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 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to avoid partisan rhetoric and acknowledge past revenue reforms, citing increases in the tax-to-GDP ratio under previous administrations and after 2022. He proposed restoring the VAT registration threshold to Rs. 20 million, removing VAT effects on eggs, implementing point-of-sale systems for wider VAT digitization, and maintaining SVAT protections for exporters and deemed exporters until a real-time refund system is operational. He also called for consistent policy on parate execution, stronger relief for SMEs affected by high interest rates after the bankruptcy declaration, and a stable, credible investment climate supported by local professional expertise alongside IMF engagement. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that at the Committee on Public Finance he and others urged the Government to accept and proceed with the matter, arguing it would benefit the future. He noted that the Government initially refused but later agreed, and emphasized that the advice was given in good faith. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Wijesiri Basnayake supported the VAT (Amendment) Bill, arguing that tax revenue is necessary to fund public services and development while noting Sri Lanka’s low tax-to-GDP ratio and past failures to broaden the tax base or improve collection. He criticized the Opposition for opposing VAT without explaining alternative funding sources and linked current export vulnerabilities to long-term failures in export diversification. He outlined amendments including zero-rating employer-provided meals and transport, reinsurance commissions, and revenue stamps; clarifying VAT treatment of unprocessed agricultural products and the Rs. 60 million turnover threshold; and exemptions for certain aircraft parts, chemical naphtha for CEB power generation, and locally produced milk and yoghurt. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, outlining the history of VAT rate increases and stating that the 2024 increase to 18 per cent was made by the previous administration. He said the amendments aim to address gaps in the VAT regime, raise revenue toward a 2025 target of 15.1 per cent of GDP, and align with the Government’s policy framework. He highlighted exemptions for employer-provided meals and transport, and for domestically produced liquid milk and yoghurt from 1 April 2025, arguing these would support worker welfare, reduce prices, strengthen local dairy production, reduce imports, and assist nutrition. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar warned that Sri Lanka must urgently pursue technical, state-level negotiations with the United States over newly imposed export tariffs, noting the U.S. is Sri Lanka’s largest export market and that the apparel sector, which supports over 300,000 jobs, is particularly exposed. He also urged the Government to ensure compliance with the EU’s 27 conventions to retain GSP+, arguing that losing both U.S. market access and EU preferences would seriously undermine export earnings and fiscal stability. He questioned the detention and subsequent release of a youth at a Colombo luxury mall, linking it to concerns over continued use of the PTA and delays in reform. He supported accelerating trade agreements with India, Thailand, and Pakistan, warning that lower tariffs for regional competitors could shift apparel investment and employment away from Sri Lanka. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Kaushalya Ariyarathne disputed claims that her side opposed discussion of the Singapore FTA at the Committee on Public Finance, saying they only requested more time and later agreed to proceed. She clarified tax and welfare issues, stating that WHT on interest would not apply below Rs. 1.8 million annual interest income upon filing with banks, denied rumours about taxes on remittances and small deposits, said VAT was not increased on eggs, and urged dairy producers to pass on VAT removals for milk and yoghurt. She also said Aswesuma coverage is budgeted to expand to 1.7 million families, with the Welfare Benefits Board reviewing exclusions and new applications. On the PTA, she said the Government opposes its misuse, intends to repeal and replace it with new legislation, but is currently using existing law for investigations pending that framework. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that the Government had previously resisted trade agreements such as the Singapore FTA, CEPA, ETCA and MCC while now blaming others for weak export diversification. He criticized the proposed withdrawal of SVAT, saying VAT refunds would tie up exporters’ working capital, especially for SMEs, and contended that the issue could have been better negotiated with the IMF. He warned that the 44 per cent U.S. tariff, combined with domestic tax burdens and para-tariffs, could harm factories and jobs, and called for trade liberalization, engagement with all parties, and integration with global markets. He also referenced the upcoming EU GSP+ review and urged attention to human rights and PTA reform commitments. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that the proposed VAT amendment should be deferred in light of the United States’ 44 per cent tariff on Sri Lankan exports, which he said could threaten export markets, factory operations, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. He said export manufacturers would face added pressure from VAT obligations and delays in receiving refunds or credits, particularly when demand and prices are already affected by the tariff shock. He requested that the vote on the Bill be postponed for a limited period to give exporters and SMEs time to adjust, warning that immediate implementation could worsen business closures and job losses. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj supported the Bill, describing VAT reform and effective tax collection as necessary for economic stability, national production, and the welfare of workers, farmers, consumers, and traders. He argued that previous tax systems allowed politically connected persons to evade obligations while ordinary citizens bore the burden, and linked the reform agenda to broader accountability measures and the Government’s response to international economic pressures, including U.S. tariff policy. He also criticised some Tamil representatives for rhetoric rather than development proposals, referred to Pillayan’s arrest and past disappearances in the East, and urged Eastern Province MPs to bring substantive plans for post-war rebuilding and regional development. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe addressed the VAT (Amendment) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka should improve VAT collection efficiency rather than raise rates, by expanding registration, reducing evasion, plugging leakages, introducing VAT on foreign digital services, and implementing digital systems such as POS reporting. He said SVAT changes had been deferred to October to address exporter concerns through faster digital refunds, and described SME debt relief measures, concessional credit lines, credit guarantees, and ongoing oversight to support business revival. He also stated that Sri Lanka should negotiate rather than retaliate over new U.S. tariffs, pursue trade diversification, reduce public spending waste, and use recent legal reforms to strengthen Inland Revenue enforcement and scrutiny of politically connected assets. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Condolences were offered on the death of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira before raising concerns over the impact of new U.S. tariffs, including a reported 44 per cent tariff affecting apparel exports and wider risks to logistics, ports, IMF targets, employment and investment. Namal Rajapaksa urged the Government to pursue direct negotiations, prepare for broader macroeconomic effects, and consider tax administration relief such as SVAT-related measures to protect industry cash flows. He also called for implementation of the election pledge to remove VAT on rooftop solar electricity bills and requested clear information on which local authorities will proceed with elections scheduled for 6 May. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi said the VAT (Amendment) Bill corrects deficiencies and technical issues arising from the 01.01.2024 Gazette while aligning VAT policy with the Government’s policy statement and Budget. He highlighted exemptions or corrections relating to employee welfare benefits such as subsidized meals and transport, stamp face value, reinsurance-related commissions and settlements, agricultural products, and electricity generation inputs, while regularizing VAT on aircraft spare parts to secure revenue. He argued that the amendments are intended to make VAT fairer, reduce burdens passed on to workers and policyholders, and improve revenue administration. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill’s removal of VAT on employee transport, meals, stamp-related services and reinsurance, but said Sri Lanka’s export sector faces serious risks from proposed U.S. tariffs, particularly apparel-dependent employment in districts such as Batticaloa. He asked the Government to present clear contingency plans, support SMEs, diversify export products and markets, and respond to pending district-level investment and development proposals. He also urged reconsideration of a proposed high-security prison on a Batticaloa island identified for tourism development, and requested action on unresolved security arrangements for Members of Parliament. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, stating that they seek to broaden the VAT base, address gaps in digital services taxation, and improve revenue collection while creating parity between domestic and foreign providers. He said reforms to SVAT and refund mechanisms, including planned system improvements before implementation in October 2025 and a 45-day refund limit for exporters, are intended to reduce fraud, protect cash flow, and support employment. He also addressed concerns over U.S. tariffs, noting their potential impact on Sri Lankan exports and the need for bilateral engagement, while clarifying that the egg tax was not new and that employer-provided meals and transport would be zero-rated for VAT purposes. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined amendments to the VAT Act and related Inland Revenue Act provisions to correct issues arising from VAT changes introduced on 1 January 2024, align measures with the Government’s programme, and make clarificatory drafting changes. He said the Bill removes or clarifies VAT treatment for employer-provided meals and transport, unused stamps, certain reinsurance transactions, aircraft engines and parts, agricultural product definitions including eggs, and chemical naphtha used by the CEB. He also stated that VAT relief has been secured for domestic liquid milk and yoghurt, urged producers to pass on the benefit to consumers, proposed VAT for non-resident digital service suppliers to ensure parity, and described plans to digitize and risk-manage the SVAT system with time-bound exporter refunds. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the size and cost of Sri Lanka’s public service, stating that salaries and pensions in 2024 accounted for about 39 per cent of Government revenue, and argued that past recruitment outside approved procedures had created staffing imbalances, underutilization, and higher administrative costs. He said Cabinet restrictions imposed during the fiscal crisis limited recruitment to essential posts, while recent Cabinet decisions established committees to review staffing, approve essential recruitment, and redeploy excess staff. Under Budget 2025, he said the Government will fill 30,000 essential vacancies through merit- and competency-based open competitive recruitment, with Rs. 10 billion allocated, and that approvals have already been granted for 18,853 vacancies, including 3,147 Nursing Officers. He also linked youth unemployment to pressure for State jobs and proposed broader responses such as skills development, university programme review, rural job creation, entrepreneurship support, and expanded childcare facilities. Ministerial Statement and Privilege Question; Procedural Motions Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to act in the national interest by engaging immediately with bipartisan U.S. Senators and House members involved in drafting legislation to limit the U.S. President’s unilateral tariff powers. He presented this as a brief proposal for diplomatic and legislative engagement. Ministerial Statement: SO 27(2) Question to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka should proactively engage members of the US Senate and House Sri Lanka Caucuses to address tariffs unilaterally imposed by the US administration. He said these concerns were foreseeable following President Trump’s election platform on retaliatory tariffs, and noted that bipartisan efforts in the US Senate were reportedly underway to restrict presidential authority to impose such tariffs. Ministerial Statement: SO 27(2) Question to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa thanked the Government for announcing a limited suspension of Parate Law action but urged debt restructuring for NPL and CRIB-listed borrowers and working capital support for over 260,000 affected MSMEs. Raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), he asked for details of the Government’s response to the United States’ 44 per cent retaliatory tariff on Sri Lankan exports, including engagement with any Sri Lanka caucuses in the US Congress, progress by the appointed delegation, and a formal action plan to be presented to Parliament. He also sought information on export market diversification, FDI promotion, and whether the Government would renegotiate the 2028 external debt repayment profile with the IMF and creditors if tariffs adversely affect exports and growth. Ministerial Statement: SO 27(2) Question to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister responded that questions relating to art centres under Provincial Cultural Departments fall within Provincial Council responsibility and were therefore not included in his answer. He stated that Rs. 6.74 million was spent in 2024 as grants of Rs. 20,000 each to 337 Divisional Secretariats for divisional-level national competition activities, but acknowledged that this allocation is inadequate. He said the Department had provided the maximum possible within Treasury limits and indicated that, with a larger Rs. 3.5 billion allocation to the Ministry this year, he hopes to direct more funds toward cultural centre development. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →