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 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill as part of replacing outdated debt legislation with newer public debt, financial management, economic transformation and liability management frameworks, in the context of Sri Lanka’s IMF programme and debt restructuring needs. He warned that debt service is absorbing much of projected revenue, cited low FDI, ratings concerns, household income pressures and future external repayment obligations, and urged consistent implementation to make the current IMF programme the last. He called for pragmatic revenue growth, clearer investment policies, SOE reform, lower lending rates to support supply-side growth, and avoidance of actions such as strikes that could undermine economic recovery. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary As Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva rejected claims that about Rs. 22 trillion in borrowings were “missing” or unaccounted for. He explained that borrowed funds are often reflected as assets or expenditure under public entities such as the Mahaweli Authority and the Road Development Authority, and noted that reconciliation work by the Comptroller General and Auditor-General is already underway. He urged responsible public statements on the matter to avoid misinformation. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary During debate on the Bill to repeal the Foreign Loans Act, No. 29 of 1957, Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide details on foreign debt, IMF Extended Fund Facility conditions, creditor arrangements, repayment schedules and whether electricity tariff increases are linked to IMF review requirements. He argued that the Government had failed to honour its election pledge to conduct a new Debt Sustainability Analysis, and said an alternative DSA could have been used to renegotiate conditions and reduce the public burden. He questioned the proposed 18 per cent electricity tariff increase, sought assurance that water tariffs would not rise, and urged that reform-related costs be imposed on those able to pay rather than on low-paid parliamentary staff facing higher meal charges. He also welcomed the regularization of 4,500 Multi-Task staff and requested similar regularization for about 1,000 volunteer nature guides in the wildlife and eco-tourism sector. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that building the promised production economy requires coordinated investment from the Government, private sector, foreign investors, and domestic sources. He argued that stronger transparency and governance processes would help reduce the country’s risk premiums, citing the Central Bank’s recent announcement that rates had fallen further as evidence of improvement. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the repeal of the Foreign Loans Act, linking it to Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and the transition to the Public Debt Management Act enacted in 2024. He argued that past governments misused borrowing powers, citing the bond scam and debt in state institutions such as SriLankan Airlines as examples of weak governance and corruption. He said the 18-month transition would move debt management functions from the Central Bank to the new Public Debt Management Office, which must be equipped with adequate capacity, integrity and technology. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva argued that the Government’s new economic framework depends on private investment in infrastructure to achieve its promised capital expenditure targets for the year. He criticized the Government for presenting market-based reforms while, in his view, restricting investment opportunities, recalling a point he made during the 2025 Budget Second Reading debate. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Opposition Members would address the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, while attention was directed to the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill as part of implementing the Public Debt Management Act by centralizing government borrowing under the Treasury. The repeal was supported as a debt-discipline measure, but concerns were raised that new rules requiring stress tests and sovereign guarantee premia for SOE borrowing could constrain infrastructure financing, especially given past excessive guaranteed debt and unresolved liabilities such as SriLankan Airlines’ defaulted international borrowing. It was argued that the Government’s stance on retaining SriLankan Airlines under state ownership and proposed electricity sector amendments restricting private investment were inconsistent with the need for capital, and that without greater private participation Sri Lanka was unlikely to meet its large public capital expenditure targets. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka challenged the basis of claims about utility price increases, noting a prior prediction of a 35 per cent electricity tariff hike that resulted in an 18 per cent increase. He clarified that the current discussion concerned water and stated that there was no Ministry-level discussion to increase potable water tariffs, adding that he believed such an increase was unnecessary. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government over utility tariffs, stating that the Opposition had earlier warned of an electricity price increase linked to IMF conditionality before it was officially announced. He noted that the Government had promised a 33 per cent reduction but was now raising electricity tariffs by 18 per cent, and asked the Minister to clearly state whether water charges would also increase or decrease. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether the Government is fulfilling its 2024 presidential election mandate to secure more favourable IMF and debt sustainability terms under the “A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life” manifesto. He requested details on bilateral and private creditor debt, annual debt servicing, macroeconomic targets, IMF EFF tranche conditions and amounts, and whether domestic debt restructuring affecting EPF/ETF funds was required by the IMF. He also asked whether proposed electricity and water tariff increases are linked to IMF conditionalities, arguing that the Government has a responsibility to reduce the public burden through more concessional terms. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary In a tabled answer, Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa provided year-by-year figures on paddy purchases by the Paddy Marketing Board from 2015 to 2024, noting large purchases in 2015 and 2016, no purchases in 2017, and much lower quantities in 2023 and 2024. He reported annual losses for 2015–2021, with final accounts for 2022–2024 still incomplete, and detailed Rs. 629.9 million spent on building repairs during 2015–2024. He also stated that expected future expenditure for building repairs is Rs. 908 million, while part (b) was not applicable. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled an answer stating that state banks are already undertaking cash-flow–based lending for MSMEs, including young entrepreneurs, instead of relying solely on collateral. The response said guidance is being issued to banks to expand such lending, while the National Credit Guarantee Institution Ltd. will provide guarantees where security is required. It also noted that the Government plans, through the 2025 Budget, to establish an administrative structure within state banks as a step toward a dedicated MSME Development Bank focused on formalization, productivity and export promotion. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the answer was tabled providing details of Chinese investment projects from 2015 onwards. The information, including project names, investment values, direct and indirect employment, BOI Section 16 and 17 projects, grants, and steps to attract further Chinese investment, was submitted through annexes placed in the Library. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to provide annual details from 2015 to date on Chinese investment projects in Sri Lanka, including project names, investment values, and direct and indirect employment generated. He also sought information on proposed steps to attract further Chinese investment, and asked for reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary The Minister stated that higher loan or support amounts may be considered depending on an applicant’s capacity, repayment method, and previous track record. He explained that the current framework sets ceilings by input category, such as fertilizer subsidies, agricultural equipment purchases, and seeds, and said detailed limits would be tabled for Members’ reference. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance, confirmed that the “Sarusara” loan scheme is in operation to support working capital needs of micro and small-scale farmers, promote financial inclusion, strengthen household agriculture, and reduce rural poverty and disparities. He stated that 1,216,587 farmers received loans between 2010 and 2024, subject to criteria including farmer status, lawful access to land, non-default status, and co-borrower requirements for applicants aged 65 or above. He also outlined support linked to the scheme, including fertilizer subsidies, affordable seeds, guaranteed prices, crop insurance, irrigation services, and warehouse receipt financing through selected Government warehouses. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Raised concerns over delayed fertilizer cash grant payments even months after harvest in some areas, requesting the Deputy Minister’s attention. He also highlighted a severe shortage and price increase of seed paddy for the Yala season, citing unavailability at the Nikaweratiya Seed Production Centre and purchases from Polonnaruwa at about Rs. 5,500 per bushel, and asked what steps the Government would take to address the issue. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne stated that pending compensation for the previous Yala season was settled after the Ministry assumed responsibility, and that payments for damage during the 2024/25 Maha season in November have also largely been completed. He said about Rs. 8 million remains unpaid due to incomplete farmer data and technical issues, and that the remaining cases are being verified before settlement. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara asked for clarification on the outstanding portion of compensation payments after the Deputy Minister stated that Rs. 952 million of Rs. 1,000 million had been paid. Referring to cases in the Kurunegala District, he said some payments, appeals, and inspections were still pending and asked what procedure would be followed to address these remaining claims. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya presented the Financial Statements and Operations of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for 2024 to Parliament. She moved that the documents be referred to the Committee on Public Finance, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Financial Statements of Central Bank and Committee Report on Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill Read →