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- 19 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Government’s rice import process, citing media reports of credit terms, inspection requirements, and four failed tenders. He argued that imports made at an exchange rate of Rs. 292 still resulted in higher retail rice prices than in 2023 when the dollar was Rs. 320, causing losses to consumers. He also alleged that the President’s decision to raise millers’ margins by Rs. 10 per kilogram for 100 days gave millers Rs. 6.5 billion in additional profit at the public’s expense. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Minister on rice price controls, noting that varieties such as Keeri Samba were being sold above the controlled price and warning that similar increases had preceded wider price spikes. He argued that household rice expenditure from October to January had risen by about Rs. 16 billion compared with the previous year, placing an additional burden on the public. He also asked whether, during an estimated 70,000 MT shortfall, the Indian High Commission had proposed a Government-to-Government rice supply arrangement and whether the Government had imposed conditions on it. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said rice supply remains strained because government stocks were empty when the administration took office and the Maha harvest is now expected to fall from 2.98 million to about 2.4 million metric tonnes due to weather and floods. He stated that although the Government’s policy is not to import rice except in a natural calamity or disaster, imports may be required if shortages affect the market, while prices will be kept within controlled levels. He outlined measures to stabilize the market, including State bank loan facilities of Rs. 10 billion for small and medium millers and Rs. 15 billion, potentially rising to Rs. 45 billion, for large millers, alongside government purchasing of paddy as harvesting begins in major producing districts. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Minister’s handling of rice price controls, arguing that the Government’s claim about lacking paddy or rice stocks did not justify continued price increases and that coordination with the PMB and Sathosa was required. Citing Department of Census and Statistics weekly price data, he compared late 2023/early 2024 prices with late 2024/early 2025 prices and said Red Nadu, White Kekulu, and Red Kekulu had risen substantially since the current Government took office. He asked how prices could be controlled with only Rs. 5 billion allocated for paddy procurement and alleged that actual procurement covered only a very small share of national rice needs, while some varieties were already being sold above controlled prices. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan said the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development has a central responsibility to ensure continuous, safe food supply at fair prices, in line with the NPP policy programme. He argued that institutions such as Sathosa and the cooperative sector had been weakened by losses, fraud and mismanagement under previous administrations, citing Sathosa’s Rs. 2 billion losses, 66 disputed transactions, and examples from Puttalam, Arachchikattuwa and Wennappuwa. He said the Government would rebuild and regulate Sathosa and cooperatives, use initiatives such as “G 88000” to deliver relief, organize supply chains including fisheries, investigate wrongdoing, and hold those responsible accountable. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. S. Sri Bachanandaraja AI summary Hon. S. Sri Bachanandaraja called for the revival of the cooperative sector in Jaffna District, citing decline due to politicization, mismanagement, maladministration, and unqualified appointments. He requested reopening the Cooperative Training College at Poontottam, resolving encroachment on land allocated in Kurunagar, strengthening the Consumer Affairs Authority, and providing financial or concessionary loan support to restore non-functional cooperative societies. He also urged that Northern Province economic centres be made operational, the Jaffna City Market be rebuilt with support from the Chamber of Commerce and diaspora organizations, and a dedicated jetty be provided to supply Jaffna’s island communities. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to extend Budget relief beyond Aswesuma beneficiaries by reducing VAT on essential goods as promised, and criticised its handling of the rice market, including delayed imports, retention of import duties during shortages, and price controls that he said benefited large millers. He called for stronger state market intervention through institutions such as Sathosa, Lak Sathosa and the STC, and asked the Government to present concrete three- and six-month progress reports on its economic programme. He also rejected allegations made against Hon. Sajith Premadasa regarding cement privatization, questioned the presentation and funding of investment zones such as Bingiriya, and predicted strong Samagi Jana Balawegaya performance in upcoming local government bodies. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned the allocation for a Rs. 2,500 subsidy, stating that Rs. 1.5 billion would cover about 600,000 packs rather than the expected 800,000. He highlighted a possible shortfall in the subsidy provision and implied the need for clarification on the funding calculation. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified that the Government will provide a relief goods pack to over 800,000 applicants awaiting Aswesuma assessment, offering items worth over Rs. 5,000 for Rs. 2,500. He stated that Cabinet had increased the allocation from Rs. 1,000 million to Rs. 1,500 million on the Food Security Committee’s request, with the Finance Minister to present the amendment, and that Lanka Sathosa had completed supplier and tender arrangements pending a Treasury advance. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned the Government’s proposed Rs. 1 billion allocation for essential food relief packs during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year season. He asked for clarification on the intended beneficiaries, including whether the relief would go to Aswesuma recipients, workers, office staff, or the wider public. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Government’s performance under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, arguing that it had halted corruption and was rebuilding institutions weakened or mismanaged under previous administrations. He said the Government was reviving the CWE, strengthening Lanka Sathosa by recruiting staff and expanding outlets, increasing the Consumer Affairs Authority cadre, and intervening to restore confidence in the cooperative sector. He also referred to measures on food security, alleged past misuse of the Mahapola Scholarship Trust, and a proposal to raise university student stipends from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 7,500. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif argued that Sri Lanka should expand and add value to export crops and highland produce, including cinnamon, clove, coffee, tea, jackfruit, durian, guava and rambutan, by allocating suitable state and private lands to cultivators and supporting value-added processing. He criticized previous government decisions that he said caused losses at Lanka Sathosa, including high-rent premises and unresolved supply issues, and called for a commission and audit of Sathosa outlets. He also claimed the previous government’s areca nut imports harmed local growers, said the current government had halted such imports, and demanded that Hon. Archuna apologize and withdraw remarks he described as false and prejudicial toward Muslim marriages. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, speaking during the debate on the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development’s expenditure, urged the Government to reduce taxes and prevent the announced increase in milk powder prices, particularly ahead of Ramadan and the Sinhala-Hindu New Year. He argued that high prices of rice, coconuts and other essentials were worsening living conditions, and called for Sathosa and cooperative networks to be expanded so lower prices reach rural consumers. He also raised concerns about alcohol price increases encouraging illicit liquor, asked for legal action against corruption without exception, and urged the Government to handle graduate job protests and recent law-and-order incidents democratically and firmly. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake said the cooperative sector, under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, has extensive membership, assets and outlets but is weakened by losses, poor management and corruption. He contrasted Sri Lanka’s cooperatives with successful international models such as India’s Amul and New Zealand’s Fonterra, arguing that cooperatives could support a production-based economy if properly governed. He called for the Ministry, the Department of Cooperative Development, the Cooperative Employees Commission and NICD Polgolla to prepare a strategic plan to revive the sector, and invited Opposition MPs to support the effort. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan argued during the Committee Stage debate on Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development that Sri Lanka lacks adequate domestic food standards, export facilitation systems, and implementation of food safety protocols. He said policy remains too focused on imports rather than ensuring safe and nutritious food throughout the production-to-consumption chain. He also raised concern that closed paddy storage warehouses and control of rice distribution by “mafias” are undermining food security and fair returns. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama said Sri Lanka had often failed to gain sufficient benefits from trade agreements due to weak negotiation capacity and a lack of domain expertise, including in relation to WTO and TRIPS opportunities. He highlighted the need to protect and promote local products through Geographical Indications and trademarks, noting the recent GI recognition for Ceylon Cinnamon and consideration of accession to the Madrid Protocol. He also stated that budget allocations had been made to strengthen the Intellectual Property Office, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, and standards and accreditation laboratories to improve product safety, consumer confidence, and market access. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government would consider the proposal but preferred to build domestic institutional capacity through coordination among the Department of Commerce, the Ministry, the Treasury, and the Foreign Ministry rather than hiring paid foreign consultants. He noted that discussions with the United States, Sri Lanka’s largest single export market, had already been initiated for September, and said Parliament would be kept informed while welcoming cross-party support. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that the Ministry must strengthen consumer protection, trade promotion, food security policy, and support for MSMEs through better laws, enforcement, market access, infrastructure, innovation, and public–private collaboration. He questioned whether the official poverty line reflects current living costs, criticized the Aswesuma beneficiary selection process as insufficiently evidence-based, and called for a fairer, data-driven approach. He urged durable debt resolution and rehabilitation for MSMEs affected by recent economic shocks, rather than only suspending parate execution. He also asked the Government to clarify its trade policy and negotiating capacity, proposed a Sri Lanka Trade Representative mechanism, and called for strategies to retain EU GSP Plus and restore US GSP access while also considering broader well-being indicators such as Gross National Happiness. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to issues raised during the Committee Stage debate, outlining reforms across institutions under the Trade Ministry, especially Lak Sathosa, including closing or relocating loss-making outlets, opening 150 new shops based on surveys, recruiting staff transparently, investigating past malpractices, and enforcing supplier quality controls. He said the Government retained the rice import duty imposed by the previous administration to balance farmer protection and consumer interests, and cited price reductions at Sathosa compared with March 2024. He also highlighted savings from revised STC ammonium nitrate procurement, a 50 per cent increase in the Mahapola scholarship from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500, and the need to address the status of SLIIT in relation to Mahapola land and prior Cabinet decisions. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Moved a token cut under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development and urged investigations into alleged corruption, particularly in Sathosa, citing past complaints to CIABOC and the CID and specific concerns over a December 2024 rice procurement tender, the Acting CEO’s dual role, and the transfer of an official who alerted auditors. He criticised the Government for not fulfilling campaign pledges to remove VAT on essential goods and the fuel levy, and argued that rice import duties, controlled price increases, and rising milk powder and consumer prices had worsened the cost of living. Citing national and Colombo consumer price data and Health Ministry nutrition indicators, he said households were cutting food consumption because essential non-food costs could not be reduced, and called for VAT removal and price reductions on essentials. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →