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- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for details on the halted and unused SAARC Cultural Centre in Navimana, Matara. He requested the total construction expenditure, the institutions that funded it, the annual maintenance and security costs, and any current plan for utilizing the building complex. 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. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Acting as Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. Rauff Hakeem presented the Committee’s report on the Draft Budgetary Estimates for the National Audit Office for 2026. The report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Committee Report: Draft Budgetary Estimates for the National Audit Office Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj presented Supplementary Estimate No. 02 of 2025 and moved that it be referred to the Committee on Public Finance. The House agreed to the motion. Papers Presented Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, on behalf of the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, presented Supplementary Estimate No. 01 of 2025 and moved that it be referred to the Committee on Public Finance. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Papers Presented Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the motion on digitalization and the digital economy, citing examples from airport procedures, COVID-era court operations, and current judicial digitization to argue that citizens and institutions can adapt when digital systems become necessary. He proposed prioritizing practical digitization in local authorities, courts, land registries, and Parliament, including wider use of GovPay for fines, stamp duties, and local authority payments, and better digital facilities for Members to participate in committee work. He also urged the revival and expansion of digital court proceedings and transport e-ticketing using existing resources, stressing that such measures would save time, money, fuel, and administrative effort. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna argued that Sri Lanka’s digital economy ambitions require resolving basic access issues such as the ability to open and use PayPal, Payoneer, GPay, Etsy and eBay-linked payment accounts for online exports. He linked the discussion to fingerprint attendance systems, supporting consistent enforcement while noting practical concerns in the postal service and alleging widespread inflation of hospital overtime claims, calling for CCTV and records-based checks. He said low basic salaries contribute to overtime abuse and suggested increasing doctors’ basic pay while reducing improper OT, and concluded by urging respect for all who died in the war without reviving divisive narratives. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath argued that current vehicle prices should be compared with 2019 levels rather than crisis-period peaks. He stated that the Government’s objective is to provide maximum relief within available fiscal space and said the proposed amendments are intended to meet public needs, contrasting this with what he described as the Opposition’s lack of data. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath supported amendments under the Construction Industry Development Act to reduce contractor renewal fees from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,000 and raise grading financial limits, including increasing the CS2 ceiling to Rs. 6,000 million, saying these measures respond to contractor demands and support the sector’s recovery. He also defended government policy on paddy procurement, stating that the Paddy Marketing Board is buying at 142 locations at about Rs. 120 per kg, with fertilizer subsidies increased and production costs reduced. Responding to Opposition criticisms on taxes and vehicle prices, he argued that revenue collection is being directed to public infrastructure and housing, and that higher vehicle prices reflect the exchange-rate depreciation after the economic crisis. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported aligning customs and excise tax treatment for vehicles with carbon-footprint objectives as Sri Lanka transitions from combustion engines to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. He urged the Government to develop fast-charging infrastructure, particularly at expressway terminals and service areas, noting that limited range and charging access discourage EV adoption. He also called for a special programme for electric three-wheelers, addressing high upfront costs and safe charging requirements, and cautioned that rapidly changing vehicle technologies and HS code classifications require stronger verification to prevent misclassification and fraud. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance updating HS codes for vehicle imports after their resumption on 1 February 2025, stating that it would address new vehicle technologies and avoid higher “Other” duties. He argued that economic confidence has improved, citing vehicle imports, export growth, rupee stability, increased remittances and investment, tax compliance, and resumed construction activity. He also referred to the planned completion of the Warakapola bypass by 2026 and the resumption of water and sanitation projects in Thulhiriya, while emphasizing the Government’s agenda of rebuilding production, reducing waste, and combating corruption. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera supported the proposed Customs, Finance, Excise, and Construction Industry Development regulations, stating that new HS codes were needed to classify series hybrid vehicles and apply fairer duties after vehicle imports reopened in February 2025. He disputed Opposition claims on excessive vehicle taxes, citing CIF and duty data to say average duties were about 152 percent, with higher rates on luxury vehicles and lower rates on commercial vehicles. He also reported that Customs revenue had exceeded targets, defended the recognition of Bureau Veritas as a lawful vehicle certifier, noted that disputed LC-related consignments were before court, and said reforms such as online pre-filing and tourist VAT refunds were being implemented. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The speech supported the Regulations under the Construction Industry Development Act, No. 33 of 2014, citing recent Central Bank PMI data as evidence of recovery in the construction sector after previous declines and stalled projects. It argued that improved political leadership, reduced interference, and stronger institutional independence would help restore confidence, employment, and investment in the industry. The speaker highlighted CIDA’s role in registering and grading contractors and accrediting adjudicators, and specifically endorsed reducing the adjudicator registration renewal fee from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,000 to support dispute resolution. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that high vehicle taxes have made imported vehicles unaffordable, despite the Government allowing imports. He alleged serious irregularities and corruption in the coal procurement process, including violations of procurement guidelines, tender conditions tailored to a specific company, and a resignation by the Coal Company Chairman over the issue. He also raised concerns over Litro Gas and the reintroduction of a failed immunoglobulin product, citing reported deaths and demanding accountability from the NMRA and the Government. He further questioned the handling of legal proceedings involving Ranil Wickremesinghe and warned that public threats, magistrate transfers, and alleged pressure on judicial officers undermine the rule of law. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka defended the Government’s economic management, stating that vehicle imports had resumed in 2024/2025 after a five-year halt and that letters of credit worth US$1,378 million had been opened by 19 August. He said the Government had stabilized an economy it inherited 11 months earlier, citing IMF, World Bank and media assessments, and reported improved fiscal performance including revenue of Rs. 2,325 billion in the first two quarters of 2025 and a 32.3 per cent reduction in the budget deficit. He also highlighted increases in port profits, FDI, tourism earnings, remittances, exports, reserves and domestic investment, and urged public confidence in the Government’s economic programme. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected Opposition allegations that the Government had printed Rs. 1.2 trillion, citing Central Bank clarifications that no monetary financing occurred from October 2024 to June 2025. She stated that the 2023 Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act prohibits such financing and emphasized the distinction between Treasury functions and Central Bank functions. She argued that recent growth in money circulation reflects increased private sector credit, lower interest rates, and economic expansion, unlike the pandemic-era monetary financing of 2020–2022. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook spoke in support of the customs and excise-related measures, explaining the phased lifting of vehicle import restrictions from 2024 to 2025 and the associated duty and HS code arrangements for various vehicle categories. He said disputes over documentation, undervaluation, cross-border letters of credit, and classification of electric and new-technology vehicles had led to re-exports and court cases, including issues concerning BYD vehicles. He rejected claims about Hambantota Port congestion and increased fees, attributing uncleared vehicles there to earlier duty changes and legal constraints. He also responded to criticism of Muslim government MPs, stating they participate without making communal speeches and support the government’s anti-communal stance. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. R. G. Wijerathna JJB AI summary Hon. R. G. Wijerathna supported the regulations and orders under debate, arguing that the Government has increased public revenue by enforcing laws, reassessing assets, and regularizing previously under-assessed or unpaid use of state property. He cited examples from Hagguranketha and Rikillagaskada, including a quarry whose annual revenue rose after valuation and auction, arrears from leased state-land shops, and action to recover dues or pursue legal remedies involving Samurdhi-related property and other premises. He also said benefits are being distributed through public mechanisms, such as providing agricultural machinery via the Agrarian Service Centre and coordinating fodder production for dairy development on underused lands. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported revenue and reform measures in principle but questioned whether increased taxation and Customs revenue were improving public services or reducing living costs. He raised concerns over remittances linked to Sri Lankans in the Russia–Ukraine war, tourist driving permits affecting local employment, Customs delays increasing consumer costs, and proposed CEB engineering recruitment despite internal candidates. He also called for redeploying staff from downsized state entities to services such as the Postal Department, adjusting teacher transfer timing and benefits to avoid disruption, and considering leadership capacity, not only qualifications, in appointments to major schools such as Bandaranaike College, Gampaha. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake criticised proposed vehicle allocations, arguing that Sri Lanka’s public institutions already have excessive government vehicles and that importing or allocating 2,000 more, particularly to MPs, would undermine public confidence in reform efforts. He urged proper use of official facilities, including the Speaker’s residence, and questioned public expenditure in areas such as Railway overtime payments and stalled projects. He also cited concerns from the National Construction Association about continuing institutional corruption and the decline in the construction sector’s contribution to GDP, calling for funds and attention to be redirected to substantive governance and economic problems. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake addressed vehicle-related fiscal measures, including regulations under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, the Luxury Tax Order and an import duty resolution. He urged the Government to take a Cabinet-level administrative decision on 8,724 vehicles held at Hambantota due to cross-border letters of credit, arguing that a process issue at the Import and Export Control Department was blocking clearance of about Rs. 90 billion in value. He also called for clarification of media reports about double-cab imports, stressing that any vehicles should be for public service institutions rather than MPs, and warned against perceptions of waste amid expenditure cuts. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →