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- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake concluded the Budget speech by framing the Budget as a programme to combat bribery, corruption, drug trafficking, the underworld and poverty while restoring confidence and promoting development. He invited Sri Lankans living overseas and those previously excluded from public service to return, invest and contribute under a merit-based system. He called on the Opposition to criticize and question the Government but not to obstruct efforts against crime and poverty, and thanked Ministry of Finance officials for preparing the Budget and supporting its implementation. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the delayed second phase of the Katunayake airport development project, previously expected to be completed in 2023 with JICA financing, will now restart in early 2026 at a much higher estimated cost, and linked the delay to past ministerial interference. He outlined plans to improve airport efficiency and develop Bandaranaike International Airport as a regional air cargo hub through cargo terminal expansion and a public-private partnership for cold storage, warehousing, and related facilities. He also announced a planned approach to urban development from 2026, with allocations for feasibility work in 10 towns and specific congestion or relocation projects in Matale, Hatton, and Ratnapura. He further proposed support for local authorities to improve solid-waste management through funding for equipment such as compactors, tractors, and trailers. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary The speech outlines budget proposals to support research commercialization, including legislation in 2026 to establish a Commercialization Institution and a National Council for Research and Development, with Rs. 1,200 million allocated for capital support to viable innovations. It also describes the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as a continuing national initiative covering environmental, ethical, governance, anti-corruption, public service and rule-of-law objectives, with Rs. 6,500 million allocated for 2026. The speech further announces the “Nation as One” operation to combat narcotics, organized crime and related corruption, proposing Rs. 1,500 million for drug-control programmes and 10 voluntary rehabilitation centres under the Rehabilitation Task Force. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary President Anura Kumara Dissanayake moved the Second Reading of the Government’s second National Budget, stating that the administration had restored macroeconomic, fiscal and social stability after inheriting a crisis marked by debt distress, weak governance and fiscal imbalance. He cited 4.8% growth in the first half of 2025, low inflation, lower Treasury bill yields, stable exchange rates, reserves expected to reach about USD 7.9 billion by year-end, tax revenue near 16% of GDP, and a primary surplus exceeding the 2.3% target as evidence of recovery. He said the Budget continues reforms focused on fiscal discipline, revenue administration digitization, expenditure rationalization, debt reduction and transparent public financial management, with central government debt projected to fall to 96.8% of GDP by end-2026 and around 87% by 2030. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister presented the 2026 budget-related documents, including fiscal reports, public investment plans, the citizens budget, debt management strategy, borrowing plan, tax expenditure statement, public sector cadre information, and the 2025 mid-year fiscal report. She moved that the reports be referred to the Committee on Public Finance, and the motion was agreed to. The Draft Budget Estimates for 2026 were then ordered to lie upon the Table. Tabling of Budget Documents 2026 Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the reorganization of Ministries does not create a procedural or legal issue under the Appropriation Bill, as allocations are being transferred between existing Heads and Programmes following the amalgamation and creation of Ministries. He explained that any additional cost for the personal staff Vote of a new Minister can be met through Treasury miscellaneous expenses under Section 6(1) of the Appropriation Act, without a Supplementary Estimate. He emphasized that the total approved Government expenditure of Rs. 7,190 billion remains unchanged. Procedural Matters: Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Sunil Handunnetti said discussions are under way with the Ministry of Finance on VAT treatment for imported rough gems, noting that VAT currently applies because cutting and polishing constitute value addition and involve input credits. He proposed replacing this with a simpler parcel-based import levy, such as a flat USD 200 per parcel, to simplify the process and encourage formal import channels. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Raised concerns that high taxes on the gem industry, including 30 per cent corporate tax and 18 per cent VAT, discourage registration and declaration of domestic earnings. He urged the Minister to make the system more user-friendly, restore conditions to retain processing of Sri Lankan gems locally, and consider duty-free facilities or per-carat relief to increase revenue and help achieve the USD 2 billion export target. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lanka generally prohibits export of domestically produced or imported rough gems except where expert committees confirm that low-value or technically non-processable material cannot be value-added locally, while cut and polished exports remain subject to NGJA and Customs supervision. He outlined ongoing research, training and technology upgrades to expand domestic cutting, heat treatment, certification and finishing capacity, with the aim of reducing rough geuda exports and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional gem trading hub. He said the Government targets USD 1–2 billion in annual gem and jewellery exports by 2030, seeks to bring estimated unregulated outflows into a legal liberalized framework, and will review export procedures and tax policies with stakeholders while strengthening action against illicit exports. He clarified that the NGJA levies service fees, not taxes, under the relevant Gazette, and tabled annexes on programmes, strategy and fee schedules. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Clarified that amounts above USD 10,000 may be brought into the country provided they are declared through the Customs form. The statement emphasized the procedural requirement for declaration rather than a prohibition on bringing such funds. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister to clarify whether there is no limit on bringing US dollars into Sri Lanka. The intervention was a brief question seeking confirmation on foreign currency inflow rules. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti replied to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, outlining import and export data for rough gems from 2022-2024 and stating that NGJA and Customs are finalizing a verification mechanism for re-exported stones. He said around 70 per cent of Sri Lanka is geologically prospective for gems, with only about 20 per cent explored, and described planned scientific exploration with relevant agencies, universities, plantation companies and other stakeholders. He also stated that mining licensing has been simplified through a one-stop centre, fees are not excessive, and the number of licences increased by 78 per cent between 2021 and 2024. On trade promotion, he said Sri Lanka is studying international auctions for cut and polished gems and aligning domestic exhibitions with regional calendars, while foreign currency brought into the country must be declared where required and bank-based transactions are encouraged. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Office on Missing Persons had inherited cadre vacancies and institutional weaknesses, and that recruitment of 90 additional staff and other reforms had begun since November 2024. He stated that the Office for Reparations can make only one-off payments after a person is recognized as missing, that around 4,000 of 16,000 registered cases have received compensation, and that there is currently no legal basis to top up older payments to Rs. 200,000 without reliable historical payment data. He said the Government is collecting data, working with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office on broader support for affected families, and has Cabinet approval for Rs. 375 million to appoint 75 investigators to accelerate OMP cases. Oral Answer: Human Rights Situation in Sri Lanka and Reparations (Q. raised 08.10.2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa responded to concerns about whether the Budget scheduled for 7 November could proceed following the reshuffle. He stated that the matter had been discussed and resolved at the Office of the Leader of the House, and confirmed that the Budget would be presented, debated, and any necessary amendments introduced at Committee Stage, citing precedent and assuming responsibility. Ministerial Statement: Amendments to Appropriation Bill 2026 and Ministerial Reshuffle Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva said that while there is no change in the total funds, legal and accounting clarity is needed when assets and liabilities are divided between Ministries. He cited potential confusion over borrowings and assets, and urged that projects such as the Maritime Facilitation Centre and the Port Access Elevated Highway be separated in a legally robust manner within the relevant two-month period to avoid future disputes. Ministerial Statement: Amendments to Appropriation Bill 2026 and Ministerial Reshuffle Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that officials had reviewed concerns raised about handling changes to expenditure Heads after the Appropriation Bill is presented. Citing the 2024 Budget process and earlier creation of new Heads following ministerial changes, he argued that Cabinet reshuffles or new ministerial assignments can be accommodated at Committee Stage as long as total expenditure remains unchanged. He said there is precedent and no legal impediment to debating and adjusting the relevant Heads accordingly. Ministerial Statement: Amendments to Appropriation Bill 2026 and Ministerial Reshuffle Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka stated the Opposition’s position on legal and technical issues arising from changes to ministerial portfolios after the Appropriation Bill had been presented, noting that the number of Cabinet Ministries had increased from 24 to 25. He said Opposition representatives had met government officials and agreed that, given existing Cabinet approval, the Committee Stage could proceed, while drawing attention to Article 78(3) of the Constitution on amendments to Bills. He emphasized that any legal responsibility for proceeding in this context rests with the Government, not the Opposition. Ministerial Statement: Amendments to Appropriation Bill 2026 and Ministerial Reshuffle Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance and Planning, the Minister explained that amendments to the Appropriation Bill, 2026 are needed to reflect ministerial subject changes made by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2458/65 of 18 October 2025. He outlined the creation of a new Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, renaming and reallocation of functions among several Ministries, and the transfer of specified departmental Heads and institutions. He stated that 2025 reallocations would be handled administratively under Financial Regulation 208 without changing total expenditure, while formal amendments for 2026 would be moved at Committee Stage, including possible use of Head 176 for the new Ministry. Ministerial Statement: Amendments to Appropriation Bill 2026 and Ministerial Reshuffle Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Point of Order concerning questions under Standing Order 27(2), stating that such questions are used to place known facts before the House and the public when the Prime Minister and Cabinet are present. He argued that the newly elected Government appears to be continuing previous policies rather than ending what he described as a “76-year curse,” and specifically questioned the continued presence of a former Central Bank official. Point of Order and Procedural Matters - Budget-related Discussion Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Minister said the question involves technical issues linked to financial stability and requires information from institutions including the Central Bank, with a detailed answer to follow. He stated that the Government is operating under a flexible inflation-targeting framework agreed between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank, with the current 5 per cent inflation target to be assessed at the next review concluding in March 2026. He noted that inflation has been contained but has not yet fully reached the target, and warned that allowing inflation to rise unnecessarily could hinder economic recovery. Point of Order and Procedural Matters - Budget-related Discussion Read →