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- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody – Minister of Energy AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody outlined the 2026 Budget figures, including total expenditure of Rs. 7,102 billion, expected revenue of Rs. 5,355 billion, a deficit of Rs. 1,757 billion, and a proposed borrowing limit of Rs. 3,740 billion. He argued that the Budget advances the Government’s policy roadmap through six strategic goals covering inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive-sector support, poverty eradication, and digitalization. He highlighted energy transmission projects, investor facilitation through National Single Windows, MSME and domestic production support, reform of Aswesuma dependency, expanded e-procurement and cashless payments, and development of digital infrastructure including communications towers and data centres. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan supported the 2026 Budget as a continuation of economic stabilization measures and welcomed its focus on social justice, regional balance, digital governance, and assistance to vulnerable groups, while stressing that implementation must reach war-affected areas in the North and East. He called for vocational training centres in Vavuniya and Mannar, fairer agricultural policies, stronger use of cooperatives, employment pathways for graduates, land and tourism reforms, and proper delivery of Aswesuma benefits. He urged the Government to release seized Tamil translations of the Holy Qur’an, arguing that the import restriction is outdated given digital access to translations and raises fundamental rights concerns. He also requested relocation of proposed Mannar wind power towers outside the island, clarity on funding for the Puttalam–Mannar road via Ilavankulam, and consultation with Puttalam residents before proceeding with the Aruwakkalu waste project. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra – Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra said the Budget reflects recovery after bankruptcy and argued that restoring fiscal discipline and strengthening the public service are essential. He opposed reintroducing transferable duty-free vehicle permits, citing major revenue losses and ethical concerns, and supported a system where official vehicles remain state assets and return to a pool after use. He rejected claims of low education funding, stating allocations have risen to 2.5 per cent of GDP for 2026 with an aim to reach 6 per cent over time, and defended government support for plantation sector wage increases as fair recognition of that community’s economic contribution. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe defended the National People’s Power government’s second Budget, stating it continues the policy programme “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” and builds on the first Budget’s efforts to stabilize and rebuild the economy. He rejected Opposition criticisms as misinformed and argued that the government had made progress in economic, administrative, and diplomatic areas within eight months. He highlighted Budget proposals to strengthen the public service, including restoring pensions for post-2016 recruits, recruiting 75,000 staff on merit, digitizing administration, and establishing a Salaries and Pensions Commission. He said implementation would be driven through Cabinet, Parliament, coordinating committees, and the 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions by 31 December 2026. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage criticized the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government has departed from earlier JVP/NPP promises on debt, transparency, official privileges, salaries, and anti-corruption. He questioned how debt repayments would be managed after current IMF, World Bank and ADB inflows, and asked what investment or export diversification plans would generate future revenue. He raised allegations and concerns over salt procurement, rice imports, the release of 323 containers, narcotics-related accountability, and the proposed procurement of 1,700 vehicles, calling for transparent action and withdrawal of the vehicle proposal if unnecessary. He also accused the Government of using northern development politically and contrasted its housing claims with projects initiated under Sajith Premadasa, including an Indian-assisted housing scheme in Rakwana. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. T.B. Sarath – Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath rejected Opposition claims that the Budget introduced new taxes, arguing that higher revenue comes from broader and more effective collection, including reduced tax evasion and leakage at institutions such as Customs. He detailed housing allocations, including Rs. 1 million per house for 7,000 homes, 2,500 estate housing units, urban regeneration and low-income housing in Colombo, and 2,445 houses for conflict-affected families in the North and East at Rs. 1.5 million each. He contrasted these plans with what he described as poor implementation of housing schemes from 2015–2019 and said the Government aims to complete housing for displaced families in the Jaffna peninsula within three to four years. He also defended increased allocations under the President’s Head as funding for programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka, the Digital Economy, and Praja Shakthi. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu defended the government’s budgetary and economic management, contrasting it with previous budgets which he said contributed to bankruptcy, corruption and the “queue era.” He said the current administration had improved transparency, controlled expenditure, strengthened revenue institutions, restored foreign confidence, increased tourism and investment, and advanced anti-corruption action. He highlighted Batticaloa District development, stating that most 2025 projects were completed and noting 2026 allocations for the Mundeni Aru irrigation scheme, the Ponnudaisenai–Kiran bridge studies, Valaichchenai harbour upgrades, and measures addressing human–elephant conflict. He also requested the release of the Thandiyadi Heroes’ Resting Place for public remembrance during the Tamil month of Karthigai. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that many 2025 Budget proposals and capital allocations had not been implemented and urged the Government to ensure that the 2026 Budget’s development measures are actually delivered. He rejected claims that the Government inherited an unresolved crisis, citing the previous administration’s restoration of fuel, gas and power supplies and improved reserves, and said the Budget lacks concrete delivery on promises such as VAT relief, education funding, and agricultural revival. He criticized inadequate planning for potato and onion farmers, called for timely import controls and fair pricing, and urged fertilizer and input tax relief to support tea smallholders. He also questioned the practicality of proposed estate wage increases and attendance allowances, asking the Government to negotiate an enforceable framework with plantation companies. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister defended the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had stabilized the economy through exchange-rate management and improved market performance. He rejected claims that funds were for MPs’ vehicles, stating that allocations were for vehicles and machinery needed by public institutions and local authorities, and outlined public service recruitments to address officer shortages across key services. He also highlighted increased Mahapola and scholarship allowances, provincial allocations for school nutrition, maintenance, operations, and development grants, and said provinces were expected to reach high levels of financial progress by December. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Minister K.D. Lal Kantha said the Government had intervened to address marketing and pricing problems arising from increased potato and big onion production, including Sathosa purchases, import duties, and plans to set next season farmgate guaranteed prices of Rs. 150 per kilo for big onions and Rs. 220–240 for potatoes. He argued that consumer prices may need to reflect these farmer support prices, while targeted adjustments would be needed for those unable to afford them. He also linked agricultural problem-solving to strengthening the public service, citing salary increases, proposed recruitment of 75,000 public servants, recent appointments in surveying and GIS, and a Cabinet-approved plan to regularize 9,800 long-term casual workers in ministry institutions. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni defended the Budget as a reinvestment of recent economic gains, highlighting Rs. 543.1 billion for health-related spending, including Rs. 516.7 billion for the Ministry of Health. He outlined planned reforms to make hospitals more accessible, complete delayed infrastructure, expand digitization, address medicine shortages through Rs. 34 billion in decentralized purchases, and replace or repair ageing medical equipment with new allocations and service contracts. He also said health worker salaries, allowances, overtime arrears, and other entitlements were being improved in stages, framing the measures as part of strengthening essential services and citizens’ access to a dignified life. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Upul Kithsiri defended the Government’s Budget and economic management, rejecting Opposition predictions that the administration would collapse, the rupee would depreciate sharply, or shortages and queues would return. He cited reductions in fuel, electricity, and selected essential goods prices since 2024, and said the exchange rate had remained broadly stable. He also supported the proposed wage increase for estate workers, arguing that their current earnings are insufficient, and said the 2026 Budget is guided by goals including sustainable inclusive growth, export diversification, and debt sustainability. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando questioned the Government’s rationale for a large financial or policy addition, comparing it to measures taken under Basil Rajapaksa’s “Divi Neguma” programme. He requested an explanation from Government economists and urged that international practice be considered before proceeding. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando questioned the Government’s record on law reform, noting that several Bills listed in the previous Budget had not been enacted and arguing that new legislative commitments should not be presented as assured. He also criticised the addition of Rs. 20 billion to the “Prajashakthi” programme after the Appropriation Bill, stating that such a large increase exceeded accepted budgetary practice and raised concerns about possible political use at village level. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Condemning the terrorist attack near Delhi’s Red Fort, Chithral Fernando criticized the Budget Speech as lengthy but inconsistent with fiscal documents. He questioned increased allocations to the Presidency, alleged reductions affecting CIABOC, Provincial Council elections, health spending, and youth agriculture loan programmes, and cited mid-year fiscal and committee figures to argue that claims of SOE efficiency, anti-corruption empowerment, election preparedness, medical supply improvements, and youth support were not supported by actual allocations or implementation. He accepted improved revenue collection but argued that the Government’s broader budget rhetoric should align with reported expenditure and performance data. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake defended the 2026 Budget, rejecting Opposition criticism on under-spending of 2025 allocations and stating that execution was expected to reach 85–90 percent by year-end. He outlined the Budget’s revenue, expenditure and deficit figures, highlighted major allocations to education, health, transport, national security and the public service, and argued that fiscal management and import controls had helped preserve reserves and stability. He said the Budget would strengthen the public service through salary increases, pension changes, recruitment and vehicle allocations for official duties, including for divisional administrations and wildlife response to human–elephant conflict. He also stated that the Government did not intend to revive past practices around duty-free vehicle permits for MPs. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary The Minister rejected allegations of misuse of official vehicles, stating that government vehicles are for official duties and that past administrations misused State vehicles and fuel. He noted that some officials receive both vehicle permits and official vehicles, and referred to the medical sector’s DAT allowance, now Rs. 35,000, as an example of attention to public servants’ concerns. He said the Government’s priority is to strengthen the economy before expanding benefits, rather than distributing cash indiscriminately. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Asked why the Member is not taking their parliamentary salary. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Minister Chrishantha Abeysena defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it had restored fiscal and political stability, rebuilt reserves and cash balances, broadened the tax base, and prioritized macroeconomic discipline before expanding relief. He highlighted allocations for research commercialization, Vidatha resource centres, ICT, industrial zones, and village-level economic development, while stating that public service recruitment would proceed in a phased, needs-based manner. He said public sector salaries had been increased and would rise further through allocations extending to 2027, and rejected claims that vehicle allocations were for luxury use by MPs, stating they were for official duties and service delivery needs. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued during the 2026 Budget debate that the Government’s 2025 Budget implementation was weak, citing claims that less than half of allocations were spent and attributing this to public officials’ fear of making decisions. He said rising living costs and protests by farmers, teachers, graduates, fisherfolk, and three-wheeler drivers indicate public dissatisfaction, and warned that recent cooperative election losses are an early sign of declining government support. He stated the Opposition would support genuine development initiatives such as Colombo congestion relief projects and Port City investment, but questioned whether the Government genuinely intends to hold Provincial Council elections without clear budgetary allocations. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →