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- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Ministers are not receiving salaries, in response to a point raised by a Member. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is implementing the NPP mandate to change political culture by removing privileges for politicians and investigating corrupt practices such as bar permits, contract commissions, and misuse of benefits. He stated that vehicle permits have been declined, amendments to abolish parliamentary pensions are being drafted following the Justice Chitrasiri Committee report, 51 luxury official residences have been vacated for productive reuse, and Ministers and State Ministers are not drawing salaries. He added that MP security will not be treated as a blanket privilege but provided only where a specific threat is assessed, and said the Government will continue reporting to Parliament on its remaining commitments. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri said the Motion should lead to legal and practical implementation of the Government’s pledges on reducing benefits, rather than public resentment or political optics. He noted that presidential pensions and related entitlements are protected under Article 36(2) of the Constitution and asked the Government to present specific mechanisms, timelines and amending Bills, including on spousal and dependent benefits. He also questioned claims of savings from reducing vehicles or MP security, arguing that any real expenditure cuts should be reflected in public relief and lower prices. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta argued that the Government has already begun reducing or rationalizing parliamentary and ministerial privileges in line with the National People’s Power manifesto. He cited the abolition of duplicate fuel allowances for Ministers who are also MPs, changes to meal subsidies through the House Committee, and limits on vehicles for Ministers and State Ministers to two, adding that further reductions requiring legislation would be brought before Parliament. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka supported the Motion as timely, noting public concern over MPs’ privileges and the Government’s earlier promises to reduce them. He argued that the Government has not taken substantial action and called for practical measures to limit benefits to what MPs need for their duties, alongside stronger systems to prevent fraud and corruption. He also proposed that benefits be determined with reference to MPs’ asset and liability declarations, so that genuine public servants are not left without means after service. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi moved a Motion calling for parliamentary discussion and government action to reduce, remove, or otherwise regulate privileges granted to Members of Parliament, former Heads of State, and their widows. He argued that the Government had not fulfilled public promises to implement such reforms within two weeks, despite seven months having passed, and demanded clear timelines, specific measures, and any necessary legal changes. He also cautioned that changes such as withdrawing MPs’ security should be done through a clear policy rather than for public impression. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma replied to a Standing Order 27(2) question by Sajith Premadasa on Sri Lanka’s engagement with the United States regarding trade and tariff issues. He said discussions and official correspondence had taken place with the US Government and the Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the aim of maintaining market access and Sri Lanka’s competitive advantage, and undertook to table the Government’s press release on the matter. He outlined measures to diversify export markets, support SMEs to become export-oriented, maximize GSP Plus and other market access, strengthen the BOI, improve transparency and investor facilitation, implement the National Single Window, reduce corruption, and develop enabling regulations and market infrastructure. He added that tariff discussions were not finalized and that the Government was preparing broader strategies on exports, tourism, FDI, foreign exchange retention, and reduced overseas spending on education and health services. Ministry Statements and Privilege Matter Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said a detailed reply on preventing medicine shortages and related questions would be given on the next sitting day. Addressing the PACS project, he stated that 2018 agreements for an unsolicited USD 33 million project covering 20 hospitals had largely lapsed, with audit and CIABOC inquiries pending, and that the Ministry was considering limited activation in the five hospitals with partial implementation. He also noted a 1.5-year delay in the Kalutara (Nagoda) CT scanner, saying the Biomedical Engineering Service and Ministry were intervening to expedite port clearance, delivery, and supplier-related issues. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s reported move to procure medicines through government-to-government agreements, asking which countries and medicines are involved, why normal competitive procurement is being bypassed, and whether the process complies with the NMRA Act and procurement guidelines. He sought confirmation of reported shortages of 313 medicines and 111 items without suppliers, requested hospital-wise shortage data, and asked whether local production capacity and industry impact had been assessed with stakeholder input. He also asked how transparency, quality assurance, and accountability would be ensured under G2G procurement, particularly if substandard medicines are supplied. He further raised delays in purchasing Elekta radiotherapy machines, disruptions to MRI and CT services at the National Hospital due to PACS issues, and the release of a CT scanner reportedly held at the port for Kalutara Hospital. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The answer states that the rent allowance previously paid to Sub-Postmasters—Rs. 1,500 for urban offices and Rs. 750 for rural offices—was inadequate. It notes that Cabinet approval was granted on 19 February 2025 to revise the allowance and link payments to revenue targets assigned by the Treasury and Department of Posts. From 1 April 2025, the allowance has been increased on a graded basis from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 7,500 depending on the monthly revenue achieved by each Sub-Post Office. Oral Questions - Second Round (Q.2/2024, Q.3/2025, Q.4/2025, Q.5/2025, Q.6/2025) Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Responding on behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the Mahiyanganaya tourist centre covers 6,928 square metres and was built at a cost of Rs. 10,394,662.02 by the Uva Provincial Ministry of Tourism to provide facilities for local and foreign tourists. He said it is currently leased to Mr. Ravindra Anura Widanagama for Rs. 36,000 per month, and that the original objective does not appear to be fulfilled under the present arrangement. He added that leased state properties under the Ministry are to be revalued by the Government Valuation Department and re-leased under proper market conditions and procedures. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister provided details of seven national-level stadiums in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, including their districts and locations. He said construction at the Trincomalee facility had been halted following a court order after human bone fragments were found, but permission to proceed was granted in 2017 and recommencement was arranged for September 2024. He added that no decision had been taken to develop it as an international cricket stadium, while Rs. 50 million had been allocated to CECB for completing the ground and Rs. 250 million for a pavilion, with further plans for several indoor and court sports facilities. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake argued that the Government has gained significant international recognition under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, citing visits and engagements with India, China, Vietnam, Dubai, and the World Bank. He said World Bank support of USD 1 billion was linked to low corruption and discipline, and explained that Vietnam facilitated a private jet for the President’s return to vote and meet the World Bank President. He defended continuing with the existing IMF framework as it had already been signed and made law before the Government took office, and said Sri Lanka would engage diplomatically on regional economic issues including Maldives’ request for support. He also claimed the Government had won majorities in 267 local authorities and warned against bribery or “horse-trading” of elected members. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake addressed the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance in the context of reopening vehicle imports, noting expected revenue targets and current Customs collections, and urged measures to increase receipts while maintaining rupee stability. He raised concerns over delays in vehicle clearance, demurrage costs to consumers, valuation procedures, and reported difficulties with Japanese banks accepting Sri Lankan letters of credit, calling for steps to restore trading confidence. He also urged stronger trade negotiations for tariff relief, better use of the Indo–Sri Lanka FTA, and more active promotion of the Port City with competitive incentives to attract investment and position Sri Lanka as a financial and trading centre. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed referred to the 1990 forced expulsion of Muslims from the Northern Province and criticised recent campaign remarks that mocked displaced Muslims as having arrived with “shopping bags,” arguing that such language insulted an entire community. He stated that many expelled Muslims, including himself, endured long-term displacement and have still not received meaningful relief, and he also referenced the suffering of Tamils at Menik Farm and Sinhalese in border villages affected by the war. He requested the government to provide relief and support to war-affected Tamils and Muslims, including retired public servants who had received no assistance. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said the Government had reopened vehicle imports to the public after six years while maintaining the President’s Budget position that vehicles would not be imported for MPs. He stated that any tax anomalies could be reviewed with the Finance Ministry as the economy stabilizes, and noted complaints about Customs and Ports clearance capacity, saying the Government would intervene to improve daily vehicle clearances. Responding to election-related criticisms raised during the debate on the Customs Ordinance Resolution, he cited recent election results to defend the Government’s mandate and argued that its conduct, including in the Colombo Municipal Council context, had been ethical and free of state-resource abuse. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Government’s local government election results show a significant loss of public support, citing declines in vote share and limits on the National People’s Power’s ability to control local authorities. He alleged that the Government used state power, promises, and inducements during the campaign, and further claimed attempts were being made to secure control of councils by offering money to independent or opposition members. He also raised procedural objections about allocation of speaking time in Parliament and questioned the protocol, authorization, and security implications of the President’s return from Vietnam on a private jet. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected an Opposition allegation that money was paid to secure control of the Colombo Municipal Council, stating that the NPP would not engage in such practices. She accused Opposition parties of spreading false narratives about local election results, the economy, US tariffs and the Government’s position on the IMF, and said the Government’s approach to the IMF programme remained consistent and aimed at people-friendly adjustments. She argued that local election outcomes should be assessed by wards and control of local bodies rather than by claims of national-level victories, and said the NPP viewed the results as a mandate of public trust to continue its work. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera said the local election results showed a significant public message, noting that Sarvajana Bala received nearly 40 percent of the vote in contested local bodies and that the NPP had lost support compared with the general election. He urged the Government to interpret the public mandate honestly, engage in constructive dialogue, and end political mudslinging and online “fake-comment” campaigns. He called for a frank national discussion on the economic crisis, national security, living costs, revenue shortfalls, and the need to create new wealth rather than rely on borrowing or salary increases without revenue growth. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance linked to Gazette notifications under the Revenue Protection Act, stating that the Government is reopening vehicle imports in a phased manner with appropriate duties to support sectors such as agriculture, commerce and tourism while protecting foreign reserves. He argued that the current administration has restored stability after the previous economic crisis and rejected Opposition criticism over the Government’s performance. Referring to recent local government elections, he said the National People’s Power had secured control or leading positions in a large number of local authorities, described the elections as peaceful, and said the Government would treat the results as a mandate to correct weaknesses and accelerate promised reforms. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →