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- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported the electricity sector amendment, arguing that it would improve service quality, introduce competition, protect consumers, and maintain 100 percent state ownership while safeguarding CEB employees’ jobs and allowances. He said the Bill addresses supply reliability issues, enables consumer choice among licensed providers, and creates scope for competitive generation and overseas opportunities for state-linked power entities. He also criticized past emergency power purchases as costly, called for stricter regulation of such procurement, and urged a review of overly expensive technical standards to avoid waste. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Participating in the debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, Hon. M.A.M. Thahir argued that CEB restructuring and wider economic reforms have not provided relief to poor households, public servants, or small businesses. He highlighted electricity and water disconnections, including during the crisis period, and questioned the absence of measures such as lower tariffs, subsidized new connections, or assistance for Samurdhi and Aswesuma beneficiaries. He called for reforms that improve services while addressing the cost-of-living burden on ordinary consumers. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne said the proposed amendments to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act are intended to further restructure the CEB by separating system operation, transmission, generation and distribution functions while retaining key entities under full government ownership. He argued that competitive bidding, independent generation including renewables, and digital tools such as smart grids, smart meters, AI, digital tendering and land portals would improve transparency, attract investment, reduce losses and lower tariffs over time. He also stated that the transition would include employment protections, a government-owned employee welfare and pension fund, voluntary retirement options, and training for affected workers. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran supported the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it protects CEB employees’ jobs, salaries and allowances while enabling private investment and strengthening the electricity sector to deliver lower tariffs. He said past mismanagement had burdened consumers and stated that the Government would pursue scientifically assessed renewable energy projects, including clarifying concerns over Mannar wind power with Vanni District MPs and the Minister. He also rejected allegations about the Minister’s Mannar visit and about the Justice Minister’s remarks on mass graves, saying the Government had funded excavations and would act through proper legal channels. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika defended the Government’s electricity sector amendment as a planned restructuring measure consistent with its pre-election commitment to reduce tariffs systematically and protect national energy interests. He said the Bill preserves 100 per cent State ownership, removes the earlier model allowing partial private sale of entities, and still recognises existing private participation, especially in renewables. He rejected claims of job losses, stating that current CEB employees would be protected and contrasting this with a pre-election circular proposing major staff reductions. He also noted the previous day’s parliamentary vote concerning the former IGP, recording that 177 Members voted in favour and none against. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva opposed the proposed amendments to the electricity law, arguing that they reverse the investment and competition framework established by the 2024 Act, which he said was intended to reduce tariffs, improve efficiency, and support private participation where appropriate. He stated that multilateral agencies including ADB, IFC and JICA, as well as business and sector stakeholders, had warned the Government against the changes, and he tabled related correspondence. He questioned the feasibility of financing major transmission investments through public borrowing, citing concerns over CEB debt risk and borrowing costs, and argued that higher costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers and industry. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised concerns during the debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill about delays in electricity connections in the Vanni District due to shortages of poles, insulators and wires, and frequent power cuts in Mannar despite the presence of wind power projects. He said residents oppose wind plants on Mannar Island because of impacts on fisheries, flooding and land use, and proposed relocating such projects to other areas of Mannar District, urging that these matters be addressed at a scheduled meeting with the Minister. He also objected to CEB-related land allocations to companies in Muthunagar, Trincomalee, affecting long-standing farmers, and requested that remaining land be formally given to them. He further asked for free or affordable electricity connections for low-income households, noting that about 2,500 families are waiting for assistance. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku argued that existing rooftop and ground-mounted solar tariffs, set based on earlier cost structures, should be revised to reflect current costs. He said the payback period for rooftop solar can be unusually short and stated that the Government would introduce a tariff structure fair to both consumers and utility providers. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked how the proposed new framework or Bill would further promote rooftop solar, noting that citizens had already added about 1,710 MW of rooftop capacity and around 200 MW of ground-mounted solar without State subsidies. He sought clarification on the model to be used and how the Bill would strengthen continued solar adoption. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said the proposed electricity sector amendments seek to modernize outdated laws while protecting State ownership, worker rights, national security and sovereignty. He rejected claims of privatization, stating that core functions would be unbundled into State-owned companies, with the National System Operator and transmission network remaining fully State-owned. He said private investment may be allowed in limited areas such as generation and grid extensions, under PPAs and licensing, to improve efficiency and reduce tariffs. He also outlined a long-term aim to make electricity distribution more competitive, allowing consumers greater choice of distributor based on price and service. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticized the Electricity Amendment Bill, arguing that it reverses prior unbundling efforts by reconsolidating generation, transmission and distribution under State control, which he said would deter private investment, weaken efficiency and strain public finances during the post-debt-crisis recovery. He questioned changes to the unbundling timeline and warned that proposed arrangements could weaken the PUCSL’s regulatory independence through Finance Ministry supervision. He also challenged the tariff treatment of small renewable energy projects, alleging discriminatory returns compared with larger dollar-pegged projects. He called for a high-powered, conflict-free inquiry into LTL shareholdings and alleged links involving former public servants, including hidden employee trust structures and the value of stakes following the IPO. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the amendment to the 2024 electricity sector legislation, arguing that it restructures the sector into five fully State-owned entities instead of the earlier model that allowed wider private ownership. He said the amendment protects employees’ jobs, salaries, allowances, pensions and EPF arrangements, while retaining energy as a strategically important public asset. He rejected concerns over PUCSL’s role, stating that “consultation” does not amount to approval and that tariff processes already involve public and institutional input. He argued that the reforms aim to improve reliability, transparency, efficiency, competition and ultimately reduce electricity tariffs. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns over the proposed LNG FSRU procurement, questioning the eligibility of the China Harbour Engineering Company–Engro joint venture after Engro’s exit, the apparent permission for a site change, and the cost of leasing rather than purchasing the unit. He alleged the arrangement may be corrupt, tabled related documents, and asked the Minister to scrutinize it, while also criticizing the halting of the LTL Holdings IPO and proposed CPC investment. He further warned against concentrating key CEB reform positions under one individual, requested recruitment of 167 qualified electrical superintendents, and argued that high electricity tariffs are undermining Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness despite US tariff preferences. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath argued that reforms to the power sector are necessary to reduce excessive costs, improve efficiency, ensure reliable supply, and lower tariffs, noting that the Ceylon Electricity Board’s 1969 framework is outdated. She stated that the proposed Amendments replace the 2024 model, which she said risked privatization through 12 companies, with four State-owned companies covering generation, transmission, distribution and system control. She said private investment would be leveraged where needed, particularly in distribution, while ownership remains with the State. She also assured that the rights of about 23,000 employees, including jobs, pensions, EPF/ETF benefits, consent-based assignments and voluntary retirement options, would be protected. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s proposed restructuring of energy-related entities, arguing that consolidating bodies and placing an “independent” institution under the Ministry of Finance undermines independence. He questioned the absence of provisional approvals for renewable energy projects during the Government’s 10 months in office, asked about the progress of investors and tender winners, and warned that delays in new generation capacity affect tariffs and national security. He also called for action against bidders who win low-price tenders but fail to implement projects. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of the Hambantota LNG power plant project, arguing that it weakened energy security while now calling for growth and private investment. He said the PUCSL’s independence would be compromised if it followed Finance Ministry instructions, and urged the Government to focus on adding new generation capacity. He rejected claims that CEB losses were due to excess employees, stating it had been profitable despite higher staffing, and referred to earlier opposition to Minister Kanchana’s electricity sector Bill. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government’s Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it retreats from its election pledge to repeal the 2024 Electricity Act and instead adopts a similar restructuring model under state ownership with investment access. He rejected claims that the power sector had been ruined over 40 years by previous administrations, asserting that the 2005-2015 period achieved full household electrification, lower tariffs and profitability for the CEB. He accused the Government and allied political forces of opposing or obstructing major generation projects such as Norochcholai, Uma Oya and Sampur, contributing to the lack of major power sector development since 2015. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Member rejected claims that a government visit for discussion had been an attack on a protest, stating that the NPP Government would not obstruct democratic rights to protest or express views. He said the proposed Amendment Bill is intended to enable future transformational changes in the energy sector and invited support for its passage. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the amendments to electricity sector legislation are intended to strengthen state intervention and regulation while retaining scope for private sector participation. He argued that the 2024 Act weakened state control, particularly by allowing only about 50 per cent state ownership in the transmission company and enabling share divestment, and said the new amendments would make the transmission company fully state-owned. He stated that the reforms align with the NPP policy framework and would establish a national energy policy basis while restructuring the CEB into five principal state companies rather than 12 ad hoc entities. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said that public concern over the Electricity (Amendment) Bill centres on promised reductions in household electricity bills, recalling President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s 2024 pledge to cut bills by one-third and asking the Government to deliver visible relief. He urged the Minister to announce a clear commitment to reduce bills in 2025, while acknowledging the technical reforms under debate. He also raised a personal clarification regarding a COPA-related allegation involving a leased closed school, denying any connection to the named “Sarath Abeygunawardhana” and stating that parliamentary committees should refer matters to investigative bodies rather than assign guilt. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →