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- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake responded to criticism after his name was mentioned, defending his past position on the Rajapaksa administration and asserting that his party had remained in Opposition despite later disagreements over the war period. He accused the Member concerned of associating with the Rajapaksas and Pillayan after alleged wartime abuses, and contrasted that conduct with the Opposition roles of figures such as Hon. Raviraj and Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam. He also referred to alleged personal attacks and disrespect toward the Chair recorded in Hansard, and tabled two photographs relating to Hon. Rasamanickam. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill and commended the Minister of Justice, while proposing amendments including a clear monetary threshold under Clause 53(4)(b), safeguards against possible abuse of investigative powers under Clause 71, and statutory provisions on remuneration for members of the Proceeds of Crime Management Authority. He argued that these changes would prevent future misuse of the law and undue ministerial influence. He also rejected allegations made during the debate concerning decentralized budget allocations and criticized what he described as a personal attack in response to corruption allegations he had raised. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne criticized Opposition figures facing CID inquiries and court cases, arguing that such involvement should not be treated as a point of pride. Referring to alleged properties linked to members of the Rajapaksa family, she said the Government would use the powers in the bill under debate to recover stolen assets and return them to the public. She emphasized the need for strong implementation and public awareness after the bill is passed, with further steps to be outlined by the Minister of Justice. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne (Ph.D.) JJB AI summary Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne expressed condolences on the passing of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira and then supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, thanking the Justice Minister, officials, and expert committee involved in preparing it. She said the Bill consolidates scattered provisions on illicit asset recovery into a comprehensive framework informed by domestic, international, and comparative legal sources. Addressing concerns about retroactivity under Clause 4(1), she argued that the Bill targets property currently held as proceeds of crime even where the underlying offence occurred earlier, in line with the Government’s mandate to recover stolen public wealth. She also highlighted provisions on electronic evidence, offences relating to retaining or destroying stolen proceeds, and the admissibility of foreign expert reports under Clause 39. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill in principle, describing it as a mechanism to recover property proven to be derived from criminal conduct and restore it to the State or victims, while recalling earlier asset-recovery initiatives begun after 2015. He raised concerns about potential constitutional tension in Clause 4 on retrospective application and punishment, and urged clarification at Committee Stage. He proposed safeguards including prior judicial authorization for Police-issued property notices under Clause 68, clearer thresholds for investigations under Clause 97, stronger governance for restrained assets and the Victim Compensation Trust Fund, and correction of discrepancies between the Sinhala and English texts. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, linking it to public demands after the economic crisis and IMF governance recommendations for asset recovery legislation. She argued that the Bill demonstrates political will to recover illicitly acquired public wealth and strengthens investigation, prosecution and court powers, including through a designated senior police officer and a Proceeds of Crime Management Authority. She highlighted the rebuttable presumption on unexplained wealth and non-conviction-based asset recovery as key mechanisms, with recovered assets to be credited to the Consolidated Fund and potentially used for reparations and institutional strengthening. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake briefly acknowledged the response given and emphasized that the matter under discussion is a national problem. He indicated agreement with the prior characterization of the issue but the excerpt does not include further details on the specific policy matter, proposal, or request. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the SLTB had been damaged by deliberate mismanagement, poor depot administration, and politically influenced staff placements. He stated that about 200 buses would be repaired and returned to service during the New Year period, while shortages of mechanics and drivers and cases involving over a thousand suspended personnel were being addressed. He added that staff assigned to inappropriate higher roles would be returned to their proper duties and that new agreements would be signed to strengthen mechanical divisions. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board and Railways (383/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Advisory Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government met under the chairmanship of Hon. Prof. A.H.M.H. Abeyrathna with the participation of members listed. The meeting concerned matters within the Committee’s remit, including public administration, provincial councils, and local government, providing members an opportunity to raise issues and discuss policy or administrative concerns relevant to those sectors. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Advisory Committee on Urban Development, Construction and Housing AI summary The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Urban Development, Construction and Housing met on 8 April 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Anura Karunatilaka. The listed Members participated in proceedings concerning the Committee’s subject areas of urban development, construction and housing. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence; Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary The President said the Government allowed the full Budget debate and acknowledged that some criticisms reflected pain, anger, or valid concerns, including references to land issues and a missing Presidential Secretariat file. He stated that the Government intends to change the long-standing economic policy direction, but argued that this must be done gradually and in a planned manner because Sri Lanka inherited a bankrupt and crisis-hit economy. He emphasized that economic stabilization is the Government’s first priority before attempting major policy shifts. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the NPP Government inherited improved macroeconomic conditions compared with the 2022 crisis, but that these gains were achieved through severe sacrifices by the poor, lower middle classes, SMEs and the private sector. He questioned whether the Budget delivers the promised “system change,” and criticised the Government for accepting the previous debt restructuring framework without seeking better terms. Citing projected 2025 external payments of about USD 3.3 billion against usable reserves of about USD 5.1 billion, he warned of reserve pressure, especially with vehicle import allocations, and asked for a clear plan to increase exports and dollar inflows before repayments intensify from 2028. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar alleged continued non-collection of around Rs. 6 billion in taxes on imported crude coconut oil that is refined and sold locally, citing Inland Revenue correspondence and prior answers by the Prime Minister, and urged the Government and Finance authorities to issue instructions and act. He also requested scrutiny of Lanka Coal Company appointments and dealings, and called for formal inquiries into alleged irregularities in Shell Gas purchases and emergency fuel procurement during the economic crisis, including COPE’s inability to summon relevant officials. He framed these issues as matters that began under the previous Government but require action by the present administration. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad raised sector-specific concerns affecting betel cultivators, the pottery industry, cashew growers, cane/bamboo crafts, cooperative investors, digital scam victims, and coconut oil-related revenue fraud, asking relevant ministries to ease regulations, investigate abuses, provide training and inputs, and introduce legislation where needed. He questioned the Government’s approach to revenue generation, dollar inflows, and IMF-related policy, while crediting the previous administration’s role in stabilizing the economy. He also warned that new US-China trade tensions could affect Sri Lanka through increased competition from Chinese goods and higher input costs, and urged the Government to outline concrete trade and economic responses, including bilateral and free trade arrangements. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna acknowledged some positive changes by the Government, including Ministers reducing visible security, but argued that the ruling party should also accept responsibility for its past political alliances and actions, including support for Mahinda Rajapaksa, participation in earlier governments, and the events of 1988–89. He questioned the Government’s claims on abolishing MPs’ pensions, vehicle permits, salaries, and official residences, stating that similar benefits had been used by its members in the past and asking what direct relief had gone to the public. He also criticized the absence of Government MPs from a Committee on Public Finance workshop and noted continuing high levels of poverty among the population. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 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 defended the Government’s first Budget, saying it reflected the National People’s Power’s programme and mandate, while acknowledging fair criticism from some Opposition members. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government was “only talk,” arguing that it had already acted by avoiding nepotism in ministerial, presidential, prime ministerial, diplomatic, and state institutional appointments. He said the Government was prioritizing merit-based appointments and reducing public waste, contrasting this with past practices of family patronage in politics. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakkiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakkiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam alleged that a procurement contract had been improperly awarded with only a one-month bank guarantee, resulting in an incomplete project and a loss of Rs. 40 million to the State. He demanded that the Government confirm or refute the allegation and, if true, require the responsible person to resign. He also referred to alleged historical robberies attributed to the JVP and argued that the Government elected on an anti-corruption platform had failed to address corruption. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakkiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakkiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam criticized the Government’s finance policy, alleging that it had failed to tax cigarette companies adequately, recover large corporate tax concessions, address non-performing loans in State banks, or protect senior citizens affected by the increase in Withholding Tax. He demanded action on liquor licences issued under the Finance Ministry, citing alleged violations of the Excise Ordinance in Kilinochchi and permits granted to manufacturers such as Mendis. He also raised the unresolved losses of The Finance Company depositors and argued that the Government had not delivered substantive benefits to the Northern and Eastern Provinces despite its political claims. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna questioned the Government’s borrowing during its first five months, claiming it had raised Rs. 5,200 billion through Treasury bills and bonds, exceeding the previous year’s total revenue, and challenged the Government to identify five projects completed with those funds. She referred to earlier campaign-period allegations about short-term borrowing and said subsequent Central Bank data had confirmed her claims. She also stated that Central Bank operations had changed after she raised concerns about indirect money creation through short-term liquidity injections. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna argued that the Government is continuing and benefiting from the IMF programme initiated under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and said its success should be judged by whether ministries can utilize at least 60 to 65 per cent of capital allocations. She welcomed the Government’s improved engagement with India, including economic and energy cooperation, while recalling that UNP members who supported close India-Sri Lanka relations in the past were killed. She tabled a document listing alleged JVP-era killings of UNP and other party members and contrasted this with references made by Government members to Batalanda. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →