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- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns about worsening coastal erosion along the Puttalam stretch from Modaragam Aru through Wilpattu to Mannar, citing damage to fishing communities, homes, harbours, boat landing areas, and traditional shore-based activities. He said existing protections, including the Chilaw rock revetment, are being overtopped and requested urgent funding, a ministerial site visit, and the creation of a rock stockpile for rapid response during erosion events. Oral Question: Sea Erosion in Puttalam District (Q.9/2025 – 956/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment responded to a question on coastal erosion in Puttalam District, identifying affected areas including Iranavila, Ambakandavila, Ilanthadiya, Alankuda, Kudaawa, Kandakkuliya and Karukapane, with erosion worsened by monsoons and storms and affecting property, livelihoods and access routes. He stated that while beach nourishment using deep-sea sand is the preferred scientific solution, current economic constraints have led to priority being given to lower-cost coastal protection structures. He outlined ongoing and planned 2025 works amounting to Rs. 62.5 million and proposed 2026 works amounting to Rs. 73 million, including revetments, groynes and emergency protection measures in several locations. Oral Question: Sea Erosion in Puttalam District (Q.9/2025 – 956/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan asked the Minister of Environment whether he is aware of severe sea erosion along the Puttalam District coast, including loss of land, property and religious statues. He noted prior interventions by coastal conservation authorities but alleged inadequate funding by previous governments, and requested details of measures being taken to prevent further erosion in the district. Oral Question: Sea Erosion in Puttalam District (Q.9/2025 – 956/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary A comprehensive plan is being prepared for a new value-addition process involving both the Government and private sector. The Ministry is examining the re-utilization of the warehouse and related resources, and stated that legal action will be taken if any misuse is found. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Raised a supplementary question regarding a warehouse constructed by Lanka Phosphate Limited in the Warakapola cemetery area at a cost of over Rs. 200 million. He stated that the warehouse had reportedly been taken over by another party, affecting the company’s operations, and asked whether the authorities were aware of the matter and what action would be taken. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Eppawala rock phosphate was described as a national resource that cannot be used directly for short-term crops, requiring processing into Single Super Phosphate. The Government has obtained Cabinet approval in principle, addressed legal issues with Attorney-General guidance, and submitted a Cabinet Paper to call Expressions of Interest from the private sector for production. The stated objective is to reduce fertilizer imports and ensure public benefit from the deposit. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Susantha Kumara Nawarathna asked whether the Ministry has addressed the deterioration of machinery at the phosphate plant, noting that refurbishment would require significant expenditure. He emphasized that the phosphate deposit is a national resource, not only an asset of the Anuradhapura District. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that Lanka Phosphate Limited’s former Chairman and Board had allocated phosphate exports to three companies outside the procurement process, with 29,000 metric tons allocated out of a planned 30,000 metric tons. He said D.M. Traders exceeded its 10,000 metric ton quota by obtaining 24,357 metric tons, while exports also exceeded the stipulated 28% P2O5 grade limit. He informed Parliament that the Ministry of Industry is conducting a special audit and inquiry, and that the financial loss has not yet been calculated. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Lanka Phosphate Limited is stated to have sold phosphate for export to three companies without following a formal procurement procedure. The remarks frame this as part of alleged past frauds and indicate that the parliamentary question is intended to raise those irregularities. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Quantities of phosphate were allocated over the past two years to D.M. Traders, Disaru International Engineering Company (Pvt) Limited, and Ichiban (Pvt) Limited. The member declined to comment further on the export sale methodology, citing the pending Supreme Court fundamental rights case SC/FR 301/2023 challenging that process. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to provide details on Lanka Phosphate Limited’s rock phosphate exports in 2023 and 2024 and to clarify whether exports from Eppawala complied with the Bulankulama case Determination and the Cabinet Decision of 02.11.2012 requiring value addition. He sought information on procurement procedures for selecting export buyers, the names of any companies selected without formal procurement, whether permitted export limits were exceeded, and the quantities involved. He also asked whether phosphate with a higher-than-stipulated 38 per cent content had been exported despite a 28 per cent limit, and what loss, if any, resulted. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Foreign-assisted agriculture and irrigation projects, including tank restoration, are being reviewed following concerns from farmer organizations and the public about project selection and design components. A committee of engineers and subject experts appointed by the Minister is examining possible irregularities, inefficiencies, and management issues across 11 projects worth about US$1 billion. The Deputy Minister said action would be taken based on the committee’s recommendations and that the specific matter raised would be inquired into. Oral Question: Reservoirs and Tank Management (Q.3/2025 – 794/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Asked whether the Ministry is aware of public complaints that an afforestation planting scheme linked to SARP tank restoration in the Galgamuwa electorate has failed and misled residents. He requested to know whether any financial audit or inquiry has been conducted into losses arising from the project. Oral Question: Reservoirs and Tank Management (Q.3/2025 – 794/2025) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said Lanka Sugar Company was inherited as a loss-making entity with large unsold stocks of ethanol and sugar, and argued that current sugar and ethanol price issues stem from decisions made under previous administrations, including VAT on sugar and ethanol import controls. He stated that the Government has paid cutting and transport charges, recently paid Rs. 460 million to farmers, and secured a further Rs. 1 billion Treasury allocation to settle remaining payments. He rejected allegations that state-produced ethanol contained urea or that the Government planned to import ethanol, tabling Excise Department and quality inspection documents, and said the state-linked sugar factories would not be sold, closed, or allowed to sell ethanol below Rs. 800 per litre. Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about Gal Oya Plantations in the Ampara District alongside issues affecting Lanka Sugar Company factories, noting that cane farmers had met the Minister and that the Minister agreed to attend the District Coordinating Committee meeting on the 31st. He cited an Auditor General’s report alleging inadequate Treasury oversight, non-payment of dividends to the Government, major liabilities, and operational inefficiencies, and questioned whether there were attempts to create a monopoly over sugar and ethanol operations. He alleged intimidation of farmers, police action against farmer leaders, arson, misuse of insurance, forced indebtedness, and unfair pricing, and requested ministerial intervention with Treasury participation to address farmers’ grievances and ensure proper oversight. Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana JJB AI summary R.M. Jayawardhana cited audit findings on Lanka Sugar Company’s Sevanagala and Pelwatte operations, alleging large unauthorized write-offs, procurement losses, advance payments, incomplete projects, excess recruitment, and other financial irregularities under previous management. He said the Government has decided to revive the institution rather than privatize it, including a two-year halt on new recruitment and steps to protect employees and farmers. He also denied that the Ministry was using its licence to import brown sugar and rejected claims that the National People’s Power Government intended to privatize Lanka Sugar Company. Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardhana rejected opposition claims that the collapse of Pelwatte and Sevanagala occurred under the current Government, stating that Lanka Sugar Company had recorded losses, irregularities, and alleged misuse amounting to Rs. 7.47 billion before the present Minister assumed office in December 2024. He cited audit findings on unauthorised payments, politically influenced recruitment and promotions, and a large wage burden, noting that the two plants currently employ 9,489 workers. He also reported outstanding dues as of mid-2025, including Rs. 3,740 million payable to suppliers and Rs. 2,034 million to farmers, and argued that prior mismanagement had damaged the institutions. Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister recounted the closure, privatization and subsequent revival of the Hingurana Sugar Factory as Gal Oya Plantations under a 51 per cent Government and 49 per cent private partnership, arguing that earlier privatization and mismanagement had damaged Ampara’s economy. He said current operations still disadvantage sugarcane farmers through low prices, unfair agreements, poor infrastructure, alleged intimidation of protests, unpaid dues to the Government and private control despite majority State ownership. He called for accountability for those responsible for the factory’s collapse and stated that the Government would take measures to ensure benefits reach farmers rather than only management. Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena seconded the motion and emphasized the importance of the Pelwatte, Sevanagala, Ethimale and Gal Oya plants to the economy and livelihoods of Monaragala District since their establishment in the 1980s. He urged the Minister not to allow the Pelwatte and Sevanagala factories to collapse, noting that more than 5,000 workers and many farmers depend on them. He cited outstanding payments to farmers and suppliers, bank loans, EPF/ETF arrears, halted medical insurance, delayed salaries, and withheld bonuses, confirmations and promotions, and called for both plants, particularly profitable Sevanagala, to be protected. Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara raised concerns over the crisis in the local sugar industry, stating that farmers, workers, tractor owners and service providers dependent on factories such as Pelwatte, Sevanagala, Ethimale and Gal Oya face unpaid dues and wage delays. He argued that local sugar is disadvantaged by VAT and levies while imported sugar is cheaper, leaving large stocks unsold and factories loss-making, with similar problems affecting ethanol sales due to reduced demand and imports. He requested removal of VAT on locally produced sugar, action to sell existing sugar and ethanol stocks, curbs on ethanol imports, and clarification on when farmers’ and service providers’ arrears will be paid. Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry Read →