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- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government was managing external economic pressures while restoring growth, reserves, relief measures, and agricultural support. He rejected claims that fertilizer payments were being withheld, stating that subsidies are paid only for cultivated land and that 571,025 farmers had been credited, with the two-hectare subsidy doubled from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000. He outlined fertilizer procurement and distribution at subsidized prices through Agrarian Service Centres and said the Government was reimbursing eligible purchases and extending assistance to intercropping on paddy lands. He also defended the Government’s paddy pricing policy, citing guaranteed prices based on production cost plus 30 percent, and said preparations were underway for possible El Niño/La Niña-related food security risks. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that VAT rules disadvantage domestic input suppliers to exporters compared with imported inputs, while noting that SVAT had helped streamline refunds and that policy should support domestic producers becoming exporters. He questioned the use of forced conversion regulations on export proceeds, saying such crisis-era measures restrict economic freedom and should only be imposed during a declared crisis. He urged the Government, if maintaining the rule, to state in Parliament that it is temporary and set a clear timeframe for removal to preserve market confidence. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that when exporters purchase domestically produced inputs, VAT is charged but later refunded through the SVAT mechanism. He argued that, as a result, VAT on such inputs should not be treated as a production cost for exporters. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva sought clarification on VAT treatment for domestic suppliers selling inputs to exporters. He noted that imported raw materials for exporters are not subject to VAT, but argued that the law passed the previous day appears to impose VAT on locally produced inputs, and asked the Government to state clearly whether domestic suppliers to exporters are exempt. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that new rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act reduce the period exporters may retain export proceeds in foreign currency before converting balances into rupees, while allowing deductions for specified foreign currency obligations such as inputs, debt service, wages, dividends, Treasury investments and supplier payments. He said the measure responds to rupee volatility caused by higher dollar demand from Middle East-related import costs and increased vehicle imports, while noting improved remittances, exports and expected tourism recovery. He also stated that replacing the CESS on imported textiles with VAT would not disadvantage exporters because VAT paid through domestic suppliers is refundable under the SVAT system. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar criticised the Government’s economic management, saying it had failed to apprehend wrongdoers or stabilise the economy. He stated that national debt had increased from US$ 93 billion to US$ 107.28 billion since Anura Kumara Dissanayake became President, and urged the Government to take credible measures to increase dollar earnings, reduce debt, restore investor confidence, and remove unnecessary barriers. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s disaster relief payments in Kolonnawa, alleging that many flood-affected households have not received rent assistance, and criticized delays in filling key public posts. He challenged Government claims on the exchange rate, inflation, fuel costs, IMF targets, reserves, growth, and tourism, citing figures on reserve sales, rising inflation, fuel imports, and weaker-than-targeted reserve and growth projections. He argued that many state-owned enterprises appear profitable only because of monopolies or budgetary support, with losses in entities such as SriLankan Airlines, the CEB, and the Water Board, and called for the Government to focus on regulation, revenue improvement, and fast-tracking investment rather than engaging in commercial activities. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported the foreign exchange Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act as a temporary, calibrated response to recent exchange market volatility linked to higher import costs, especially energy, arising from Middle East conflict. He said the Government’s macroeconomic management, including fiscal consolidation, primary surplus efforts, and an independent Central Bank, had strengthened confidence, while rejecting past practices of artificially fixing the exchange rate and depleting reserves. He explained that the reintroduced rule on export proceeds would require banks to convert only remaining surplus foreign currency after exporters meet legitimate foreign currency needs, with the aim of improving dollar availability without disrupting trade or production. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran argued that foreign exchange policy should focus on incentives for those bringing foreign currency into Sri Lanka, rather than placing constraints on traders. He called for stronger domestic production and import substitution to reduce dollar demand, as well as measures to attract diaspora investment. He also urged investment in school-level infrastructure, including classrooms, computers and reliable internet, to build capacity in knowledge-intensive export sectors such as IT and artificial intelligence. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns about blast and dynamite fishing in the North, alleging inaction by the Fisheries Department and Navy and requesting ministerial attention and corrective measures. Addressing the Monetary Law Act Rules and the Essential Public Services Act Resolution, he said tighter requirements on exporters to repatriate and convert foreign exchange may support reserves and the rupee but could undermine exporter confidence if not temporary. He also criticized domestic stock management, citing large quantities of paddy deteriorating in Northern Province warehouses while scarce foreign exchange is spent on rice imports, and warned that uncleared stocks could affect the next harvest. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister addressed regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act and a resolution under the Essential Public Services Act, while also referring to ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks. He argued that accountability should be pursued through scientific evidence and the courts, rejected political speculation and elite impunity, and stated that investigations into both the Easter attacks and corruption would continue despite obstruction or “theatrics.” On the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, he said public contributions are lawfully received through Treasury accounts and credited to the Consolidated Fund, with expenditure requiring parliamentary authorization, and urged Members not to discourage donors by misrepresenting the mechanism. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter concerning reported hardships faced by Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims in 2026, including shortcomings in food, accommodation, sanitation, Mina camp facilities, and administration. He alleged reduced services despite higher charges, lack of transparency in selecting camps and service providers, inadequate consultation with experienced Hajj agents, and concerns over fund management and extra costs. He requested that the Minister accept the allegations, establish an independent inquiry commission, and appoint an experienced special committee to review arrangements and prevent recurrence. Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said State lands from plantation companies and the LRC have been allocated for public needs, including disaster-related resettlement, through District Coordinating Committees chaired by the President. He stated that lands belonging to Kurunegala and Chilaw Plantations had previously been released unlawfully to politicians and associates, and that legal action is underway to recover them, including 1,604.39 hectares from Kurunegala Plantations. He also said the Government had improved the profitability of both companies and would continue to manage them properly while reclaiming misused lands. Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked about Kurunegala Plantations, noting that its landholding had fallen from 16,300 acres to 12,278 acres while it continued to be taxed as if it held the larger extent. He stated that despite earning a Rs. 634 million special profit and distributing 20 per cent to employees, the company still pays multiple Treasury taxes and 20 per cent withholding tax on dividends, and sought clarification on steps to correct the tax basis. Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Chilaw Plantations Limited granted Rs. 105 million in short-term loans in 2010 to five state-linked institutions at 8 per cent interest, repayable within three years. He reported that no principal or interest has been recovered, and that the outstanding amount as at 31 December 2025 totals Rs. 202,957,808.20, with interest not computed for some loans due to absent or improper agreements. He said the debtor institutions had been repeatedly notified, the matter is before the Ministry Audit Committee, and action is being taken under Public Enterprise Circular 01/2021(i) to write off the loans following guidance from the Department of Public Enterprises. Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake raised a question regarding Chilaw Plantations Limited and loans provided to Government institutions. He sought details on the nature, recipients, and terms of such loans, placing the matter in the context of oversight of state-linked plantation finances. Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon raised Question No. 3 concerning the human-elephant conflict in the Kurunegala District. The matter sought information and action regarding the impact of elephant incursions on local communities and measures being taken to mitigate the conflict. Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva asked whether the Ministry has a comprehensive plan to collect accurate islandwide data on persons with disabilities, including the type and severity of disabilities. He raised concerns about disparities in disability living assistance for North, East and plantation communities, noting that the Budget had allocated funds for a national data collection effort, and asked whether it would be implemented within the year. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that Social Services Officers under Provincial Councils and the central Government play an important role, and that allowance administration is being streamlined through digitization, including use of the Aswesuma data system. He said remaining data are being entered to improve efficiency, while acknowledging that field officers’ travel and office allowances are insufficient. He noted that proposals to increase these allowances have been submitted and action will follow once approval is granted. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva raised concerns about the low travel allowance of Rs. 2,000 for central Government Social Services Officers and disparities with provincial officers. He said these officers are frontline workers supporting persons with disabilities but face difficulties covering their areas, while retirements and departures from service also require regularization. He asked whether the forthcoming Budget could increase travel allowances for central Government Social Services Officers involved in disability assistance. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →