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- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha defended the Government’s record against Opposition criticism, arguing that the present administration is addressing the economic collapse, debt default, shortages, and governance failures inherited from previous governments. He rejected allegations regarding police appointments and institutional independence, while stating that the Government’s 159-member team would take collective responsibility and seek to correct mistakes. He outlined transport and infrastructure measures linked to the Supplementary Estimate, including modernization of 32 railway stations, renovation of the Pettah Central Bus Stand, development of 25 SLTB depots, import of buses for persons with special needs, procurement of 200 luxury buses and five DMU sets, and upgrades to rail equipment and roads. He said rural road, iRoad, World Bank-supported ICDP, bridge, and district-level projects were being funded, including Rs. 7,200 million for Ratnapura District, and stated that the Supplementary Estimate was a lawful reallocation to support recovery and development. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna rejected broad allegations of corruption against past politicians, arguing that such claims damage honest public representatives and calling on those making accusations to acknowledge the JVP’s own political history and role in past violence. He said the Government should stop blaming previous administrations, investigate and prosecute any alleged corruption from 2010–2011 through the law, and focus on governing. He also criticized ministries for returning large unutilized allocations, stating that competence means completing public work without corruption rather than avoiding expenditure. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri stated that Rs. 3,000 million allocated in 2011–2012 for rehabilitating 53 roads in the North Central Province was misused by the contractor, Kanthi Construction, and the works were not completed. He said allegations that the then Chief Minister received money from contractors were revealed, and that COPA had made recommendations on the matter, which have been submitted. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, distinguishing it from previous supplementary allocations and framing it as part of fiscal recovery and disciplined revenue management. He cited revenue, tourism, remittance, export, customs, port, petroleum and telecom performance figures to argue that state income has improved despite a large budget deficit. He highlighted road and bridge development in Polonnaruwa, including the Kotaliyadda and Gallelle bridge projects, stating that tender savings were achieved by eliminating corrupt cost inflation practices. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Harsha de Silva rejected the characterization of Sri Lanka as “cursed,” arguing that economic decline followed blocked reforms and poor policy choices. He questioned whether the Public Debt Coordination Committee required under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, had been established and had reported on the proposed US$500 million Exim Bank of China loan for the Central Expressway. He said the loan’s variable interest structure, with a 2.5% floor and 3.5% cap, disadvantages Sri Lanka compared with a fixed 2.5% rate or a symmetric band, and urged the Government to negotiate borrowing terms responsibly and in compliance with the Act. He tabled the PDCC recommendation and related Chinese bank documents. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected Opposition criticism on SME support, arguing that the crisis reflects long-standing weaknesses in banking instruments, collateral-based lending, and limited Central Bank capacity, while stating that the Government has issued circulars and coordinated banks through the Industry Ministry to assist affected businesses. He supported the Supplementary Estimate as a reallocation of Rs. 36 billion in unspent funds to reduce debt and interest costs, not as additional expenditure. He said transport and logistics reform is essential for economic growth and investment competitiveness, citing Sri Lanka’s weak World Bank Logistics Performance Index ranking compared with regional peers, and called for alignment of ports, buses, roads, and freight systems to support production and productivity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, stating that part of the remaining allocation would be used to settle Road Development Authority debt. He outlined ongoing transport and road development projects, including upgrades to Pettah transport facilities, A and B class roads, bridges, rural roads, Sri Pada access roads, and key routes in Nuwara Eliya District. He also noted allocations for safety barriers at identified danger points in the Central Highlands following road safety concerns. The speech contrasted these initiatives with criticism of the Opposition’s past record and asserted the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and accountability. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the Supplementary Allocation for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation was a reallocation of already-appropriated funds to conclude or redirect stalled projects, reflecting improved financial management and transparency. She linked weaknesses in past project selection and management to the economic crisis and argued that the Ministry should become more people-centred, efficient, and responsive. She highlighted the need to improve public and school transport, road access to remote schools, safety and quality standards, accessibility for children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities, and better facilities at stations and on trains. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Criticizing government messaging on the Penal Code amendment, he said the matter should be discussed within the Government Parliamentary Group before tabling and argued that removing the relevant Chair would resolve the issue. He noted support for the Rs. 36 billion Supplementary Estimate and urged the Government to use funds, including allocations for industry and road works in Badulla, to deliver services rather than blame past governments. He rejected allegations of obstruction by the Opposition and called on the Government to govern responsibly for its term. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Accepted the need for the Supplementary Estimate but questioned increased allocations under the President’s expenditure head, including funds for “Clean Sri Lanka” and a research project. Raised concerns about the withdrawn Penal Code amendment in the context of incidents involving teachers and students, and argued that the Government should address disciplinary issues within its own ranks before legislating on children. Also questioned matters involving Arjuna Mahendran’s passport release, a delegation to a Geneva trade conference, disputes with doctors and lawyers over vehicle stickers, and the role of commission chairs in controversial policy proposals. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Dr. Elayathamby Srinath stated that adequate construction and infrastructure facilities had not been provided and requested that the issue be addressed through the Supplementary Estimate for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and in the next Budget. He thanked the authorities for actions already taken and urged prompt attention to the remaining needs. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary During debate on the Supplementary Estimate for Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed allocations and feasibility work for the Kiraan Bridge and small bridge rehabilitation, but urged that remaining funds and further infrastructure needs in Batticaloa and the wider North and East be addressed through the Estimate or next Budget. He called for rehabilitation of bus stands and the Valaichchenai depot, establishment of a Vakarai sub-depot, improved rail schedules, a promised railway substation near Eastern University, and new ferry links for Paduvankarai, Poompuhar, Kinniyadi, Palugamam, Kaludawila and Perambaditheevu. He also requested recommencement of feasibility studies for bridges at Mandur, Kurumanveli, Nasivantheevu, Pankudaveli and Narippulthottam, arguing that basic transport infrastructure in war-affected Batticaloa areas is necessary to connect them with urban centres and build public trust. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi stated that Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt.) Ltd. was commencing under special initiatives and outlined ongoing public transport improvements, including procurement of railway power sets, importation of 5,000 electric fans for coaches, sanitation upgrades, and road network development. He said the Supplementary Estimate was intended to address issues arising from previous governments’ economic policies and requested its approval by the House. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Supplementary Estimate, stating it reallocates funds to more suitable projects and reflects improved financial management. He contrasted current transport investments with alleged past mismanagement, citing audit-reported overpayments in 2023 SLTB bus procurement, and said the government is upgrading railway stations, rebuilding bridges, improving SLTB depot facilities, and renovating the Pettah bus terminal while avoiding political use of SLTB resources. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Supplementary Sum for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, arguing that unutilized allocations arose because foreign-funded projects stalled after the 2022 debt standstill while domestic counterpart funds remained idle. He said the funds should be reallocated to productive uses, including reducing the Road Development Authority’s domestic bank debt of about Rs. 310,639 million as at 31 July 2025. He attributed the need for the transfer to past fiscal mismanagement and cited the stalled BIA Terminal 2 project and its alleged Rs. 60 billion delay cost as an example, urging approval to support debt reduction and project implementation. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the reallocation of Rs. 36.609 billion for debt servicing under the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry, arguing that funds could instead address road bottlenecks, widening projects, and rural road carpeting. He raised concerns over delays in Kankesanthurai Port development, BIA Terminal 2, and restricted airspace affecting tourism, and called for accountability for additional costs and project delays. He also demanded collection of alleged unpaid taxes on crude palm oil imports, safeguards to ensure new investor visas bring genuine foreign exchange, and stronger incentives for diaspora investment. He urged the Government to improve project planning, assess loan feasibility before budgeting, and prioritize practical measures to increase dollar earnings and reduce future supplementary estimates. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister moved a Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 36.609 billion under Head 117 to reallocate anticipated savings from highway and railway allocations that cannot be spent in 2025 due to suspended foreign disbursements, lender issues, contractor disputes, and project delays. He said approval is needed to redirect these funds, mainly to reduce the Road Development Authority’s high-cost domestic bank debt, while also noting reallocations already made under Financial Regulation 66 for rural roads and SLTB depot improvements. He cited stalled projects including flyovers, Indian railway upgrades, Chinese-financed expressway works, and the BIA terminal project, and stated that negotiations on the Central Expressway financing with China had been pursued following the 2022 suspension of disbursements. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan referred to salary disparities affecting Special Class and Class I Translators following Circular 06/2006. He asked whether the Minister would assign the SL salary scale to Special Class Translators and the MN 7 scale to Class I Translators to address the claimed injustice and ensure fairness. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister answered a Standing Order 27(2) question raised by Hon. K. Kader Masthan regarding the Government Translators’ Service. He stated that a structured service already exists, but salary issues arising from a proposed higher initial scale in the draft service minute are being addressed in line with the National Pay Policy and a Supreme Court judgment, with Special Grade promotions granted under Circular 12/2019. He said the Government will seek relevant concurrence and submit a Cabinet Memorandum, and that an independent committee is not presently necessary. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Kankesanthurai Port rehabilitation project, outlining delays caused by cost increases from the original USD 45.27 million Indian Exim Bank loan estimate to USD 61.5 million in the 2021 Detailed Project Report and the absence of confirmed additional financing. He said the Sri Lanka Ports Authority had meanwhile completed several works with its own funds, including repairs, security infrastructure, utilities, a passenger terminal, a warehouse and weighbridge, and was proceeding with breakwater rehabilitation and rail extension. He stated that India had in March 2024 indicated willingness to fund the full revised cost, but Sri Lanka is negotiating amendments to certain MoU clauses considered potentially adverse before proceeding. The Environmental Impact Assessment was completed in 2018, and procurement and construction are expected to take about three years once the amended MoU is concluded. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →