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- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the 2025 NMRA Regulations introducing Maximum Retail Price and Maximum Distribution Price mechanisms, while stressing that medicine quality assurance, regulatory capacity, and post-market surveillance must be strengthened alongside price controls. He highlighted shortages of essential medicines in state hospitals, including reported shortages at Kalutara General Hospital, and called for more efficient, transparent procurement, including accelerated e-procurement, to ensure timely supply. He welcomed assurances that the Suwaseriya ambulance service would retain its identity and purpose, urged clearer government communication on the matter, and requested priority for upgrading Panadura Base Hospital. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera supported the Regulations under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, noting that the NMRA regulates registration, importation, inspection, quality assessment and approval of medicines, a process that can take around 300 days. He said previous price control arrangements lacked a clear methodology and led to legal challenges and inconsistent determinations. He stated that the new Regulations provide a structured basis for maximum retail prices and ceiling prices, using factors such as CIF value, duties, logistics and distribution costs, with the aim of improving affordability in both public and private sectors. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Moved approval of regulations made under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2446/34 of 21 July 2025 and presented to Parliament on 7 October 2025. He noted that the regulations were made after consultations with the NMRA, Consumer Affairs Authority and other stakeholders, and that Cabinet approval had been obtained before opening the debate. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Bills Presented AI summary The Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Bill, seeking to amend Act No. 40 of 1988, was presented by Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. The Bill was scheduled for Second Reading on 4 November 2025, ordered to be printed, and referred to the Committee on Public Finance. Presentation of Bills: Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government has set Yala 2025 minimum paddy purchase prices based on district-wise production costs plus a 30 per cent margin, with the Paddy Marketing Board and private buyers purchasing through supervised mechanisms to secure fair farmer prices while keeping rice affordable. He reported that the PMB had procured 48,705.984 metric tons by 17 September 2025 and said rice imports remain controlled by permit, with imports considered only on Food Policy and Security Committee recommendation and Cabinet approval if shortages or unaffordable prices arise. He addressed varietal pricing, fertilizer availability, yield trends and production costs, arguing that reduced fertilizer prices have lowered cultivation costs and that current minimum prices provide farmers a margin above cost. He added that consumer protection measures, price controls, Lak Sathosa sales, cooperative channels and improved cultivation practices are being used to stabilize the rice market and meet the national annual requirement of about 4.8 million metric tons. Ministerial Statement: Fair Prices for Paddy Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan noted that pensioners are facing practical difficulties with the current online pension system and are still required to travel long distances to the Department. He requested urgent action to address these shortcomings and asked that legal amendments be considered to allow pensions for those who joined service after age 45, citing expectations of fairness and reform. Question by Private Notice (SO 27(2)): Department of Pensions Services Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister detailed service arrangements at the Department of Pensions, including Public Day access, weekday inquiries, front-desk officers for high-demand areas, ongoing online coordination with District and Divisional Secretariats, training programmes, and an Advisory Council for district-level issues. He said phone responses are constrained by staffing, but recruitment is being arranged, including 15 dedicated call-handling posts and additional staff for the 1970 hotline. He stated that complete and error-free online pension applications should result in the first pension being paid the following month, while W&OP death gratuity and pension payments take about two and three months respectively if documents are complete. He also explained that appointments made over the age limit of 45 require Cabinet approval before pension payment, and pensions remain subject to the Pensions Minute requirements, with gratuity or compensation payable where those requirements are not met. Question by Private Notice (SO 27(2)): Department of Pensions Services Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised concerns under Standing Order 27(2) about difficulties faced by pensioners in accessing the Department of Pensions, including limited direct contact with officers, ineffective phone and hotline services, and the need for elderly pensioners to travel to Colombo. He asked the Minister to introduce direct appointment systems, online live consultations, improved district and divisional-level services, a national pensioners’ advisory committee, and better coordination with other state institutions. He also requested information on benefit processing timelines, pensioner access to verify online applications, and possible legal provisions to grant pensions to persons appointed beyond the maximum age limit after long public service. Question by Private Notice (SO 27(2)): Department of Pensions Services Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about widespread shortages of medicines, consumables, surgical sutures, imaging services and cardiac surgery capacity in public hospitals, citing Kalutara Hospital and major national hospitals, and tabled a document on shortages. He urged the Government to include strong financial penalties in tender agreements when suppliers provide incorrect dialysis needles, and questioned the Consumer Affairs Authority’s response to sharp retail price increases, calling for raids and public identification of profiteers. He described the matter as a national issue affecting the hospital system and requested urgent remedial action. Question by Private Notice (SO 27(2)): Health Services and Drug Shortages Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said no decision had been taken to change the Suwa Seriya Foundation, the “1990” identity, or the green ambulance colour, and that the Government was instead focusing on modernization, recruitment, training, and expanding the fleet with allocations and support from India and the ADB. He stated that no new regulations or policy changes had been made under the Suwa Seriya Act regarding its emergency response purpose. Addressing health-sector staffing, he gave cadre, recruitment, training, and salary revision figures for doctors, nurses, and medical laboratory technologists, saying retention measures include pay increases and administrative improvements within fiscal limits. He also said dialysis fistula needle shortages arose from procurement specification issues, local price spikes had followed, and 460,000 rotatable needles were being cleared for hospital distribution within about a week. Question by Private Notice (SO 27(2)): Health Services and Drug Shortages Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake raised concerns about overcrowding at Wariyapola Prison, noting that inmate numbers exceed its normal capacity and are causing environmental impacts on a nearby village tank and the Deduru Oya-adjacent water purification plant. He asked whether the Government would prioritize Budget allocations to construct additional buildings and provide necessary facilities within the existing 25-acre prison premises. Oral Question 9: First Prison in Sri Lanka and Prison Conditions Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that, under the relevant Act, CEB employees must indicate by 27 October whether they consent to be assigned to the new institutions or prefer to leave. He said assignments would proceed in accordance with the law, with no demotions, promotions, or salary scale reductions, and existing conditions would be maintained pending institutional establishment and resolution of issues. He also noted that the PUCSL had stated there would be no electricity tariff increase. Oral Question 5: Ceylon Electricity Board Regional Offices Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Asked the Minister to clarify how Ceylon Electricity Board employees will be assigned to four new companies under the new Act, including whether the process amounts to a new appointment or merely an intimation. He sought details on the implications for existing grades such as BES, promotion procedures, and salary scales, and also requested a clear response on whether electricity tariffs will be increased. Oral Question 5: Ceylon Electricity Board Regional Offices Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody provided answers on CEB staffing, generation and restructuring, stating that Distribution Divisions 01-04 have 16,159 employees against an approved cadre of 18,948, leaving 2,789 vacancies, including 93 engineer vacancies in regional electrical engineer offices. He said recruitment of 60 electrical, seven mechanical and three civil engineers had been processed with Cabinet approval but temporarily suspended due to CEB restructuring. He presented electricity generation figures by source for 2024 and up to May 2025, and said the CEB would not be privatized, as the 2025 amendment replaces the earlier unbundling plan with six fully state-owned companies. He added that employees would be assigned to new companies or allowed voluntary retirement, and outlined activities of CEB-linked entities including LECO, Lanka Coal Company and Sri Lanka Energies Company. Oral Question 5: Ceylon Electricity Board Regional Offices Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Minister of Energy for detailed information on the Ceylon Electricity Board’s regional offices, staffing adequacy, engineer vacancies, and recruitment plans. He also sought details on electricity generation sources and output, whether the CEB would be privatized and how employees would be affected, as well as information on CEB-affiliated companies’ projects, employee numbers, excess staff, and the areas served by LECO. Oral Question 5: Ceylon Electricity Board Regional Offices Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Rs. 183.8 billion allocation for 2025 covers medicines and medical devices through SPC, SPMC, local manufacturers, and local purchases, and is a Treasury-provided envelope with scope for reallocations rather than a response to a prior shortfall. He said the Government aims to maintain uninterrupted medical supplies, while acknowledging that quality failures or supplier issues may cause occasional delays. He also informed Parliament that the interim injunction relating to the Gazette had been vacated, with the next court date set for 30 October, and that there was no current court order preventing Parliament from debating and approving it, after which the NMRA could implement maximum ceiling and retail prices. Oral Question 2 (825/2025): Ministry of Health - Purchase of Medicines Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar raised a procedural concern that a writ application filed by the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry on the matter under discussion was pending before court, questioning whether it was appropriate for Parliament to debate it. He also asked for an assurance that there would be no medicine shortages in the following year, noting that tenders for 2026 were being processed during 2025. Oral Question 2 (825/2025): Ministry of Health - Purchase of Medicines Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa explained that medical supply orders tendered in 2024 are being delivered in 2025, while 2026 orders reached the Medical Supplies Division before 31 January and tenders have already commenced, with many concluded. He stated that the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation allocation has been increased from Rs. 60 billion to Rs. 90 billion, with a further Rs. 20 billion expected, and expressed confidence that deliveries from placed tenders will arrive by March next year. He also noted that some tenders require retendering due to no bids or supplier-related issues and said he would table the relevant figures. Oral Question 2 (825/2025): Ministry of Health - Purchase of Medicines Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar asked the Minister to state how much of the current year’s allocated funds remains unutilized. He also sought details on the number of pending tender awards and the quantity or scale of medicines yet to be procured as a result. Oral Question 2 (825/2025): Ministry of Health - Purchase of Medicines Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary The Minister of Health and Mass Media stated that the expected 2025 expenditure on medicines by the Ministry of Health and affiliated institutions is Rs. 183.8 billion, including major allocations to SPC, SPMC, MSD, local hospital emergency purchases, AIIB-supported procurement, and Indigenous Medicine. He said 862 priority items have been approved, with 246 to be procured locally and 616 imported, and that orders for imported items were placed through SPC by 31 January with Rs. 90 billion allocated, expected to rise by a further Rs. 20 billion. He outlined the procurement process based on formulary committee recommendations, institutional estimates, and tender procedures, and stated that supplier delays are handled under contract terms while shortages are managed jointly by SPC and MSD. Oral Question 2 (825/2025): Ministry of Health - Purchase of Medicines Read →