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- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage defended the 2025 allocations for Science and Technology and the Digital Economy, stating that research funding is spread across several ministries and institutions, contrary to claims that only a small amount is allocated for research facilitation. He highlighted increased funding for technology, research, medical research, and digitalization projects, and said past “gene theft” raised accountability concerns. He proposed that Parliament itself adopt digital practices by replacing printed materials with electronic documents and digitizing internal processes, while calling on academics who benefited from free education to support science, technology, and human resource development across the country. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that the Department of Registration of Persons, MOSIP development, and the e-NIC Project all fall under the same Ministry, so there would be no duplication of work. He said the Ministry is evaluating low-cost PVC identity cards, noting that a previous attempt failed due to poor quality and a two-year lifespan, and that any new card should last at least five to ten years to avoid renewal bottlenecks. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged that the proposed digital ID system be developed into a broader “Sri Lanka Stack” similar to India Stack, enabling consent-based digital verification and linked public and private services. He noted concerns about new taxes on software, the need for customized foundational ID services, proper vendor procurement, and legislative changes to support digital infrastructure. He also called for regulation of cross-border e-commerce, including clearing channels and de minimis rules, while expressing support for a MOSIP-based foundational ID under the Ministry of Digital Economy. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva expressed support for building Sri Lanka’s digital public infrastructure, including a biometric-backed digital identity system based on the open-source MOSIP model, and welcomed the involvement of experts such as Dr. Hans Wijesuriya. He argued that a secure unique digital identity could improve authentication, reduce public finance leakages, and better target services and subsidies, rejecting concerns that such systems would transfer biometric data to India by citing the experience of the 1990 Suwa Seriya service. He questioned the parallel effort to issue a new digital version of the existing physical National Identity Card, saying it may be unnecessary and a waste of money if a foundational biometric digital ID system is being developed. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe supported the expenditure head of the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighting the Government’s move to bring 12 science and technology institutions under one ministry for coordinated planning, review, and alignment with policy priorities. He said the Ministry should mobilize Sri Lankan scientists and professionals abroad and apply research, digitalization, and new technology to food security, paddy yield improvement, domestic fertilizer production, export quality, poverty reduction, infrastructure, renewable energy, vehicle accessibility, and health services. He emphasized that science and technology should be used to address the country’s economic and social challenges and to support sustainable improvements in living standards. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake called for value-for-money assessment of the 1.6 million public servants and urged the Government to use digitalization to improve revenue collection, efficiency and economic growth. He proposed tax incentives for digital start-ups, a stronger cashless economy, and wider use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in agriculture, including weather reporting and yield improvement. Citing Bank of Ceylon-supported drone initiatives, he argued that technology-led reforms and industrial automation should be implemented rather than repeatedly discussed, with cross-party focus on national development. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that the allocations for the Digital Economy and Science and Technology Ministries are far too small relative to Sri Lanka’s development needs and urged greater investment in R&D, digitization and technology-enabled public services. He proposed full tax exemptions or enhanced deductions for digital economy and science and technology expenditure, including R&D, software, royalties, hardware and labour costs, citing past incentives and international practice. He called for urgent implementation of a Unique ID system, paperless government, blockchain-based document management, AI adoption, integrated export systems and smart metering at the CEB to reduce inefficiency, corruption and costs. He also said digitization should be used to improve social welfare targeting, public administration and service delivery, while warning that technology must support rather than replace the human element. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Budget’s allocations for industry and the digital economy are central to expanding Sri Lanka’s economy through digital transformation, startup development, and integration into global digital value chains. He outlined measures including a Fund of Funds with IFC, angel investment networks, startup infrastructure, digital nomad visas, IT districts, freelancer registration and banking access, and partnerships with India and Singapore to adopt proven technologies. He said digitalization would also be used to improve productivity in agriculture, fisheries and light manufacturing, expand the tax net, support SMEs, and improve ease of doing business through greater transparency. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Science and Technology, arguing that digitalization is central to clean administration, efficient service delivery, and reducing waste under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. He urged priority action on digitizing local authority revenue and property tax systems, land administration, traffic enforcement and fines, health records, and education-related processes to reduce delays, improve compliance, and increase public-sector efficiency. He said the Government’s first Budget should be assessed in light of current economic constraints and emphasized that resources should be used effectively while gradually extending digital systems across sectors. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined the institutions, funding and policy direction under the Ministry of Science and Technology, noting over Rs. 5,000 million for the Ministry and its agencies, Rs. 1,000 million for an Innovation Fund, and a broader Rs. 20.98 billion Budget allocation for science, technology and innovation. He said the Government would update and adopt the Research and Development Policy through NASTEC, establish national research priorities and a Treasury-linked funding mechanism from 2026, and strengthen commercialization through the National Initiative for Research and Development Commercialization. He also highlighted efforts to engage overseas Sri Lankan scientists, add value to local resources, and commercialize specific research outputs, including supercapacitors for electric vehicles, locally developed antivenom, and agricultural technologies to reduce chemical fertilizer use. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that delays in implementing a Unique Digital ID have weakened tax collection and the repatriation of export proceeds, and urged the Government to prioritize it immediately rather than over a five-year period under “Clean Sri Lanka” allocations. He criticized taxation of digital entrepreneurs, proposing temporary tax exemptions for selected dollar-earning start-ups to encourage growth. He also objected to remarks allegedly threatening professional institutions involved in construction claims, calling for clarification and an apology while defending the sector’s contribution to foreign earnings. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera questioned whether the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Digital Economy match the NPP Government’s policy commitments on research and development. He cited low R&D spending compared with other countries and argued that the Rs. 5 billion allocation is largely recurrent rather than directed to capital formation, innovation, agricultural productivity, or wealth creation. He criticized the Budget as overly shaped by IMF revenue-raising requirements and urged the Government to adopt a more creative strategy to reduce poverty and support the underprivileged. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government has appointed a Cabinet subcommittee and coordinating committees of Secretaries to address the issue of unemployed or underemployed graduates, which requires coordination across several ministries. He said a response would be provided within a week and argued that an immediate, ad hoc answer would not resolve a long-standing problem. He said the process would assess government vacancies, public sector development needs, and the qualifications of affected graduates in order to identify fair and appropriate placements. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 27(2) Question on Graduate Unemployment Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the delay in responding to a Budget-related matter, asking whether the Budget had been prepared without considering the relevant issue. He argued that no additional time should be needed and pressed for an immediate answer. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 27(2) Question on Graduate Unemployment Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa clarified that, during his tenure as Minister of Housing and Construction, the bridge projects in question were funded by the Ministry and implemented through State entities such as SD&CC, not private companies. He stated that the works were halted because the Government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stopped the entire bridge programme after the 2019 Presidential Election. Oral Question: Construction of Liyangastota Bridge (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concern that a project remains halted mid-river despite earlier timelines, creating an unsafe site, and noted media reports that components brought to the site were removed around 25–26 January 2025. He asked how many similar projects across the country remain suspended after large payments have been made. Oral Question: Construction of Liyangastota Bridge (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on three referred instruments: regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, an order under the Finance Acts of 2012 and 2013, and an order under the Regulation of Insurance Industry Act. The report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Committee Reports Presented Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Chairperson of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe presented the Committee’s report on several annual reports and accounts from institutions under the industry and entrepreneurship sector. These included Mantai Salt Limited, the National Paper Company, the National Crafts Council, the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board, and the Industrial Development Board of Ceylon, and the report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Committee Reports Presented Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the North-Western Province has not fully benefited from tourism despite its historical, cultural and natural assets, and outlined plans to develop sites in Kurunegala and Puttalam including Kalpitiya, Wilpattu, Ridi Vihara, Hettikuchchi Vihara and Ethkanda Vihara. He stated that a “North-Western Cultural Quadrangle” project, a provincial tourism master plan, and a national programme to develop 100 attractions with Rs. 10 million per site would support infrastructure, conservation and promotion, with Members invited to nominate sites. He also noted allocations of Rs. 8 million for the master plan and over Rs. 100 million through the Provincial Council, and said the Government intends to expand inclusive and sustainable tourism benefits to communities across the province, including improved access to Wilpattu from the Puttalam side. Adjournment Motion: Development of North-Western Province as a Tourist Destination Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary The speech supported the Adjournment Motion on developing tourism in the North-Western Province, noting its importance to the economy and alignment with the President’s plan to promote tourism around historic cities. It highlighted newly identified and lesser-known attractions linked to ancient capitals, including sites around the Dambadeniya Kingdom such as Raanagala, Thun Dola reservoir, Mahamevna, Bambaragala Rajamaha Vihara, Sangili Bridge, Bhakbelikanda and Maragala. The member said these locations would be given attention in future tourism development and promoted as part of the province’s economic contribution. Adjournment Motion: Development of North-Western Province as a Tourist Destination Read →