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- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne argued that the Opposition’s own opening remarks in the Budget Debate acknowledged economic stabilization, support for the anti-corruption programme, continued public support for the Government, increased vehicle imports, and a Treasury surplus. He said later Opposition criticisms contradicted those acknowledgements, particularly claims that the surplus was achieved merely by raising taxes. He maintained that the Government had improved tax management and compliance by bringing previous tax evaders into the system rather than simply increasing taxes. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen welcomed several Budget allocations, including funds for the Malwathu Oya project, the Ashraff Cultural Centre, estate worker wage support, and housing in war-affected areas, while urging that displaced Muslims in Jaffna be included in housing and infrastructure programmes. He called for non-political action against drug trafficking and requested urgent progress on stalled projects in Mannar, including the co-op hospital, Silavathurai hall, Mannar–Puttalam road, and Talaimannar jetty rehabilitation. He also sought clarity and public consultation on wind power and mineral sands plans in Mannar, proposing that further wind projects be shifted away from Mannar Island to protect tourism and fisheries potential. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported the Government’s second Budget, describing it as an economic work programme aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomy, improving living standards, and implementing six policy pillars including sustainable growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty eradication, productivity, and digitization. She highlighted measures such as the estate workers’ wage increase with public funding, the increase of the Mahapola scholarship to Rs. 10,000, and a Rs. 100 million allocation for street dog welfare as examples of people-focused governance. She also noted forthcoming legal reforms, including the Public-Private Partnership Bill and Investment Protection Bill, as steps to attract investment, and called for cross-party and public cooperation in national development. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Hon. Prageeth Madhuranga defended the Police and Tri-Forces against allegations of involvement in narcotics, stating that any isolated cases should be reported and dealt with without regard to rank. Speaking on the 2026 Appropriation, he argued that the Government had stabilized the economy after default, improved credit ratings, rebuilt reserves, increased revenue to 16 per cent of GDP, reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio, and restored growth. He outlined the Budget’s six pillars, including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, support for MSMEs and productive sectors, rural poverty reduction, and digitization. He also cited debt-servicing figures and expected savings from debt treatment as evidence that future external debt obligations are manageable. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Vidyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Vidyarathna clarified that the 2025 estate housing programme planned 4,700 houses, with beneficiaries selected by Divisional Secretary-led committees prioritizing families at high landslide risk, but the process was delayed after representations to the Indian High Commission. He stated that deeds had recently been issued for 2,056 houses in Bandaragama and that contractor-related issues affecting 1,300 houses from the previous year were being addressed. He also said the New Villages Development Authority for the Plantation Region was not being abolished and that, for the first time, it had been given a dedicated Budget line to strengthen it institutionally. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan welcomed the Budget proposal to provide estate workers an additional Rs. 400, while stressing that legal questions about the Government’s Rs. 200 contribution should not delay payment. He urged the Government to address broader plantation community issues, including land rights, individual housing rather than flats, and clarification of promised housing numbers under Indian-assisted and other programmes. He called for strengthening, not abolishing, the New Villages Development Authority for the Plantation Region, arguing that it coordinates long-term development needs across ministries. He also said the Tamil Progressive Alliance’s policy is to move estate workers from wage dependence toward land ownership, housing, and stakeholder status through cooperatives. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama defended the NPP Government’s first year in office, citing economic stabilization, fiscal discipline, improved revenue collection, targeted welfare support, tourism recovery, and the holding of two elections. He said the Government had strengthened social cohesion, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the independence of judicial and investigative institutions. He praised President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Budget presentation and criticised the Opposition for failing to offer substantive or constructive criticism. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika defended the Government’s expenditure management and said the 2025 Budget is on track, with key fiscal indicators expected to improve by end-December. He said the March Budget focused on relief and household economic recovery through measures such as a major public sector salary increase, expanded school meal funding, and higher social protection allowances. He described the current Budget as a development Budget centred on six strategic objectives, including sustainable growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty eradication and digitization. He argued that the Government has begun reversing the debt cycle by increasing revenue, reducing expenditure and narrowing the Budget deficit while maintaining relief for the public. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika argued that the Opposition had not engaged substantively with the 2026 Budget’s revenue, expenditure, and policy proposals, unlike in previous debates where it raised claims such as alleged salary cuts. He said the Budget sets the Government’s political and economic direction, and defended its priorities while rejecting claims that poverty had tripled, citing figures of 14.3 percent in 2019, about 25 percent in 2023, and around 22 percent at present. He also began to respond to criticism that 20 percent of capital allocations had gone unspent, placing it in the context of typical annual capital expenditure implementation rates. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera acknowledged some positive developments under the Government, including improved ease of doing business and greater space for new political voices, but warned that expectations of zero corruption and democratic openness appeared to be weakening. Critiquing the Budget, he argued that it lacked a national vision and relied on IMF-driven fiscal targets, taxation, and primary surplus claims rather than a credible plan for growth and public welfare. He said poverty, unemployment, and reduced purchasing power were worsening, and criticized the continuation or expansion of taxes on essentials such as health, school supplies, and milk powder despite earlier promises. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that recent weaknesses in the public service had contributed to public dissatisfaction. He supported the Budget, noting that it allocates significant resources to strengthen the public service, and said the results of its proposals would be visible in the following year. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera supported the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it reflects fiscal discipline, institutional reform, transparency, and a people-centred economic programme after what he described as past mismanagement and corruption. He said restoring law and order, depoliticising the Police and security forces, and combating narcotics and organized crime were essential to economic stability and public confidence. He highlighted the continuing “United as One” operation, recent large drug seizures including off Kirinda, and the Budget’s proposed Rs. 1,500 million allocation for drug control programmes, while also stressing public service modernization and accountability. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister argued that the 2026 Budget is viewed in the North and by Tamil-speaking communities as inclusive and supportive of national unity, while criticizing opposition parties for relying on grievance-based politics. He highlighted serious challenges in the North and East, including population decline, emigration, poverty, falling educational performance, reduced parliamentary representation, and drug-related criminal activity. He urged greater attention to local issues in the Budget debate and said the Government would take measures to improve education and address the social and economic problems affecting those regions. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna supported the Budget, describing it as focused on public welfare and social needs, and highlighted an allocation of Rs. 12,000 million to begin establishing a new multi-storey cardiac centre to address long waiting lists for heart surgeries in major hospitals. He also referred to the creation of 75,000 jobs and increased allowances for railway level-crossing gatekeepers as measures the Government was implementing. He urged the public to support the Government’s programme, including its actions against corruption, narcotics, and the underworld, and said it would deliver improved living conditions. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna defended the Budget as setting the Government’s economic direction toward expanded investment, SME support, digitalization, and a targeted 5 percent growth rate, with a longer-term aim of 7 percent. He said vehicle procurement was intended to improve State sector efficiency rather than provide luxuries, and described reforms such as a BOI single-window system, transparent allocation of underutilized Ministry lands, and listing abandoned bungalows and closed factories for investors. He argued that removing administrative bottlenecks, improving infrastructure, and adopting technologies such as AI would attract investment, create jobs, and support economic expansion. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna defended the Budget allocation for estate workers, stating that Rs. 5,000 million is sufficient to provide the proposed Rs. 200 benefit because Labour Ministry figures show 87,600 registered RPC estate workers, not 140,000. He argued that the Government inherited major unpaid obligations, including EPF/ETF, gratuity arrears, senior citizens’ interest subsidies, and stalled State projects, and said the Budget allocates funds to address these issues, make multipurpose workers permanent, and complete projects such as the Dambulla cold store and the Badalgama MilkCo plant. He said there are no new taxes and that improved revenue collection and targeted transfers to workers, persons with disabilities, children, and other groups would help resolve social problems and stimulate the economy over the Government’s term. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan briefly stated that making payments in that manner is acceptable. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Budget proposal to increase estate workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1,750, comprising Rs. 200 from companies and Rs. 200 from the Government, and said the measure would add Rs. 10,000 to monthly income for 25 workdays. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government contribution is illegal, arguing that approval of the Appropriation Bill provides authority and comparing it with existing subsidies and planned support for private-sector employees with disabilities. He also alleged misuse of World Bank-funded ASMP grants under previous administrations, named several recipients, said the Treasury had repaid a demanded amount to avoid consequences for Sri Lanka, and stated that legal action through the Attorney-General is being pursued. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the Government’s economic performance in 2025, citing higher public salaries and pensions, restarted infrastructure projects, improved revenue without new taxes, a primary surplus, and gains in employment, remittances, exports, and tourism. He said further growth is needed to address unemployment among qualified youth and remaining hardship among vulnerable groups, and noted forthcoming legal measures in 2026 including PPP legislation, amendments to investment-related Acts, and an Investment Protection Bill. He highlighted Budget allocations for investment zones, SME development, industrial estates, collateral-free lending, and digitalization, including GovPay, GovTech, a Digital Economy Council, and the planned first digital ID by the third quarter of 2026. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera criticized the Government for failing to enact the legislative programme announced in the 2025 Budget, stating that none of the 11 promised economic and regulatory Bills had been passed and that Parliament’s legislative output had fallen compared with recent years. He questioned the adequacy of funding for CIABOC and the absence of corruption cases referred to the Permanent High Court-at-Bar, arguing that anti-corruption commitments were not being matched by action. He also urged the Government to proceed with its manifesto commitment to introduce a new Constitution abolishing the Executive Presidency and establishing a parliamentary system, noting that the Budget speech was silent on this issue. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →