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- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera outlined the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, noting that it would replace existing gambling-related laws and establish a regulatory body to license and supervise all gambling activities, including online and offshore operations. He said the Bill aims to ensure revenue collection, transparency, prevention of crime and money laundering, protection of children, and proper record-keeping for tax assessment. He also highlighted age restrictions, penalties for unregistered operations, and the transfer of licensing powers from ministerial discretion to an Authority with representation from finance, tax, police, financial intelligence, and expert fields. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns about the implementation of the Public Debt Management Act, particularly the transfer of debt management functions to the Ministry of Finance and the need to recruit qualified professionals for the new Debt Office. He argued that loan viability, risk premia, debt sustainability, reserve accumulation, and SriLankan Airlines’ financial position require clearer policy direction, especially ahead of IMF reviews and the resumption of debt servicing from 2028. He also welcomed the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill but urged that it be made practically operable, with clear provisions on payments, taxation, repatriation of winnings, digital gambling definitions, record-keeping, stake limits, and junket operations. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe defended the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as a necessary measure to regulate existing gambling activity rather than expand it, rejecting Opposition criticisms over definitions, institutional independence, and the exclusion of the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board. He said the Bill would register and license operators, including online and ship-based gambling, require platform approvals, strengthen record-keeping and tax collection, and impose penalties for unlicensed activity. He argued that regulation is needed to prevent money laundering, criminal activity, corruption and political interference, protect minors and problem gamblers, and secure public revenue in the context of economic recovery and debt restructuring. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, while potentially useful for investment and jobs if properly regulated, is inadequate on anti-money laundering and foreign-exchange safeguards and risks enabling cash-based illicit flows through casinos. He called for mandatory use of authorized banking channels, limits on large cash transactions, player accounts, clear CTR/STR thresholds, and regulation of junkets and VIP promoters, citing FATF obligations, the 2025 mutual evaluation, IMF Article VIII, and practices in Singapore, the UK, the US and Macau. He also urged that sports betting be explicitly covered by the law, referring to recent cricket-related betting concerns and sponsorships by betting entities. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that regulated gambling, including casinos, online gaming, ship-board casinos and junket operations, would help standardize the sector, reduce social harm and strengthen tourism. He said tourism remains a major source of foreign exchange, with Sri Lanka having passed half of its 2025 target of three million arrivals, and linked entertainment regulation to economic expansion. He also defended the Government’s economic management, citing improved revenue and tax performance, rejecting Opposition claims on money printing, and referring to negotiations that reduced a US reciprocal tariff from 44 per cent to 20 per cent. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando supported regulating casinos and gambling to attract foreign exchange, tourism and investment, citing the City of Dreams Sri Lanka project and Melco Resorts’ concerns about legal and regulatory uncertainty. He argued that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill gives extensive control to the Minister, including over appointments, removals, capital requirements, funding, staffing, directives and regulations, undermining the stated independence of the regulator. He urged a stable and credible framework to reassure investors and warned that political inconsistency and excessive ministerial control could deter investment. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act and Foreign Exchange Act, arguing that the 2022 debt crisis exposed misuse of borrowing, weak transparency, and inadequate legal frameworks. He said the 2024 Public Debt Management Act and related regulations, including the establishment of a State Debt Management Office and Committee, respond to World Bank and IMF recommendations for structured borrowing and repayment oversight. He also cited recent economic indicators, including tourism growth, higher Customs revenue, Ports Authority profits, and FDI commitments, as evidence of economic and political stabilization. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka needs formal regulation to protect vulnerable groups and prevent gambling-related outflows of money. She linked the Bill with the Public Debt Management Act regulations and Foreign Exchange Act orders as part of broader financial management reforms aimed at accountability, debt discipline, and compliance with international practice. She stated that stronger rules are necessary for Sri Lanka to manage borrowing, meet repayment obligations, and move toward financial stability by 2028. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, stating that they would strengthen debt discipline through the Public Debt Management Office and the Public Debt Coordinating Committee and help prevent unproductive or corrupt borrowing. He argued that public debt should be assessed for repayment capacity and directed to productive investment, citing past projects such as the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium and Hambantota International Conference Hall as examples of poor returns. He also criticised the previous day’s hartal, alleging coercion by some local officials and claiming that Tamil, Muslim and other communities largely rejected it, while asserting that the Government was protecting minority rights and advancing development in the North and East. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified that broad definitions in the Bill do not amount to automatic authorization or licensing, and that the relevant Authority will determine permitted activities and conditions. He rejected claims that net foreign assets had collapsed under the Government, stating that overall foreign assets of licensed commercial banks and the Central Bank had increased since it assumed office, and contrasted this with negative NFA figures from 2015 to 2018. He said reserves may fluctuate during stabilization but exchange rate stability had been maintained while funding essential imports, and outlined plans to reach US$7 billion in reserves through exports, remittances, FDI, and possible market intervention. He also stated that broad money growth reflected normal banking activity rather than arbitrary monetary financing, and tabled supporting data. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy defended the Opposition’s role in scrutinizing government and argued that casino regulation should be comprehensive, with stronger parliamentary oversight and less discretionary power concentrated in the subject Minister or President. Referring to Clause 79, he sought clarification on whether definitions of gambling and social gambling would apply to temple charity auctions, school raffles, or card games at funerals, and who would be taxed in such cases. He also criticized policy inconsistency on cannabis cultivation zones and urged that taxation be directed at those profiting from gambling under a coherent regulatory framework. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Sathosa is procuring paddy despite lacking functioning mills, using accredited suppliers for milling and selling rice at controlled prices, with allocations of Rs. 10 billion to the Paddy Marketing Board and Rs. 5 billion to Sathosa to expand purchases. He detailed production costs, stating that 1.6 kg of paddy is needed for 1 kg of rice, with conversion costs around Rs. 35 per kg, and said Nadu rice is sold at about Rs. 230 per kg. He also stated that casino entry fees will be US$50 per person and that a 14 percent tax on winnings will be withheld at payout. He added that the Government aims to raise reserves to US$7 billion through tourism, FDI and other inflows, while strengthening state enterprises and maintaining a state role in supply chains to stabilize prices. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad asked the Government to outline the action plan for achieving the President’s reserve targets of US$7 billion in 2025 and US$15 billion by January 2028, emphasizing that such questions should receive constructive answers rather than political accusations. He also questioned whether projected Customs revenue growth would be adequate if vehicle imports resume, citing increases from US$600 million in 2022 to a projected US$2.3 billion in 2025 despite the previous vehicle import ban. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad asked the Government to disclose the full cost structure of the new Sathosa-branded rice programme to assess whether Treasury-funded costs or below-cost pricing could distort competition with private traders. He expressed support for the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, citing earlier gambling legislation and the need to secure tax revenue, while questioning how entry fees, winnings taxes, licensing, online betting enforcement, and investor confidence would be managed. He urged that casino regulation be oriented toward attracting foreign high-spending tourists, supported by international expertise and a fully digitized reporting and tax platform. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as a timely measure. He then questioned the Minister about recent rice imports, asking whether the imported stocks were distributed only through Sathosa or also sold as animal feed, to bulk buyers, or wholesale outside Sathosa. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act and Foreign Exchange Act and the proposal to establish a Gambling Regulatory Authority, arguing that formal regulation is needed to replace informal political control. He reported fertilizer subsidy payments of about Rs. 13.8 billion, ongoing Yala paddy harvesting of over one million metric tons, and government paddy/rice procurement through the Paddy Marketing Board, Sathosa, and bank-backed working capital facilities for millers. He also outlined broader government measures, including capital spending on development works, recruitment to fill public service vacancies, salary and pension adjustments, a higher private sector minimum wage, and action on estate worker wages. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government for increasing taxes and revenue without delivering promised relief, including reduced electricity tariffs, timely fertilizer subsidies, fair paddy prices, rice market reform, and public services. He alleged that farmers’ incomes had fallen while rice imports continued, and questioned the Government’s management of state revenue and cost-of-living issues. He also warned against politicization of the public service, police, military and judiciary, citing concerns over appointments, transfers and law enforcement, and argued that such institutional interference and public insecurity would deter investors. He further criticized proposed tourism measures such as issuing driving licences at the airport, saying they could harm small and medium local tourism operators. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as a measure to regulate existing gambling activity rather than expand it, and said the Government would consider constructive proposals. He rejected Opposition claims about public borrowing, stating that the Government would borrow only within legal, IMF and fiscal discipline frameworks for productive projects and public benefit, unlike past borrowing that he said failed to create adequate assets. He also described the North-East hartal as unsuccessful and argued that recent election results showed public rejection of divisive ethnic politics, while affirming the Government’s commitment to transparency and responsible governance. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as an improvement on the 2010 framework, arguing that gambling is already legitimized and should be regulated transparently to attract tourism and foreign exchange while ensuring oversight. He identified concerns including ministerial direction over the Authority under Clause 77(1), the need for tourism sector representation, stronger regulation of online gambling, and clearer definitions for digital gambling, junkets, software, machines, and casino games. He also proposed updating provisions on cash desks and “currency” to accommodate electronic transactions and urged amendments to reduce ambiguity, strengthen accountability, and attract reputable operators. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka’s debt problem lies not in borrowing itself but in the unproductive and poorly governed use of loans, contrasting this with countries whose high debt levels finance productive assets. He said the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, and the establishment of a Debt Management Office would centralize borrowing, debt servicing, guarantees, and reporting across public entities. He emphasized that the framework is intended to improve transparency, clarify repayment capacity and revenue generation from loans, and support fiscal discipline and debt sustainability. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →