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- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister defended the increase of the Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions and potatoes as a measure to support local farmers during the Yala supply period, citing import and consumption data to reject claims that large stocks had been pre-positioned before the levy. He also addressed the earlier salt import issue, stating that consignments outside the permitted Bill of Lading dates or failing quality standards would not be released and would be handled under Customs procedures. Responding to concerns about the Dambulla cold storage facility, he said remaining construction and technical defects, as well as required racking and handling equipment, were being addressed with Indian grant project stakeholders, with operations targeted for early December under a mixed public-private model. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando supported the Regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act and the Rules under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, stating that commodity levies are intended to protect farmers and secure fair prices for crops such as big onion and potato. He said levy decisions are now being made collectively with relevant agencies to avoid past abuses, and noted that the new excise rules would strengthen recovery of around Rs. 10.5 billion in arrears by enabling collection within three months. He also outlined plans to improve agriculture through local seed production, technology, expanded cultivation of available land, fertilizer support, and irrigation rehabilitation, linking revenue collection to farmer welfare and broader self-sufficiency goals. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva called for a prompt investigation into the murder of Haliwala (Chaligama) Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara and said elected representatives require appropriate security. He then referred to disputes over land in Dambulla and, in the context of the Committee on Public Finance, discussed the use of Special Commodity Levies to protect local farmers from imports during harvest periods. Citing the National Tariff Policy approved in May 2024 and the 2021 sugar levy controversy, he argued that levy changes must follow agreed procedures, including prior Cabinet approval, time limits, and advance announcement, rather than ad hoc ministerial action. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe defended the Government’s agricultural pricing measures, citing the guaranteed paddy price, expanded Government storage, Sathosa sales at concessionary prices, and increased import levies on big onions and potatoes to support local farmers while maintaining consumer access. She argued that concerns over Ponni Samba and Keeri Samba affected only a limited segment of consumers and could be addressed through imports. Supporting the Special Commodity Levy Order and Excise-related Rules, she outlined revised excise payment deadlines, a 3 per cent surcharge for late payment, and licence cancellation after 90 days of non-payment, saying these measures would strengthen revenue collection. She also urged the Excise Department to join the national “Ratama Ekata” operation against illicit liquor and drugs. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif supported the Special Commodity Levy Act and related Orders, arguing that structured levies on essential imports such as sugar, onions and pulses would prevent fraud, stabilize consumer prices, reduce administrative burdens, and protect domestic producers by aligning imports with local production and demand. He also addressed concerns over Muslim burials, stating that the Justice Minister had clarified there would be no imposed delays except in exceptional cases requiring a Magistrate’s recommendation. He further said Qur’an copies previously kept in poor conditions had been secured for proper release, and that steps were being taken to legally vest and develop Ambuluwawe as a public asset. He concluded by urging against statements that create ethnic or religious disharmony and affirmed equal rights for all communities. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government imposed import levies of Rs. 80 per kg on potatoes and Rs. 50 per kg on big onions to protect domestic farmers while seeking parliamentary approval for the relevant order. He said state and private sector purchasing mechanisms had been arranged, including Sathosa purchases and direct buying by Keells and Cargills at specified prices, with centres in areas such as Welimada/Bogahakumbura, Keppetipola, Dambulla, Thambuttegama and Jaffna. He also outlined plans to expand local seed potato production through tissue culture and state farm facilities, arguing that reducing dependence on imported seed and inputs is necessary to sustain cultivation. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda questioned the effectiveness of continuing import levies under the Special Commodity Levy Act to protect potato and onion farmers, noting that after nearly two decades domestic production remains about 28 per cent for potatoes and 4 per cent for onions. He argued that while farmers need protection, consumers must also be considered, and proposed targeted support, assured income mechanisms, and measures to raise domestic production instead of relying repeatedly on levies. He also urged the Government, in the context of floods and public hardship, to give local administrative officers discretion to provide relief based on actual conditions rather than rigid eligibility criteria. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi criticized off-topic conduct in the debate and addressed the Excise Rules and Special Commodity Levy measures under discussion. He said proposed amendments to the 112-year-old Excise Ordinance would strengthen recovery of unpaid excise duties by shortening grace periods and enabling cancellation or suspension of licences, noting large arrears including Rs. 6.75 billion from one liquor company. He defended the potato and onion levy gazette as a seasonal measure to protect local harvests, citing import data to reject claims that importers were tipped off in advance. He also argued that the Government had proposals to improve farmer efficiency and accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation and failing to address seed and production issues when in office. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna stated that the Order under the Special Commodity Levy Act, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2451/10 on 25 August 2025, was before Parliament for approval as a legal requirement. He urged members to verify facts before speaking, noting that the Gazette had been issued nearly two months earlier and warning against misleading the public. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna responded to remarks by Hon. Chamara Sampath on taxes on onions and potatoes, clarifying that the comments could give the impression that the taxes were newly imposed on that day. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported the Special Commodity Levy increases on big onions and potatoes, arguing they were necessary to protect domestic farmers from low harvest-time prices and to help them recover production costs. He said onion cultivation had recovered to 2,644 hectares in 2025 with fertilizer support, and that the levy rise had helped raise farmgate prices to profitable levels. He also supported amendments to Excise rules requiring liquor manufacturers to pay duties within one month, with suspension of production and licences for continued non-payment, citing about Rs. 10 billion in excise arrears among major companies and further arrears in ethanol and toddy production. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the consistency of government policy on rice, potato and onion imports, arguing that import controls should protect domestic producers without harming consumers and that licensing should be broadened to reduce monopolies. He supported stricter Excise arrears rules but said the Government had not fulfilled its promise to cancel politically granted bar permits, citing alleged permits issued in Kilinochchi and stating that names submitted to the CID had not been investigated. He also called for an immediate investigation into alleged meetings involving an NPP MP, a State Minister and a businessman regarding the Kalutara Co-operative Distillery and a related lease proposal amid ongoing litigation. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage disputed the Opposition Leader’s estimate of big onion production costs, stating that improved yields had reduced costs to about Rs. 90–100 per kg, while noting broader economic stabilization indicators. He said new Excise rules are intended to enforce timely remittance of existing taxes, with a 3% monthly late fee after one month and licence cancellation after 90 days, addressing arrears of Rs. 10.5 billion. He supported increasing the Special Commodity Levy on big onions from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 and potatoes from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 to protect local farmers, encourage domestic production, manage imports, and maintain price stability. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said increases in the Special Commodity Levy on potatoes and big onions must genuinely improve farmers’ cost recovery and not merely benefit importers through poor timing or pre-stocking. He cited production costs exceeding farm-gate prices, high import dependence, and difficulties faced by farmers in key growing areas, and called for levies to be timed with harvest cycles and set through the National Tariff Policy Committee and Cabinet after proper impact assessment. He also proposed reducing input and seed costs, improving coordination between Agriculture and Trade authorities, and introducing modern technologies and training for potato and big onion cultivation while maintaining fair consumer prices. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera moved approval for amendments to Excise Notification No. 962 to tighten recovery of liquor excise arrears, stating that unpaid excise totals Rs. 10.5 billion and that licences will now be cancelled if dues remain unpaid beyond one month, with all related licences cancelled after 90 days. He said the Government is also preparing a comprehensive replacement for the Excise Ordinance to strengthen recovery powers and is modernizing Excise administration through the RASED system, POS integration, and a public verification app for tax-paid liquor. He also sought approval for an Order under the Special Commodity Levy Act raising levies on imported potatoes and big onions to protect local farmers and create more market space for domestic produce. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said grid capacity constraints are affecting integration of new energy projects, but DOE approvals and transmission expansion are being used to accelerate progress. He stated that new expansion plans beyond Anuradhapura are expected within two to three years, with financing and design work underway, and noted that competitive battery storage tenders are open. He said government policy aims to protect consumers while maintaining the viability of the power sector and supporting genuine investors. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody clarified that LNG is not being described as renewable, but as a firm energy source used alongside diesel or coal when hydro output is low to maintain grid stability. He defended tariff reductions for solar projects as reflecting lower panel costs and currency appreciation, saying the benefit should be passed to consumers without harming genuine developers. He said approved solar capacity already exceeds this year’s LTGEP additions, with further grid expansion and battery storage tenders planned to support the target of 70% renewable energy by 2030. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s renewable energy policy, arguing that successive reductions in the solar power tariff from Rs. 37 to Rs. 18 per unit discourage investment by small and medium renewable energy producers. He urged the Government to restore earlier tariff levels and support solar uptake in line with the 70 per cent renewable energy target for 2030. He also challenged the inclusion of LNG within that target, stating that LNG is not renewable and citing the Yugadanavi project as an example where, without an operational FSRU, generation effectively depends on diesel. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody replied to a Standing Order 27(2) question by providing detailed 2024 electricity generation and purchase costs by fuel type, ownership details of coal and diesel-related plants, and renewable energy tariff information. He outlined solar capacity targets under the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan up to 2030, noting that solar deployment had reached close to forecast levels by end-2024 and that rooftop capacity had exceeded 2,000 MW by August 2025. He said the Government is promoting solar through competitive procurement, transmission upgrades, streamlined approvals, tariff-setting by a multi-agency committee, and rooftop limits tied to contracted demand to ensure equitable transformer capacity sharing. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Sunil Handunnetti stated that doubts among entrepreneurs about the Government’s economic policy and the balance between the State and private sector had been addressed. He said reforms of State-owned enterprises are being pursued without political interference, while acknowledging decision-making delays as an issue to be resolved to support investors. He added that the Government’s general SOE policy had been explained and that specific responses had been provided on the sugar sector. Ministerial Statements: Poverty Alleviation and Industry Development Read →