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- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Minister said there is no current congestion in releasing import containers at the Port of Colombo, though difficulties have arisen in inter-terminal trucking of export and re-export containers due to increased capacity and traffic. He outlined measures being implemented in response to Chamber of Commerce proposals, including reactivating the Speedy Clearance Committee, extending scanning and screening toward 24-hour operations, expanding Green Channel access, increasing RCT capacity, adding staff, and introducing a real-time port operations dashboard. He also cited steps to diversify trucking operators, provide an off-dock Customs inspection bay, address private sector clearance delays, and improve agency staffing, while noting that incomplete Customs digitalization, delays at the East Container Terminal, and regional disruptions have contributed to pressure. He stated that congestion has eased but may recur around December-January, and planning is underway. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 [Unnamed Minister/Member] AI summary Forecasts for October–December 2025 project electricity-sector revenue of LKR 112,372 million against expenditure of LKR 125,377 million, with the tariff methodology requiring prior-quarter profit or loss adjustments, including a second-quarter 2025 regulated profit of LKR 5,311 million and a resulting LKR 7,994 million loss deviation. The member said the Government’s policy is to reduce electricity tariffs by 30% over five years, while tariff revision authority remains with the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and is to be exercised without ministry interference. The speech defended amendments and state-owned restructuring in the electricity sector, rejected opposition claims of privatization, and stated that the Government aims to revive the sector, protect employees, reduce input costs, and eventually cap electricity purchase prices at 5 US cents per unit. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said the CEB has sought PUCSL approval for a tariff increase for October–December 2025, citing forecast below-average rainfall and an estimated hydropower output of 4,388 GWh. He stated that hydro and thermal plant maintenance scheduling is based on meteorological and operational forecasts, not arbitrary decisions. He said the cost estimate includes fuel, capacity charges, debt servicing, Uma Oya delay penalties, supply reliability projects, project management, and 2025 insurance reserves. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported Hon. Kabir Hashim’s Motion and criticized the Government for not fulfilling its promise to reduce electricity tariffs by 30 per cent. He said poor households face disconnections, interest on arrears, and high reconnection fees for small unpaid bills, and urged that these practices be stopped. He also questioned restrictions on rooftop solar capacity and argued that with available hydro generation and previous pledges to curb fuel and coal-related commissions, tariffs should be reduced to assist households and small producers. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion and criticised the Government for allegedly breaking its promise to reduce electricity bills by 30 per cent. He argued that tariff increases were being justified through claimed CEB losses and IMF-related cost-reflective pricing, while insufficient attention was being given to inefficiency, coal dependence, and renewable energy options such as rooftop solar. He urged the Government to follow the PUCSL framework, review the pricing formula through due process, and avoid further tariff increases that would burden households and small industries. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara supported the Government’s electricity-sector reforms, stating that the restructuring of the CEB would create core companies for generation, transmission, distribution and system operation, while retaining state ownership and safeguarding employee benefits. He rejected claims of mass layoffs and criticized union-led opposition to reforms such as smart grids and renewable-energy expansion. He argued that the Government is already reducing fuel and electricity costs across household, hotel and industrial categories, and called for efficient, transparent management of the CEB without emergency procurements. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the current power sector restructuring, stating that the proposed companies would remain 100 per cent state-owned under the Treasury Secretary and did not amount to CEB privatization. He argued that restructuring is needed to lower electricity tariffs by reducing generation, transmission and distribution costs, while addressing under-investment in the network and expanding renewable energy toward the 70 per cent target by 2030. He also said electricity and other prices had been stabilized or reduced under the Government, citing lower bills for low-consumption households, and stated that IMF-related measures were being negotiated in a manner suited to Sri Lanka. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera seconded Hon. Kabir Hashim’s Motion and argued that CEB restructuring is necessary but is being handled in an opaque manner that risks higher tariffs and employee uncertainty. He called for disclosure of the boards, chairpersons, headquarters, governance structures, staff placement arrangements, and migration plan for the six successor companies, noting that four have already been established and the transition is expected around November. He urged the Government to use competent professional advice, resolve labour concerns, build confidence, and ensure the reforms support renewables, a smart grid, investment, and fair tariffs for households and industry. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Ceylon Electricity Board is profitable when recent earnings and clawback provisions are considered, and that further tariff increases after the June 2025 increase are unjustified. He said the proposed increase is driven by a Cabinet decision linked to IMF EFF Third Review conditions to pass legacy debt to consumers, rather than by operating costs, and questioned whether the tariff formula legally permits this. He also asked whether IMF-flagged accounting and data issues at CEB had been corrected and sought details on when and how the promised 30% reduction in electricity bills would be delivered. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim moved a motion opposing the Ceylon Electricity Board’s proposed 6.8 per cent electricity tariff increase for October–December 2025, citing PUCSL concerns about the regulatory basis for the pricing tables and questioning whether the claimed losses were justified. He argued that repeated tariff increases contradicted the NPP’s pledges on fair pricing and reducing electricity bills, and urged that the proposed revision not be implemented and bills be reduced by at least 15 per cent. He further challenged the Minister’s loss figures by referring to CEB monthly accounts showing reported surpluses from April to July and a projected profit in August, and tabled those reports in the Library. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage supported the extension of regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, stating that limited vehicle imports were intended to assist tourism recovery after the economic crisis. He argued that the crisis stemmed from past borrowing, particularly International Sovereign Bonds issued during 2015–2019, and said this debt did not generate sustained growth. He outlined the Government’s tourism targets and cited recent indicators on GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, and interest rates as evidence of stabilization before moving toward broader economic growth. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage supported the regulations extending the deadline for releasing vehicles imported for tourism from 30 June to 30 September 2025, citing technical delays and the earlier impact of vehicle import restrictions on tourism. She argued that past corruption and mismanagement caused the economic crisis, while the current Government has begun stabilizing the economy and easing import restrictions. She also defended the President’s policy direction, highlighting education and welfare measures such as increased student allowances, enhanced Mahapola benefits, book grants, and President’s Fund scholarships. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha argued that export development is essential for economic growth, citing past support for village-level apparel and minor export crops. He called for renewed assistance to revive agarwood cultivation, including support for saplings and industry development, noting its export potential and recent price recovery after earlier declines and import competition. He also welcomed the halt to clove re-exports but requested faster Agriculture Ministry export permit approvals, saying delays affect exporters, traders, farmers, and foreign exchange earnings. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary K. Ilankumaran supported the Import and Export (Control) Act regulations, arguing that the NPP Government had maintained economic and exchange-rate stability despite Opposition predictions of shortages and currency depreciation. He highlighted tourism development in the North, including proposed zones in Poonakary and diaspora investment, as well as plans for a northern coconut cultivation programme with free saplings, fertilizer subsidies and per-acre support. He urged northern Opposition Members to support the Government’s development agenda and said those violating the law or reviving “old political culture” would be dealt with under the law. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the vehicle-related import and export control regulations require timely updating to keep pace with changing technologies such as hybrids and electric vehicles, warning that delays in customs and related processes create costs for importers and congestion at the port. He rejected claims that a foreign bank branch closure signalled economic failure, citing ratings upgrades, stock market gains, higher exports, remittances, tourism receipts, FDI, and improved tax collection despite PAYE reductions. He also questioned why the Opposition had not used Standing Order 27(2) to raise narcotics issues, defended ongoing anti-drug operations, and asked the Pohottuwa to respond to alleged links involving a former provincial coordination secretary. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Nihal Galappaththi defended the Government’s economic and social policy measures, saying they were aimed at stabilizing the economy, reviving collapsed businesses, and supporting domestic entrepreneurs, including through import-export regulations to allow vehicles for tourism transport. He listed increases in public and private sector wages, pensions, education allowances, farmer and fisher support, and welfare payments under programmes such as Aswesuma. He criticized the Opposition’s conduct and past governance, alleged waste in abandoned projects in Hambantota, and said ongoing anti-drug investigations should proceed without interference. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva disputed the Government’s claims on inflation, growth and economic recovery, arguing that stabilization began under the previous administration and that official growth projections remain inconsistent. He said poverty remains high, citing a CEPA survey, and questioned how the Government intends to reduce poverty and achieve high growth without private investment or fiscal space. He criticized the reversal of power sector reforms, warning that retaining full CEB ownership without private investment would undermine tariff reduction and energy planning. On rice imports and Paddy Marketing Board stock milling, he alleged that tender conditions disadvantage small and medium millers, questioned the reduced milling outturn standard, and argued that rice should not be imported while domestic stocks are being handled in a way that could create private gains. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath supported the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations, No. 7 of 2025, arguing that they form part of efforts to stabilize the economy and strengthen Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. He linked the debate to the Government’s broader claims of recovery, national unity, inclusive parliamentary representation, reduced privileges for public representatives, and improved democratic standing, citing the President’s address to the 80th UN General Assembly. He criticized the Opposition for allegedly diverting from the subject and said the Government would continue its programme to develop tourism and elevate Sri Lanka internationally. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Dewananda Suraweera defended the NPP Government’s record while speaking in the context of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that it inherited a bankrupt and criminalized state linked to drug networks and weakened rule of law. He cited increased state revenue, improved reserves, anti-drug and anti-crime efforts, and welfare measures including higher public and private sector minimum wages, pension increases, education support, Aswesuma expansion, and assistance for kidney patients. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s improved democracy ranking, World Bank recognition of recovery, President Anura Dissanayake’s election, and the President’s UN General Assembly speech calling for collective global action. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly reiterated his earlier request to the Labour Minister and Acting Finance Minister to ensure fair interest rates for small and medium-sized enterprises. The remark indicates concern over financing conditions for SMEs, though the intervention was cut off before any further details or proposals were stated. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →