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 September 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka said his side did not oppose reducing privileges or entitlements for Presidents, Ministers, or MPs, noting that previous governments had also curtailed benefits such as vehicle permits. However, he argued that former Presidents and national leaders who face threats because of actions taken in office, particularly Mahinda Rajapaksa, must continue to receive adequate security. He alleged that the Government was targeting former security officials, including a former Navy Commander, through fabricated cases based on LTTE-linked testimony, and said he was tabling a Court of Appeal writ order relating to alleged pressure on an OIC to give statements. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986, arguing that it implements the NPP’s electoral mandate to abolish excessive benefits for former Presidents and align public spending with the needs of ordinary citizens. He rejected claims that the measure is vindictive, stating it is a lawful and democratic correction of entitlements that he said have been misused or exceeded their intended purpose. He cited court rulings and examples involving former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and Mahinda Rajapaksa to argue that state residences, land, and renovation expenditures had been unfairly or unlawfully allocated. He added that while security for former Presidents remains a government responsibility, unlimited privileges should not continue. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the repeal of the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that special post-office benefits such as housing, secretarial allowances and transport allowances are inconsistent with equality under universal franchise. He stated that pensions and necessary security arrangements would remain separate, but that former Presidents should not receive privileges beyond those available to ordinary retirees. He framed the repeal as part of broader reforms to political culture and economic recovery following bankruptcy, citing public expectations, the Chitrasiri Report, and the Government’s pledge to treat politicians as ordinary citizens. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara said his side would not oppose the Bill, noting public support and its link to the Government’s policy pledges, but questioned whether the Government was applying its “nothing denied to a citizen should be given to a ruler” principle consistently. He asked that the Chitrasiri Committee Report be tabled in Parliament, argued that modest and defined support for former leaders can be justified while misuse should be addressed, and stated that the related expenditure was very small relative to GDP and revenue. He also urged the Government to focus on wider governance and economic issues, including bank non-performing loans, delays in benefits reaching entrepreneurs after IMF-related measures, unresolved customs documentation, and youth unemployment. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that statutory post-office benefits such as residences, staff allowances, transport and related facilities have enabled misuse of public funds. He stated that the Bill does not affect the presidential pension under Article 36 of the Constitution, and that security for former Presidents is handled separately through Cabinet decisions and threat assessments. Citing Supreme Court cases involving former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Maithripala Sirisena, he said courts had found attempts to expand entitlements beyond the Act to be unlawful or unsupported. He urged support for the repeal as a measure to reduce wasteful expenditure, uphold equality before the law, and treat public funds as held in trust for the people. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed that an expert team is accessing the mass grave site under OMP coordination following Court leave sought on 26 August 2025, with an interim report to precede any Magistrate-ordered excavation and exhumation. He stated that adequate funding will be approved, investigative methods will follow expert opinion and international protocols, and international assistance will be sought if needed. He also outlined Court-led inter-agency coordination involving relevant institutions and said dignified last rites would follow scientific identification processes and consultation with families, religious leaders and civil society, with the process expected to commence by October subject to weather. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that the Gampaha Public Market Complex project began in 2021 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, with the first phase of temporarily relocating vendors already completed. He said funds allocated in the current Budget have enabled halted UDA projects to restart, and Rs. 107 million has been allocated for this project. He added that tenders have been called and will be opened on the 18th of the month to resume construction. Oral Question: UDA Projects in Gampaha DS Division (Q.4-1254/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna addressed fertilizer complaints by stating that beneficiaries will be allowed to use subsidies with multiple suppliers and that QR codes will be introduced next month to improve timely access. He noted rising tea export earnings, citing an increase from USD 331 million to USD 434 million in the first five months compared with the previous year. He also said the Government is acting to bring underutilized estate lands into productive use through investor leases for cultivation and tourism-related rehabilitation, while warning that idle lands may face interim levies or further government action. Oral Question: Tea Smallholder Contribution to Production (Q.1/2024) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Ministry of the Digital Economy is assessing national digital infrastructure needs and coordinating interventions with relevant ministries. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, with the Ministry of Education, about 80% of required digitalization infrastructure has been assessed across provinces, schools and education zones, and an action plan has been prepared to provide the necessary facilities. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya outlined expected outcomes of Digital Month, including strengthening the tech startup ecosystem, expanding fintech and digital payments, enabling digital payment of government fines through eGovPay, modernizing transport payments through the National Transport Payments Platform, and demonstrating Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity applications. She stated that the programme aims to mobilize the public for digitalization through sessions, forums, demonstrations, awareness programmes, sandbox opportunities and showcases, in collaboration with schools, universities, youth groups and SMEs islandwide. The anticipated public benefits include easier access to paperless government services, new digital-sector learning and career opportunities, wider use of secure digital solutions, and improved convenience, transparency and security in digital interactions. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that September has been designated “Digital Economy Month” as part of a 100-day national initiative to promote digital adoption, e-Government services, digital finance and AI-led innovation. She said the programme will be coordinated by the Ministry of Digital Economy with 68 partner institutions and private-sector stakeholders, supporting 2030 targets of a USD 15 billion digital economy, USD 5 billion in digital exports and a 200,000-strong digital workforce. Key activities include the Disrupt Asia Festival and Expo, the Sri Lanka FinTech Summit and a National AI Expo, with further details to be announced as the programme proceeds. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Prime Minister on the Ceylon Electricity Board’s 2024 financial position, citing Rs. 615 billion in revenue against Rs. 470 billion in expenditure, and asked how the surplus would be used to reduce debt, improve efficiency, reduce overheads, and lower tariffs. He sought clarification on government plans to expand commercially viable renewable energy, address regulatory changes affecting battery storage procurement, and whether electricity tariffs would be increased despite the reported CEB surplus. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper asked the Minister to clarify whether banks, particularly state banks such as the Bank of Ceylon, have discretion to refuse the borrower relief referred to in the Central Bank media release of 20 December 2024. He said certain wording in the release is being used to deny consumers the 35% interest relief when they seek to settle loans, and requested the Government’s policy position on whether such refusals are permitted. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the matter would be examined further, noting that the Central Bank had indicated a final amount of Rs. 197,000. He stated that if the relevant party disagrees, the facts would be studied and presented to the Central Bank to consider possible further action. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim thanked the Minister for the response and outlined a complaint concerning penal interest on arrears, noting that no arrears existed before COVID-19 and disputing the imposition of penal interest for the pandemic period. He requested that both the complainant and the relevant financial institution’s officials be summoned before the Committee on Public Finance to clarify the matter and reach agreement. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Based on information from the Central Bank, the Minister said the Financial Consumer Relations Department had investigated Mr. Aslam Marikkar’s complaint over a 2019 lease and secured a waiver and reductions of penal charges. He stated that after payments and negotiations, the outstanding amount was reduced from about Rs. 397,423 to Rs. 197,000 as a final settlement, but the complainant had not settled it and had altered his complaint. The Minister tabled the Central Bank’s correspondence and said further action would be considered, including in light of the matter being before the Committee on Public Finance. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim questioned the Minister of Finance on reports that finance companies charged penal interest and fees during the COVID-19 loan moratorium period in violation of Central Bank Circular No. 9 of 2021. Citing the complaint of Mr. Aslam Marikkar of Kandy and concerns about inadequate action by the Central Bank’s Financial Consumer Relations Department, he asked whether a formal inquiry and relief would be provided, whether the matter would be referred to the Committee on Public Finance for oversight, and what measures would be taken to prevent and expedite action against such financial exploitation. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said drug and underworld networks had developed over decades with political links, and that ongoing investigations would be given independence and support to identify and punish those responsible. He argued that, in the context of bankruptcy and heavy debt, Sri Lanka must attract investment, promote tourism, and sustain remittance growth to rebuild the economy. He urged Parliament to approve the Agreement before the House by a two-thirds majority as part of a broader effort to secure long-term foreign direct investment and economic stability. Division Vote on UAE Agreement Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Sri Lanka–UAE Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, stating that it would strengthen legal protections, dispute-resolution mechanisms and investor confidence while benefiting investors in both countries. He argued that economic and political stability had improved, citing the rise in the Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI and reported investment inflows, and compared Sri Lanka’s economic indicators with the UAE’s to underline the value of the partnership. He said long-term investment was necessary alongside IMF-supported stabilization, remittances and tourism, and urged Parliament to approve the agreement with the required two-thirds majority while rejecting diversions to unrelated issues. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Welcoming the Sri Lanka–UAE investment agreement, Dr. Hizbullah argued that Sri Lanka should improve investor facilitation, including considering 100 per cent foreign ownership in selected sectors such as tourism, agriculture and IT with appropriate safeguards, and pursue similar agreements with other Middle Eastern countries. He said UAE partnerships could benefit ports, aviation, investment and tourism. He also raised concerns about Israeli nationals’ conduct and enforcement issues in areas such as Pottuvil, including the reported opening of a Chabad House near a mosque, and urged Ministers supportive of Palestine to address local concerns for national safety. He welcomed the Cabinet-approved plan to build a Rs. 1,000 million jetty at Valaichchenai and thanked the Government on behalf of the Batticaloa fishing community. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →