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- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Bill to give the National Building Research Organization a statutory basis, arguing that previous governments had allowed it to operate without the necessary legal framework. He defended the Government’s first-year record, citing recent narcotics seizures and action against organized crime, and accused former administrations of enabling criminality and attempting CEB privatization. He said the current Government had reinstated interdicted CEB workers, halted privatization, and would keep the new electricity companies fully state-owned. He also stated that Development Officers could not be directly absorbed into the teacher service outside the lawful examination process, while promising fair priority for school-based DOs in addressing teacher vacancies. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara supported the NBRI Bill, noting that it followed a Cabinet proposal he submitted in 2019 as Minister of Disaster Management and emphasizing the NBRO’s role in regulating construction and assessing landslide and environmental risks. He cited past disaster responses, including the Aranayake Samasara landslide resettlement, and urged the Government to provide adequate funding to the institution. He asked whether the natural disaster insurance scheme under the National Insurance Trust Fund was still operating, called for its reinstatement, and requested action to relocate identified high-risk line-room residents at Dehigala Watta and Welawatta. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Dr. Najith Indika said the Government was advancing long-delayed legislation, including the NBRI Bill, as part of institutional reforms in its first year. He rejected claims that the new electricity reforms would privatize or fragment the CEB, stating that full State ownership would be retained, job losses would not occur except through voluntary retirement, and reforms aimed to improve efficiency, ensure adequate supply by 2028 and reduce tariffs by 30 per cent. He also argued that current public concern over narcotics reflected unprecedented drug seizures and enforcement activity, including in areas such as Hambantota and Colombo North, and said the Government’s priority was to defeat the drug menace while continuing development and relief programmes. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary The Hon. G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Bill establishing the National Building Research Institute, noting the NBRO’s past work on landslide hazard mapping and road-sector landslide mitigation. He argued that climate change has increased disaster risks and that the new institute should provide technical guidance, identify vulnerable areas, raise awareness, support mitigation, and enforce relevant laws. He also highlighted concerns over clause 12(1) and (2), which require owner consent for inspections of hazardous land or buildings, and noted that an amendment was expected. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake supported the Bill to regularize the National Building Research Organisation, noting its long role in disaster management and its importance in landslide-prone districts such as Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. He urged the Government to resolve issues arising from the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board through discussions with unions and the President, while also addressing the grievances of Development Officers and long-serving Police Sergeants awaiting promotion. He alleged past misconduct relating to CEB manpower workers and tabled a document alleging a Rs. 28 million financial fraud at the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation, requesting an investigation. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara argued that the Government’s first year showed a new policy approach, citing improved performance at MILCO, Triposha and SriLankan Airlines despite earlier claims that they would fail or be sold. He said public debate should focus on substantive issues such as drug trafficking and illegal accounts rather than short-lived controversies. Referring to the Bill before Parliament, he said it would provide a needed legal foundation for the construction sector, help prepare the country for future challenges including natural disasters, and strengthen the relevant institution. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara supported the NBRI Bill as a long-delayed legal framework to regulate construction and reduce disaster risks, citing landslides in Aranayake, Haputale/Kabaragala, Meeriya Bedda, and Haldummulla, and noting that some displaced families still lack permanent solutions and basic services. He said stronger regulation is needed to prevent future vulnerability and improve institutional safeguards. He also addressed concerns about CEB reforms, stating that core electricity functions would remain fully government-owned, that there were no plans for mass layoffs, and that worker benefits would be protected. He called for greater transparency, efficient procurement, renewable energy integration, smart grids, smart meters, and AI-enabled forecasting to modernize the energy system. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported the Second Reading of the National Building Research Institute Bill, which gives statutory status to the existing National Building Research Organization after 41 years and renames it as an institute. He said the institution’s work in landslide risk management, geotechnical assessment, materials testing, environmental monitoring and structural safety needs legal backing, particularly because current reports and circular-based requirements have limited enforceability. He cited past landslide disasters, rainfall-related slope instability, expansive soil problems, and the institute’s monitoring network and risk mitigation projects as reasons for establishing a formal legal framework for safer and more sustainable construction. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake provided data on vehicle emission testing, revenues, fees, and government tax receipts, noting that all vehicles requiring revenue licences must obtain emission certificates, while military vehicles are tested separately. He said Cabinet has approved reforms from 2028 to integrate annual roadworthiness testing with emissions testing, strengthen enforcement, update penalties and regulations, accredit garages, and consider scrappage of very old vehicles. He also outlined road safety measures including special permits for public transport drivers, expanded inspections of school and office transport, and upgrading the Road Safety Council. Referring to the Ella accident report, he said driver fatigue and brake defects were identified and sought Parliament’s support for roadworthiness checks before public transport vehicles enter service. Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Unemployment and Vehicle Emission Testing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation on the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s vehicle emission testing system, citing concerns over discrepancies in emissions data and visible pollution from government vehicles. He requested data on vehicle testing numbers and revenue over five years, 2024 testing of private and government vehicles including military, police and public transport fleets, and any reviews or recommendations on the VET system. He also asked whether fee revisions are proposed and whether a stronger mechanism can be introduced to assess vehicle condition and roadworthiness amid increasing road accidents. Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Unemployment and Vehicle Emission Testing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised unemployment, particularly among educated youth and graduates, as a national economic and social concern. He asked the Government to provide current unemployment figures disaggregated by education level, state whether it accepts the social risks of unemployment, and outline short-, medium- and long-term measures and unemployment targets for 2025-2027. He also sought a timeline for fulfilling the Government’s pledge to provide jobs to 35,000 unemployed graduates, including placements in teaching, STEM, and revenue-related services, noting reported vacancies in the IT sector and the potential absorption of development officers into the teaching cadre. Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Unemployment and Vehicle Emission Testing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka stated that the Polgahawela–Pothuhera–Alawwa integrated water supply project is planned to cover 167 Grama Niladhari divisions across five DS divisions in Kurunegala District by 2037, with four GN divisions in Polgahawela excluded on technical grounds and alternative arrangements being considered. He said the 2025 Budget allocation is for settling certified interim bills and completing remaining distribution pipeline works in the Pothuhera and Boyagane zones, but will not immediately resolve supply issues. He added that about 80 per cent of key project components are being taken over by the NWSDB, while reduced distribution scope due to financial constraints and studies for high-elevation areas will guide further implementation once funding is secured. Oral Question Q.10/2025: Alawwa Water Scheme Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena questioned the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing on the Alawwa Water Scheme in Pothuhera, Polgahawela, asking which areas it will serve and why 13 Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Polgahawela DS Division, reportedly comprising over 2,500 families facing acute drinking water scarcity, are excluded. He sought reasons for any deviation from the original plan, details on the use of 2025 Budget allocations, whether the scheme has been taken over by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and what measures will be taken to supply water to the excluded families, including the exclusion of the Weerambugedara DS Division. Oral Question Q.10/2025: Alawwa Water Scheme Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Acting Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Acting Minister Eranga Weeraratne said Sri Lanka Telecom had become loss-making by 2023 due to management weaknesses, falling subscribers, and declining revenue, but had returned to profitability under the current Government. He cited figures showing SLT Mobitel moved from a Rs. 1.1 billion loss in the first half of 2024 to a Rs. 1.1 billion profit in the first half of 2025, while the SLT-Mobitel Group recorded a Rs. 4,276 million profit compared with a Rs. 323 million loss the previous year. He attributed the turnaround to new management, higher revenue, reduced operating and capital expenditure, integration of SLT and Mobitel operations, and a Rs. 13 billion reduction in Group debt. Oral Question Q.9/2025: Sri Lanka Telecom Employment Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Acting Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Acting Minister Eranga Weeraratne, on behalf of the Minister of Digital Economy, provided figures on Sri Lanka Telecom’s workforce, vacancies, and profits in response to a parliamentary question. He stated that SLT has 5,898 employees, 96 identified external vacancies, and recorded 2024 profits of LKR 3,120 million at group level and LKR 2,113 million at company level. He also outlined debt recovery measures, including external collection agents, Mediation Boards, letters of demand, and legal or writ action depending on arrears and location. Oral Question Q.9/2025: Sri Lanka Telecom Employment Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Mullaitivu District General Hospital would be prioritized for construction of the required ward complex. He noted that Cabinet approval had been obtained to allocate an additional Rs. 45 billion over two years to complete 17 stalled construction projects, which would have cost Rs. 29 billion if finished on time. He said the project would use Government of Sri Lanka funds and seek special support from the Government of India, while acknowledging that the process would take time. Oral Question Q.8/2025: Mullaitivu District General Hospital Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Deputy Minister stated that 1,399 officers were appointed on a supernumerary basis to Grade 2(ii) of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service and 142 to Grade 3 under 2012 Cabinet and Public Service Commission decisions. He said these officers may be confirmed and promoted only within the supernumerary stream, are not entitled to the Principal’s Allowance beyond salary benefits, and may obtain only mutual transfers with officers in the same category. He added that appointment to substantive cadre vacancies must follow the SLPS Minute through limited competitive examination and required qualifications, and that many current recruitment and transfer issues arise because these appointments were outside the standard SLPS recruitment procedure. Oral Question Q.6/2025: Principals' Recruitment and Confirmation Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Asked whether the Prime Minister and Minister of Education was aware of Cabinet and Public Service Commission decisions appointing and confirming long-serving principals in difficult schools to supernumerary grades of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service. He sought clarification on why their administrative allowance, previously paid until March 2018, has ceased; whether their requests for appointments to vacancies and mutual transfers are being rejected; and whether they are eligible for internal/inter-zonal transfers and promotions. Oral Question Q.6/2025: Principals' Recruitment and Confirmation Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Fertilizer policy disruptions were cited as a continuing cause of weakness in agriculture, including the tea sector, with past concerns over delays and supplier selection in tea fertilizer distribution. Cabinet approval has been obtained for a new mechanism, and for 2025 the Tea Board has allocated Rs. 2,000 million for fertilizer support, including Rs. 200 million for smallholder assistance delivered through a QR-code system. Registered suppliers, including the State Fertilizer Corporation and companies registered with the National Fertilizer Secretariat, will provide fertilizer, with issuance scheduled to begin on the 26th at Matugama, Kalutara, to support timely delivery for the season. Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Cinnamon was identified as a key plantation crop, with exports earning USD 262 million last year and a five-year strategy aiming to increase this to USD 500 million by 2030 through legal, infrastructure, and farmer support measures. The Member stated that the Government is reviewing about 100 state institutions, including the proposed Cinnamon Development Department, and that the final institutional arrangement will be decided after addressing overlaps with other minor export crop bodies. Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies Read →