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- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Minister stated that recent inflation fell below target mainly due to supply-side deflation from administered price reductions in electricity and fuel, while the Central Bank had reduced policy rates by 8 percentage points between June 2023 and July 2025. He said the Central Bank Act grants CBSL independence, prohibits monetary financing, and establishes the Governing Board and Monetary Policy Board to operate a flexible exchange rate and flexible inflation targeting framework. He outlined the 2023 Monetary Policy Framework Agreement setting a 5 per cent inflation target with a ±2 per cent band until 2026, and described coordination, IMF review, parliamentary reporting, and public communication mechanisms for accountability when inflation deviates from target. Standing Order 27(2): Central Bank Accountability and Medicine Procurement Delays Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, speaking under Standing Order 27(2), questioned the Minister of Finance on the accountability and performance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023. He argued that the Bank had repeatedly missed inflation and monetary policy targets despite its statutory independence, and asked whether fiscal dominance, IMF or political constraints, or inadequate policy action had compromised its mandate. He sought explanations on target misses, monetary and exchange rate decisions, Treasury-Central Bank coordination, financial stability performance, and whether the Government would commission an independent external review of the Bank’s monetary policy framework. He also asked the Minister to clarify to whom the Central Bank and Governor are accountable under Section 5(2) of the Act and how that accountability is enforced. Standing Order 27(2): Central Bank Accountability and Medicine Procurement Delays Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of the Hon. Padmasiri Bandara) JJB AI summary Gayan Janaka, on behalf of Padmasiri Bandara, asked the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports about alleged unnecessary expenditure on a 2024 function at the national cricket stadium in Hingurakgoda, Polonnaruwa, and whether any investigation has been initiated. He also sought details on the Polonnaruwa national stadium, including construction costs, reported structural failures due to construction weaknesses, and proposed remedial measures. Second Round Oral Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that vehicle imports under official permits are temporarily suspended, while officers retain the right to apply for permits. He provided annual permit figures, noting that larger numbers were issued in previous years, and argued that the current Government should not be blamed for the accumulated issue while it is working to stabilize the economy. He also urged the Opposition not to emotionally incite officers over the matter. Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that the question before Parliament had not been answered. He noted that although his side was not in the Finance Ministry at the time, permits had nevertheless been issued, and said that regardless of which government issued them, those permits now exist. Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Permits are currently temporarily suspended, and the Ministry of Finance has not taken any decision to resume them. Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that decisions made by the previous government do not bind the current administration, which he said will manage public finance independently while stabilizing the economy. Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government’s lack of a decision on vehicle permits for around 25,000 eligible officers, including retirees and judicial officers. He proposed that, instead of providing vehicles or using foreign exchange, the Government should take over the permits and compensate holders in rupees, using savings from underperforming capital expenditure. Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake proposed that, as vehicle imports resume, payments to the Government be made in rupees. He suggested using unspent capital expenditure allocations from the current year, noting that funds remain available for that purpose. Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised the issue of duty-free vehicle permits promised to public officers, noting that many have been waiting five to seven years after permits were issued. He acknowledged concerns raised with the IMF about foreign exchange outflows of about USD 25,000 per vehicle, but said the Finance Ministry had proposed rupee-based alternatives, such as monthly payments over 36 or 60 months. He urged the Government to resolve the uncertainty faced by about 25,000 permit holders. Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for details on duty-free vehicle permits issued to government employees since the suspension of vehicle imports, including whether imports under those permits remain suspended, the duration of any suspension, and the procedure if permission is granted. He also urged Ministers to provide proper answers to parliamentary questions, referring to an outstanding response concerning a committee report related to the Police Minister. Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera cited the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on the X-Press Pearl case, noting its finding that shifting jurisdiction to Singapore despite Sri Lankan jurisdiction and expert reports amounted to a denial of equality before the law under Article 12(1). He highlighted the Court’s recommendation that the Attorney General’s Department be investigated by the Bribery Commission and asked what detailed measures the Government would take to secure about USD 1 billion in damages, ensure accountability, and prevent similar incidents in future. Oral Question: Drafting of a New Constitution (Q.225/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is proceeding in line with its policy document and that its plans will be developed transparently with public and expert input, with Parliament playing a significant role. She said there is no need to rush, noting that the Government has not yet completed its first year and has prioritised urgent public issues, while committing to implement the stated policy within its term. Oral Question: Drafting of a New Constitution (Q.225/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha responded to a question on Employees’ Provident Fund investments in the share market since 2015, stating that only 5–7 per cent of EPF assets are invested in shares and that he had provided answers on investments, gains and losses. He said EPF investment decisions are handled through the Central Bank’s Investment Committee, while the Labour Ministry is involved in administration, and argued that the member was raising matters outside the scope of the question. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara warned that if contributions are not directed into the Employees’ Provident Fund, the fund’s value will decline. He argued that persons covered under the relevant law would then cease contributing to the EPF. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the original question concerned EPF investments and that he had explained the basis of the investments and resulting profits or losses. He said issues relating to worker engagement or labour matters should be directed separately to the Labour Ministry, while assuring that workers’ rights would not be undermined and that the Government sought to maintain industrial peace under proper labour regulations. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara raised concerns about past and potential political influence over EPF investment decisions, citing investments such as Mihin Air, and urged the Minister to take legal measures to ensure proper future management of the fund. He also questioned, in the context of the published Labour Policy, whether Sri Lankan labour laws apply to Sri Lankan and foreign workers in Colombo Port City and whether such workers contribute to the EPF. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha provided a tabled reply on the value and performance of listed shareholdings, stating that the total stood at Rs. 11,313,183,637 as of 30 June 2025. He said the detailed tables set out holdings, unrealized gains or losses, dividends and realized results by company, including Balangoda Plantations PLC and other listed entities, with relevant methodology and period notes. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara asked for the total loss involved, seeking a specific quantified figure. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified the distinction between unrealized and realized gains or losses in company investments, citing examples of significant unrealized gains and losses based on the difference between average cost and current market price. He stated that aggregate unrealized gains amounted to Rs. 43.9 billion, while realized gains from dividends and sales produced about Rs. 3 billion in total profit, with specific company-level profits and losses provided. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara asked the Minister to name several companies that had incurred significant losses. The request appears to seek specific examples in the context of a discussion on company performance or public financial losses. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) Read →