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 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman asserted that the item under discussion could still be provided at Rs. 130 even after including tax. The remark appears to challenge a higher quoted price or pricing justification in the debate. 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 criticized the Government’s handling of import controls, citing salt shortages as an example of administrative failure and arguing that officials had been prevented from planning for seasonal production disruptions. He accused the Government of relying on anti-corruption rhetoric and selective arrests instead of addressing economic management, and said imports and exports had declined. Referring to proposed salt imports from India, he stated that landed costs would allow salt to be supplied at about Rs. 130 per kilo, or around Rs. 200 with tax. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha defended the Government’s handling of the reported salt issue, arguing that climatic factors, consumer stockpiling, and media amplification had worsened a temporary market disruption already explained by the Minister of Industries. He said the Opposition was focusing on isolated commodity prices rather than macroeconomic indicators, citing remittances, reserves, exchange-rate stability, low inflation, growth, and public-sector salary increases as evidence of economic improvement. He also rejected claims that the Government disrespects war heroes, pointing to salary increases and honours granted to military personnel while criticizing the Opposition’s use of the issue for political purposes. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka criticized the Government over a nationwide salt shortage, arguing that rising prices and limited availability are burdening households, farmers, tea growers, and especially fishermen who rely on salt for multi-day fishing. He contrasted the situation with past crises when salt remained available, questioned the Government’s capacity to deliver larger development projects, and cited the launch of “Rajya Lunu” as an unfulfilled assurance that Sri Lanka would not need salt imports. He also raised concern that the Government had failed to deliver its promised 33 per cent electricity tariff reduction and was instead preparing further increases affecting religious institutions, businesses, industries, schools, tourism, and vulnerable households. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and amendments to the Disposal of Property Act, arguing that import controls, especially for vehicles, should address forged documentation, customs abuses, and delays through more credible online verification systems. He said the amendments relating to escrow funds under the Bribery or Corruption Commission were needed to adjust financial thresholds in light of increased complaints. He also responded to Opposition criticism over war heroes, government spending, and shortages of salt and other commodities, asserting that the Government had provided tangible benefits to veterans and that recent shortages were temporary and worsened by hoarding and Opposition-aligned business interests. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary The Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the Government’s phased relaxation of import restrictions, including vehicle imports, and said the recent salt shortage was a temporary result of weather and climate conditions affecting natural salt production, not Government policy. He stated that the Minister had inspected Puttalam salterns, promised support to increase production, and that imports were arranged to ensure supply during the New Year period. He also rejected Opposition allegations of vote-buying in Puttalam local authorities, accusing Opposition parties of money politics and electoral malpractice, and said the NPP had won local support without such practices. He added that the Government was working to resolve issues relating to reopening the Puttalam–Mannar road for displaced persons and expected progress within the year. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticised the Government for allegedly engaging in traditional political bargaining to form local authorities despite its large mandate and promises to change political culture. He urged electoral reforms to prevent money-based competition and crossovers, and called for a more serious economic and governance approach rather than what he described as symbolic austerity. He also raised concerns about treatment of war veterans, the President’s messaging on national reconciliation, and investor confidence, citing the planned closure of a NEXT apparel factory in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized the Government’s vehicle import policy, arguing that despite regulatory changes, high taxes and levies make vehicles unaffordable and discourage importers, undermining expected revenue. He urged reductions in duties and action to resolve port and customs delays, corruption allegations, and informal payment demands affecting importers and exporters. He further called for a structured programme to protect foreign exchange-earning sectors, particularly apparel and tea, citing factory closures, rising electricity and production costs, and the need for relief to sustain exports. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported approval of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, stating that vehicle import measures are intended to prioritize essential passenger transport vehicles and improve productivity. He argued that imports remain necessary alongside exports, while reforms are needed to reduce abuse and corruption in import processes. He also defended the Government’s decision to end MPs’ vehicle permits and responded to Opposition criticisms regarding war remembrance, presidential remarks, and claims of political “experience.” Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. Namal Rajapaksa SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa accused the Government and the JVP of deflecting blame while failing to address emerging economic and labour issues, particularly the closure of factories and the treatment of existing investors. He urged the Government, the Labour Ministry and relevant agencies such as the BOI to engage with workers and employers, mediate disputes, and prevent further factory closures rather than relying on political rhetoric. He also criticized what he described as politically motivated investigations and arrests, saying such matters should be resolved through the courts, and called on the Government to answer questions and intervene in any investor or labour crisis. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s import and export policy, arguing that it has favoured imports over domestic production and exports despite pre-election pledges on rice, fertilizer, fisheries subsidies and salt. He called for a more rational distribution system for essential goods such as salt, warned that taxes, energy costs, SVAT removal and delays in renewable energy had hurt industries and exporters, and urged active negotiations on tariffs and investment promotion, including for Colombo Port City. He also asked the Government to investigate factory closures and job losses and to consistently uphold the dignity of armed forces personnel. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha said the proposed regulations would modernize vehicle import documentation by allowing online confirmation from Sri Lanka, reducing delays caused by minor deficiencies and courier-based processes. He stated that vehicle imports would be widened gradually as reserves improve, while Customs and bank checks would help prevent malpractices and increase Treasury revenue. He also noted adjustments to deposit and advance accounts, including reduced allocations for book printing, increased fuel allocations for enforcement investigations, and higher Railway Department allocations. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to vehicle imports and LC document exchanges, arguing that they would address documentation irregularities and delays through pre-shipment inspection and online verification involving Bureau Veritas. He said the measures were necessary following the restart of vehicle imports after a long suspension, with many vehicles in the import pipeline. He also referred to proposed adjustments to deposit and advance account limits for several state institutions to support operations, investigations, and anti-corruption efforts. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the regulations and resolutions before the House seek to update outdated vehicle import and tax administration procedures, close legal and procedural gaps, prevent abuses such as tax evasion and registration of stolen vehicles, and improve transparency and efficiency. He noted that Gazette No. 2428/07 of 19 March 2025 designates compliant inspection institutions for vehicle imports and that deposit/advance account limits are being recalibrated after institutional review. He also corrected claims on Puttalam salt production, stating total output is just over 30,000 MT and that about 600 MT has been released, with further releases to follow, and said the Government will act on the Mannar-Puttalam road issue in accordance with the relevant court order. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary 12,450 metric tonnes of salt had been imported, and the Minister outlined the ownership history of Puttalam Salt Limited from its 1997 lease to a consortium of cooperative and banking institutions. He said subsequent share acquisitions by Raigam Group created a controlling interest and led to the establishment of Raigam Wayamba Salterns PLC beside Puttalam Salt Limited, raising legal and conflict-of-interest concerns due to overlapping directors. He stated that the issue, enabled by successive administrations since 1997, had resulted in market power that needed to be addressed, with the process expected to conclude in about two years. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the regulations before Parliament sought to add Bureau Veritas as an authorized pre-shipment inspection agency for vehicles imported from Japan and to enable online verification of vehicle condition certificates and related banking documentation. He also outlined amendments to various departmental advance and deposit accounts, including higher limits for public officer loans, festival advances, commercial operations, emergency expenditure, Customs confiscated goods, and marked-money advances used by the Bribery Commission. He argued that these were administrative efficiency measures unlikely to be contentious and suggested that broadly agreed regulations be adopted without lengthy debate. Turning to the public debate on salt imports, he said the issue had been exaggerated by some Opposition elements and media outlets and noted that the Government had intervened after the matter arose in December. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon explained regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to streamline Japanese vehicle imports, including legal recognition of Bureau Veritas for inspection and valuation reports and digital verification processes to replace courier-based document checks. He said the changes would enable faster confirmations with inspection bodies and banks, improving efficiency for importers. He also outlined 2024 revisions to advance and deposit account limits under the Public Finance Management Act, including increases for CIABOC, Prisons, Customs and Railways accounts and reductions for several other departmental accounts, to be presented to Parliament as required by law. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Finance on the annulment of the 2016 minimum monthly wage policy of USD 300 for Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. He asked whether current minimum wages, bilateral labour agreements, legal protections, recruitment guidelines and monitoring mechanisms exist to prevent wage fraud, underpayment and contract violations. He also urged consideration of reintroducing a mandatory minimum wage policy, citing wage standards in countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia and arguing that improved wage protection for about 1.7 million workers could substantially increase foreign exchange inflows. Oral Question: Minimum Monthly Wage for Migrant Workers (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Minister stated that arrears in Mahapola scholarship payments that had been outstanding for months have now been settled, though there is a slight delay for the newly enrolled batch. She said the Government is working with the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund to establish a fixed payment date for future disbursements. Oral Question: University Hostels and Student Allowances (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe asked whether the Government could set a fixed monthly date for payment of the Rs. 7,500 Mahapola scholarship allowance to university students. She noted that students currently face uncertainty and delays of one to two months, a problem she said had continued under past governments, and argued that a predictable payment date would help students manage their expenses. Oral Question: University Hostels and Student Allowances (Q.8/2025) Read →