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- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said investigations are ongoing into the alleged diversion of USD 2.5 million intended for Export Finance Australia during bilateral debt restructuring payments, and into a related attempted email-based interference in an Indian EXIM Bank payment stream. He outlined the payment-processing chain, the detection of a suspicious email anomaly on 22 March, subsequent notifications to SLCERT, the CID and cybercrime authorities, the appointment of a technical committee, and the transfer and interdiction of several officers connected to the process. He rejected claims of government complicity and other alleged financial irregularities as misinformation, stating that findings would be presented to Parliament after law enforcement and technical inquiries conclude. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper objected to the Speaker’s earlier interpretation of Standing Order 19, arguing that written notice and prior permission were not required once 20 Members sought the debate. He alleged serious negligence by Ministry of Finance officials in a USD 2.5 million transaction, saying fraudulent emails from a non-government domain were mistaken for official Australian export finance communications, and called for accountability from the Minister of Finance. He asked whether the public funds were lost through negligence or theft, characterizing any negligence as criminal, while also referring to the death of a senior officer connected to the matter. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka moved an adjournment motion seeking an urgent debate on reports that millions of US dollars intended for bilateral debt repayment had been diverted. He argued that no information had been provided to Parliament by April 2026, undermining Parliament’s constitutional control over public finance, and noted that the Government had previously refused a debate when the issue first became public. He then requested time for Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, to second and speak on the motion. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the approval of four rules and orders under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021, stating that despite earlier criticisms of the project, the Government’s responsibility is now to regularize and continue it while preventing future irregularities. He cited measures including flexible use of the USD 2,000 duty-free allowance and labour arrangements tailored to Port City operations. He also responded to Opposition criticism over May Day events, corruption cases, and alleged frauds, asserting that pending investigations and court matters should proceed through proper legal and institutional processes. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that, regardless of earlier criticisms of the project, the Port City should now be used to attract investment, tourism spending, and foreign exchange. He said the proposed duty-free rules would allow eligible travellers to make two transactions of up to USD 2,000 within a four-day period, increasing sales volume and the State’s 7 percent levy revenue. He also referred to amendments on employment contracts and termination in Port City operations, stating that these rules are intended to provide investor confidence while operating within the legal framework. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera raised concern that Government figures, including the President, had referred publicly to court judgments and timelines at May Day rallies, arguing that this pressured the judiciary and placed the Minister of Justice in a difficult position. He criticized the use of State power and political rhetoric to intimidate the Opposition, while also questioning the Government’s handling of mysterious deaths of State officers. He argued that the Government was focusing on taxation and a primary surplus without addressing economic contraction, rupee depreciation, rising electricity costs, and the impact on private investment and industry. He urged the Government to move away from intimidation politics and present practical plans to prepare the public and economy for current global and domestic shocks. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the orders under the Port City Act, arguing that duty-free retail provisions and bespoke employment frameworks are necessary to attract foreign investment and suit the Port City’s role as a specialised commercial precinct. He defended the Government’s record on workers, education, and health, citing planned pay increases and higher budget allocations, and said economic indicators showed stability despite external shocks. He also stated that the Government’s five-year national plan is inclusive, anti-corruption, and focused on public safety, narcotics control, and protecting all communities. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns over alleged fraudulent foreign debt-related remittances, stating that US$25 million had been sent to a wrong account in ten instances and questioning whether required financial laws, regulations, and procedures were followed. He criticized delays in informing Parliament and the Treasury Secretary’s initial refusal to appear before COPF, and called for details on the death of an interdicted officer and subsequent Treasury staff changes. He demanded that the Government present comprehensive facts to Parliament and clarify accountability for the loss, rejecting any attempt to attribute responsibility solely to a hacker. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that amendments are needed to make Port City activities more accountable while encouraging exports, manufacturing, and foreign investment. He contrasted the Government’s economic approach with alleged mismanagement by previous administrations, citing a Supreme Court judgment holding former leaders and officials responsible for the economic crisis. He presented 2025 economic indicators, including increased investment, GDP growth, low inflation, higher remittances, tourism arrivals, reserves, and a primary surplus, as evidence of recovery and prudent fiscal management. He also referred to a recent peace march and called for Opposition support in building a humane and economically stable country. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said Opposition MPs had sought time to debate alleged Treasury irregularities, particularly the reported disappearance of US$2.5 million, and demanded full disclosure to Parliament. He linked the issue to the appointment of a former MP rather than a career official as Treasury Secretary, questioned allegations about the Secretary’s past dual citizenship, and argued that experienced public officers should not be sidelined. He also referred to the Port City regulations, defending the project he said was initiated under President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and criticized the Government’s May Day messaging and timing of fuel price increases. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended amendments to the Port City framework, stating they are intended to ensure accountability to Parliament, align with international free zone standards, and promote commerce through duty-free measures such as extending the US$2,000 purchase window. He cited investment leads, approved projects, growth, inflation, BOI inflows, private sector credit, and tax-to-GDP figures to argue that the economy is stabilising under current policies, while describing the merger of SSCL for financial services into a single levy as tax simplification. He also said corruption investigations are proceeding through strengthened institutions without political interference, and asserted that investment outcomes are expected in 2026-27 despite global challenges. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of Port City, arguing that while it now supports the project it previously opposed, it has failed to create a clear, transparent, transaction-focused policy framework to attract investors and compete with regional financial hubs. He raised allegations of financial mismanagement, including wrong payments involving a private bank, the Postal Department, the RDA, fuel imports, and coal procurement, and questioned why investigations and accountability measures had not followed. He also objected to the appointment of political coordinators to Divisional Secretariats, suggesting data misuse risks, and urged the Foreign Minister to intervene over a Sri Lankan fisherman from Jaffna allegedly attacked by Indian fishermen and hospitalized in Chennai. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera supported the regulations and orders under the Port City Act, noting that the State Minister had explained the investment needs, legal issues and related tasks. He rejected Opposition allegations of corruption, including claims linked to a US$2.5 million Treasury payment, coal procurement and taxation, and urged those making accusations to present evidence through proper investigations. He argued that the financial services VAT and SSCL changes merely consolidated existing levies into a 20.5 per cent charge and said the Government would follow due process. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that proposed changes affecting the Port City would remove promised worker protections through the Commissioner of Labour. He raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities in a public debt-related transaction, questioning the role of the External Resources Department, the authority for a US$9 million payment, and the qualifications and delegation arrangements of relevant officials. He said the Committee on Public Finance had faced non-attendance by senior Treasury officials despite requests, tabled a letter to the President, and stated that the Committee has authority under Standing Order 121(2)(u) to examine State debt and debt service. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the effective indirect tax burden on ordinary consumers is higher than the 18 per cent VAT rate when the 2.5 per cent SSCL is treated as a VAT-like impost. He also questioned the Government’s proposed removal, in the Port City context, of the requirement to obtain the Commissioner of Labour’s permission before terminating employment, contrasting it with the Government’s stated pro-worker position during elections and asking the State Minister to clarify the change. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera stated that he had previously raised the issue of VAT applied to financial services. No further substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in this excerpt. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva objected that the preceding remarks by the State Minister concerned VAT rather than the matter before the House, but responded to the tax point raised. He argued that the effective tax burden is higher than the stated 18 per cent VAT because the 2.5 per cent Social Security Contribution Levy is also applied across goods and services, and on a value-added basis across the supply chain may raise the effective rate to around 22 per cent. He asked the Government to explain if it disputes that calculation. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government’s medium-term policy aims for 7% growth, supported by higher FDI, with USD 1,057 million secured in 2025 and a USD 2 billion target for 2026, and cited Port City amendments intended to attract investment through incentives, import provisions, and construction-related changes. He clarified that the 2026 Budget VAT reforms do not raise the public VAT rate, which remains 18%, and that for banks and financial institutions the existing 18% VAT on financial services plus 2.5% SSCL will be consolidated into a single 20.5% VOFS from 1 July with no net increase. He also said e-invoicing and POS integration are being advanced to improve tax administration, compliance, and refunds. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera sought parliamentary approval for regulations under the Port City Economic Commission Act. He said one regulation aligns Port City labour rights with a court decision, while another allows tourists to use the USD 2,000 duty-free allowance across four visits instead of a single visit, with the aim of increasing tourist spending in Sri Lanka and the State’s 7% share of duty-free turnover. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill AI summary The Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill was presented to amend the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, No. 5 of 2006. It was introduced by Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and ordered to be printed, referred to the Committee on Public Finance, and read a Second time on 19 May 2026. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →