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. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report covering approval of the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates investment promotion and protection agreement, supplementary funding for the Kandy North Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project, and reallocations for subsidized New Year food items and nutritional packs for pregnant mothers. The report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Papers Tabled and Committee Reports Read →
- 9 September 2025 President - Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake spoke in his capacity as President and as Minister of Defence, Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy, and Digital Economy. No substantive speech content or policy statement was provided to identify specific arguments, proposals, or questions. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni responded to concerns raised about medicine supplies, stating that human immunoglobulin is subject to NMRA safety review when adverse concerns arise and that use is resumed only after independent evaluation. He rejected media claims that cardiac surgeries would stop due to Papaverine shortages, saying units had not reported such a crisis and that limited local purchases were being allowed to manage low stocks. He argued that procurement reforms and NMRA price regulation were reducing excessive prices, citing Papaverine price comparisons and stating that government-to-government and other procurement routes would be used to secure supply while maintaining quality verification. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Government inherited a severe economic crisis and has prioritized IMF engagement, debt restructuring, poverty reduction, welfare support, and economic stabilization while linking recovery to national unity and reconciliation. He stated that the Government would hold Provincial Council elections after resolving legal obstacles, and would pursue a new Constitution through public and parliamentary input followed by a referendum. He rejected external pressure in constitutional matters, said the Government is committed to protecting human rights and addressing isolated incidents, and emphasized that economic justice is central to reconciliation and national rebuilding. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that inquiries by the NMRA into earlier adverse reactions and deaths, including cases in Trincomalee, Kandy and Ragama, found no causal link to the human immunoglobulin product in question. He said the NMRA decided in April that the product could be reused, but only properly stored remaining vials were considered, and argued that attempts to associate all related deaths or past procurement controversies with this medicine were inaccurate. Procedural Matters and Sittings of Parliament Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the Government would consider both the facts provided in the Answer and relevant practical circumstances. He said the objective was to maintain a highly stable financial sector with reduced volatility and that the points raised would be taken into account. Ministerial Statement: Reviewal of Policies in the Leasing Sector Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns about finance companies repossessing assets from borrowers who have paid most instalments but fall behind near the end of repayment periods. He urged the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to review repossession rules, timelines, and practices to ensure a more humane approach, particularly where a large portion of the facility has already been paid. Ministerial Statement: Reviewal of Policies in the Leasing Sector Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded on behalf of the Finance Ministry to a question on leasing-sector borrower protections, stating that the Central Bank has not issued separate directions for involuntary defaulters but applies existing financial consumer protection regulations. He said repossession is governed mainly by lease agreements and the Finance Leasing Act, No. 56 of 2000, with institutions generally expected to negotiate and use repossession as a last resort. He noted that past relief measures, including moratoria during the Easter attacks, COVID-19 and the economic crisis, were provided for borrower hardship, and that borrowers may seek redress through Mediation Boards, the Financial Ombudsman, the Central Bank or courts. He added that the Central Bank may consider further policy refinements if systemic issues arise, while balancing borrower and depositor interests. Ministerial Statement: Reviewal of Policies in the Leasing Sector Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake cited reports of high emigration among State university graduates and argued that graduates educated with public funds should either serve Sri Lanka for a minimum period or repay the cost if they leave without fulfilling service obligations. He presented a draft bill on the issue and asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide data on graduate departures, public education costs, bond breaches, recoveries, and monitoring mechanisms over the past decade. He also called for reforms to make repayment enforceable, including through foreign missions, and for an annual public report on graduate migration, bond compliance and cost recovery. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Lower Basin Development component of the Uma Oya project had stalled after about 85 per cent completion, with several canal sections halted, abandoned, or damaged. He stated that Rs. 2,000 million has been allocated this year and 68 work items have begun through the Irrigation Department’s direct labour. He said the Government aims to complete most works by the end of the year, with any remaining work to be finished by May next year. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Asked whether, with the recommencement of the Lower Basin Development of the Uma Oya project, funds would be allocated from that project to restart the relevant canal work. She also sought clarification on the future measures planned for the canal project. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that no investigation has yet been initiated into the canal constructed under the “Lower Uva Medium and Minor Scale Development Project,” which began in 2008 and concluded in 2023. He noted that the 6.5 km canal had been stopped and restarted intermittently, and that the Department of Irrigation acknowledges siltation is obstructing water conveyance. He said the Ministry will discuss the matter with the Department to determine whether the canal has failed or whether defects in construction caused the problem. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani questioned the failure of a canal project that began about 15 years ago, noting that over 5 km of the canal remains dry despite substantial excavation and reported expenditure of Rs. 67.58 million. She said farmers have not received the intended water benefits or associated infrastructure such as roads along the banks, and asked whether a formal investigation would be initiated into the project. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister answered questions on the Debara Ara feeder canal, stating that construction began in 2008 with an initial estimate of Rs. 67.58 million under the Lower Uva Medium and Minor Scale Irrigation Development Project, with procurement procedures followed. He named the four contractors and said the Department of Irrigation supervised the staged works, with excavated rock and soil reused for related irrigation and service-road purposes. He stated that although water had been delivered to the Debara Ara reservoir, the 6.5 km deep canal has silted due to rainfall, reduced demand and non-use of the upstream reach, requiring a special allocation for maintenance. He added that water is currently supplied to nearby fields, two minor tanks and about 200 acres of highlands, and that plans are in place to desilt the canal before the next rainy season. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran said applicants who passed two rounds of interviews have waited more than six years for appointments despite over 600 vacancies, blaming the delay on government departmental failings. He noted that many had served for long periods as volunteers and were formally assessed, and asked the Deputy Minister to ensure a pathway for their appointment. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Approval had been granted in 2019 to fill health assistant vacancies in the Northern Province, but appointments issued to 454 candidates were suspended after a Presidential Secretariat directive halting recruitments following the 2019 Presidential Election. Subsequent efforts to obtain approval were affected by DMS Circular No. 02/2020 assigning primary grade recruitment to the Multi-Purpose Development Task Force, and the matter is also before the Provincial High Court in Jaffna. The Deputy Minister said staff shortages affect services but patient care continues uninterrupted, and recruitment will be expedited if the Department of Management Services and Ministry of Finance grant approval. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage asked whether due diligence had been carried out on the capacity and financing of Markop River Restaurant (Pvt) Ltd. before awarding the relevant project. He further asked whether the Urban Development Authority would investigate the matter. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The matter concerns returning an asset or service to the Municipal Council, but the previous MMC administration reportedly declined to accept it, leading to private operation. With court proceedings still ongoing, the new MMC administration has indicated willingness to take it over for public use, and action is to be taken after the legal process concludes. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake JJB AI summary Acknowledging the validity of the concern raised, Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake stated that some projects had been started without proper feasibility assessments on suitability or accessibility. He noted that the SAARC Cultural Centre received no contributions from SAARC countries despite its name, with Rs. 1,432 million spent from Sri Lankan funds, and said efforts would be made to find a productive use for the asset. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said construction of the Cultural Centre had stopped by the end of 2019 after Rs. 1,432.26 million had been spent through the Ministry responsible for Cultural Affairs. He provided annual water and electricity maintenance costs from 2020 to July 2025 and stated that security is handled by the Ministry of Defence through a six-soldier team. He said Cabinet had approved in principle a proposal to transfer the buildings and land to the University of Ruhuna, but the process is stalled pending the University Council’s formal letter of consent. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →