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- 7 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar opposed the extension of emergency powers, alleging it was being used to intimidate public protests and suppress Opposition scrutiny. He cited alleged irregularities including container, coal, palm oil VAT, Treasury payment, banking, telecom, and solar project matters, and demanded accountability, including the resignation of Treasury Secretary Harsha Suriyapperuma. He argued that ministers and officials linked to the President or government allies were being protected, and warned that public mobilisation would continue despite emergency measures. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the further extension of emergency regulations, arguing that they are needed to continue relief delivery and accelerate reconstruction after what she described as Sri Lanka’s most severe natural disaster. She cited official figures on deaths, missing persons, damaged homes, affected families, and a World Bank estimate of USD 4.1 billion in infrastructure damage, and referred to measures including the emergency Gazette, essential services declarations, an Essential Services Commissioner-General, the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Presidential Task Force, and special subcommittees. She stated that major relief grants had been largely disbursed, gave percentage completion figures for several payments, and said remaining work includes completing benefits and rebuilding railways, highways, and other essential infrastructure. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha questioned the need to extend the state of emergency for cyclone Ditva recovery, arguing that ordinary laws, courts and administrative machinery should be sufficient and that emergency powers create a climate of fear even if not used for suppression. He urged the Government to reconsider the extension and explain why emergency regulations are specifically required. He also raised concerns about economic security, citing alleged Treasury and banking losses, overpayments by state institutions and risks to investor confidence, and called for accountability, a special task force on systemic financial lapses, stronger Central Bank supervision of bank resilience and digital transfers, and a focus on solutions rather than blaming previous governments. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Dewananda Suraweera supported extending the emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating it was proclaimed to manage the aftermath of the Ditva cyclone and speed up reconstruction and relief. He said the emergency is intended to expedite procurement, repair infrastructure, allocate land for displaced people, maintain essential services, and protect officials acting urgently, not to restrict democracy, unions, assemblies, or protests. He argued the measure is necessary to restore normalcy, support economic revival, tourism, and investment, while criticizing the Opposition’s attacks and inviting constructive criticism. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that a Cabinet memorandum on e-passports sought approval to award the procurement to Thales DIS Finland Oy/Just in Time Technologies despite ministerial claims that no decision had been made, and he tabled the document while warning of possible international and GSP-related repercussions. He also questioned plans to use Indian funds to assign digital ID printing to Madras Security Printers, citing earlier parliamentary allegations about losses, counterfeit excise stickers and blacklisting concerns. He further raised allegations over an Airbus A330-200 lease, arguing that RTI-disclosed details indicated excessive cost and maintenance risks for an ageing aircraft, and referred to broader corruption and governance concerns including Treasury and municipal-level issues. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Condolences were offered on the death of Dhanigala Mahabandara of the Rathugala Veddah community before raising a series of questions on disaster relief, damaged infrastructure, fertilizer shortages, harvest relief, and public security. Concerns were raised over the alleged loss of US$ 250 million from the Treasury and a further US$ 6 million from the Department of Posts, with a demand that COPF proceedings and Treasury Secretary responses on the matter be made public. The speech also criticized proposed removal of CESS and PAL under IMF commitments, questioned fertilizer procurement decisions, and asked the Government to clarify reports of a Polish complaint to the EU over passports. It further called for stronger action to protect and empower the Malaiyaha estate community amid reported violence and rejected claims that the Opposition opposed wage and benefit increases for estate workers. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations surrounding government tenders and Treasury matters, stating that suspected irregularities should be pursued through courts and formal legal channels rather than public accusations. He said CID investigations into the Treasury incident were underway, with statements recorded from 21 persons, and cited past financial losses in the Beeraluvala Project and a dairy cattle import arrangement to argue that alleged wrongdoing under previous administrations would also be pursued. He affirmed respect for free expression but warned against fake news and interference with investigations, and said he had instructed the IGP to investigate concerns raised by Hon. Jeevan Thondaman while the Government would address public pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had allocated Rs. 10,000 million to provide relief amid fuel, gas and electricity price pressures linked to the Middle East conflict, including possible electricity tariff subsidies, fertilizer price support and extended harvest relief. He moved to extend provisions relating to essential services and the mandate of the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, seeking House approval. He also outlined ongoing police recruitment, including 200 trainee Sub Inspectors already recruited and further recruitment processes for about 10,000 personnel, while noting a review of revised qualifications. Responding to allegations over the e-passport tender, he denied that it had been awarded, said procurement and related litigation were still ongoing, and stated that Cabinet and the Procurement Commission processes would be followed. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary Moved approval of the President’s Proclamation under the Public Security Ordinance and a related Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act, citing the emergency response to Cyclone “Ditcha.” He said the measures enabled coordination of essential services, appointment of a Commissioner General of Essential Services, and implementation of a Rs. 500 billion recovery programme, detailing payments for resettlement, equipment, subsistence, rent, housing reconstruction, agriculture, fisheries and livestock losses. He stated that relocation decisions are being guided by NBRO safety certification and that the emergency powers have been used only for disaster relief and essential services, requesting a one-month extension to complete remaining relief and reconstruction work. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about NTC and Department of Motor Traffic processes, including the uneconomic position of private operators purchasing high-cost AC buses while being limited to existing luxury fares. He requested review of the Rs. 2 million bank balance requirement for new bus operators, faster implementation of same-day ownership transfer procedures at the NTC, and action on delays in registering new vehicles. He also tabled an Auditor General’s query regarding alleged unauthorized fee collections for popular vehicle registration numbers and called for investigation, recovery of losses, and regularization under the new Gazette. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan addressed the 2026 regulations under the National Transport Commission Act and Motor Traffic Act, noting that they create a formal mechanism for private inter-provincial bus permit transfers and extend access to special forward vehicle registration numbers for a Rs. 1 million fee. He welcomed the objectives of transparency and revenue generation but raised concerns that the Rs. 2 million financial capacity requirement could exclude smaller investors and that high-fee special numbers may reinforce wealth-based prestige. He also requested urgent support for Trincomalee SLTB services, including repairs to unserviceable buses, at least 10 additional buses, and action to address a 50 per cent staff shortage. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe – Deputy Minister of Tourism AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe defended the Government’s economic and tourism policy record, citing the passage of the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Bill, reported GDP and per capita income gains, and strengthened legal stability and enforcement. He said the Government had corrected the visa regime by introducing a six-month free-visa pilot for selected countries, based on expert advice and international practice, to increase tourist arrivals and foreign exchange. He also referred to efforts to expand airline capacity, including discussions or agreements involving IndiGo, Turkish Airlines and Vietnam, and said 2025 tourist arrival targets remained achievable. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the proposed Regulations under the National Transport Commission Act and Motor Traffic Act, noting that premium charges for forward vehicle numbers could increase non-tax revenue and that a legal framework for inter-provincial bus route permits could address longstanding issues. He then criticized the Government’s broader performance, citing high fuel prices, unmet promises on electricity bills, fertilizer delays, and the rising cost of living. He argued that the public expects practical relief and effective governance rather than repeated announcements and political slogans. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena – Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways AI summary Regulations were presented under the National Transport Commission Act to formalize the transfer of passenger service permits, replacing informal transfers through powers of attorney with a regulated process based on service history, pending legal or institutional inquiries, public complaints, continued route operation, and a Rs. 2 million financial capacity requirement. The Deputy Minister said 320 regularization applications had been received, with 98 approved, and outlined plans to reallocate 357 non-operating or surrendered permits after a grace period ending 30 June through a Cabinet-approved points-based tender system, including new route permits from 17 June based on demand surveys. He also presented regulations under the Motor Traffic Act to allow advance reservation of vehicle registration numbers up to 100,000 numbers ahead, for prescribed fees ranging from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million, excluding motorcycles and three-wheelers. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage responded that district-wise poverty data had not been surveyed between 2019 and 2024, but the Household Income and Expenditure Survey was conducted in 2025 and the Department of Census and Statistics is due to publish results in October 2026. He said the Official Poverty Line is published monthly and is currently Rs. 16,690 per person per month nationally, with district variations such as Colombo at Rs. 18,000 and Monaragala at Rs. 15,958. He also cited World Bank estimates indicating poverty declined from 24.8 per cent in 2024 to 20.1 per cent in April 2026, and said these data guide poverty alleviation programmes. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that accurate calculations and data are essential for government policymaking. He warned that without them, any government risks formulating policies based on incorrect information. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s basis for calculating the Official Poverty Line for March 2026 while the 2025 Household Income and Expenditure Survey results were not expected until October 2026. He argued that both the previous and current Governments had relied on outdated 2019 data despite major crises and called for the HIES to be conducted at least every two years to ensure poverty alleviation policies are based on current food and non-food expenditure data. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister responded to the Opposition Leader’s SO 27(2) question by outlining official poverty measurement, noting that the latest district estimates are from 2019, the 2025 HIES results are due in October 2026, and the Welfare Benefits Board identified 1,695,843 poor beneficiary households as at March 2026. He stated that poverty is defined through the Official Poverty Line, Rs. 16,690 per person per month nationally in March 2026, supplemented by multidimensional poverty indicators covering education, health and living standards. He described economic and social impacts of poverty and listed current Government responses, including Aswesuma cash transfers, programmes for persons with disabilities and older persons, a contributory pension scheme for informal workers, and livelihood and empowerment initiatives under Samurdhi. He highlighted the National Social Protection Policy, the 2025–2035 strategic plan, and the Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” poverty eradication programme focused on community-level empowerment, food security, human capital, supply chains, care services and productive economic development. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a point of order concerning a response tabled by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to a Standing Order 27(2) question he said he had not submitted. He stated that the Minister had not answered his substantive issues on pensions, including stopping withholding tax on pensioners, creating a pension fund instead of relying on monthly Treasury payments, and resolving pension eligibility problems for former casual employees later made permanent. He requested that the Minister provide answers to these matters. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that, according to available data, the only recorded cancellation in April 2026 was due to Verrington UAE, and that there was no evidence of a supplier violating a term tender and later supplying through a spot tender unless a specific case is provided for verification. He said the Government is not fully passing Middle East war-related fuel price increases to consumers, noting that diesel would be about Rs. 750 under the formula but is sold at Rs. 410, with the Treasury bearing about Rs. 100 per litre on diesel and Rs. 20 per litre on petrol. He added that fuel sector companies are expected to manage monthly profits and losses over the year while sharing the burden with the Government. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →