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 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he did not wish to influence any pending legal cases, but raised concern that the issue had adversely affected many consumers and importers. He also warned that the public debate surrounding it was harmful to economic management. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a Private Notice question on alleged inconsistencies and loopholes in the taxation of imported electric vehicles, particularly whether taxes are assessed on maximum motor capacity, rated motor capacity, or other criteria. He sought details on BYD vehicles imported by the authorized agent, ongoing technical examinations, vehicles held or released by Customs, alleged revenue losses of Rs. 4 to 4.5 million per vehicle, and responsibility for any shortfall. He also asked whether the Government would reform the vehicle import tax regime to ensure transparency, prevent malpractice, and safeguard revenue, including through appropriate release mechanisms such as bank guarantees or duty-plus-value formulas. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera (on behalf of the Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government whether the Government is aware of graduates serving in PL 1, PL 2 and PL 3 salary scales under Public Administration Circular 06/2006, and requested their numbers. He further sought details on plans to place such underemployed graduates in suitable posts, the methodology for doing so, solutions for those over 40 years of age, and whether promotions based on qualifications without examinations exist or will be introduced. Oral Question: Graduate Officers in Government Service (Q.11/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Adequate specialist staffing was identified as a priority, with the return rate of doctors trained overseas said to have improved from about 40 per cent in September 2024 to around 65–70 per cent. Measures are being discussed with specialist associations to improve retention in peripheral and district hospitals, including salaries, allowances, transport, and facility upgrades. The cadre is also being revised upward, with continued efforts to retain existing specialists and produce new ones over time. Oral Question: Specialist Doctors' Services in Sri Lanka (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that estate agreements vary in type and permit certain companies to cultivate other estate crops within categories such as tea or rubber. He acknowledged that past oversight had been insufficient and said the Government would strengthen monitoring and review, including re-entry where appropriate and action against fallow lands and misuse. Oral Question: Land Granted to Private Plantation Companies from State-Owned Lands (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Provided answers to a parliamentary question on plantation lands, stating that 8,410.28 hectares are held across named estates, with 4,488.80 hectares cultivated and further details on estates, crops, and uncultivated cultivable extents placed in the Library. He said lease agreements between the Government and companies are under review and confirmed that lease rentals due had been paid, including specified 2025 first- and second-quarter payments by Mathurata, Namunkula, and Thalawakelle Plantations. Oral Question: Land Granted to Private Plantation Companies from State-Owned Lands (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that, under Department of Management Services guidance, making a degree class a recruitment requirement would require corresponding salary-grade alignment. She said discussions are ongoing, recommendations have been made, and approval is still pending. She clarified that teaching experience has not been removed as a criterion and affirmed the need to maintain quality. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Minister answered that changes to the National Institute of Education recruitment requirements were made in line with Department of Management Services circulars and, where relevant, with majority agreement within the Institute. She stated that the proposed schemes recognize experience from government, state enterprises or boards, NGOs, or recognized private institutions, and that revised schemes for senior and academic research grades have been prepared with staff and union concurrence and submitted to the Department of Management Services for approval. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Sri Lanka ranks 67th in Universal Health Coverage, with Public Health Midwives identified as a key contributor to village-level maternal and child health services. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that issues relating to PHMs’ office and transport allowances are under discussion, and that the Government expects to provide motorcycles to PHMs within the first three months of the next year while reviewing all other allowances. Oral Question: Combined Allowance for Public Health Midwives (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Asked whether the Government will revise the Rs. 250 office allowance paid to Public Health Midwives, noting hardships faced by those serving in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. He also requested that office space be facilitated for them under the village-level “Nila Sevana/Nila Piyasa” initiatives. Oral Question: Combined Allowance for Public Health Midwives (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the basic salary of Public Health Midwives had already been increased, resulting in a higher combined allowance, with further increases expected in future. He said related salary issues would be addressed through future public sector salary revisions and that one allowance had already been increased with the recent salary increase. Oral Question: Combined Allowance for Public Health Midwives (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Namal Karunaratne stated that a rejected Chinese fertilizer consignment of 96,000 metric tons was ordered in breach of regulations, with 20,550 metric tons not entering the country due to incompatible microorganisms, yet Sri Lanka paid 75 per cent of the order value, amounting to USD 670,000 or Rs. 1,383 million. He said legal action is underway and maximum penalties will be pursued. He also outlined a Department of Agriculture plan to conduct plot-by-plot soil testing over four paddy seasons to standardize fertilizer use, improve yields, reduce costs, and limit soil degradation, while addressing resource gaps in 32 laboratories. Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the referenced projects were identified through discussions held in 2023 with relevant officials. She clarified that, under the Government’s 2025 and 2026 Budget proposals, development projects are planned for the Eastern Province, and provincial public representatives may submit proposals through District Development Committees. Oral Question: Projects Approved with Indian Government Assistance - Eastern Province (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper questioned the Prime Minister on the basis for including Eastern Province development projects in the 2025 Budget, given that the projects were said to have been identified through consultations in 2023. He sought clarification on how those 2023 proposals were incorporated into the Budget as development projects for the East. Oral Question: Projects Approved with Indian Government Assistance - Eastern Province (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, for approval of a Gazette Order under the Tobacco Tax Act imposing tobacco tax on beedi. The Order, issued by the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies and published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2430/16 of 1 April 2025, had Cabinet approval and was agreed to by the House. Papers: Order under Tobacco Tax Act and Regulations under Tea Act Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna defended the Government’s energy and labour policies, arguing that it is ending corruption, accelerating development, and making structural changes to increase electricity generation and improve the CEB’s efficiency. He contrasted current wage increases with past treatment of public servants and workers, presenting the Government as protecting workers’ rights. He also supported regulations under the Tea (Export Duty and Control) Act to levy Rs. 3 per kilogram of exported tea, with proceeds credited to the Sri Lanka Tea Board for fertilizer support, cultivation promotion, and market development. He said the Government aims to restore and modernize the tea industry, including the standing of “Ceylon Tea,” and requested support for the amendments and regulations. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill as part of necessary structural reforms to generation, transmission, distribution and operations, arguing that past governments failed to ensure reliable and affordable electricity despite long periods in office. He said the Government’s new legal framework is intended to support economic growth and social welfare, though results may take time to become visible. He contrasted current Opposition criticism with the former Opposition’s stance on projects such as Uma Oya, stating that they opposed developments only where environmental and social harm was alleged, citing court action and compensation related to damaged houses, dried wells and affected farmland. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that decisions on CEB staffing should be based on a formal human resource audit and called for a collective agreement to safeguard employees’ jobs, benefits, and any voluntary retirement terms before reforms proceed. He criticised the Electricity Bill for inadequate consumer protections and for classifying LTL Holdings as a transmission company despite its domestic role in generation and manufacturing, urging the Government to bring amendments to correct these issues. He said the Opposition would support reforms that promote smart grids, renewable energy, lower tariffs, and investment, but could not vote for the Bill in its current form. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported reform of the electricity and wider energy sector, arguing that the 1969 Ceylon Electricity Board framework no longer meets current national needs and must be updated as part of broader state reforms. He said the Bill aims to reduce electricity costs and tariffs, improve rural and island power supply, retain technical expertise, and modernize generation and distribution without harming workers. He rejected Opposition criticism, blamed past governments for CEB losses and staffing problems, and stated that the Government would protect employees through job security, mobility among state companies, and voluntary retirement options. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported legal amendments that improve electricity reliability and consumer benefits, while questioning whether the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill addresses practical barriers to solar adoption, especially in Batticaloa and the North and East. He raised concerns about delays in CEB connections, lack of transformers and three-phase supply, high costs for new household connections beyond 50 metres, and the relocation of electricity poles during road development. He also called for adequate CEB staffing, facilities, and disaster-resilient services in war-affected and infrastructure-poor areas, urging special attention to ensure affordable and continuous electricity access. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →