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- 17 February 2026 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake requested a division during the proceedings. The Division Bell was rung in response, indicating that a vote or formal count was to be taken. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Government does not agree, without providing further explanation or elaboration in the recorded speech. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage Read →
- 17 February 2026 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake moved a Committee Stage amendment to the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill under Standing Orders 57 to 66. The amendment seeks to exclude from the Bill’s application persons who have fully qualified for a gratuity and persons already receiving a pension under the relevant provisions. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Government did not agree, indicating opposition to the matter under consideration. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage Read →
- 17 February 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake moved amendments to insert a new clause limiting the Act’s application to persons elected to Parliament on or after its commencement date. He proposed that the Act should not operate retrospectively to deprive former Members of Parliament of pension rights accrued before commencement. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary A division was called, and the House proceeded to vote after the Division Bell was rung. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Division on Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Insufficient speech text was provided to summarize the remarks. Please provide the full or relevant excerpt of Hon. Bimal Rathnayake’s speech from 2026-02-17. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill to repeal parliamentary pensions, describing it as part of a wider effort to reduce political entitlements, restore public trust, and present governance as public service rather than privilege. He argued that past expansions of MP benefits, corruption, and nepotism damaged confidence in politicians and institutions, and said the Government is also cutting unnecessary vehicles, residences, and security while improving revenue collection and international confidence. He rejected claims that ending pensions would cause poverty or corruption, noted that abolishing presidential pensions would require a constitutional amendment, and said the reform supports national unity and a renewed political culture. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, tracing the expansion of MPs’ pension entitlements since 1977 and arguing that these privileges contributed to an unhealthy political culture. He rejected claims that pensions prevent corruption or that the repeal targets particular individuals, linking the measure to the 2022 public demand for reform and to election pledges to reduce political privileges. He said politics should be treated as public service, with former MPs returning to prior professions if not re-elected, and framed the repeal as part of broader reforms to rebuild public trust. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, arguing that elected Members receive a five-year public mandate and should not retain special lifetime or family entitlements created through amendments to the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977. She framed the repeal as fulfilment of a government pledge and cited related measures such as reductions in presidential and former presidential benefits, housing and welfare programmes, wage and salary increases, public service recruitment, education and health initiatives, and anti-corruption commitments. She also referenced IMF comments on growth, inflation, reserves and revenue, and claimed broad public support for the Government’s programme. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Arguing against the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, J.C. Alawathuwala said the Opposition’s position is that MPs should receive a pension and challenged the Government to test public opinion through Provincial Council elections under the previous system. He cited examples of former MPs, including members associated with the Government’s party, who he said depended on parliamentary pensions for basic needs such as medicine and rent. He argued that many MPs do not qualify because of early dissolutions and short terms, and urged the Government instead to address disparities among the wider pensioner population while at minimum retaining pensions for those who served 10 years. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment moved that Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake assumed the Chair. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne supported the Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions, arguing that it fulfils the Government’s electoral mandate and is not an act of political revenge because Government Members are also giving up benefits. He said the administration has already reduced presidential, ministerial and parliamentary privileges, including salaries, allowances, insurance and multiple-post entitlements, as part of a broader shift in political culture. He added that while not all promises can be completed early in a five-year term, measures such as increases to public servants’ pensions and salaries and estate workers’ wages have already been implemented, and genuinely destitute former Members could seek assistance through existing channels. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper opposed the Bill abolishing parliamentary pensions without an alternative mechanism, arguing that legally granted rights should not be arbitrarily removed and that needy former MPs should be supported through an independently managed contributory welfare fund funded by Members. He said he had prepared amendments and would bring a Private Member’s Bill to establish such a fund, citing New Zealand and local mutual-aid models as examples. He also criticised the Government for selectively implementing manifesto pledges and said he had submitted a Private Member’s Bill to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and address terrorism offences under general law. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe supported the Bill to abolish the special pension scheme for Members of Parliament, stating that it fulfils a National People’s Power manifesto pledge and responds to public demands for a new political culture. He argued that parliamentary service is a temporary public mandate rather than a pensionable career, and that lifelong pensions for MPs create unjustified privilege compared with ordinary citizens. He said the reform is intended to restore trust in Parliament and signal ethical leadership without undermining the need for adequate salaries and institutional support for MPs. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda opposed the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, arguing that the Government had not first tabled or explained the Chitrasiri Report on MPs’ pensions and allowances. He contended that removing pensions while retaining other parliamentary benefits could discourage lower- and middle-class political participation and favour wealthy candidates or parties with large funds. He also questioned the impact on former MPs who had taken loans against their pensions, while stating that his political work would continue regardless of pensions or benefits. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Bill to Abolish Parliamentary Pensions, stating that it implements a clear electoral pledge made at the presidential and parliamentary elections and is based on the Government’s mandate rather than the Chitrasiri Report. She questioned whether Members who had previously presented similar Private Members’ Bills would support the measure, and rejected the argument that pensions are necessary to attract quality representatives or prevent corruption. She argued that pre-1977 politicians served without pensions and said the Bill seeks to restore a tradition of public-spirited representation. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested that the Chitrasiri Committee Report on salaries and entitlements of MPs and former officeholders be tabled before proceeding with the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions. He argued that any reform should be prospective rather than retrospective, citing former MPs, widows and dependents who rely on existing pensions, and said wrongdoing by some Members should be dealt with individually under the law. He also questioned the financial rationale for abolition, stating that MPs’ pension payments form a very small share of government revenue, and urged consideration of contributory or lump-sum pension models used elsewhere. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna – Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, presenting it as part of a broader programme to remove political privileges and rebuild public trust during economic hardship. He argued that the existing pension scheme, expanded since 1977, is unfair because MPs can qualify after only five years while public servants must work for decades, and said past abuses had strengthened public opposition to such benefits. He contrasted this with the Government’s measures to reduce official residences, vehicles and other privileges, and defended the plantation wage increase while criticizing Opposition resistance to it. He said the Government would consider compassionate assistance for former MPs in genuine hardship, but maintained that the general pension entitlement should end. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi argued that the NPP Government is fulfilling a major pledge to reform parliamentary privileges and public representation, presenting it as a historic change made in the public interest. He contrasted his own record of serving without personal security with politicians who, he said, seek protection after failing to keep promises. He detailed MPs’ salaries and allowances, stating that total benefits amount to nearly Rs. 400,000 excluding staff, and said the Government would reject and reform practices such as appointing relatives to parliamentary staff. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →