which he said could obstruct tourism development projects. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake compared the 2025 local government results with previous elections, arguing that the NPP’s current position represents a significant advance from the JVP’s 431 councillors and no council control in 2018 to majorities in 267 councils and over 3,500 councillors. He contrasted this with declines in the SJB and SLPP, stating that the SJB had fallen from 34 councils and 2,433 councillors to about 14 councils and 1,700 councillors, while the SLPP had fallen from 231 incumbent chairmen and 3,436 councillors to no councils under its control and about 742 councillors. He argued that opposition councillors have limited national political impact and said the JVP/NPP’s earlier experience in organizing local councillors gave it an advantage over rival parties. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake objected to interruptions and endorsed the Chair’s use of Standing Orders to remove a Member from the Chamber, denying claims that the action was racially motivated. He said his party had acted with restraint despite holding significant national and local political power, and that privilege issues concerning the removed Member had been or could be referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee. He also compared local government election results from 2011 and 2018, arguing that past governments and parties retained power despite electoral setbacks and questioning current calls for his party to relinquish authority. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake argued that the Government has gained significant international recognition under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, citing visits and engagements with India, China, Vietnam, Dubai, and the World Bank. He said World Bank support of USD 1 billion was linked to low corruption and discipline, and explained that Vietnam facilitated a private jet for the President’s return to vote and meet the World Bank President. He defended continuing with the existing IMF framework as it had already been signed and made law before the Government took office, and said Sri Lanka would engage diplomatically on regional economic issues including Maldives’ request for support. He also claimed the Government had won majorities in 267 local authorities and warned against bribery or “horse-trading” of elected members. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said his remand after local election nominations imposed unnecessary public costs to transport him from Badulla Prison to Parliament, arguing that political imprisonment could not determine election outcomes. He criticized the current local government electoral system, saying he had warned the Government not to proceed with it and that a return to the former system would have produced clearer control of councils. Referring to results in Badulla District and elsewhere, he said independent and SLFP-linked “Chair” symbol candidates won significant votes despite his inability to campaign, and claimed the Government had suffered a measurable electoral setback that it should accept. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer rejected claims that the NPP had demeaned war-displaced people, saying the disputed “shopping bag” remark referred to politicians who profited from politics, not to those expelled from Mannar or other affected communities. He said the NPP’s recent local government victory, including support from Muslim voters, came despite slander, fearmongering, and attempts to incite communal divisions, and noted that the election and its aftermath remained peaceful. He urged Opposition members to work together to advance national harmony, peace, and trust, while cautioning against exploiting issues such as the Palestine–Israel conflict or ethnic grievances for political gain. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Government’s local government election results show a significant loss of public support, citing declines in vote share and limits on the National People’s Power’s ability to control local authorities. He alleged that the Government used state power, promises, and inducements during the campaign, and further claimed attempts were being made to secure control of councils by offering money to independent or opposition members. He also raised procedural objections about allocation of speaking time in Parliament and questioned the protocol, authorization, and security implications of the President’s return from Vietnam on a private jet. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected an Opposition allegation that money was paid to secure control of the Colombo Municipal Council, stating that the NPP would not engage in such practices. She accused Opposition parties of spreading false narratives about local election results, the economy, US tariffs and the Government’s position on the IMF, and said the Government’s approach to the IMF programme remained consistent and aimed at people-friendly adjustments. She argued that local election outcomes should be assessed by wards and control of local bodies rather than by claims of national-level victories, and said the NPP viewed the results as a mandate of public trust to continue its work. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera said the local election results showed a significant public message, noting that Sarvajana Bala received nearly 40 percent of the vote in contested local bodies and that the NPP had lost support compared with the general election. He urged the Government to interpret the public mandate honestly, engage in constructive dialogue, and end political mudslinging and online “fake-comment” campaigns. He called for a frank national discussion on the economic crisis, national security, living costs, revenue shortfalls, and the need to create new wealth rather than rely on borrowing or salary increases without revenue growth. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance linked to Gazette notifications under the Revenue Protection Act, stating that the Government is reopening vehicle imports in a phased manner with appropriate duties to support sectors such as agriculture, commerce and tourism while protecting foreign reserves. He argued that the current administration has restored stability after the previous economic crisis and rejected Opposition criticism over the Government’s performance. Referring to recent local government elections, he said the National People’s Power had secured control or leading positions in a large number of local authorities, described the elections as peaceful, and said the Government would treat the results as a mandate to correct weaknesses and accelerate promised reforms. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance on import duties, stating that it is intended to raise state revenue and permit the responsible recommencement of vehicle imports while safeguarding reserves, the exchange rate, and rupee stability. He argued that since September 2024 the Government had stabilized the economy, reduced inflation, improved the country’s credit position, revived selected state industries, and increased tourism, exports, and investor confidence. He also referred to ongoing engagement with external partners, including World Bank support, IMF staff-level agreement, and responses to recent US tariff developments, as part of the context for allowing essential private vehicle imports. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Questioned the Government’s inconsistent explanations about who paid for a private jet, noting differing claims that the cost was borne by the Vietnam Government, a Buddhist organization, or both. Requested a clear statement from the Minister on the actual source of payment. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →