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- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman urged the Government to closely monitor plantation companies over wage commitments, warning that firms may reduce workdays or impose conditions while appearing to grant increases. He argued that repeated daily wage hikes are not a sustainable solution and called for a shift to productivity-linked income models, including pilot outgrower or revenue-sharing schemes, while addressing the future of JEDB and SPC. He questioned the sustainability of the Rs. 5,000 million allocation for a Rs. 200 attendance incentive, asked that it be tabled in Parliament at the final stage, and suggested legislating an annual Rs. 200 increase if the policy is to continue. He also highlighted infrastructure gaps in Upcountry schools, hospitals, roads and housing, and questioned the allocation and relocation of housing resources intended for Nuwara Eliya. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman welcomed the Budget proposal allocating Rs. 5,000 million for plantation worker wage increases but sought clarity on whether the proposed Rs. 200 is an attendance incentive or an increase to the basic daily wage. He questioned what discussions had been held with plantation companies, whether they had agreed, and urged that any basic wage increase be formalized through a Gazette amendment from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,550. He rejected calls for his resignation for raising these questions, citing past unfulfilled promises on plantation wages, housing, and land titles. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam welcomed the 2026 Budget, framing it as a comprehensive post-bankruptcy development plan focused on inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty reduction, digitalization and housing. He argued that allocations such as public sector salary increases, education funding, village-level housing, Kankesanthurai Harbour development, Vattuvagal Bridge rehabilitation and Nintavur auditorium completion benefit all regions rather than particular ethnic or geographic groups. He urged MPs to move away from North-South or ethnic divisions, and emphasized the Government’s stated priorities of eliminating narcotics, underworld activity and corruption while creating a peaceful environment. He also defended measures such as the estate workers’ wage increase and questioned the Opposition’s record on delivering development to northern areas. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara defended the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a structured Budget based on inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive economic strengthening, rural poverty eradication and digitization. He highlighted a Rs. 25 billion allocation, including Rs. 1 billion per district, to strengthen rural economies, and argued that the Government is operating collectively and ethically while rejecting Opposition claims of authoritarianism. He criticized ethnic nationalist politics in the North, citing Budget allocations and ongoing infrastructure work there, and responded to concerns about official travel and vehicles by saying overseas delegations are limited and state vehicles are provided for public service rather than private permits. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said he would not describe the Budget as bad, arguing that it should be judged by the public and characterizing it as being in the Government’s “honeymoon” period. He complained that the Budget had not provided for the North, citing poor roads and difficulties faced by schoolchildren, and objected to Tamils being labelled as terrorists. Much of the intervention involved disputes over speaking time, interruptions, and remarks later expunged by the Chair. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna (Medical Doctor) Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna welcomed several Budget 2026 proposals, including a National Cardiac Institute, entrepreneurship measures, public–private partnerships, investor visas, and digital initiatives, but questioned whether allocations such as Rs. 200 million for the cardiac institute were adequate. He alleged serious financial irregularities in Northern Province health projects, citing audit reports on Point Pedro Hospital, unapproved works, private bank accounts, missing records, and contracts, and called on the Government to act on its anti-corruption promises. He also criticised the Budget’s debt burden, noting large allocations for debt service, interest, and principal repayment, and argued that limited funds remained for development. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that it combines economic development with social justice and specifically addresses the needs of more than 1.6 million persons with disabilities. He highlighted allocations for a Rs. 10,000 monthly disability allowance, accessibility improvements in public facilities and transport, day-care protection centres for children with intellectual disabilities, education support payments, and university policy reforms. He also noted plans to enforce the 3 per cent public-sector employment quota for persons with disabilities and provide private-sector wage subsidies of up to Rs. 15,000 per month for 24 months. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi defended the 2026 Budget as part of the NPP Government’s planned economic programme, contrasting it with previous administrations which he said lacked strategy and led the country to bankruptcy. He highlighted allocations to strengthen the public service, including funding for vehicles and machinery, digital access, arrears clearance, public servant property loans, allowances for teachers, principals and railway gatekeepers, and support for estate worker wages. He emphasized the restoration of full pension rights for public servants recruited after 2016 and noted ongoing action on pension anomalies and the planned commission on public sector pay and pensions. He also cited salary increases, higher festival advances, and regularisation of temporary and contract workers as key Budget measures. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi defended the President’s Budget, arguing that Opposition criticism ignored clarifications already given and failed to recognize the circumstances under which the first Budgets were prepared. He said implementation of the 2025 Budget was progressing better than in previous years, with district-level progress expected around 70–80 per cent, and described the 2026 Budget as continuing that work. He highlighted proposed measures including public-sector digitisation, recruitment of 75,000 public servants, support for casual workers, and interest support for senior citizens’ deposits, framing the Budget as aimed at stabilising institutions and improving livelihoods. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget as people-centred and argued that improved public finance management and restraint by rulers enabled relief for the public. He rejected Opposition criticism on the rule of law, citing arrests in the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder investigation and non-interference in police work, and said the e-visa issue is before the Supreme Court with future action to follow legal outcomes and the Auditor General’s recommendations. He also highlighted the Rs. 1,500 million allocation for the “The Whole Nation Together” anti-drug programme and requested Opposition cooperation through district, divisional and village-level structures. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim criticized the Government, arguing that the JVP had abandoned its earlier commitments to Marxist and social democratic principles associated with past leaders such as Somawansa Amarasinghe. He claimed the Government was instead following the IMF’s policy path and said the 2026 Budget had failed to address the public’s key concerns. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim criticised the Government for reversing positions it had taken before coming to power, including promises to recover stolen funds, bring back exporter-held dollars, reject IMF conditions, and resolve debt issues quickly. He argued that the economy is now being managed under IMF direction and said the Government has failed to deliver on pledges of discipline, rule of law, social justice, and anti-corruption. He questioned delays in appointing a Special Committee on the 320 containers issue and alleged irregularities in the expedited procurement of cabs, asking why normal tender procedures were not followed. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi welcomed the 2026 Budget, emphasizing its provisions for estate workers, including an increase in the daily wage from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750 from January. She said the increase was achieved through Rs. 200 from plantation companies and Rs. 200 from the Government, supported by a Rs. 5,000 million allocation as a daily attendance incentive. She described the inclusion of estate wage, housing, infrastructure, and land issues in the Budget as a historic development for hill-country estate communities and criticized those who had questioned the Government’s ability to deliver such an increase. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government had moved from crisis conditions to fiscal and economic stabilization, citing improved growth, unemployment, exports, remittances, tourism earnings, revenue, and primary balance figures. He argued that anti-corruption and rule-of-law measures, including amendments to the National Audit Act and legislation on recovery of proceeds of crime with a dedicated Police unit, were central to restoring investor confidence and preventing past abuses. He also defended the Government’s capacity to meet future external debt service obligations, including in 2028, and outlined Budget proposals on disability allowances, accessibility improvements, tourism growth, rural poverty reduction, digitalization, and initial funding for a new National Cardiac Unit. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that fiscal discipline has reduced the deficit from recent highs and that 2025 revenue is expected to exceed the approved target for the first time in recent years. He attributed improved performance to stronger revenue administration, debt and cash management, and policy coherence, noting gains in the primary balance, exports, remittances, tourism, FDI facilitation, and capital expenditure execution. He highlighted tax relief through a higher personal income tax threshold, funding for public sector salary increases and property loans, and the restart of major infrastructure projects, and urged Parliament to approve the Budget. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Government’s first full-year Budget, arguing that it is intended to sustain recent macroeconomic stability and maintain medium-term growth after the economic crisis. He outlined six strategic objectives, including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt reduction, support for productive investment, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization, with measures such as merit-based public sector recruitment and integrating certain post-2016 recruits into the standard pension scheme. He also highlighted tourism and aviation constraints, including airport slot limitations, stalled terminal development, SriLankan Airlines restructuring, and plans to expand domestic aviation and tourism capacity. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the 2026 Budget demonstrates fiscal discipline, planned governance and political leadership following the 2025 crisis, citing execution of over half of planned spending, an expected improvement by year-end, and a 2.3 percent primary surplus. She argued that the Government is using the existing public service rather than political appointments, while funding salary increases, allowances, equipment and other reforms to improve service delivery. She rejected claims that democracy or multi-party politics are under threat, saying the Government is enforcing the law and implementing a five-year programme focused on institutional rebuilding, anti-corruption, vulnerable groups, debt sustainability and long-term reform. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne said the Opposition would support government action against organized crime and drugs, but urged the Government to move beyond public statements and use effective administrative and law enforcement measures. He argued that while the Budget presents favourable external indicators such as a primary surplus, reserves and growth, its real test is implementation and household impact. Citing World Bank concerns and several 2025 allocations with very low expenditure—including rural infrastructure, customs and container facilities, digital ID work, and disability support—he claimed about Rs. 642 billion remained unspent and warned that a surplus achieved through stalled development would be harmful. He also noted delays in measures such as the proposed Investment Protection Act and called for assessment of outcomes rather than budgetary announcements. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 Hon. Vijesiri Basnayake AI summary Hon. Vijesiri Basnayake supported the 2026 Budget, stating that it reflects the Government’s approach to fiscal discipline, revenue-expenditure management, and economic reform. He outlined key pillars including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, strengthening domestic production, support for SMEs, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization. He cited economic indicators such as 4.8 percent growth in the first half of 2025, reserves above USD 6 billion, improved ratings outlooks, and plans for trade agreements and integration into global value chains. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake said the National People’s Power’s vision, “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” is being implemented through short-, medium- and long-term plans, with the 2025 Budget as the first phase. He described the Budget as a development roadmap rather than only an income-expenditure statement, and argued that the Government’s reforms have helped Sri Lanka emerge from crisis. He highlighted meeting revenue targets, maintaining the expected deficit, and avoiding supplementary estimates in 2025 as evidence of fiscal discipline. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →