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- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected Opposition claims on poverty, vehicle letters of credit, and the e-passport tender, stating that official clarifications and available data contradicted those allegations. He argued that Sri Lanka’s economy, weakened over decades of rule by previous administrations, had now achieved macroeconomic stabilization recognized by the World Bank, ADB, and IMF. He cited projected GDP growth, a per capita GDP above USD 5,000, sectoral expansion, a primary surplus, and a current account surplus as evidence of recovery, while noting tourism disruptions from Middle East conflict and plans to focus on Indian and Chinese markets. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe disputed Opposition claims about fertilizer shortages, stating that fertilizer is available for the Yala season and arrangements, including discussions with Russia, are being made for Maha supplies, while alleging some stocks have been hoarded. He challenged claims of poor-quality fertilizer by asking the Opposition to present laboratory evidence and testing criteria. He also rejected claims that health services in Polonnaruwa had collapsed, citing government efforts to secure 16 new catheterization laboratories through the ADB and donors, and referred members to the Central Bank report as evidence of progress. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticized the Government for alleged incompetence, corruption, and misuse of public funds, citing reported cases involving immigration systems, fuel procurement, misdirected payments, container releases, coal imports, social welfare payments, and other public sector transactions. He argued that these failures have increased costs for fuel, utilities, construction materials, medicines and essentials, worsening the burden on taxpayers and the economy. He also urged the Government to address post-cyclone housing hardships, especially in the hill country, and called for the appointment of a Catholic nun as principal of Nayakakanda Good Shepherd Girls’ School in line with requests from the Catholic community and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, speaking on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, argued that recent economic indicators show progress under the Government, citing increases in GDP, per capita income, remittances, revenue, reserves, and the primary surplus, alongside a reduced budget deficit. He acknowledged challenges including global energy pressures, rupee depreciation, poverty support, and disaster recovery after “Ditva,” while stating that the Government maintained fiscal discipline and continued development programmes. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding vehicle letters of credit and economic mismanagement, and called for collective support to rebuild the country. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued that despite large allocations for post-“Ditva” cyclone recovery, implementation remains inadequate, citing unresolved relocation needs for 25 affected schools in Kandy and delays in technical assessments. He raised concerns over paddy farmers in Ampara being unable to sell harvests at fair prices and facing shortages and high open-market prices for urea despite subsidies. He also warned that rupee depreciation, limited Central Bank intervention under IMF conditions and the CBSL Act, and high fuel import spending could worsen inflation and growth pressures, calling for immediate government measures. He further requested an investigation into allegations that companies opened letters of credit for thousands of vehicle imports just before a Customs duty surcharge, suggesting possible misconduct similar to past duty-related windfalls. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review showed economic stabilization in the NPP Government’s first full year, citing projected 5 percent real GDP growth, low inflation, a current account surplus, higher tourism earnings, remittances, FDI, and improved revenue collection. He defended increased fertilizer subsidies for farmers, saying the subsidy rose to Rs. 30,000 per hectare and that fertilizer for the Yala season had been imported, while rice prices remained relatively stable. He also noted debt repayments, the reopening of vehicle imports, and allocations for social welfare, including relief for damage from the “Ditva” cyclone and support to cushion global energy price shocks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson raised concerns about healthcare access, citing a letter from the Anuradhapura Medical Officer stating that its MRI machine had been nonfunctional for six months and that Polonnaruwa patients should not be referred there. He also urged the Government to address farmers’ grievances, warning that unresolved agricultural issues could lead to serious political and social consequences. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about the lack of fertilizer supply and called for verification of fertilizer quality, contrasting the current situation with previous availability of both organic and chemical fertilizer. He defended the Opposition Leader’s focus on public grievances and said the Opposition would acknowledge positive government action while highlighting continuing issues. He also cited problems in Polonnaruwa’s health sector, including the absence of an MRI scanner at the General Hospital, forcing patients to travel to Anuradhapura. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about a fertilizer shortage affecting paddy farmers in Polonnaruwa, stating that farmers had paid Rs. 23,875 but were not receiving the promised quantity of fertilizer. He urged the Government to release the funds or fertilizer immediately through farmer organizations and questioned how farmers could meet recommended fertilizer requirements if only part of the needed amount is supplied. He said delayed fertilizer support threatens Yala cultivation, rice supply, and the wider economy, and proposed ensuring that quality fertilizer is available in the market by the Maha season, referring to the Opposition’s proposal to provide a fertilizer bag at Rs. 5,000 rather than free fertilizer. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha rejected the Opposition Leader’s claim that fertilizer is unavailable, stating that the Government has expanded the tea fertilizer concession from once to twice a year. He also argued that the Government has restored a strong economic foundation capable of withstanding global conflicts, citing recognition by the IMF, World Bank, and ADB. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha argued that the Government had stabilized and improved the economy after the 2022 crisis, citing resumed foreign debt payments, GDP growth above 5 percent, higher per capita GDP, growth across agriculture, industry and services, and recovery in tourism and worker remittances. He said the Treasury position had improved from a large overdraft to a surplus, enabling the Government to allocate around Rs. 500 billion for relief after the “Ditva” cyclone. He also contrasted current conditions with the crisis period, stating that fuel and gas queues and power cuts had ended despite global economic pressures. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan stated that most of the economic indicators under discussion showed positive trends, with 15 of 18 favourable and three adverse. He argued that, with the uncertainty of 2023 easing, Sri Lanka was on a firmer path toward economic recovery. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan reviewed the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Annual Economic Review 2025, highlighting improved growth, higher per capita income, lower inflation, stronger revenue collection, a primary surplus, declining external debt, increased FDI, remittances, tourism earnings, reserves, and lower unemployment. He noted that the trade deficit had widened and that poverty remained high at 24.5 percent, with Sri Lanka ranked 89th on the Human Development Index. He argued that the economy had recovered from contraction in 2023 and sustained growth through 2024 and 2025, with per capita income exceeding USD 5,000 as a key indicator. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi supported the Adjournment Debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, stating that 2025 marked a major economic recovery after the 2022 crisis. He cited reduced fiscal deficit, a current account surplus, improved revenue performance, and a shift from a Treasury deficit to surplus as evidence of fiscal discipline under the Government’s 2025 Budgets. He argued that these achievements addressed economic distress, changed public pessimism about state finances, and formed part of a broader political and social renewal following the people’s struggle. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s economic record, alleging it had failed to deliver promised reductions in electricity and fuel costs, support for farmers and fisherfolk, poverty alleviation, health services, education reforms, and cheaper vehicle imports. He claimed a sudden 50 percent import surcharge had been leaked to connected parties who opened letters of credit for vehicles in advance, causing major losses to the State. He also questioned the Government’s position on a USD 2.5 million payment to a fraudulent account, citing the Central Bank Governor’s statement that responsibility lay with the Ministry of Finance rather than the independent Central Bank. He urged the Government to fulfil the promises in its policy statement and said the Opposition would continue to stand with the public. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih said the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025 reflected a national recovery marked by returning confidence, stronger remittances, a current account surplus, improved banking sector stability, and expanding private sector credit. He emphasized that reforms such as digital payments, stronger supervision, and anti-money laundering measures must continue alongside fiscal discipline and policy consistency. He cautioned against complacency given global risks, energy price volatility, and climate vulnerability, and called for inclusive, people-centred growth with social protection, youth opportunities, institutional strengthening, and national unity. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar objected to language used by the Leader of the House and asked the Chair to expunge improper words. He criticized the Government’s economic management, citing rupee depreciation, rising debt, increased electricity tariffs, vehicle import restrictions, low FDI, and alleged payment and banking irregularities, and called for investigations into reported vehicle import LC approvals. He argued that the Government had failed to deliver on promises to reduce electricity bills, taxes, fuel costs, prices, and recover stolen assets, and said the Opposition would take these issues to the public. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that the Government inherited a severely weakened economy in 2024 due to past policy failures, citing the 2022 crisis and declines in growth, revenue, reserves, and living standards. Referring to the Central Bank’s 2025 Review, he said the first two Budgets and improved management had stabilized key indicators, increased GDP and per capita income, strengthened reserves and the banking sector, expanded tourism, remittances, private credit, and revenue, and reduced the fiscal deficit. He urged support for the Government’s economic programme despite natural disasters and global shocks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha moved an adjournment motion citing the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Annual Economic Review 2025 as evidence that the economy has stabilized after the 2022 crisis, with low inflation, GDP exceeding USD 100 billion, per capita income above USD 5,000, higher remittances, a current account surplus, and improving financial-sector indicators. He contrasted these outcomes with the 2022 contraction, high inflation, depleted reserves, and increased debt-to-GDP ratio, arguing that the Government’s policies since 2024 had restored growth across agriculture, industry, and services. He proposed that all Members support the continuation of structural reforms while managing external economic risks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage responded to Question No. 1936/2026 on the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, stating that it was established under Act No. 49 of 1957 to provide affordable quality fish and support cold storage and ice production. He said the Corporation has faced a capital crisis since 2010, affecting statutory payments, supplier dues, bank obligations, and services, and outlined investigations into 2024–2025 financial irregularities, including CIABOC action, arrests, disciplinary proceedings, and dismissals. He also detailed the status of nine ice plants, noting that about five are operational, and described the 2026 recovery plan targeting higher revenue and profit through new refrigerated trucks, cold store refurbishment, recovery of properties and receivables, and expansion of sales agreements. Procedural: Motions and Privilege Matter Read →