Topic
Parliamentary Procedure
9,520 speeches · 1,565 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 | 955 |
| 2 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 548 |
| 3 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 403 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 403 |
| 5 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 359 |
| 6 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 333 |
| 7 | Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, M.P. SJB | 286 |
| 8 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 257 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 210 |
| 10 | Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, M.P. JJB | 179 |
Speeches
9,520 on this topic- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 91, Dr. Harsha de Silva denied an allegation that he had taken rice from “Shakthi” and demanded proof. He stated that he had never taken even a kilo of rice from it and said he would resign if the allegation were proven. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that he would bring and show the relevant item or evidence to the House. The intervention was brief and appears to refer to a matter raised immediately beforehand in the debate. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva asked for the specific source or location of a statement, requesting that it be shown where the matter is stated. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva asked the Minister to state exactly what he had said. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified that he had not stated that there were any dues owed. The intervention appears to respond to or correct a prior exchange in the debate. 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 briefly affirmed the clarification by Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe that, where two salaries were previously available, only one salary is now drawn. 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 Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi posed a brief question asking whether Members of Parliament are also drawing theirs, apparently in reference to a payment, allowance, or entitlement mentioned in the preceding exchange. The intervention sought clarification rather than advancing a substantive argument or proposal. 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 Welcoming the Minister’s statement, Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi expressed expectation that the remaining legal steps would be completed soon. He sought clarification on claims by MPs that they do not draw a salary, arguing that redirecting the salary to other accounts or party funds should not be presented as refusing it, and called for honesty with the public. 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. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri said the Motion should lead to legal and practical implementation of the Government’s pledges on reducing benefits, rather than public resentment or political optics. He noted that presidential pensions and related entitlements are protected under Article 36(2) of the Constitution and asked the Government to present specific mechanisms, timelines and amending Bills, including on spousal and dependent benefits. He also questioned claims of savings from reducing vehicles or MP security, arguing that any real expenditure cuts should be reflected in public relief and lower prices. 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. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said his parliamentary privileges had been violated when live telecasts of his speeches were blocked for eight days over statements he said he had not made. Citing the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, Section 5, and Penal Code Section 190, he requested equal enforcement of the law and Standing Orders, protection of minority voices, and fair consideration by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta argued that the Government has already begun reducing or rationalizing parliamentary and ministerial privileges in line with the National People’s Power manifesto. He cited the abolition of duplicate fuel allowances for Ministers who are also MPs, changes to meal subsidies through the House Committee, and limits on vehicles for Ministers and State Ministers to two, adding that further reductions requiring legislation would be brought before Parliament. 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. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara moved for leave to introduce the Mabotuwana Sri Piyarathana Nayaka Thero Suwasevana Foundation (Incorporation) Bill. The House agreed to the motion, the Bill was read a First time, ordered to be printed, and referred under Standing Order No. 52(6) to the Minister of Health and Mass Media for report. Procedural Matters: Standing Order Exemptions and Private Members' Bills Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena formally seconded the motion before Parliament. The question was then put to the House and agreed to. Procedural Matters: Standing Order Exemptions and Private Members' Bills Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Moved that the privilege matter raised by Hon. Chamara Sampath Dissanayake on 18 March 2025 be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. The referral is proposed under Standing Order 118. Procedural Matters: Standing Order Exemptions and Private Members' Bills Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Leader of the House JJB AI summary Moved a procedural motion to exempt Order Paper Items 1 to 6 from Standing Order No. 24(2) for that sitting. The motion enabled the enlistment of Private Members’ Motions for debate, and it was agreed to by the House. Procedural Matters: Standing Order Exemptions and Private Members' Bills Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a matter of privilege, reading from a letter to the Speaker dated 8 April 2025 regarding restrictions on broadcasting his parliamentary speeches. He denied allegations attributed to Hon. Bimal Rathnayake that he had made derogatory or offensive remarks, and argued that the resulting restriction and denial of speaking opportunities violated his parliamentary privileges without due process. He requested a formal inquiry, restoration of his speaking and broadcasting rights, possible corrective action if the allegations were found to be misleading, and permission to raise the matter under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act. Ministry Statements and Privilege Matter Read →