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- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance on import duties, stating that it is intended to raise state revenue and permit the responsible recommencement of vehicle imports while safeguarding reserves, the exchange rate, and rupee stability. He argued that since September 2024 the Government had stabilized the economy, reduced inflation, improved the country’s credit position, revived selected state industries, and increased tourism, exports, and investor confidence. He also referred to ongoing engagement with external partners, including World Bank support, IMF staff-level agreement, and responses to recent US tariff developments, as part of the context for allowing essential private vehicle imports. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the Government’s economic forecasts and Budget measures, arguing that growth could exceed the projected 3.1 percent as the economy stabilizes after bankruptcy. He said the Government was allocating about Rs. 1,400 billion for capital expenditure, restarting stalled projects, supporting tourism and manufacturing, keeping interest rates low, and granting an additional 3 percent interest on senior citizens’ deposits. Referring to the debate on relaxing quantitative restrictions on vehicle imports, he said imports were expected to reach about US$ 1 billion this year, with letters of credit already opened for more than US$ 400 million, generating revenue while allowing pending imports. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance concerns the orderly reopening of vehicle imports after earlier prohibitions, with regulations aligned to reserves and inflation objectives. He rejected allegations that the Government or military were promoting racism in the North and East, stating that genuine land issues would be addressed while action would be taken against misuse of State lands. He also defended the Government’s local election performance and outlined its economic outlook, citing expected GDP growth, nominal GDP expansion to 2030, exchange-rate stability, and a cautious approach to import liberalization. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha defended the Government’s economic management and criticized Opposition figures for relying on alleged falsehoods and for not objecting to costly foreign travel by former Presidents during the economic crisis. She said vehicle imports had been restarted in phases after rebuilding reserves and stability, with controls to protect inflation, the trade balance and foreign reserves, which she cited at about US$6.5 billion. She highlighted increased exports, expected gains from investment and tourism, and a US$1 billion World Bank package for sectors including agriculture, tourism, regional development and jobs. She also referred to recent local authority results and described the conduct of elections and normal functioning of schools afterward as evidence of civic normalcy. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna criticized the Government for failing to fulfil campaign promises, including reducing vehicle prices and revealing those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. He cited local election results to argue that the Government had lost public support, contrasting its vote decline with gains by the SJB, particularly in Gampaha. He also called for transparency over who paid for the President’s private jet travel after the Vietnam visit and questioned whether the Government would apply the same standard it had used in 2018 when it demanded dissolution after local election losses. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook argued that past governments created uncertainty in vehicle imports through abrupt bans and duty increases, leaving vehicles stranded at ports and damaging Sri Lanka’s credibility with foreign banks and exporters. He said the Government is reopening imports in a methodical and predictable manner to rebuild trust, while accusing previous administrations of corruption and manipulation in matters such as tax changes and vehicle age limits. He requested cooperation for the new import duty process. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar argued that recent election results show a significant decline in support for the NPP and rejected claims that the Opposition had nothing to celebrate, citing seat and vote figures for the SJB, Opposition, and Government. He said the Opposition would support the Government on national economic issues such as US tax exposure, EU GSP+, growth, revenue, and investment, but urged the Government to stop misleading the public. He alleged attempts to buy local councillors in Colombo and Hambantota and questioned the source of funds, while also calling on the Government to table agreements with India and govern transparently now that no national election is imminent. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government’s current fiscal approach is intended to protect reserves, stabilize the currency, and support economic recovery while providing relief as growth improves. He cited record first-quarter tourism revenue in 2025 and the plantation sector’s best first-quarter production and income in 11 years, and defended the increase in vehicle-related revenues from 20 to 30 per cent as a necessary decision within available means. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Resolution under Section 235 of the Customs Ordinance, arguing that higher import duties on certain vehicles are necessary to manage foreign reserves, contain inflation, and meet revenue targets aligned with the IMF programme. He said vehicle imports had been reopened in phases for public transport, business, and tourism needs, and that lowering duties too quickly could trigger excessive imports and renewed external pressure. He also cited the 2025 Budget’s capital expenditure, targeted relief measures, public sector salary increases, and the Government’s local authority election results as part of a broader case for economic and governance stability. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary The debate concerned the Extraordinary Gazette of 27 January 2025, which relaxes import restrictions on motor vehicles while imposing related import duties. The remarks introduced the subject for parliamentary consideration without stating a further position or proposal. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva challenged the Government’s economic projections, arguing that forecast growth of 3.5 per cent in 2025 and 3.1 per cent in 2026 contradicted promises to raise growth and reduce poverty, and questioned the claimed shift to a new economic model. He asked the Government to clarify whether electricity tariffs would rise in June, citing IMF-related commitments on quarterly tariff adjustments and urging that any excess CEB profits from lower actual costs be returned to consumers through tariff reductions. He also criticised assumptions used for the proposed Sahasdanavi combined-cycle plant and the related reduction of solar tariffs, questioning cost estimates based on exchange rates and fuel prices, and argued that the Government was overly constrained by IMF requirements. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Revenue targets were reported to be on track, with many letters of credit opened. The remarks indicated that further details would be provided by the speaker’s team and that the first phase is intended for purchasers who can afford to proceed. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim questioned the Government’s vehicle import revenue targets, noting that Rs. 428 billion had been cited at the Committee on Public Finance. While accepting revenue collection from luxury vehicles, he argued that steep price increases for motorbikes, three-wheelers, and small cars unfairly burden ordinary users, and proposed reducing duties on small-vehicle categories. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Amid external shocks, the statement asserts that the Government is maintaining the exchange rate and reserves while supporting business facilitation. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said the vehicle import ban was being lifted in phases, with Customs Import Duty raised from 20 per cent to 30 per cent to manage pressure on reserves and the exchange rate after years of restricted imports. He cited improving macroeconomic indicators, including reserves of about USD 6.5 billion, a stable rupee, controlled inflation, lower interest rates, stronger revenue, and progress under the IMF programme and World Bank support. He also noted reforms to improve tax and customs administration, disclosure of large tenders, and ongoing engagement with the United States on tariffs to protect Sri Lankan exporters during the consultation period. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that the Gazette under the Revenue Protection Act, No. 19 of 1962, was part of measures to mobilize revenue while easing restrictions on vehicle imports that had been in place for several years. He noted that several related Gazettes had been issued, with the debate focused on Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/05 of 27 January 2025. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved a resolution, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, seeking parliamentary approval for import duty changes under Section 235 of the Customs Ordinance. The resolution relates to Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2421/05 of 27 January 2025, had received Cabinet approval, and was formally put to the House for consideration. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that rice import policy is aimed at protecting paddy farmers, noting that around 27% of the population depends on paddy cultivation. He said imports are being allowed where necessary, including permits for 200,000 MT of maize for poultry and other industries, and arrangements for beer producers to import their own annual rice requirement. He attributed current pressure on the rice market, particularly Kakulu rice, to animal feed and industrial demand, and said the Government would import required Kakulu quantities directly for those sectors to protect both consumers and industry. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - Land Acquisition in North and East; Ministry Statements on Rice and Finance Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Argued that productivity should be improved and markets opened with appropriate tariffs to promote competition. Proposed levying a tax to cover production costs, suggesting that this would remove the need for minimum guaranteed prices and benefit consumers. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - Land Acquisition in North and East; Ministry Statements on Rice and Finance Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Maha 2024/25 harvest is estimated to be about 200,000 metric tons below expectations and that the matter has been referred to the Food Security Committee to maintain uninterrupted market availability of rice. He said around 65% of stocks comprise Nadu, Samba, Keeri Samba and Red Rice, and noted that while other varieties have adequate verified stocks, the Government may import the required quantity of Keeri Samba if a shortfall arises. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - Land Acquisition in North and East; Ministry Statements on Rice and Finance Read →