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- 10 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said some entities presenting themselves as microfinance institutions operate outside the Microfinance Act, often under the Companies Act, limiting Central Bank supervision and requiring action under general criminal law where fraud is involved. He stated that the Government is examining these regulatory gaps and intends to introduce a new Bill on the microfinance sector. Regarding Privelth Global (Pvt.) Limited, he said action to recover depositors’ money depends on evidence that deposits were accepted, and requested affected persons to submit such evidence so authorities can proceed. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Cabinet changes will be reported to Parliament in due course, with the Minister stating they involve a reallocation of subjects to better align responsibilities rather than removals. Regarding The Finance Company, he said the Government would examine its regulatory status, Central Bank monitoring, and any shortcomings, noting that registration at Divisional Secretariat level is not equivalent to licensing and supervision as a financial institution by the Central Bank. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about unregulated financial entities such as Privelth Global and questioned whether depositors would be able to recover their funds through legal action. He asked the Government to investigate alleged unfair treatment and selective repayment of depositors in the liquidation of The Finance Company, and to ensure affected depositors are paid. He also urged action against entities registered only at Divisional Secretariat level that allegedly lend at interest rates of 200–300 percent, calling for such institutions to be brought under Central Bank oversight. He additionally referred to reports of Hon. Bimal Ratnayake’s removal from certain portfolios and linked it to public confidence in any investigation into the container case. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary On behalf of the Finance Minister, Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that the Central Bank investigated Privelth Global (Pvt.) Limited after complaints in 2020 and found reports that it operated in several Eastern Province locations, collected about Rs. 1,356 million from 1,150 individuals, and had claimed repayments of around Rs. 800 million. He said the company was not licensed by the Central Bank to conduct banking, finance, microfinance, or leasing business, and that its directors had been arrested after attempting to flee to India. He added that the matter had been referred to the Attorney-General under the Finance Business Act for possible High Court proceedings, where any mechanism for settling liabilities to depositors and other parties would be determined. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to provide detailed information on advisers appointed to Cabinet Ministries. He requested, by Ministry, the number of advisers and their names, appointment dates, qualifications, salaries and allowances, previous employment and positions, details of any vehicles and fuel allowances provided, and office locations and rents, or to state why such information cannot be provided. Questions on Advisers and Personal Staff of Ministers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government had achieved economic stabilization and cited the IMF staff-level agreement on the Fifth Review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility, with expected access to about USD 347 million subject to Executive Board approval. He criticized the Opposition for using parliamentary privilege to make allegations rather than engaging substantively on legislation, while asserting that the Government was restoring the rule of law through investigations, judicial reforms, court digitization, and action on complaints of delay or misconduct. He outlined plans to operationalize additional special courts for bribery, corruption and fraud cases, stated that over 60 Bills were at committee stage, and said reforms including anti-terrorism and online safety laws were being aligned with international standards. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe said the Government is implementing the pledges in its “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life” policy statement, including measures against corruption, crime, drugs, and public service weaknesses. He cited independent tracking by PAFFREL, the March 12 Movement, and Verité Research across 1,333 policy actions, and referred to progress on PAYE tax reform through the Inland Revenue Act No. 2 of 2025, social protection payments, senior citizens’ allowances, chronic illness assistance, plantation wages, and ministerial rationalization. He rejected Opposition allegations of broken promises as unsupported and said the Government would continue implementing the programme while engaging with independent scrutiny. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said the Government’s policy statement sets a long-term direction for achieving broad-based prosperity and a dignified standard of living, and argued that progress should be judged against stabilization and direction rather than a complete transformation within 100 days. He stated that the Government has stabilized the economy after crisis conditions, citing returning growth, low inflation within the flexible inflation-targeting framework, improved fiscal discipline, and strengthened revenues. He contrasted this with what he described as unfulfilled pledges, corruption, debt accumulation, and economic collapse under previous administrations. He also said stalled projects such as the Central Expressway are being restarted through renegotiation and loss minimization, while rejecting claims that the Government accepted higher-cost financing from China Exim Bank. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 Mr. Presiding Member AI summary A Government member stated that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks are ongoing and that legal action will follow once results are available. He rejected media reports claiming that the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security had linked India to the attacks, said a CID complaint had been lodged over the alleged false disclosure from the Committee on High Posts, and warned that legal action would be taken against those who spread or supplied the claim. He also cited improvements in foreign reserves, exports, tourism arrivals and earnings, remittances, and investment climate, attributing these to political stability and government policy, and said further measures would be taken to sustain economic recovery. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna rejected social media claims concerning the New Villages Development Authority for the Plantation Region (NEVIDA), stating that they were false. He said NEVIDA would be further strengthened to meet the aspirations of the plantation community. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna highlighted government cost-cutting measures, including auctioning luxury vehicles, reducing MPs’ insurance benefits, limiting ministerial vehicles and fuel allocations, and proposing legislation to abolish MPs’ pensions. He said the Government’s five-year manifesto was only at its first milestone and claimed progress in establishing a new political culture and enforcing the law against previously influential figures. He also cited higher export earnings in January-August 2025 compared with the previous year, including increases in tea and coconut export revenue. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that past governments used fear and communalism to retain power and failed to build trust after the war, leading to economic collapse and stalled development. He said the current government is restoring domestic and international credibility, restarting delayed infrastructure, education and health projects, and taking stronger action against narcotics and organized crime. He also highlighted growth in exports, services and tourism, including the “Ruhunuring” initiative, and said further development programmes are being prepared, including in the North. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka argued that the Government should be held to its first-year promises, particularly on initiating abolition of the executive presidency, reducing electricity and fuel costs, raising estate workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1,700, and building 4,000 houses. He questioned tariff increases after the election and cited economic indicators, FDI shortfalls, rising inflation, higher essential food prices, and farmer protests to argue that the Government’s management of agriculture, industry, and cost-of-living issues had fallen short. He also criticized underuse of cold storage facilities in Dambulla and said governance should not depend on whether public protests emerge. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara asked the Deputy Minister when the Government would fulfill its promise to pay two-thirds of the remaining settlement due under the Subodinee Report within the first year. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected a Member’s claim on pensions, stating that pension adjustments planned from 2020 after the 2016–2020 wage increases were halted by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government. He said the current Government will align pensions by 1 January 2027 for those retiring during the present three wage-adjustment phases, while phasing adjustments for 2016–2018 retirees between July 2025 and July 2027. He also stated that an Education Council chaired by the Prime Minister has been established and that a committee report led by Prof. S.T. Dayaratne will be presented, with the aim of professionalizing the teaching service, removing anomalies, and improving standards. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned whether the Government had fulfilled its first-year promises, particularly on public sector salaries and pensions, arguing that increases were far below commitments and that promised pension adjustments had not been made. He criticized reported moves to reduce the powers of the National Police Commission over transfers and promotions, saying this would undermine the intent of the 19th and 21st Amendments on independent commissions. He also asked what progress had been made on justice for the Easter Sunday attacks, including claims about “Sara” being in India, and challenged the Government over rising borrowing, lack of visible development projects, weak public purchasing power, and unfulfilled commitments to teachers under the Subodinee Report. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha defended the Government’s “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” policy framework for 2024–2029, arguing that it is aimed at national unity, economic recovery, and equitable distribution of benefits. She cited increases in official reserves, debt servicing, resumed vehicle imports, revival of stalled projects, SOE improvements, fertilizer support, and public-sector salary measures as evidence of progress. She also listed implemented or initiated pledges, including Cabinet restructuring, abolition of MPs’ duty-free vehicle permits, reduced presidential privileges, reforms to retired Presidents’ benefits, AML/CFT measures, and tax administration changes. Referring to assessments such as PEARL’s tracking of 1,333 pledges and comments by the IMF and World Bank, she urged the Opposition to evaluate the Government’s programme fairly as an ongoing stabilization and reform process. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government had failed to implement promised changes, citing the unfulfilled pledge for a new Debt Sustainability Analysis framework and IMF agreement, and criticized electricity tariff increases despite earlier promises of a 33% reduction. He questioned the Government’s economic direction in light of IMF conditions, future external debt servicing of about USD 5 billion annually from 2028, weak investment climate assessments, and World Bank concerns on poverty, wages, food prices, health and education. He also challenged the Government to explain why favourable statements by many countries at Geneva were not converted into votes against the Sri Lanka resolution, describing this as a failure of diplomacy and urging national unity and transparent domestic resolution of issues. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka responded to an Adjournment Motion calling for implementation of the NPP policy statement “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life,” arguing that the Government is acting consistently with it and that any remaining issues concern timing rather than policy deviation. He rejected claims that the Government had promised to cancel the IMF programme, citing the policy’s commitment to re-discuss implementation with the IMF while protecting poor and vulnerable groups. He listed welfare and education measures, including increased Aswesuma benefits, school vouchers and supplies, Mahapola allowances, Suraksha insurance allocations, and higher social welfare expenditure. He also cited increased Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise collections as evidence of progress in tax administration and public financial management. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana questioned whether the Government had delivered on its promise of “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life,” citing World Bank poverty figures, rising public debt, and continued borrowing. He argued that promised reductions in fuel prices, electricity costs, VAT on essentials, fair prices for farmers and fisherfolk, affordable vehicles, and collateral-free youth loans had not materialized. He called for Provincial Council elections to be held promptly in 2026 so voters could assess the Government’s performance, and criticized what he described as the Government’s focus on weekly political themes rather than implementation. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →