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- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Donations of Rs. 1,188,700 were received in 2024 for the Neurosurgical Unit to purchase a neurosurgical endoscopy machine, but the funds remain unused because the machine costs about Rs. 45 million. The Deputy Minister stated that procurement will proceed once full funding is available, and that discussions are under way to channel future donations through the Health Development Fund for proper utilization. Oral Question: Lady Ridgeway Hospital - Donations for Purchase of Surgical Items (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for details on donor funds received by Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo, from 2024 to date for purchasing surgical items. She sought a breakdown of amounts received, used, and unused, and asked what measures have been taken to ensure proper utilization of these donations. Oral Question: Lady Ridgeway Hospital - Donations for Purchase of Surgical Items (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that some development projects may be discontinued due to consequences of the economic crisis, poor political management, inadequate feasibility studies, and projects driven by local interests rather than economic returns. He said the Government intends to proceed methodically, address difficulties around land acquisition and release, and avoid holding acquired lands idle without clear development plans. He added that lands in some river basins that have remained unused for 20–30 years should be returned to the people, and that the new Government will seek to minimize such situations in future. Oral Question: Lands Acquired for Kurunegala-Habarana Railway Line - Compensation/Ex-Gratia Payment (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the proposed Habarana railway extension, initiated around 2019, was discontinued by Cabinet decision in March 2023 after around 4,440 land plots covering about 350 hectares had been acquired under the Land Acquisition Act. He said affected landowners include those who received advance compensation and those who did not, and that the Government is considering fair relief as the lands are returned. A joint Cabinet memorandum has been submitted through the Ministry of Lands, with further action expected after ministry observations and possible coordination through the District Coordinating Committee. Oral Question: Lands Acquired for Kurunegala-Habarana Railway Line - Compensation/Ex-Gratia Payment (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Asked whether relief could be provided to residents who lost income because lands in the Matale District under the Moragahakanda-Kaluganga Project remained undeveloped for many years. She noted that any relief should go to the occupants in possession, while recognizing that ownership of the lands lies with the Dambulla and Bambawa Rajamaha Viharas under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, and sought a mechanism to address the income loss. Oral Question: Lands Acquired for Kurunegala-Habarana Railway Line - Compensation/Ex-Gratia Payment (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna asked whether the Government acknowledges that lands and properties, including those belonging to Rangiri Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya, Bambawa Rajamaha Viharaya, and residents of Galewela and Dambulla, were legally acquired for the proposed Kurunegala-Habarana railway line via Dambulla. She sought clarification on whether those lands will be returned to their original owners, whether compensation or ex-gratia payments will be made for deterioration and loss of income over about ten years, and the procedure and timeline for such payments. Oral Question: Lands Acquired for Kurunegala-Habarana Railway Line - Compensation/Ex-Gratia Payment (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma said the Government is pursuing structural reforms, tax policy revisions, improved governance of state-owned enterprises, and transparent recruitment and promotion systems as part of its economic programme. He argued that prudent management has reduced inflation and interest rates, built reserves, improved external credibility, and created conditions for private sector, SME, youth entrepreneurship, and foreign investment support, including collateral-free lending and debt restructuring. He said tax revenue must reach the Treasury without leakages, electricity tariffs and EV taxation would be handled through data-based policy, and EV infrastructure would be expanded with the private sector. Referring to the relevant Gazette, he stated that Customs and other agencies are implementing it effectively and that revenue outcomes are in line with projections. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister criticized the Opposition’s record on tax policy, vehicle imports and commercial borrowing, arguing that high debt-servicing costs are a consequence of past decisions and that the Government is seeking to increase revenue and reduce leakages. He said concerns raised about registered and unregistered vehicles and the 85 per cent rule arose from existing laws and regulations, not new Government action, and that amendments would be considered to strengthen revenue collection. He also stated that recovery of past CEB debts should be handled through a lawful mechanism that minimizes the burden on consumers, with the Public Utilities Commission independently determining the appropriate tariff-related approach. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva criticized the Government for reversing energy sector reforms and said renewable energy had been undermined by tariff decisions, including reducing a unit rate from Rs. 20 to Rs. 14. He alleged that incorrect cost data on Sobadanavi purchases had been presented to Cabinet, contrasting it with PUCSL figures of Rs. 45 to Rs. 72 per unit, and warned this would benefit diesel-based interests. He opposed any closed-door 18 percent electricity tariff increase, urging the Government to recalculate and stating that any necessary increase should be limited to about 3–4 percent. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the electricity tariff formula agreed with the IMF, based on the 2009 Sri Lanka Electricity Act and the 1969 CEB Act, must be applied within the law and cannot be altered arbitrarily. He said the Government should not include Rs. 14 billion in legacy debt or recover a Rs. 8 billion first-quarter loss through the next tariffs, contending that such recoveries are not permitted under the formula. He urged the Government to take an independent position and challenge the IMF where its demands conflict with the legal framework. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva challenged the Government’s position on the IMF programme, arguing that if Ministers believe no country succeeds through the IMF, they should propose an alternative course rather than continue with it. He questioned the increase in EV taxes in light of earlier promises of cheaper vehicles and Japanese motorcycles, and raised concerns about vehicle importers allegedly manipulating deregistered vehicles as “brand-new” imports, noting that COPF has sought a report on potential revenue losses. He also criticised the proposed 18.3 percent electricity tariff increase, contrasting it with the Government’s promise of a 33 percent reduction, and argued that legacy losses from past underpricing and debt recovery are driving the tariff request. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims that the Government is discouraging electric vehicles or renewable energy, stating that policy decisions must account for issues such as EV battery disposal and environmental impacts. She clarified that expected revenue from vehicle imports is around Rs. 400 billion, not Rs. 750 billion, and said COPF data and first-quarter results indicate targets are being met. She described the measure as aimed solely at increasing state revenue. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Member stated that the Gazette debated was issued on 31 January 2025 as part of the tax policy formulated when vehicle imports were permitted, and is now before Parliament for approval after consideration by the Committee on Public Finance. She rejected claims that it was a new or reversed policy, explaining that it includes excise measures on electric vehicles. She argued that the increased EV excise is intended to address declining revenue as EV imports rise, while maintaining that the overall tax burden on EVs remains lower than on petrol and diesel vehicles. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act relating to electric vehicles, arguing that increased EV use should also generate revenue to fund relief for citizens who cannot afford to pay. He rejected Opposition criticisms, stating that the new Government had not acted for the benefit of ministers or MPs and was focused on people-centred policies, local authority regularization, and development. He said the Government had completed budgetary and procurement groundwork in its first months and expected to implement 40–50 projects per electorate in the coming months as part of a corruption-free development programme. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the Government’s vehicle import tax regulations under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, citing Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/42 of 31 January 2025 as a measure to permit imports after five years while protecting foreign reserves, revenue, and macroeconomic stability. He said the framework applies lower excise rates to electric vehicles than to petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, exempts certain electric three-wheelers, and factors in model year, motor capacity and environmental impact. He also responded to Opposition criticism on tax policy and local government results, asserting the National People’s Power’s mandate and challenging opponents to name their proposed Colombo Mayor and Deputy Mayor. He linked the regulations to IMF-supported reserve management and argued that the Government must proceed cautiously within the Extended Fund Facility programme. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to negotiate with the IMF based on Sri Lanka’s past engagements, rather than simply follow its directions, with a focus on incentivizing investment, improving revenue collection, and reducing interest rates. He warned that rising Treasury interest costs and flat revenue could create fiscal difficulties by September, particularly as capital expenditure continues. He called for more supportive treatment of businesses and SMEs, noting their large contribution to GDP, and proposed reducing taxes where possible and aligning investment incentives and qualifying payments with IMF targets. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that revenue policy should not rely mainly on vehicle taxes, noting a Rs. 5,000 billion revenue target and about Rs. 420 billion expected from cars, while revenue collections were reportedly 3 percent below estimates and expenditure 22 percent higher by 20 May 2025. He urged measures to protect the rupee, control expenditure, and broaden revenue sources, warning that depreciation increases inflation and foreign debt burdens. He questioned IMF concerns over Colombo Port City agreements and processes linked to major investments such as Sinopec in Hambantota, saying Sri Lanka should negotiate with the IMF while retaining control over tax and spending policy. He called for investor discussions and targeted incentives or qualifying payments to attract dollar-generating investment despite high taxes, interest rates, and utility costs. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the Gazette regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that eased vehicle import restrictions, particularly for electric vehicles, could increase Treasury revenue while aligning with green energy policy and the Paris Agreement. He said EV taxation remains lower than for fossil-fuel vehicles and framed the measure as part of a fair, environmentally oriented tax policy amid efforts to protect foreign reserves. He also rejected Opposition claims regarding National War Heroes Day and an India-related MoU, citing its termination clause to argue that it can be ended with three months’ notice and tabling a related EconomyNext document. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister justified the increase in excise tax on imported electric vehicles as a revenue-raising measure adopted in the context of economic recovery, arguing that it avoids placing additional taxes on essential goods. She said limited vehicle imports would help revive the motor trade, provide opportunities for eligible importers and permit holders, and generate funds for development, welfare, and state priorities while protecting foreign reserves through import limits. She also defended the Government’s collective responsibility for difficult decisions, stated its willingness to correct mistakes, and rejected allegations of corruption or deliberate harm to the public. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake rejected allegations and court action against him, arguing that the cases over bail and withdrawals from fixed deposits were improperly framed and should be assessed against Article 150 of the Constitution on the Consolidated Fund. He said the previous government restricted vehicle imports because foreign reserves had fallen sharply, but left the current government with USD 6 billion in reserves and had intended to resume imports from February. He supported vehicle imports for revenue purposes but demanded a clear, phased decision on the 20,000 vehicle permits already issued to public servants, including judges, administrators and doctors. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →