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- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara stated that the Opposition would support measures that benefit the country and the public, while opposing harmful actions. He said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would not engage in disruptive tactics or incite protests to damage the economy, and would instead judge government proposals on their merits. He cautioned that previous policy statements and Budgets had presented ambitious promises that were not implemented, and said the Opposition would cooperate if the Government genuinely worked to fulfil its pledges. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara thanked voters in Anuradhapura for re-electing him and noted recent political shifts following the Presidential and General Elections. He said public demands for “system change” had repeatedly shaped governments since 2014, including the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, but warned the new Government against repeating the same rhetoric and practices that led previous governments to lose public confidence. He urged the new administration to focus on delivering its stated policy goal of a “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Lives” and said the Opposition wished it success in responding to people’s expectations. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that he had not proposed filing cases in India, but referred to constitutional provisions there as an example of citizen action. He argued that the Government’s move to suspend Standing Orders 27(3) and 121 enabled a matter, including a Vote on Account, to be taken up despite normal notice requirements and the absence of a constituted Public Finance Committee. He stated that the Opposition’s concern was raised under the Public Financial Management Act, noting that a Vote on Account is typically used when an Appropriation Bill has not been presented before 31 December. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected claims that presenting a Vote on Account violates public finance law, citing Article 150(2) of the Constitution, sections 23(1) and 23(2) of the relevant Act, the Order Paper, and the Attorney General’s recorded opinion. He argued that the procedure is lawful where an Appropriation Bill has not been presented, and urged Members not to mislead the public through selective statements or social media clips. He called for genuine criticism while warning against creating unnecessary public concern over the State finance process. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof thanked voters in Trincomalee and emphasized his commitment to non-communal politics, urging the new government to move beyond criticism of past administrations and demonstrate the political culture change promised to the public. He called for clarity on government promises, including the claim that major changes would occur within 24 hours of taking office, and specifically requested transparent disclosure of who received liquor bar permits in Trincomalee. He also argued that raising concerns about Muslim representation in Cabinet or Tamil-speaking communities’ access to appropriate administrative appointments is not communalism, but a request for fair and qualified representation. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 Hon. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna — Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary Hon. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna moved that Hon. Aravinda Senarath take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha left the Chair and Hon. Aravinda Senarath assumed it. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. D. V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D. V. Chanaka responded to remarks by the Government Chief Whip about his group’s level of support, arguing that their support had increased while cautioning the government about political decline. He also raised concerns about crop damage and paddy cultivation costs, noting that the minimum cost of cultivating an acre is about Rs. 90,000 and urging the Agriculture Minister to take action. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana made only a brief expression of thanks. No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or legislative matter was raised. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana requested clarification from the Government Chief Organizer regarding the list of liquor licences issued to wine stores under the previous Government, which had been tabled the previous day. He specifically asked that the names of any public representatives who recommended each licence, including in Kalutara District where more than six new licences were issued, also be tabled so that responsibility can be identified. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti defended the Vote on Account as a necessary interim measure to keep the State functioning until a full Budget can be prepared, noting that the Government took office on 23 November and that existing appropriations lapse on 31 December. He cited historical precedents for Votes on Account and said Act No. 44 of 2024 now provides a formal legal framework for them. He argued that allocations, including the Rs. 3,000 billion debt-service provision, are contingency ceilings rather than automatic expenditure, and linked the need for such provision to pending debt agreements and existing ISB obligations. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake briefly responded to Hon. Rasamanickam, stating that the matter raised would be addressed at an appropriate time. No further substantive details or policy positions were provided. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam sought clarification from the Leader of the House and the Chief Government Whip following the tabling of a list of bar licences. He asked where the related applications and MPs’ recommendation letters were, which authority was investigating the matter, whether licences—particularly 18 issued in Kilinochchi District—would be suspended or cancelled, and whether the investigation findings would be made public. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the matter before the House arose from the lawful conduct of elections and the consequent timetable, rather than from any delay by his side. He requested that the Hon. Professor be permitted to commence the debate. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the disruption in the House began when another member started speaking. He indicated he had nothing further to add. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Former Committee on Public Finance Chair Harsha de Silva said the proposed framework had been extensively discussed with officials and the Attorney-General in the previous Parliament to address the lack of a legal basis for earlier Votes on Account. He argued there was now no legal issue, though there may be an ethical concern, and suggested that the mover should have clarified to the House that time constraints prevented a full Appropriation Bill and sought its indulgence. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake defended the Speaker’s handling of proceedings, saying Members had been allowed latitude and should use it responsibly. He read out the Attorney-General’s letter stating there was no legal impediment to submitting the Vote on Account resolution under Article 150 of the Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act for the period 1 January to 30 April 2025. He requested that the scheduled debate proceed, arguing that the legal position was clear. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara said his remarks were not a personal attack or a dispute with the Government, but a matter that should be raised in Parliament. He rejected any suggestion that he was advocating cuts to public servants’ salaries and argued that the Government should have brought the Appropriation Bill in time instead of relying on an alternative procedure. He requested that the issue he raised be considered fairly. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake requested that the microphone be provided, addressing the Speaker procedurally. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in this intervention. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested that he be given the microphone to address the House. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →