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. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning rejected the Opposition Leader’s claim that his earlier answers were contradictory, stating that Sri Lanka had agreed with the IMF to implement a cost-recovery method in line with existing systems and procedures. He also clarified that IMF tranche disbursement follows a formal sequence from Staff-Level Agreement to Executive Board consideration and decision, and said characterizing the timeline as a delay was inaccurate. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Deputy Minister’s claim that electricity tariff increases were not linked to IMF conditions, citing an IMF statement of 29 April 2025 referring to prior actions on electricity cost-recovery pricing and the automatic price adjustment mechanism. He argued that delays to the EFF tranche were connected to these conditions and asked the Government to clearly acknowledge that proposed tariff increases arise from commitments under the IMF agreement, tabling the relevant document. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma outlined government responses on fiscal and tax administration matters, stating that electricity tariffs will continue to follow IMF-agreed cost-recovery procedures, with the CEB and PUCSL handling the next revision. He explained plans to replace SVAT with a risk-based VAT refund mechanism, including backlog clearance, added Inland Revenue Department capacity, and 45-day refund payments for eligible exporters, including SMEs meeting the export threshold. He also detailed VAT application to cross-border digital services from 1 June 2025, a senior citizens’ fixed deposit interest support scheme from July to December 2025, withholding tax rules and relief procedures for minors, and ongoing TIN issuance through online, regional office, and bulk registration methods. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), challenged the Government’s adherence to IMF-related economic policies despite its election pledges to renegotiate a stronger programme. He sought detailed answers on possible electricity tariff increases, the abolition of SVAT and its impact on exporters and SMEs, taxation of foreign digital service providers, and whether these measures stem from IMF conditions. He also asked about protections for vulnerable consumers, senior citizens’ deposit interest rates, withholding tax on children’s accounts, and the process for issuing TINs to those over 18. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning stated that the Government intends to finance Budget investment proposals without new money printing. He said required funds would be raised through improved State revenue collection, including VAT, income tax and other taxes, and any remaining financing gaps would be met through domestic and foreign borrowing in line with public financial management procedures. Oral Question: Currency Printed/Minted Since 2015 (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara asked a supplementary question regarding the financing of the Government’s 2025 Budget, which he described as people-friendly and presented without money printing. He sought clarification from the Deputy Minister on the mechanism by which the Government intends to mobilize funds for proposed investments exceeding Rs. 1,300 billion. Oral Question: Currency Printed/Minted Since 2015 (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Responding on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the member provided figures for currency notes printed and coins minted by the Central Bank from 2015 to the 2024 Presidential Election, including annual totals and totals by the tenure of finance ministers and presidents. He stated that the highest total by ministerial tenure in the period was under Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, and that the totals by presidential tenure were Rs. 1,118.92 billion under Maithripala Sirisena, Rs. 688.85 billion under Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Rs. 442.35 billion under Ranil Wickremesinghe. He also clarified the distinction between physical minting of currency and broader “money printing” through expansion of the monetary base, noting that controlled money creation can accompany economic growth. Oral Question: Currency Printed/Minted Since 2015 (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to provide year-wise details of currency printed or minted from 2015 up to the 2024 Presidential Election. He also requested breakdowns by Minister of Finance and by President, and asked whether any period involved uncontrolled money printing and what adverse effects resulted from such practices. Oral Question: Currency Printed/Minted Since 2015 (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked about Sri Lanka’s response to the Maldives International Financial Centre, noting its tax-free status, absence of exchange controls, and constitutional guarantees for investment. He questioned the current status of Sri Lanka’s Port City financial centre plans and sought clarification on how the Government intends to protect Sri Lanka’s competitive position if the Maldives initiative advances. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake requested detailed data on Sri Lanka’s export totals over the past 20 years in both rupees and US dollars, including exports as a percentage of GDP. He also asked for clarification on impediments affecting exports and the progress of overseas discussions aimed at advancing Sri Lanka’s export sector. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma, responding on behalf of the Finance Minister, provided national accounts, GDP growth projections, export values, main export items, and service export earnings through annexes, noting that service earnings rose to a provisional USD 6,910 million in 2024. He outlined the legal history of export proceeds repatriation, stating that the 1993 exemption was revoked in 2016, requirements continued under the Foreign Exchange Act and later Central Bank rules, and current rules require goods and services exporters to repatriate proceeds within 180 days. He said the Central Bank is developing an Export Proceeds Monitoring System, reported 2022–2024 export proceeds figures, and noted that administrative action for non-compliance can be taken once procedures are finalized. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake requested detailed economic data from the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, including Sri Lanka’s GDP values and growth rates over the past 20 years, projected GDP growth for the next five years, export values as a share of GDP, leading export commodities, and service-sector foreign exchange earnings. He also asked for information on foreign currency retained overseas, the permitted retention period, and any enforcement action taken against violations of exchange control regulations. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa provided details of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s official foreign visits from 2022 to 2024. He stated that there were 23 visits in total, with 426 accompanying persons funded by the Government, and that the total reported expenditure for the visits by the former President and his nominees was Rs. 1,027,168,778.75. He tabled annexes giving details of destinations, objectives, benefits to Sri Lanka, participant purposes, and expenditure. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody said the Government’s objective is to supply electricity to households and industries at the lowest possible cost, but tariff reductions depend on lowering procurement costs. He noted that the CEB has not yet submitted finalized calculations and that any tariff decision will follow PUCSL procedures, likely by early next month. He said the Government is seeking cost reductions, expects the coming wet season may help avoid an increase, and aims to reduce or at least maintain current tariffs despite legacy debts and arrears. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised concerns that high electricity tariffs are burdening consumers, increasing the cost of living, and putting pressure on industries. He questioned whether a further tariff increase was being driven by IMF agreement conditions, asking whether the Government retains control over tariff policy and how it intends to restore such control while protecting national sovereignty. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody outlined the status of several planned wind power projects, including ongoing tendering for two 50 MW plants at Mullikulam, preliminary approvals for the 234 MW Mannar expansion, and completed feasibility work for the 250 MW Pooneryn project with transmission arrangements under way. He said tenders are expected for about 400 MW of wind capacity within the year, while other potential sites remain at the feasibility-study stage. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked whether the Government had called or issued any new tenders or licences for wind power since taking office, particularly after withdrawing from the initial MOU-related Adani project. He noted Sri Lanka’s significant onshore and offshore wind potential in areas such as Mannar and Pooneryn and argued that faster renewable energy deployment could lower tariffs and improve energy security. He requested details on the sites, capacities, and timelines being prepared for competitive tenders. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary The Minister provided detailed data on wind power generation in response to a parliamentary question, stating that 19 privately owned wind plants and one CEB-owned plant supply the National Grid. He listed commissioning dates, installed capacities, and energy delivered by each independent power producer from 2022 to 2024, and noted that the CEB’s Mannar wind plant has a capacity of about 103.5 MW and was fully commissioned in April 2021. He also stated that wind power expansion is planned through the CEB’s Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan, subject to grid absorption capability and regulatory approval. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Energy to provide details on Sri Lanka’s wind power stations, including their number, construction commencement years, installed capacities, and the annual energy supplied to the National Grid from 2022 to 2024 by each station. He also sought information on measures taken to promote wind power generation in the country. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested that the Government report to Parliament on the outcome of discussions with the United States regarding newly imposed tariffs affecting Sri Lanka, following the all-party meeting convened by the President on 10 April. He also asked the Government to inform the House about recent discussions with a European Union delegation concerning GSP+ concessions. Procedural - Interjections on Order of Business Read →