Topic
Public Finance
5,915 speeches · 726 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. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 283 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 229 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 171 |
| 4 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 167 |
| 5 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 153 |
| 6 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 147 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P. SJB | 140 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 135 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 115 |
| 10 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 92 |
Speeches
5,915 on this topic- 10 June 2026 Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act for another month, citing the need to maintain uninterrupted water, electricity, fuel, health, communications and transport services after the cyclone and amid global crises. He said a Commissioner-General of Essential Services would coordinate state institutions down to local administrative levels, with sectoral regulations to ensure continuity and economic stability. He also stated that the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund is lawful and auditable, and defended legal accountability for all individuals, including veterans, while stressing the need for justice for victims of the Easter attacks. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi supported regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act to shorten the period for repatriating export earnings from 100 days to 40 days, stating that permitted foreign payments may be made first and only the residual must be brought in and converted. He argued that the measure is intended to increase onshore foreign exchange and reserves while allowing the exchange rate to function as a shock absorber, unlike past policies that used reserves to defend the currency. He cited the IMF Managing Director’s 13 May letter to highlight reported macroeconomic stabilization, 5 per cent growth in 2024 and 2025, stronger reserves, improved revenue collection, primary surpluses, and debt restructuring. He also rejected opposition claims about tax policy, exchange-rate effects, governance, and the use of Emergency powers. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported discussion on regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act concerning repatriation of export foreign earnings. He warned that rising inflation, dollar appreciation, and monetary pressures, compounded by the Middle East conflict, require Government planning to stabilize the economy. He urged action to prevent a recurrence of the shortages and queues experienced in 2022. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy rejected allegations about misuse of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” funds, saying they risk deterring diaspora contributions, and linked current economic policy to the need to bring export-earned foreign exchange through the formal banking system after legitimate business expenses. He argued that artistic expressions such as those linked to the arrest of Kilinochchi rap artist Sangeethsan should be understood in the context of unresolved Tamil grievances, including land, disappearances, power-sharing, development, education and employment, rather than treated as a return to militancy. He affirmed the NPP Government’s position against any return to war or ethnic violence and called for inclusive governance, avoidance of provocations, and policies that ensure economic benefits and equality for all communities. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Easter Sunday attacks should not be used for political advantage and called for an independent, impartial process to identify and prosecute those responsible, with the law applied equally to all. He criticized the JVP/NPP for past support to the Rajapaksas and questioned attempts to shift blame for their governance failures. He said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund should be legally regularized and asked why donations for disaster victims had not been used while people remained in camps. He also argued that the Government’s economic difficulties predated the Middle East conflict, citing depreciation, weaker exports, slowing tourism, higher import costs and rising living costs, and urged a credible economic plan. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government for relying on emergency powers amid economic hardship and questioned the adequacy of its current and future economic plans in the context of regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act. He argued that exporters, businesses, fisheries, agriculture, and health services require targeted support, including consideration of exporters’ dollar needs, an immediate fuel subsidy for fishers, timely fertilizer subsidies, and action on medicine shortages. He also questioned resignations at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and called for scrutiny of the NMRA Chairman, saying relevant documents would be submitted to Parliament. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that export foreign currency earnings should be repatriated and converted domestically to ease pressure on foreign reserves. She said concerns about rising debt should be assessed through debt sustainability indicators rather than nominal debt stock, citing declines in debt-to-GDP from 95.5% to 91.6% and external debt share from about 55.8% to 50.4% between 2024 and 2025. She also stated that lower interest costs had been supported by Treasury cash buffers and interest rate anchoring, and contrasted current trends with debt increases during the 2015–2019 Yahapalana government. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra explained that the Central Bank regulation shortens the permitted period for converting export proceeds to a maximum of 40 days, replacing earlier arrangements that allowed longer holding periods. She said the measure is temporary and intended to reduce pressure on the rupee, limit imported inflation, and protect consumers from higher costs of fuel, raw materials, and essential goods. She argued that, alongside other demand-management measures such as temporary import duties, exporters have a responsibility to repatriate and convert proceeds in the national interest. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake criticised the regulation reducing the export proceeds conversion period to one month, arguing it reflects weak export performance, limited investment, slowing tourism, and overreliance on remittances. He questioned Central Bank management of the exchange rate, reserves, inflation and interest rates, warning that rupee depreciation and rate hikes were increasing borrowing costs, reducing fiscal space, and risking stagflation. He urged a review of PAYE thresholds and tax policy, stronger financial sector supervision, export-led stabilisation of the rupee, reform of investment and trade institutions, and greater accountability from the Central Bank and Finance Ministry. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations on repatriation of export proceeds and the Essential Public Services Act resolution, arguing that export earnings and public cooperation are necessary to protect the economy amid international pressures and conflict in the Middle East. He said the Opposition was politicizing the situation and causing fear among exporters instead of offering alternatives. He also condemned efforts he said were aimed at shielding those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, called for the conspirators to be punished, and urged MPs not to prioritize political alliances over justice and national unity. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said the Central Bank regulation is not a new export control but a revision requiring exporters, after legitimate offshore deductions, to convert repatriated proceeds into rupees within one month instead of the previous longer period. He argued it does not impose new taxes or discourage exporters, but is a temporary measure to manage exchange-rate volatility while supporting export growth, citing record 2025 export earnings of USD 17.25 billion. On the Essential Public Services Act resolution, he said its current use was limited to recovery operations after the “Didva” cyclone and not intended to suppress workers, unlike past uses of the law. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized Government economic measures, arguing that mandatory dollar conversion by exporters signals a foreign exchange crisis and that higher duties on imported edible oils will undermine value-added coconut exporters who generate significant foreign exchange. He opposed the planned reduction of the VAT registration threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million from 1 July, saying it would burden SMEs and traders already facing high costs and weak demand. He urged the Government to halt the threshold reduction, engage practically with the business community, and improve public access for grievances in electorates. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported the Central Bank regulations on safeguarding export income and converting dollar earnings into rupees, arguing they are proactive measures to protect reserves and prevent future crises. He said the Government inherited economic, administrative, legal, and social challenges, and cited efforts over the past 18 months to rebuild the economy, strengthen law and order, recruit to the public service, and allocate Rs. 25,000 million through the rural development and social security ministry. He criticized the Opposition’s response to current difficulties, linking recent pressures to floods, the 2025 cyclone, and the Middle East conflict, and said the Government’s duty is to increase, safeguard, and prudently use national income. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the regulations under the Monetary Law Act requiring faster repatriation and conversion of export proceeds, arguing they are necessary to manage foreign exchange pressures caused by global instability, higher import costs, and increased dollar demand. He rejected Opposition claims that the measures restrict business freedom, contrasting current economic indicators with the 2022 crisis and citing improved revenue, reserves, inflation, remittances, tourism, and IMF-related fiscal performance. He also highlighted planned Port City-related foreign investment, job creation, and international agreements as part of the Government’s development strategy. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s sudden decision to require exporters to convert foreign currency earnings into rupees within 30 days, arguing that it reverses earlier liberalization commitments to the IMF and indicates a domestic dollar shortage. He said ad hoc controls and Central Bank directions to prioritize essential import payments would not restore market confidence, despite higher reserves and IMF disbursements. He urged immediate relief for fruit and vegetable exporters affected by the Middle East conflict and port demurrage charges, and called for action on fabric importers and local producers facing higher costs after the replacement of the CESS with 18 per cent VAT. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected Opposition claims of large-scale job losses and economic deterioration under the Government, challenging them to table statistics and institutional evidence. He said the Labour Ministry had intervened in industrial disputes, including at Hela Clothing, to protect jobs and maintain industrial peace, while the Government had increased reserves, remittances and tourism despite reopening vehicle imports and external pressures such as the Middle East conflict. He also cited reductions in fuel and essential goods prices, cyclone relief allocations, recruitment to essential services, public sector salary increases, teacher recruitment and regularization of casual workers as examples of Government action. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that the Government’s economic management had led to factory closures, job losses, rising inflation, increased poverty, and a weakening rupee. He cited the closure of MAS Holdings in Thulhiriya, Hirdaramani in Nivitigala, and other small and medium factories, and questioned whether the Acting Labour Minister was aware of the scale of job losses. Referring to Rules under the Central Bank Act, he warned that tighter controls on exporters’ foreign exchange earnings resembled measures seen in 2002 and during the end of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, indicating further economic strain. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. R.M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary R.M. Gamini Rathnayake defended the Government’s economic management and rejected the Opposition’s claim that the economy is collapsing, citing a reported Budget surplus of Rs. 116 billion in the first quarter of 2026 after earlier deficits and referring to Bloomberg’s recognition of the Sri Lankan rupee as the strongest in South Asia. He argued that past factory closures occurred under previous administrations and criticized the Opposition’s record on employment and apparel-sector policy. He supported the proposed Central Bank rules as legal tools to stabilize the foreign exchange market and maintain rupee strength, contrasting them with what he described as the Opposition’s preference for bans and rigid controls. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s economic management, arguing that revenue and primary balance gains have been achieved mainly through higher taxation while poverty, job losses, business closures and cost-of-living pressures have worsened. He questioned why cigarette taxation had declined relative to WHO benchmarks while other taxes increased, claiming this had caused Rs. 17.3 billion in annual revenue loss that could fund relief measures. He also called for action against Sri Lanka becoming a “cyber-fraud hub” due to regulatory relaxations, and urged the restoration of the higher interest rate previously provided to senior citizens’ deposits. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha supported the Rules under the Central Bank Act requiring residual export proceeds to be converted by the 10th of the following month, arguing they would help stabilize the exchange rate and strengthen the economy amid external shocks. She cited improved Government revenue and primary balance figures for early 2026, and said price reductions at Lanka Sathosa and support for farmers, fishers, SMEs, and flood-affected Kolonnawa residents showed that fiscal gains were being passed on to the public. She also stated that compensation payments to Kolonnawa flood victims were ongoing, with Rs. 4,028 million already disbursed out of Rs. 9,836 million due. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →