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- 19 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper stated that while he did not oppose the revenue objectives of the Bill, he was concerned that matters previously handled through civil and administrative processes were being converted into statutory offences without consideration of mens rea. He warned that first-time offenders could face fines and imprisonment, and proposed that imprisonment should not apply to a first offence. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the Inland Revenue Amendment’s timing and fairness are problematic, warning that criminal liability for failures such as filing returns or obtaining a TIN could deter young entrepreneurs, especially amid a lowered VAT threshold, rupee depreciation and rising oil prices. He said the Opposition sought a reasonable implementation period and cautioned that immediate enforcement could harm growth. He also raised the reported detention by Israeli authorities of Sri Lankan Global Sumud Flotilla volunteer Sameera Mahboobdeen, asking what action the Government had taken to secure her release given its relations with Israel. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana marked the anniversary of the end of the war by calling for rejection of ethnic chauvinist politics and for remembrance of all who died, arguing that national unity must be protected to prevent a recurrence of conflict. He criticised media narratives he said were inflaming communal divisions and stated that the National People’s Power Government was formed by uniting people across regions against such politics. He also addressed economic conditions, citing external supply shocks, higher fuel import costs, increased remittances and state revenue, and expected foreign inflows, arguing that Sri Lanka can manage pressures while maintaining internal stability. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi marked War Heroes’ Day by questioning why the President did not use the term “war hero” while acknowledging that Sri Lanka’s freedom was secured by them. On the Bill under debate, he raised concerns about Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, arguing that the profitable State entity should not be moved toward stock market listing without explanation. He alleged political interference by the SLIC Chairman, including the removal of senior officials and improper recruitment influence, and called on the Government to remove political appointees from key State posts and clarify its policy on SLIC’s future. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to strengthen tax administration, widen the tax net, reduce evasion, and improve revenue collection following past weaknesses and corruption. He highlighted proposed measures including mandatory TIN registration, relief for senior citizens on withholding tax, tax relief for donations to higher education institutions, rules on advance installments, reduced cash transactions, and exemptions for certain insurance and vehicle-related benefits. He also referred to the anniversary of the end of the war, paid tribute to security forces, rejected claims that the Government was neglecting the military, and said land issues affecting veterans at Rana Jaya Pura were being reviewed for resolution. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara compared economic indicators under Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, citing reductions in inflation, improved reserves and primary balance, and a shift from negative to positive growth. He warned that if the exchange rate again reaches around Rs. 360–370 per US dollar, the country could return to a previous crisis situation, and alleged that efforts were being made to form governments by attracting members from other parties. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over vehicle import allowances, claiming that importing more than 1,000 vehicles valued at about US$20,000 each could cause a revenue loss of around Rs. 3.5 billion. He compared current exchange rates and fuel prices with those under former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, arguing that the rupee has depreciated again and citing petrol and diesel prices as part of his critique of current economic management. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill introduces criminal penalties for tax-related non-compliance for the first time and warned that, with a broadened tax base and lower thresholds, ordinary taxpayers could be affected without receiving any corresponding benefits or priority services. He contrasted current tax enforcement with earlier efforts to recover unpaid taxes and criticized past statements by government figures on tax compliance. He also raised concerns over incomplete RTI responses on fuel procurement, alleged inflated fuel pricing, and the 50 per cent surcharge on vehicle imports, while additionally commenting on the conduct of war hero commemorations and the need to recognize all civilian suffering during past conflicts. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it aims to broaden revenue, improve tax administration, curb evasion, and create a stable fiscal base while providing concessions and taxing profits rather than ordinary livelihoods. He attributed the present tax burden to past failures in asset management, borrowing, and weak domestic production, and said expanding exports and production is necessary to reduce taxes over time. He also raised flood damage in Puttalam District following the “Tithwa” cyclone and recent rains, requesting urgent action on a drainage system for Puttalam town and repairs or widening of damaged bridges in Karaitivu, Mundal, Kanamulla, and near Pulichchakulam School. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir criticized the Finance Ministry’s tax proposals, arguing that bringing small traders and fuel station operators into the tax net effectively passes indirect taxes on to ordinary consumers while the Government later presents subsidies as benefits. He requested relief for local distributors, particularly fuel station operators facing reduced margins and lower sales under QR rationing despite higher turnover values caused by price increases. He also warned against policies aimed at conserving dollar reserves if they restrict essential inputs, citing past fertilizer import limits, and raised concerns that farmers in Ampara lack timely fertilizer and cannot sell stored paddy at viable prices. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill contextually while using the debate to highlight economic and agricultural issues in the Eastern Province, especially Ampara District’s role in national paddy production. He urged the Government to complete drainage projects, modernize agriculture, fisheries and dairy production, and address fertilizer shortages, stating that Ampara farmers had paid Rs. 6.3 billion but still lacked 8,194 MT of the required allocation. He also requested the Ministry of Finance to provide special funds to transport or mill around 50,000 MT of paddy held in Paddy Marketing Board warehouses before the next harvest to prevent losses to farmers. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Inland Revenue Act amendments as a measure to strengthen direct taxation, improve tax compliance, and ensure that all legally liable taxpayers contribute fairly rather than relying mainly on VAT and other indirect taxes. She argued that low revenue contributed to the 2022 economic crisis, while higher revenue had enabled relief measures, and cited recent Government actions such as increasing the PAYE threshold and removing VAT on infant nutrition. She rejected claims that the amendments are draconian, stating that the IRD would issue notices, allow time for compliance, and pursue legal action only after due process. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Amendments to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 were presented as measures to simplify tax administration, reduce evasion, and improve compliance without increasing tax rates or imposing new burdens. The speech highlighted relief measures, including the earlier increase of the PAYE threshold, removal of tax for senior citizens earning below Rs. 60,000 per month, and provisions for carrying forward large crisis-related donations by businesses. It also defended enforcement against tax defaulters, rejected Opposition criticisms, and linked the Government’s fiscal approach to support measures such as fuel subsidies and disaster relief, including assistance and housing reconstruction in Kegalle District after the “Ditta” cyclone. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s policy to simplify taxation, improve tax administration, and increase reliance on direct taxes to fund education, health, rural infrastructure, and public services. He argued that past tax administration was weakened by corruption, tax evasion, politically connected concessions, and misuse of public funds, citing pending cases and controversies involving former politicians and the Airbus and sugar tax matters. He said the Government is pursuing reforms, modernization, and digitization to manage public finances properly, and rejected Opposition claims on exchange-rate management by arguing that the economy is now open and being stabilized despite difficult conditions. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna paid tribute to war heroes and criticized perceived restrictions or objections to the use of the term “Ranaviru” and to acts of commemoration. Speaking on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, he argued that while intentional tax evasion and fraud should remain criminal offences, the Bill risks criminalizing administrative or technical lapses such as delayed registration or clerical errors. He called for equal enforcement of the law, citing uncollected taxes, alleged frauds including the coal issue and missing tax revenue, and warned against using criminal provisions to target the Opposition or government critics. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the Bill, stating that it sets clear limits to prevent tax evasion while exempting death compensation and life insurance payouts from tax, except for related transactions. He highlighted amendments connected to the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, under which donations to State universities would be exempt from income tax and capital gains tax, and said the measures would simplify and improve the efficiency of the tax process. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, arguing that tax administration must be simplified while strengthening compliance, preventing evasion, and rebuilding public trust in revenue collection and spending. He said politically connected tax losses and arrears, including those linked to the sugar tax reduction and distillery licences, should be recovered, and noted that the Bill provides a six-month opportunity for taxpayers to settle arrears with penalties and interest waived. He also said the amendments clarify taxation of life insurance proceeds, including death benefits, surrender values and maturities. Referencing National War Heroes’ Day, he criticized the political use of military personnel for private or partisan purposes and said respect for war heroes should be shown through proper systems rather than rhetoric. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa marked the 17th anniversary of the end of the war, arguing that the conflict was against the LTTE and calling for recognition of the sacrifices of security forces and civilians. He criticized the Government’s tax policy, particularly threats of imprisonment for not obtaining a TIN, and linked currency pressure to increased fuel-based power generation following alleged coal procurement failures. He also alleged failures in safeguarding public funds, citing missing or misdirected funds in banks, the RDA, SriLankan Airlines, the Treasury and local administration. He urged the Government to address fertilizer shortages and present a plan for affordable fertilizer for paddy, tea, spices and vegetables in the coming seasons, citing wider food and energy security concerns. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, arguing that they seek to broaden the direct tax base, improve compliance, and create a fairer, more transparent and technology-enabled tax system. He highlighted measures including lowering the enhanced capital allowance threshold from USD 3 million to USD 250,000 to benefit SMEs, strengthening enforcement for non-filing or non-appearance, and increasing capital gains tax for individuals and partnerships to 15 percent for rationalization. He said taxpayers who pay at least 20 percent more than the previous year would receive relief from further scrutiny, and stated that RAMIS is integrated with banks, Customs and other state institutions to support revenue collection. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe paid tribute to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the armed forces and Police for ending the war, and emphasized that terrorism against civilians by any group should be condemned. He argued that tax administration should focus on widening compliance, education and remedies before punishment, warning that online filing requirements and jail penalties could unfairly affect elderly people and small traders. He criticised the Government’s economic management, citing unpaid dues to electricity producers, alleged losses and irregular payments in coal, energy, transport, banking, postal and welfare sectors, and concerns raised by the Central Bank, Treasury and ADB. He warned of rising poverty, declining reserves, currency depreciation and higher living costs, and urged the Government not to lead the country toward another bankruptcy. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →