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- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s economic-management approach, arguing that routine State participation in production and supply control should give way to competition, crisis-only intervention, and a clear choice of economic model. He scrutinized the Budget under the Public Financial Management Act, citing revenue, expenditure, debt, interest, deficit and capital-spending targets, and asked whether first-quarter capital expenditure had actually been implemented. He called for credible savings from promised cuts to be redirected to capital investment, stronger revenue measures, and faster investor approvals through legal deadlines or deemed approvals, while referring to policy examples from India, China and other fast-growing economies. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi defended the Ministry of Finance expenditure proposals, arguing that past UNP, SLFP, SLPP and Yahapalana administrations were responsible for long-term economic mismanagement and bankruptcy. He said the National People’s Power Government under President Anura Dissanayake is pursuing short-, medium- and long-term plans to stabilize the economy, reduce regional disparities, eradicate rural poverty, strengthen welfare, and restore dignity to the armed forces. He also cited public sector salary and increment increases as measures to improve purchasing power and support the Budget’s goals on production and exports. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa questioned whether the Government’s 2025 Budget and tax policy are aligned with an import-dependent revenue model rather than an export- and services-led growth strategy. He argued that projected revenues are heavily absorbed by interest payments, leaving limited fiscal space for development, and asked how the Government intends to achieve higher growth and attract investment within or beyond the IMF framework. He sought clarification on funding for digital transformation, renewable energy approvals, agriculture investment, and the proposed US$ 5 billion IT/services economy, while criticizing the imposition of taxes on previously zero-rated sectors. He also demanded details on the mechanism for taxing cross-border digital payments and e-commerce from 1 April, including who would be liable and how global platforms would be registered or compelled to collect taxes. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Budget as a shift from neoliberal policies to a development-oriented state role, arguing that the Government is managing IMF-related constraints while improving tax collection, reducing waste, and prioritizing expenditure to support recovery. He cited salary increases, welfare spending, capital expenditure, digital transformation, transport investment, SME support, skills development, and R&D as measures to stimulate demand and strengthen production. He said the Government would not pursue wholesale privatization of SOEs, instead using PPPs and strategic investment, while encouraging FDI in areas such as energy, the blue economy, and industrial parks. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan argued that decades of poor fiscal management, planning failures and ethnic conflict had weakened Sri Lanka’s economy, citing tax cuts, the fertiliser ban, continued import dependence and post-war stagnation. He urged the new Government to address past mistakes, complete 3,325 unfinished State-funded houses in Batticaloa District by allocating the revised requirement of Rs. 2,724.79 million, and provide fair support to flood-affected farmers. He also called for justice and meaningful redress for over 4,000 cases of enforced disappearance, rejecting inadequate compensation as insufficient for affected Tamil families. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said ongoing investigations into past misuse of public funds would continue, with the aim of uncovering transactions and punishing those responsible. He outlined reforms at the Department of Import and Export Control, including digital licensing, stronger regulatory checks for food and agricultural safety, and support for a broader digital economy. He said the Government is developing a National Tariff Policy to provide stable, transparent taxation, protect domestic industries and agriculture, prevent dumping, manage trade and foreign exchange pressures, and attract foreign direct investment. He also noted work on anti-dumping and countervailing regulations and criticized the Opposition’s limited attendance during the debate. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the debate covered 23 institutions under the Ministry of Finance and urged fuller Opposition participation, while noting matters linked to the Department of Import and Export Control and the Department of Trade and Investment Policies. He stated that unresolved issues in the Finance portfolio, including aspects of the 2015 Central Bank bond scam, require further investigation by the current Government. He said inquiries were examining alleged payments through a jointly operated Seylan Bank account, 156 cheques, and possible indirect payments to politicians via wine stores, with names and evidence to be disclosed as investigations proceed. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon defended the Budget as necessarily based on prior-year allocations while accounting for recurring expenditure and ongoing projects, rejecting criticism that it lacks novelty. He highlighted a 64 percent increase in public servants’ basic salaries and argued that the Budget aims to expand production, demand, investment, and growth. He emphasized support for MSMEs, citing Rs. 38.6 billion for sector development, Rs. 20 billion for financing to be expanded up to Rs. 50 billion through state banks, measures to revive distressed enterprises, and the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Institution Limited to address collateral constraints. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Ministry of Finance expenditure head, arguing that past economic mismanagement, excessive borrowing, and inequitable taxation led to the crisis and poverty, and that the current Budget sets out a corrective economic roadmap. He said the Budget aims to expand the economy by directing funds to rural roads, industries, jobs, education and health, while ensuring any borrowing is used for productive investment rather than burdening future generations. He highlighted proposed allocations for education and health, plans to revive paper and sugar factories and use Eppawala phosphate, and cited a US$3.7 billion Chinese investment for an oil refinery as evidence of the Government’s development approach. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka must achieve at least 5 percent growth by 2028 to support debt sustainability and resumed debt repayment, but said the Government had not presented clear sectoral plans for industry, agriculture, services, exports or investment. He questioned whether the Government was following IMF directions without an independent economic programme, citing unresolved promises on EPF/ETF losses from domestic debt restructuring and renegotiation with creditors. He also demanded relief for retirees through higher interest income, questioned the increase in Withholding Tax, and asked whether the absence of jobs for about 35,000 graduates was linked to IMF-driven public sector cuts. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government has violated commitments in its policy document “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” regarding economic management. He said the promised new Debt Sustainability Agreement had not materialized and criticized the Government for continuing the previous administration’s IMF, bilateral, and bondholder arrangements, which he claimed place excessive burdens on ordinary people. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma outlined the 2025 Budget’s revenue, expenditure and financing framework, citing total expenditure including debt service of Rs. 8,835 billion, projected revenue of Rs. 5,042 billion, and a financing requirement to be met through domestic and external borrowing. He said Budget implementation would be coordinated through Finance Ministry departments and emphasized new debt management arrangements, including the Public Debt Management Office and related committees, to improve transparency and reduce reliance on costly commercial borrowing. He also addressed allegations related to past bond matters, saying any documents should be tabled fully rather than selectively. Referring to the forthcoming Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, he said changes on SVAT and withholding tax would be implemented with digital systems and safeguards to avoid cash flow burdens and ensure efficient credits or refunds. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified the distinction in tax law between individuals and corporate entities, noting that “person” can include individuals, companies, and bodies corporate. He stated that while the discussion had focused on individuals exporting services, companies are subject to a standard 30 percent corporate tax rate, with a 15 percent rate applying to service exports, and said these categories should be considered separately. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva noted that the Bill includes the relevant provision but raised concern about a tax inconsistency. He argued that applying a 15 percent rate to individuals in one context while personal income tax rates rise up to 36 percent could result in the same person being taxed differently under “corporate-like” and personal tax treatment. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified a question on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, stating that Clause 3(a) provides a maximum 15 percent tax rate for certain receipts and profits of individuals from 1 April 2025. He added that companies are separately taxed at 15 percent on export of services income as part of taxable income for years of assessment commencing on or after that date, distinguishing the individual and corporate provisions. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the Budget debate should give greater scrutiny to revenue measures and borrowings, including tabling the ISB restructuring agreement and examining bilateral debt clauses, comparability of treatment, and protections for domestic stakeholders such as the EPF. He said the Government had largely continued the previous administration’s IMF-linked debt restructuring programme despite earlier criticism of borrowing, and called for more rigorous parliamentary processes on debt, including possible constitutional reforms. He also questioned revenue policy implementation, citing cigarette excise calibration and casino taxation as areas where, in his view, weak design or enforcement was causing avoidable revenue losses. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Valaichchenai paper factory, occupying 330 acres and inactive since 2014, has resumed operations after machinery repairs and the appointment of a new Board. He stated production is about 200 tons per month, with targets of 300 tons from April and 500 tons within the year, while the factory has reached break-even or operating profit. He outlined plans for a packaging materials plant through the Industrial Development Board, multi-product zones, and technology upgrades through public–private–people partnerships to expand employment beyond the current 120 workers. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified that 2025 revenue projections rely on both improved tax efficiency and a broader, fairer tax base, and said his earlier remarks had been misinterpreted. He defended the proposed tax refund mechanism, stating that persons earning below Rs. 1.8 million would avoid withholding through declarations while higher earners could claim credits, with technology used to address implementation issues. He also explained that fixed interest schemes such as the previous 15 percent rate are not permanent and depend on macroeconomic conditions, arguing that the current additional three percent support is a targeted and affordable measure as rates decline. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on withholding tax, stating that it is a method of collecting income tax at source rather than a separate tax, and explaining that the withholding rate on interest income has been raised from 5 percent to 10 percent in line with revenue and IMF programme commitments. He said individuals below the Rs. 1.8 million annual tax-free threshold can reclaim the deduction or avoid it through a declaration to banks, with the same facility available for children’s savings through guardians. He also outlined Budget 2025 measures for senior citizens, including an additional 3 percent interest on fixed deposits up to Rs. 1 million from 1 July 2025 and existing concessions on medicine purchases at state pharmacies. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Asked whether the Government will simplify procedures for reclaiming withholding tax, including on children’s savings accounts, and clarify whether such deposits are exempt. He urged the reintroduction of a 15 per cent interest rate for senior citizens’ deposits up to Rs. 2 million, as provided under previous governments, arguing that the proposed effective rate of 10.5 per cent is insufficient. He also sought a mechanism for senior citizens to obtain medicines at concessional prices from state pharmacies and, if possible, private pharmacies. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →