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- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Motion on small and medium exporters in Jaffna but urged that development proposals also include the Eastern Province, referring to the North and East as the Tamil homeland. He proposed establishing a leather-tanning factory in the North or East, specifically suggesting Chavakachcheri, and called for the long-unopened Chavakachcheri Economic Centre built in 2017 to be addressed at the next District Coordinating Committee meeting. He also raised concerns about northern salt being transported south instead of being packed and distributed from the North, criticized remarks attributed to Minister Sunil Handunnetti, and rejected allegations that he was linked to the LTTE while making broader remarks on how different communities regard wartime figures. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported the Adjournment Motion and called for revival of SMEs in the Northern Province, noting that many industries in Jaffna and other districts had closed due to the war and political factors. He proposed developing SMEs in agriculture, fisheries, handloom and palmyrah products, with vocational training, bank finance, market access, incentives and public-private partnerships. He also urged the removal of government impediments and export bottlenecks, including allowing direct exports, to increase employment, foreign exchange earnings and the North’s contribution to national output. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy moved an Adjournment Motion calling for Government action to develop export-oriented SMEs and cottage industries in the Northern Province, particularly in agriculture, fisheries and palmyrah-based products. He cited lack of export awareness, infrastructure, market access, training and supply-chain support as barriers, and requested programmes for quality improvement, technology, transport and export-market strategy. He noted post-war economic disparities, including the North’s low GDP contribution, while referencing ongoing Government projects such as industrial estates, saltern and factory development, cassava cultivation for export, sports infrastructure and a proposed palmyrah triangle. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved a resolution on behalf of the Minister of Finance to approve revised delegated limits for State Officers in respect of Escrow Accounts under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, for the 2024 financial year. The revisions apply to specified account items in the Act’s Third Schedule, are valid up to 31 December 2024, and were stated to have Cabinet approval. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of Regulation No. 09 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends the 2024 specified limits for the Government Factory Work-done Escrow Account of the Department of Government Factory, including reducing the minimum receipts limit from Rs. 400 million to Rs. 350 million and setting no maximum limits for expenditure, debit balances, or liabilities. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of Regulation No. 08 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends specified limits for the Government Factory Warehouse Escrow Account of the Department of Government Factory, including removing the expenditure ceiling, reducing the minimum receipts limit, and increasing debit balance and liability limits, with validity up to 31 December 2024. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of Regulation No. 07 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends the Third Schedule limits for the “Railway Warehouse Escrow Account — Sri Lanka Railways” by increasing the expenditure limit to Rs. 3 billion, reducing the minimum receipts limit to Rs. 1.9 billion, and setting no maximum limits for debit balances or liabilities, valid up to 31 December 2024. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of Regulation No. 06 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends limits for the “Miscellaneous Escrow Account — Department of State Accounts,” including removing maximum limits on expenditure, debit balances, and liabilities, and reducing the minimum receipts limit from Rs. 1.5 million to Rs. 400,000, valid up to 31 December 2024. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval for Regulation No. 05 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends the Third Schedule limits for the “Seized and Confiscated Goods Escrow Account — Sri Lanka Customs” by increasing the maximum expenditure limit from Rs. 8 million to Rs. 16 million, with no minimum receipts, maximum debit balance, or liability limits, valid until 31 December 2024. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of Regulation No. 04 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends the 2024 limits for the Department of Prisons’ Industrial and Agricultural Activities Escrow Account, increasing the maximum expenditure to Rs. 160.354 million and the minimum receipts to Rs. 160 million, with no maximum limits for debit balances or liabilities. The motion, which had Cabinet approval, was agreed to by Parliament. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, approval of Regulation No. 03 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023. The regulation amends the Third Schedule limits for the “Warehouse Escrow Account (Explosives) — Sri Lanka Navy,” including reducing the minimum receipts limit from Rs. 2.7 billion to Rs. 2.65 billion and setting no maximum limits for expenditure, debit balances, or liabilities, valid up to 31 December 2024. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of Regulation No. 02 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, amending financial limits for the Department of Educational Publications’ “Printing, Promotion and Sales Escrow Account.” The regulation removes maximum limits on expenditure, debit balances and liabilities, and reduces the minimum receipts limit from Rs. 20 billion to Rs. 8.5 billion, valid up to 31 December 2024. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Moved approval of a regulation under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The regulation amends the limits for the Bribery Commission’s escrow account used for bribery entrapment operations, increasing the maximum expenditure limit from Rs. 50 million to Rs. 150 million and setting no limits on receipts, debit balances, or liabilities, with validity up to 31 December 2024. Parliament agreed to the motion. Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma acknowledged the contribution of Ministry of Finance officials to recent initiatives and expressed confidence that Sri Lanka can collectively achieve objectives that were previously unmet. He framed this as part of a national mission requiring continued collective effort. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma supported the legislation as part of the Government’s commitment to make business easier, reduce corruption, and introduce digital processes in certification and related agency transactions, including the use of email. He argued that conflict-of-interest disclosures must be accompanied by ethical conduct, criticized past conduct linked to the Central Bank Bond inquiry, and said the Government would engage credible private sector and business expertise in national economic development. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to vehicle import procedures, saying the Government had reopened vehicle imports after a five-year halt while maintaining economic stability. He argued that, within seven months, the Government had stabilized the exchange rate, improved reserves, revived several state-linked industries, reduced prices of selected essentials, and increased tourist arrivals. He criticized the Opposition for focusing on issues such as salt shortages and for leaving the Chamber after speeches, and called for more disciplined parliamentary conduct. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned procurement and governance decisions related to power generation and the e-NIC project, alleging possible conflicts of interest and large-scale corruption. He argued that a purported dual-fuel power plant was operating on diesel at far higher unit costs than claimed, and called for scrutiny of CEB leadership and board interests. He also opposed the Cabinet decision to buy 15 million polycarbonate e-NIC cards, saying it duplicated the India-funded Unique ID initiative and that cheaper PVC cards would suffice if cards were needed. While supporting funding for the Bribery Commission, he urged it to investigate major procurement-related conflicts of interest, not only smaller bribery cases. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva noted support for increasing the Bribery Commission’s advance payment facility for undercover operations from Rs. 50 million to Rs. 150 million, but argued that anti-corruption action must also address larger procurement and conflict-of-interest issues. He questioned the lack of follow-up on the Committee on Public Finance report on the e-Visa outsourcing process, including the pending forensic audit and accountability for alleged non-competitive procurement and excessive charges. He also raised concerns about conflict-of-interest standards in public appointments, including the reported Auditor-General nomination and roles in state enterprises, and queried the basis for reducing rooftop solar tariffs when a Cabinet paper cited a much higher levelized cost for the Sobadanavi power plant. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Upul Kithsiri defended the Government’s regulatory approvals, including measures under the 1969 Act and the 2023 Disposals Act, arguing that vehicle import restrictions are being eased gradually after a five-year halt and that deposit requirements may be adjusted as economic conditions change. He rejected Opposition criticism on shortages and investment, attributing problems in rice storage, transport, land administration, and infrastructure to previous governments. He said the Government would pursue uniform solutions for land title issues, including in the North and Ratnapura, while prioritizing rural roads, drinking water, the rural economy, and tourism infrastructure to support a target of 3 million annual tourist arrivals. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri alleged that low-cost imported salt, like earlier white-onion stocks handled through Sathosa, was being channelled through private companies and resold to the public at much higher prices. He questioned why consumers were paying Rs. 350–400 when costs were far lower, and warned the Government not to repeat practices it had previously accused traders and past regimes of using. He also urged honest members in government to prevent such alleged profiteering and misconduct. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →