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- 8 March 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe sought clarification on the extent of authority over the banking sector following the Central Bank Governor’s statement that the Bank can only guide, not direct, private or other banks. He asked whether the Minister can direct the Central Bank, whether the Central Bank acts independently in its decision-making, and whether it has powers to influence or control other banks. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha stated that while direct intervention is limited, the Central Bank has authority to guide banks and financial institutions and is monitoring gaps in the system. He noted that banks may adjust to changes in statutory and policy rates with a time lag, with State banks likely to respond sooner than private banks. He added that Central Bank oversight should operate alongside market mechanisms, including money supply, demand, and the revival of economic activity. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe sought clarification from the Deputy Minister on the Central Bank’s role in directing banks on interest rates and related decisions. He referred to statements by the Deputy Minister and the Central Bank Governor that the Central Bank cannot issue such directives, indicating concern over the extent of regulatory authority in this matter. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha clarified that IMF-related benchmarks are part of a collaborative programme rather than mandatory dictates, and said Sri Lanka can discuss or renegotiate implementation if unforeseen circumstances arise. He stated that the September structural benchmark concerns establishing an effective VAT refund system, and noted that the IMF Managing Director had reaffirmed continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. He also said initial stakeholder consultations had begun on using technology such as ASYCUDA, point-of-sale systems and e-invoicing to improve VAT refunds. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Deputy Minister’s response on SVAT but urged that it should not be removed until a reliable VAT refund mechanism is operational, preferably through a point-of-sale approach rather than further bureaucracy. He argued that delays in linking ASYCUDA with 34 government institutions and high interest rates compared to regional competitors undermine exporters and economic growth. He also said IMF-related timelines should not dictate policy and called for coordination with the Central Bank to align monetary policy with government revenue and growth objectives. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Finance Minister, Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the removal of the SVAT scheme is not being undertaken abruptly, noting earlier proposals in the 2017 Budget and ongoing stakeholder consultations, training, IT upgrades, and a planned simulation by end-June to test the VAT refund process. He acknowledged exporters’ cash flow concerns but said SVAT had been misused and would not be abolished until a smooth, technology-supported refund system is in place. He also said interest rates should decline gradually through market conditions, with the Central Bank monitoring lending rates, and that tax reform would aim for a transparent VAT system with minimal avoidance rather than planning around expected evasion. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the planned abolition of the Simplified VAT system in September 2025, warning that doing so without a reliable VAT refund mechanism could harm exporters’ cash flow, competitiveness and the Government’s US$ 19 billion export target. He asked the Minister of Finance whether exporters and business chambers had been consulted, what measures would guarantee timely refunds, and whether abolition would be postponed until a modernized and tested refund system is in place. He also questioned high commercial bank interest rates, possible expenditure-based tax relief for exporters, and the Government’s estimate of annual revenue lost through tax evasion. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 QUESTION BY PRIVATE NOTICE AI summary A Private Notice Question was raised regarding the proposed abolition of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system. The question sought clarification from the Government on the rationale, timing, and potential impact of removing SVAT, particularly on exporters and businesses currently using the scheme, and asked what alternative mechanisms or safeguards would be introduced to prevent cash-flow difficulties and delays in VAT refunds. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Read →
- 8 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Marking International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to women’s struggles in Sri Lanka and noted the increased presence and voice of women in politics, including the 22 women MPs from the National People’s Power. She highlighted Sri Lanka’s low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Report, the limited representation of women in Parliament, and the gap between women’s high educational attainment and low labour force participation. She argued that unpaid care work must be treated as a social and national policy issue, calling for stronger social protection and services such as day-care, elder-care, public transport, health and education to support women’s participation and equality. Statement on International Women's Day Read →
- 8 March 2025 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that 118 employees at Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited had been recruited outside the approved cadre and procedure, including due to political preferences during the election period, and therefore had not been paid salaries. He said the company has sought approval from the Department of Public Enterprises to fill 118 approved labourer posts, after which the current casual workers will be placed properly, initially on contract from March, with no intention to terminate them. He added that payments outside the approved cadre would create audit issues and that job security would be ensured once formal approval is received. Oral Question: Casual Labourers Recruited to Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited (Q.444/2025) Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development about casual labourers recruited to Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited, Pulmudai, from 1 July 2024, who had allegedly not received salaries or allowances. He sought clarification on the reasons for non-payment, the steps to pay outstanding dues, and measures to ensure their job security. Oral Question: Casual Labourers Recruited to Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited (Q.444/2025) Read →
- 8 March 2025 CASUAL LABOURERS RECRUITED TO CEYLON MINERAL SANDS LIMITED: NON-PAYMENT OF SALARIES AI summary A question was raised regarding casual labourers recruited to Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited and the alleged non-payment of their salaries. The matter sought clarification on the status of these workers’ payments and any action being taken to resolve the issue. Oral Question: Casual Labourers Recruited to Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited (Q.444/2025) Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof highlighted that over 100,000 people rely on the Kinniya and Mutur hospitals and questioned whether the Provincial Council can adequately maintain them. He suggested that bringing the hospitals under the Central Government would make maintenance easier, and asked for the prompt appointment of a Medical Superintendent to fill the vacancy at Mutur hospital. Oral Question: Mutur and Kinniya Hospitals: Physical Resources and Staff (Q.428/2025) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, moved Committee Stage amendments to the Appropriation Bill, 2025 for the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. The amendments increased the Ministry’s total capital allocation to Rs. 101.25 billion and raised Head 123, Programme 02 capital expenditure by Rs. 3.25 billion to Rs. 98.253 billion, incorporating provisions under Budget Proposals Nos. 18, 20, 25 and 30. The related recurrent and capital expenditure votes for Head 123 were put to the Committee and agreed to. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Moved Committee Stage amendments to the Appropriation Bill, 2025, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, revising allocations for the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Civil Aviation. The amendments increase the Ministry’s capital provision to Rs. 435.1 billion, including an additional Rs. 13 billion under Head 117 and Rs. 1.1 billion under Head 306, with allocations linked to specified Budget Proposals. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that revisions to hydrated lime standards and the tender process predated the current administration, that a non-compliant consignment was rejected and not used in water purification, and that batch testing accounts for natural variations in limestone-derived products. He outlined the Ministry’s 2025 priorities in sustainable urban and rural planning, noting Rs. 180.9 billion allocated across water, housing, urban development and waste management, with most funds for capital expenditure. He announced city branding initiatives under the Clean Sri Lanka Programme and detailed housing plans, including Rs. 39.2 billion for housing and construction and Rs. 3,054 million through the National Housing Development Authority to support low-income housing and complete some of the 45,117 unfinished houses begun in earlier years. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha outlined the Budget allocations for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, and Urban Development, Construction and Housing, emphasizing that most funds are directed to capital expenditure for infrastructure development. He detailed major allocations for expressways, national and rural road rehabilitation, bridges including the Vattuvakal Bridge, railways, ports, airports, the Motor Traffic Department, and maritime services, while noting that some capital funds will settle legacy debts. He also highlighted the large capital allocation for urban development, housing, water supply and sanitation, arguing that these expenditure heads prioritize foundational infrastructure and long-term development. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said transport should be treated as an economic service that lowers production, commuting and logistics costs, rather than as a profit centre, and described the Rs. 483 billion allocation as part of a strategy to improve national competitiveness. He outlined proposals to optimize buses, trains, highways and waterways; expand rail freight, courier services, advertising, parking integration and value-added services; and use transport-related land, buildings and workshops as revenue-generating assets. He cited allocations for roads, bridges, railways, ports and airports, and said dry ports such as in the Wathupitiwala/Wayangoda area would be developed with Customs facilities to reduce Colombo Port congestion and support production zones. He invited Opposition and public input, arguing that transport planning must be aligned with production and economic revival. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi said the Government would consider constructive Opposition proposals on transport while arguing that past administrations had weakened the SLTB and Railways through political interference. He outlined ongoing work through the Ministry’s advisory subcommittees, including policy measures to regulate unorganised transport sectors such as three-wheelers, school transport, office transport, and self-employed drivers, with attention to worker welfare and commuter safety. He said the Government would regularise SLTB administration, address recruitment and procurement issues, implement salary revisions under Circular 6/2006, and improve service quality. He also referred to upgrades to Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations under Clean Sri Lanka, plans to modernise the Railway Department and Ratmalana Railway Training Institute, and the need to address the shortfall between required and operating SLTB buses. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB AI summary T. B. Sarath stated that the Government intends to recover State losses arising from past allocations of State property that had received Cabinet and parliamentary approval. He said further allocations have been stopped, noting that of 76 units requested, 26 had been granted and the remainder halted, and that future action would proceed through lawful policy decisions. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →