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- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading and presented related items on the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill and regulations under the Sports and Judicature Acts. Addressing the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, he said the amendment would bring 1,097 Samurdhi banks and 335 community-based bank societies, with about 4 million members and Rs. 250 billion in transactions, under Auditor General oversight through Article 154 of the Constitution and the National Audit Act. He argued this was necessary to improve transparency, address pending audit inquiries and allegations of fraud, and protect public funds and employees. He also noted the continued growth in welfare applicants, including 3.74 million Aswesuma applications, and said the scale of poverty assistance required a reassessment of past approaches. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake outlined the legal and administrative history of converting foreign driving licences and issuing temporary permits to visitors, noting that the Department of Motor Traffic continues to handle these functions and that a one-month temporary licence currently costs Rs. 2,000 under the 2022 Gazette. He clarified that establishing a counter at Bandaranaike International Airport is intended to streamline access and reduce broker exploitation, not to create a new legal category. He further stated that temporary licences for tourists are limited to private light-vehicle use, excluding three-wheelers and any public or commercial transport operations. The Minister said a revised fee structure would be proposed to Cabinet and gazetted if approved, following concerns from tourism stakeholders that the current fee is too low. Ministerial Statement: Temporary Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Jaffna airport runway will be rehabilitated to handle approximately 130-seat aircraft, with completion expected by mid-2026. He said further expansion for larger aircraft is not currently economically viable, noted that baggage allowances are determined by airlines, and indicated that reduced embarkation fees could be considered. He emphasized developing Jaffna as a stable and viable international airport while avoiding mistakes associated with Mattala. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about unpaid compensation for lands already acquired for the airport and requested that affected persons be paid. He also asked for the passenger baggage limit to be increased from 15 kg to 30 kg and proposed a modest runway extension to accommodate A-320 aircraft, arguing that this would improve passenger capacity and foreign exchange earnings. He sought a clear timeframe and assurance from the Minister on implementing these measures. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said Jaffna International Airport currently operates two daily flights to India and has shown improving revenue and operating profit, but expansion for larger aircraft would require major infrastructure investment and further feasibility studies. He said terminal improvement works are proceeding in stages under procurement procedures, with temporary passenger facilities already installed and further works expected around October. The Government intends to develop Jaffna as a commercially sustainable international airport, initially targeting safe runway rehabilitation to accommodate about 130-seat aircraft by mid-next year, while decisions on larger expansion, financing, and any further land acquisition will depend on demand, feasibility, and consultations with relevant agencies. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy tabled a written answer regarding CPC-owned tanks, stating that 24 tanks are vested in the CPC and that three were leased to Prima Ceylon Ltd in 2001 at Rs. 100 per tank per month, generating Rs. 3,600 annually. He further stated that Prima Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd is the lessee and that Rs. 7,010 million is planned for refurbishing the remaining 21 CPC-owned tanks. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Energy seeking details on the Trincomalee oil tank farm, including whether Ceylon Petroleum Corporation tanks are inside or outside Trincomalee Harbour, the total number of tanks, and whether they have been leased out. It asks for the lessees’ institutions and countries, annual income earned from leasing, and the latest investment made in the Trincomalee Oil Tank project. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha tabled a written answer on Sri Lanka’s IMF Extended Fund Facility programme, citing public IMF staff reports and reviews available online. The answer states that two IMF reviews were completed before September 2024 and two after the current Government took office, and outlines revenue measures agreed by the previous Government, including property tax proposals, service export taxation, VAT/excise changes, and removal of SVAT. It further states that after September 2024 the Government secured amendments including higher personal income tax thresholds and bands, VAT removal on fresh milk and yoghurt, deferral of deemed rental property tax, reduction of the services export corporate tax rate to 15 per cent, revised withholding tax arrangements, and removal of vehicle import restrictions. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to table Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund and provide details of any amendments made before and after the current Government took office. The question seeks information on who approved such amendments, whether the IMF accepted them unconditionally, and which Government proposals or IMF counterproposals were accepted. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister said the newly built Gallassa hospital cannot become fully operational immediately, but staffing is being increased to enable services to proceed. He reported that 25 medical officers, 50 nurses, and 50 minor staff had been deployed, with 30 more minor staff due that week, while additional temporary medical and nursing assignments would support the professorial unit. He also stated that four post-intern anaesthetists would be allocated and further nursing recruitment, including for the blood bank, was underway. Oral Question: Staffing at Gallassa Maternity and Children's Hospital (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised staffing and resource concerns regarding the Nagoda and Gallassa hospitals in Kalutara, noting their interlinked administration and the volume of emergency patients referred from surrounding areas. He requested expedited action to fill over 100 minor staff vacancies and an inquiry into approximately 20 nurses who had received transfers but had not reported for duty. He also asked what special provisions would be included for the two hospitals in the 2026 Budget. Oral Question: Staffing at Gallassa Maternity and Children's Hospital (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister answered questions on Gallassa Maternity and Children’s Hospital, stating that its paediatrics unit, clinics, wards and several related services are functioning, while maternity and obstetrics/gynaecology services are being expanded, including new wards, blood bank and laboratory services. He said delays in full operations followed earlier non-approval and non-deployment of the full cadre, but staffing is currently adequate for existing services and further allocations can be made through upcoming recruitments. He also tabled annexes on required hospital equipment and consolidated procurement, noting that about Rs. 27 billion is allocated for current equipment procurement and maintenance plans. Oral Question: Staffing at Gallassa Maternity and Children's Hospital (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that, after reviewing the relevant Board decisions, there was no decision to sell the building to Renuka Holdings or any other party. Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government over an alleged Board decision to sell a State building affected by Renuka’s construction to Renuka. He asked the Minister to produce evidence if denying the decision and said any disposal should follow proper procedure, emphasizing that his concern was to prevent loss to the State and noting the Government’s stated position against privatization for such sales. Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Sunil Handunnetti stated that any action regarding State assets would be based only on valuations by State institutions and court decisions. He said the Government would not sell or dispose of assets through unsolicited proposals, and that any disposal would require a transparent tender process, selection of the highest bid, and Cabinet approval. Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority’s Kollupitiya building should not be sold cheaply, citing alleged damage from a nearby Renuka Holdings high-rise and the existence of legal action seeking an injunction. He questioned reports that a previous Board had decided to sell the property specifically to Renuka Holdings and asked for records to clarify the matter. He said that if a sale proceeds despite NBRO advice to vacate and issues such as parking and frontage, it should only be at maximum value and for the purpose of obtaining a better site or building. Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti stated that the Authority owns a five-storey building at Galle Face Terrace that was damaged during adjacent construction by Galle Face Properties, with NBRO and CECB reports obtained and a District Court case filed against Renuka Holdings and Galle Face Properties. He said there is no decision to settle the case or sell the property to Renuka Holdings, although its unsolicited offer of Rs. 415.25 million prompted the Board to consider options including repair, rebuilding, or sale through government tender procedures. He added that any disposal would require a transparent tender process and Cabinet approval, and that the matter will next be addressed in court on 10 September 2025. Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Raised a question concerning the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, referring specifically to an incident involving the deletion of data. The query sought clarification in that context regarding the NMRA. Oral Question: NMRA Data Deletion Incident (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB AI summary Moved two government motions for parliamentary approval: regulations under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2443/14, and an order under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2441/14. Both instruments had Cabinet approval and were agreed to by the House. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the Gaming Regulatory Authority Bill, the Foreign Exchange Act Order, and the Public Debt Management Regulations, arguing that all three establish frameworks needed for development and to prevent past policy failures. He said gambling, including online platforms, should be registered, licensed, taxed, and subject to social safeguards, with licences revoked for non-compliance. He also backed higher outward investment limits for listed and unlisted companies to help Sri Lankan firms earn abroad, and said the debt regulations would impose prudent controls on guarantees, approvals, and maturities following the 2022 default. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →