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- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates investment protection agreement, noting Cabinet approval on 09 February 2025, Sri Lanka’s history of similar agreements, and the requirement for parliamentary approval by a two-thirds majority under Article 157 of the Constitution. He reiterated the Government’s stated position on Palestine and denied allegations that the Government sent a group of journalists to Israel, saying any such visits were arranged independently by media institutions. He also rejected Opposition claims circulated on social media regarding containers and narcotics, and stated that the Government would support CID and law-enforcement action against drug trafficking, smuggling and underworld networks without political protection. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported the Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, presenting it as a means to strengthen investor confidence and future economic cooperation. He argued that Sri Lanka had missed past foreign investment opportunities due to conflict and policy instability, citing Motorola’s decision to invest in Malaysia instead. He highlighted the UAE’s economic transformation, existing bilateral trade and labour ties, and urged Parliament to approve the Agreement to promote investment protection, technology transfer and shared prosperity. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said comprehensive international agreements such as the UAE agreement require two-thirds parliamentary approval, which he described as a constitutional safeguard, and stated the Government had sufficient support to pass it. He highlighted realized FDI of about US$1.015 billion within the past year, attributed improved investor confidence to the current administration, and said an investment protection bill would be brought with the Budget. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s position before the UN Human Rights Council, asserting a non-communal governing policy, and said the Government would pursue criminal infiltration linked to narcotics without political obstruction. He reiterated Government support for a free Palestine while recognizing Israel, and raised concern about Sri Lankan media personnel visiting the Israeli Embassy in India. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. Harini Amarasuriya supported the Sri Lanka-UAE agreement, arguing that it strengthens trade, diplomatic relations, and international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic and political stability, while also benefiting over 300,000 Sri Lankans working in the UAE. She emphasized that the Government’s priority is not merely signing agreements but creating the institutional conditions for implementation, including anti-corruption measures and a strengthened independent public service. Responding to Opposition criticism, she rejected claims that public servants are fearful, stating that officials are being freed from political interference while wrongdoing will be dealt with under the law. She also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to dismantling organized narcotics networks and ending political protection for the drug trade. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra AI summary Arun Hemachandra urged Members to focus the debate on approving the UAE investment agreement, which he said required a two-thirds majority and would help rebuild investor confidence in Sri Lanka. He argued that past politically driven actions, including the breakdown of arrangements involving Etisalat, Emirates and SriLankan Airlines, damaged confidence and imposed economic costs on the public. He said the agreement provides a reciprocal framework for genuine investments, with dispute resolution through consultation, a joint commission, UNCITRAL procedures and then ICSID if necessary, and called for broad support to pass it as part of a transparent economic recovery strategy. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera criticised what he described as the Government’s double standards on Israel and Palestine, arguing that while Sri Lanka should maintain relations with Israel, it should also uphold its historic support for Palestinian statehood and speak against civilian suffering in Gaza. He welcomed the Sri Lanka–UAE investment promotion and protection agreement as a measure to improve investor confidence, and supported stronger narcotics enforcement, including expedited courts and lawful penalties. He raised concerns over the alleged release of 323 Customs “Red Channel” containers without physical examination in January 2025, citing committee findings that procedures and legal authority were breached and warning of risks involving prohibited goods, narcotics, revenue loss, and national security. He urged implementation of the committee’s recommendations and legal action against those responsible. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates Agreement on Investment Promotion and Mutual Protection, stating that it would help attract investment in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and tourism while strengthening investor protection and the legal framework. He rejected claims that public servants are afraid to act, arguing that only corrupt or bad-faith decisions are being challenged, and cited ongoing development projects at Divisional Secretariat level. He said the Government is seeking to reverse past anti-investment practices, rebuild confidence after the financial crisis, and pointed to increased exports, remittances and FDI as evidence of improving economic conditions. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates agreement as important for attracting investment, but argued that investment facilitation depends on a confident and efficient public service. He said officials are reluctant to make decisions because of the way the Public Property Act is being applied, leading to arrests and remand even where decisions may have been made in good faith, and urged protections for public servants to enable approvals and implementation. He also expressed condolences over the Ella bus accident and asked transport authorities to act against specific offenders rather than impose blanket punitive measures on all bus operators and staff. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne rejected calls to sever diplomatic relations with Israel, noting that the journalists’ visit was privately sponsored by Israel and that around 20,000 Sri Lankans work there. She supported the new bilateral investment treaty, arguing that it improves on earlier agreements by recognizing sustainable investment, the State’s right to regulate, environmental protection, narrower definitions of investor and investment, safeguards during balance-of-payments crises, and investor obligations. Citing past arbitration awards against Sri Lanka, she said the treaty better protects public welfare while attracting investment, and proposed further measures such as dispute-prevention mechanisms and developing Sri Lanka as an arbitration venue. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Moved a resolution under Article 157 of the Constitution to approve the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, signed on 12 February 2025 and presented to Parliament on 21 August 2025, noting Cabinet approval and the requirement of a two-thirds majority. He outlined the agreement’s provisions on investment definitions, state and investor obligations, protections against discriminatory treatment and expropriation, transfer safeguards, and dispute settlement through domestic courts and possible arbitration. He argued that the agreement would support economic growth by improving investor confidence, attracting UAE investment, reducing the bilateral trade deficit, and expanding opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, tourism, and agri-industries. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan noted that a reply to his earlier question on flood damage to farmers had been received after more than seven months, by which time the affected cultivation season had ended. He stated that, to his knowledge, farmers in Kilinochchi District had not yet received relief or compensation, and requested the Minister to appoint a team to investigate the matter, saying he would accept its findings. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the current Special Commodity Levy decision was based on 2025 import volumes and domestic production, not on historical data from 2007 onward, which would require inputs from multiple ministries. He stated that the proposal was considered through the Food Policy and Security Committee, a subcommittee, the Tariff Policy Committee, and Cabinet before implementation, and that the Rs. 40 levy was intended to balance farmer protection, food security, and consumer interests. He also said there were no leaks before Cabinet approval, citing August import volumes as evidence that imports had not spiked to exploit the levy change. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned why historical Special Commodity Levy data from 2007 onwards was not readily available for decisions on levy changes, while acknowledging post-sugar tax scandal reforms including the Food Policy and Security Committee and the Treasury’s National Tariff Policy Committee. He stressed the need for confidentiality in tariff decisions to prevent market manipulation, but raised concern over the removal of Trade and Investment Policy Director-General Pradeep Kumara, alleging it followed his refusal to impose levies without due procedure. He requested that Kumara be reinstated if proper process had been followed. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on potato and big onion cultivation, stating that domestic production in 2024 met about 20% of potato demand and 3% of big onion demand, while imports in January-August 2025 totalled 128,898 MT of potatoes and 217,736 MT of big onions. He said Special Commodity Levy adjustments during harvest periods are used to protect farm-gate prices from import surges and that detailed import, levy and revenue data will be tabled after obtaining information from Inland Revenue and Customs. He outlined the approval process under the National Tariff Policy and Cabinet decisions in August 2025, and said the Government intends to introduce seasonal taxation for selected food items to balance farmer protection with consumer prices during off-harvest periods. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that the National Housing Development Authority does not face cadre shortages but instead has excess staff due to past politically driven recruitments through institutions such as the NHDA and the State Engineering Corporation. He acknowledged problems in promotion procedures and said a clear process is being formulated to manage future promotions. Oral Question: Housing Schemes and NHDA Land Allocation (Q.?/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka began to address a matter concerning the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA). The available excerpt is incomplete and does not include the substance of his argument, proposal, or question. Oral Question: Housing Schemes and NHDA Land Allocation (Q.?/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister provided details on the Kalugala land and bungalow linked to Beno/Gidagala Estate, noting its declaration under the Land Reform Law in 1974, an incomplete village expansion acquisition process, and a 2017 order to restore possession to the original owner, though no owner or heirs came forward. He stated that an external claimant, Satasivam Haridaran, obtained possession in 2018, while Namunkula Plantation Company has filed court action over possession and an interim injunction is in place. He said acquisition by the Government is not currently possible because the District Court case is pending and the land has been found unsuitable for village expansion, with any alternative public-purpose action to be considered only after the legal proceedings conclude. Oral Question: Bungalow in Kalugalle Estate - False Ownership (Q.?/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Asked whether, when a disabled war hero certified by a Medical Board receives salary and pension until age 55 and then dies after reaching 55, the fixed allowance and pay previously received would be transferred to the closest next of kin. Oral Question: Disabled Military Personnel - Reliefs/Allowances Provided (Q.1118/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister detailed the benefits available to tri-forces personnel disabled due to terrorist and non-terrorist causes, including salary and allowances up to age 55, service and disability pensions, ex-gratia or lump-sum payments, permanent monthly allowances after age 55, and widow/dependent entitlements under Cabinet decisions, circulars, and the Armed Forces Widows’ and Orphans’ Pension Scheme. He stated that the adequacy of these benefits cannot be determined definitively, but provided sample payment figures as of August 2025. He also said Cabinet approval is being pursued to extend salary and allowance benefits to certain dependents where death before retirement was not medically linked to the disabling incident, and to regularize benefits for disabled personnel absent without leave who were later discharged as services not required. Oral Question: Disabled Military Personnel - Reliefs/Allowances Provided (Q.1118/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena stated that interviews had been held to fill vacant Road Development Authority posts, with five Provincial Directors and 27 Directors selected, but the Board required fresh applications for Provincial Directors and DMS approval before issuing Director appointments. He said Cabinet approval had been obtained on 1 July 2025 to appoint selected applicants subject to completing absorption procedures, and that delays were due to the non-issuance of DMS guidelines. Discussions with the Department of Management Services are ongoing, and appointments will be made once the absorption procedures are completed. Oral Question: Appointment of Directors to Road Development Authority (Q.?/2025) Read →