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- 6 March 2025 Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena rejected Opposition claims that the Budget is not people-centred, arguing that allocations related to SriLankan Airlines concern the protection of a public asset. He said proposals such as school-based autism screening are already reflected in the Budget, and cited this as evidence that it addresses public needs while also acknowledging other constructive suggestions raised in the debate. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga highlighted plans to modernise the Postal Department through digital services, e-commerce, EMS, mobile applications and international e-packet cooperation, while addressing long-standing issues of staff regularisation, allowances and promotions on merit. She said state postal and media assets would be protected from sale or misuse, and noted a Rs. 23,918 million Budget allocation and a Rs. 18,000 million revenue target for the Postal Department in 2025. She also proposed an anti-siphoning-style framework for national sports broadcasts, including simulcasting events of national interest on the national channel with revenue sharing to support public media institutions. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah welcomed the Budget’s social welfare measures, especially for mother and child protection, and requested urgent health-sector support for the Eastern Province. He called for angiogram facilities at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, citing long delays for patients sent to Jaffna, and sought a permanent MOIC, full doctor cadre, and commencement of the planned building for the Unani Teaching Hospital at Manchanthoduwai. He also urged completion of the central takeover of Pottuvil Hospital, provision of a lorry and ambulance, and appointments to vacant senior posts in the Eastern Province Ayurveda Department. He asked the Government to provide additional funding and support for health services in the war-affected Eastern Province, including Provincial Council hospitals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni said the Budget prioritises health sector infrastructure, human resources, medicines and equipment, and research, while also addressing retirees, vulnerable children, persons with mental health conditions, and prisoners. He outlined plans to improve staff and patient facilities, reduce surgical waiting lists using the Presidential Fund, strengthen health information systems, and ensure equitable hospital development based on national need. He said recruitments and training are being expedited after recent staffing shortages, and that the Budget increases basic salaries across health professions rather than relying on allowances. On medicines, he stated that 2025 orders had been secured, the 2026 tender cycle had begun, and weekly Drug Review Committee meetings and contingency arrangements were in place to anticipate and manage shortages. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that nursing promotion timelines remain unchanged under the existing Nursing Establishment: Grade II to Grade I in five years, Grade I to Senior Grade I in seven years, and Senior Grade I to Supra Grade in ten years. He rejected claims that all promotions had been extended to ten years or that pensions would be affected, stating that promotions would proceed according to the established schedule. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney‑at‑Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara expressed appreciation to health sector workers across all systems of medicine, stating that their dedication underpins the sector’s achievements. While welcoming the Government’s announced salary increases for doctors and nurses through 2027, he said unresolved concerns remain, particularly regarding allowances, overtime, and disparities faced by doctors who often work longer schedules than other public servants. He urged that the issues raised by the Government Medical Officers’ Association and the Government Nursing Officers’ Association be addressed. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe defended the Government’s health allocation, citing over Rs. 406 billion for the sector and major investments in hospital buildings, CT and MRI scanners, cardiac units, oncology facilities, and trauma care. He contrasted these plans with alleged failures and irregularities under previous administrations, including the Tangalle ICU project, substandard eye drops linked to former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, and problems in the PACS/RIS procurement. He acknowledged staff concerns over salaries and overtime ratios, but argued that the Budget had begun addressing health-sector remuneration and that further reforms would be pursued with health professionals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Requested that the tabled document be reviewed as consistent with the stated approach. Also asked for the publication of the actual funds allocated. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna welcomed some Budget proposals in health, including estate hospital revival, autism support and thalassemia programmes, but urged that estate hospitals be brought under Government oversight and that autism screening be coordinated with the Education Ministry. She criticized the allocation of Rs. 20,000 million for SriLankan Airlines debt while health allocations and emergency unit improvements remained limited, and called for funds to be shifted toward regional hospitals, primary care, health and education. She raised concerns over reductions to overtime and holiday pay formulas for nurses and public health staff, medicine shortages including 333 out-of-stock items at the Medical Supplies Division, stalled procurement, and the need to restore stock-tracking systems, price controls and regulation of private hospital fees. She also said several initiatives presented as new, such as the family doctor model and health checks, originated under earlier programmes, and highlighted acute specialist shortages in hospitals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa argued that the current Government is bearing the financial consequences of decisions made by the Opposition Leader’s previous administration. He stated that the Government is meeting its obligations in paying the resulting debt or fiscal burden. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar stated that unpaid arrears from previous periods remain liabilities that must eventually be settled. He argued that when a new administration assumes management, it inherits both the positive and negative obligations left behind. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa responded to a claim that state television and ITN do not pay VAT, stating that VAT has been paid as required over the previous five months. He said VAT arrears predated September, that relief had been obtained, and that those arrears are also being settled. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi said the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation’s historical archives, music library, and legacy equipment should be preserved and curated as a museum for children and foreign visitors. She noted that such a museum could generate income while showcasing the institution’s heritage, and said Budget allocations would support work with media professionals toward improved media governance. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman criticized the conduct of debate around health-sector trade union action, urging the Government to avoid personal or “Rajapaksa-style” political attacks and to address underlying salary and service issues. He called for a formal Ministry investigation into the death of three-year-old Hamdi Fasleem following surgery at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, citing medical records, alleged contradictions in doctors’ statements, and unanswered requests to former Health Ministers. He also disputed official claims about nurses’ basic pay and promotion structures, requested review of alleged overpricing in 2022–2023 medical procurements, and urged accountability for companies and officials involved. On mass media, he asked the Government to repeal the Online Safety Act immediately and consult stakeholders before introducing any replacement legislation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Health and Mass Media allocations, commending planned digitalization and primary care strengthening while urging better use of funds to reduce queues, improve prevention, and lower emergency health costs. He called for expanded postgraduate medical training to address staff and specialist shortages, increased local pharmaceutical production, expanded OPD capacity, and measures to reduce waiting lists for critical surgeries. He specifically requested repairs to the cath lab machine at Galle National Hospital and attention to health facilities in the Galle district, including Udugama, Balapitiya, Habaraduwa, and Imaduwa. He also asked the Government to consider support for independent journalists through equipment access and credit facilities. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe rejected Opposition claims that health-sector allowances had been cut, arguing that increased basic salaries would raise percentage-based allowances, take-home pay, increments, loans and pensions. He said the Budget gives priority to health with Rs. 604 billion allocated, including funding for digitalization, medicines and equipment, nutrition programmes, system strengthening and primary care expansion. He proposed a family physician-led primary care model for populations of 5,000-10,000 to reduce overcrowding in higher-level hospitals, improve management of NCDs, elderly care, palliative care, epidemic control, injury prevention and referral systems, while strengthening peripheral hospitals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna urged the Government to resolve concerns over reductions in public sector and health-sector allowances, warning that such changes could worsen the outflow of doctors and disrupt patient care. He called for clarification and expedited recruitment of qualified indigenous medicine practitioners, stronger support for indigenous medicine institutions, and incentives to retain medical professionals in Sri Lanka. He also raised concerns about medicine shortages in public hospitals, including at the Cancer Hospital, and asked that procurement delays and support for local pharmaceutical manufacturers be addressed. Referring to the Mass Media portfolio, he urged action to ensure justice for past attacks on media institutions and crimes against journalists. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka urged the Government to treat the Media Ministry’s role as broader than managing state media, calling for support for professional journalism, reduced taxes on inputs such as newsprint and ink, and the establishment of a chartered media training institute. He asked the Minister to review and implement the draft National Media Policy, create independent regulatory bodies including an Electronic Media Commission, transform state media into public service broadcasters, and expedite digital broadcasting switchover. He also requested stronger funding and staffing for the Right to Information Commission, reconsideration of the Online Safety Act and the proposed 15 per cent tax on online advertising, and a clear plan to expand internet access. He further called for justice in cases involving abducted and murdered journalists, continuation of national media awards, proper tendering at the Government Printer, and transparent procedures for teledrama slot allocation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB AI summary Jagath Manuwarna criticised past misuse and underfunding of state media institutions, particularly Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, citing unpaid government advertising, loss of cricket broadcast revenue, overstaffing, outdated technology, and arrears to producers as causes of continuing financial losses. He argued that public media should be revived through internal reform, staff retraining, technological upgrades and reduced dependence on Treasury support, rather than closure. He said the Government intends to introduce a National Media Policy and establish a Chartered Institute of Media Professionals to improve standards, ethics and professional capacity across state and private media. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih supported the 2025 Budget allocations for Health and Mass Media, highlighting Rs. 604 billion in total provision and measures for infrastructure, communicable disease control, NCD screening, maternal nutrition, Triposha, and Suwa Seriya. He raised concerns about urban health access, OPD delays, language barriers, poor sanitation, substance abuse, and the effects of past substandard medicine procurement, urging digitalization, stronger prevention, and safeguards against recurrence. He also noted health-sector brain drain and welcomed salary and allowance increases while commending health workers for their service and for calling off trade union action. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →