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- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy moved an Adjournment Motion raising concerns about the effectiveness, accountability and legal clarity of District Coordinating Committee decisions. He said DCC resolutions are often not monitored, inadequately implemented or disregarded, and that uncertainty over their legal authority weakens accountability among State agencies. He proposed a national monitoring framework with periodic reports to Parliament, a review and possible amendment of the legal framework, oversight by the District Secretary or an independent body, and quarterly implementation reports for MPs. Adjournment Motion: District Coordinating Committees - Effectiveness, Accountability and Legal Clarity of Decisions Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s revenue and import-control measures, arguing that they should be assessed within the broader macroeconomic stabilization programme rather than in isolation. He cited 2025 revenue targets and collection performance by Customs, Inland Revenue and Excise, rejected Opposition claims about vehicle-related tax revenue and investor flight, and said over USD 650 million in FDI had arrived since the Government took office. He said the stamp duty increase applies only to immovable property, restores an earlier rate, and will support Provincial Councils, while stressing that salary payments are separately provided for. He also referred to IMF, Central Bank and Government assessments of economic stabilization, recent growth figures, and the intention to move toward higher growth while eventually concluding the IMF extended facility. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the revenue measures under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act but urged the Government to direct increased customs and vehicle import revenue towards development in the war-affected Northern and Eastern Provinces, particularly the East. He called for clearer details on Indian-funded development, pre-harvest Treasury allocations for paddy procurement, guaranteed prices, storage facilities, and paddy-drying machines for farming areas in Ampara District. He also criticised ruling-party Muslim MPs for disparaging past Muslim leaders, defended prior collective action against racism during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa period, and said the Opposition would support good governance while raising concerns affecting Muslim and Tamil communities. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that he heard the relevant Minister say the previous day that an allowance had been received. He questioned whether a Chairman would have worked for Rs. 45,115 and suggested the matter be discussed after checking the Hansard record. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala cited several alleged Rajapaksa-related corruption cases, stating that Rs. 1,528 million from the CSN case was credited to the Treasury, Rs. 35 million was taken from the Urban Development Authority for the construction of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s parents’ tombs, and Rs. 208 million was recovered in relation to Basil Rajapaksa’s Malwana house. He argued that these recoveries indicate a substantial total amount linked to corruption allegations and referred to documents concerning the “Siriliya Saviya” account. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to allegations raised by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda regarding payments made to Mr. Ananda Wijepala when he served as Director of the Secretariat of the Committee on Eradication of Corruption. Citing the tabled documents and appointment letter, he stated that the cited Rs. 1.2 million amounted to Rs. 45,115 per month over 30 months and consisted of allowances, including a telephone allowance and fuel entitlement, while the officer’s regular salary continued to be paid by his ministry. He argued that the same documents showed similar allowance arrangements for other officials and challenged those making allegations to remain in the Chamber to hear the response. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported the objectives of the Stamp Duty Order and import/export regulations but questioned whether increased stamp duty revenue would be sufficient for local authorities to progressively bear staff salary costs, and urged that other revenue streams be restored to local bodies. He criticized the Government’s conduct in forming local authority administrations and argued that public confidence, particularly among Muslims, had declined despite earlier support for the NPP. He also condemned Israel’s actions against Iran, recalled Iran’s assistance to Sri Lanka, and urged the Government to express support for Iran and pay greater attention to issues affecting the Muslim community, including representation and past arrests under the PTA. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported the updates to stamp duty and import-export control regulations, framing them within the Government’s wider economic and administrative programme. He argued that the NPP’s consolidation of control in local authorities reflected public confidence and denied any political deals, saying the Government’s commitment was to national rebuilding and development. He also raised allegations of police misconduct in a narcotics-related incident, calling for action against unlawful and corrupt officers while criticizing related media reporting and expressing regret for any misunderstanding. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka supported the import and export control regulations allowing imports of used clothing, vehicle assembly parts, electric motorcycles, and sports equipment, arguing they would benefit consumers, local businesses, vehicle assembly, tourism, and related markets. He also backed the Stamp Duty Order increasing duty on immovable property from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per Rs. 1,000, stating the additional revenue would support local authorities through Provincial Councils and reduce burdens on central government expenditure. He criticized past misuse of public funds and tax evasion, and concluded by referring to the Poson celebration in Digamadulla as an example of inter-communal unity under the NPP Government. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando defended the increase in stamp duty under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and related regulations, arguing that the NPP Government would manage tax revenue prudently and direct benefits to the public. She contrasted this with alleged misuse of public funds and tax benefits under previous administrations, including at local authorities, and rejected Opposition criticism regarding taxation and local council control. She also stated that the Government works cooperatively with public officials and would continue its programme despite Opposition challenges. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the NPP’s formation of administrations in local authorities after the recent elections, arguing that support from independents or individual members of other parties reflected the public mandate and was not “deal politics.” He contrasted this with alleged Opposition party arrangements and disciplinary action against councillors, and said the NPP’s approach was to use democratic means to advance its political programme. He also cited economic indicators, including current account surpluses, tourism growth, remittance increases and a lower policy rate, to argue that stability and growth were emerging under the Government. He criticised Opposition figures for earlier defending Keheliya Rambukwella over the fake drug import issue and urged patience for the Government to implement its policies. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, stating that resumed imports of winter clothing would benefit low-income hill country residents and that permitted imports of tourism-related sports equipment would support areas such as Ella and Haputale. She also linked increased stamp duty revenue to local authority development and defended the NPP’s formation of administrations in local councils as necessary for service delivery. She rejected Opposition criticism, arguing that the Government’s actions, including import relaxations and local authority control, were intended to provide practical benefits to the public. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage spoke during debate on an Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, but focused mainly on local authority control and the Government’s broader mandate. He argued that where the National People’s Power has won the majority of wards, it should form administrations to implement Government programmes, and accused the Opposition of attempting to distort local council outcomes for political advantage. He also defended the Government’s economic record, citing recovery from negative growth in 2022 and 2023, and stated that corruption had been curbed and legal processes were proceeding against those responsible. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando addressed the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that doubling stamp duty on lease agreements is primarily a revenue measure and should be presented as such. He warned that higher duties could encourage informal, unstamped lease agreements, increasing disputes and adding to court backlogs. He urged the Government, if it intends to “update” the law, to introduce digital or e-stamping systems similar to those in India and Indonesia to simplify compliance and reduce evasion. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Orders and Regulations, including the revision of the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, and argued that the Government is pursuing economic recovery through investment, reserve growth and public administration reform. He rejected Opposition allegations of political deals and selective anti-corruption action, stating that the NPP Government would protect public officers acting lawfully while proceeding against corruption regardless of political affiliation. He urged MPs alleging bribery in local councils to complain to the Bribery Commission, defended officials such as Mahinda Siriwardana, and said disputed claims about CIABOC salaries had already been clarified. He also tabled documents concerning a former SriLankan Airlines officer seconded to the Presidential Secretariat and requested that they be placed in the Library, linking the matter to broader allegations of misuse and money laundering. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara opposed the proposed doubling of stamp duty, arguing it would burden land purchasers and small businesses at a time when the private sector is under pressure. He criticized import policy as inconsistent, citing onion imports affecting Anuradhapura farmers and traders, earlier rice import duties, and the differing treatment of petrol and diesel engine imports. He also questioned government claims of anti-corruption, referring to allegations involving a government MP’s intervention in an illicit liquor case. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Nishantha Perera stated that the Government had increased foreign reserves to USD 6.5 billion by building confidence and attracting dollars while saving rupees. He said the administration was practising fiscal discipline, citing the President’s return of unspent foreign travel funds, and argued that tax revenue was being directed to education, health, and rural roads. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera spoke in support of the government during debate on an Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that the NPP inherited a bankrupt economy and has restored stability and reserves. He rejected Opposition claims that industries are collapsing and alleged political “deals” in local authorities, citing recent local election gains including Colombo and Galle. He criticized previous administrations for factory closures, tax concessions to associates, unpaid tax arrears, and conduct that he said damaged tourism and investment, while stating that the current government is rebuilding public and investor trust. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva objected to off-topic remarks under Standing Order 91(e) and criticised the Government for opposing key economic reform laws during the crisis, including measures on Central Bank independence, public finance, public debt and economic transformation, while now relying on those frameworks. He supported digitising tax payments but questioned a tender for 15 million polycarbonate ID cards, proposing cheaper temporary cards and legal changes if a physical card is needed alongside a Unique ID system. He argued that stabilization is insufficient without investment-led growth, called for verification of claimed FDI inflows, and raised concern over factory closures and the unresolved U.S. tariff issue before the expiry of the 90-day window. He urged the Government to prioritise jobs, incomes, investment and poverty reduction, citing Department of Census and Statistics figures that a four-member family in Colombo needs Rs. 70,328 per month to survive. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda opposed the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that increased stamp duties would burden tenants, lower-middle-income households, and small businesses operating on leased premises. He also responded to a prior allegation concerning Hon. Namal Rajapaksa by tabling CIABOC Secretariat records which he said showed payments made to Hon. Ananda Wijepala. He further raised concerns about alleged politicization of the National Youth Services Council and requested that trained probationary officers in the youth sector be absorbed to strengthen NYSC operations. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →