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- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the Government’s fisheries programme under the 2025 Budget, noting an increased allocation of Rs. 11.44 billion plus Rs. 3 billion for fuel relief, with Rs. 863 million already disbursed under a Rs. 25-per-litre subsidy scheme. He said the Ministry is introducing a coordinated central-provincial administrative framework, expanding and rectifying harbour facilities, addressing ice monopolies, reducing post-harvest losses through new technology, and expanding fish distribution through Ceylon Fisheries Corporation outlets, Sathosa and Co-op Cities. He also highlighted measures for the North, inland fisheries under NAQDA’s “Reservoirs to Factories” concept, and proposed reforms to fisher insurance and institutional debts inherited by the Fisheries Corporation. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi stated that documentation from prior “Blue Economy” initiatives is available to the Ministry and offered cooperation with the Fisheries Minister to rebuild the sector. He asked that the existing surveys and reports on the Rekawa and Marawila harbour projects be reviewed, and called for an investigation into alleged waste of funds and responsibility for it. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna AI summary The Minister acknowledged that the lack of fire service units is an issue not only in Mannar but in other parts of the country as well. He said earlier requests from local authorities could not be funded by the Treasury due to the economic situation, so the Government is seeking external assistance. Discussions with Korea are underway for material, technical and capacity-building support, while World Bank-funded proposals worth Rs. 60.5 million have been prepared for fire units in Mullaitivu and Mannar, with further action being taken by the Northern Provincial administration. Oral Question: Fire Service Units in Mannar (Q.27(2)/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama stated that farmers affected by construction-related non-cultivation had been promised compensation, with a list prepared, but no payments had been made despite repeated assurances. He requested intervention to ensure the compensation is paid and proposed appointing a Parliamentary Committee or taking other measures to examine the matter. Oral Question: Nilwala River Salinity Barrier - Farmer Compensation (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that although the river falls under the Department of Irrigation, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board led the approval and construction of the salinity barrier, with the Department granting construction approval. He acknowledged technical problems causing hardship to local residents and said a technical evaluation report was being delayed. He proposed an urgent meeting involving the Minister, the Water Supply and Drainage Board, and the Department of Irrigation to identify immediate remedial actions, with the Board taking the lead and the Department of Irrigation providing support. Oral Question: Nilwala River Salinity Barrier - Farmer Compensation (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama raised concerns over prolonged flooding in the Matara District, which he attributed to the design and location of a salinity barrier built across the Nilwala River between 2018 and 2022. He said the barrier obstructed river flow, caused siltation, damaged crops and trees, created socio-economic hardship, and led to high diesel costs for pumping floodwater. He also questioned the handling of technical studies, alleging a conflict of interest and delays despite earlier university reports, and asked the Deputy Minister of Irrigation to intervene urgently to resolve the issue. Oral Question: Nilwala River Salinity Barrier - Farmer Compensation (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna AI summary The Minister stated that tenants who are paying properly will not be affected, but those in default must settle outstanding advance payments before being eligible to reapply for renovated shop units. He said the units will be reassigned transparently to applicants able to pay, and legal action will be taken against defaulters where necessary. Oral Question: Shops Leased Out in Polonnaruwa City Center (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked whether agreements for shop units in the PCC building, which reportedly require termination if payments are overdue by three months, have been enforced. He sought clarification from the Minister on whether, after renovations to address building deficiencies, the shop units would be allocated under a proper procedure to either new applicants or existing occupants. Oral Question: Shops Leased Out in Polonnaruwa City Center (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna AI summary Any deficiencies in the relevant building or shop units will be rectified, but the non-payment by shop owners is viewed as willful default rather than a result of those issues. Action will be taken against businesspersons who have deliberately failed to make payments while addressing any shortcomings in the premises. Oral Question: Shops Leased Out in Polonnaruwa City Center (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri raised concerns about alleged financial irregularities in the PCC building project, noting that its cost increased from an estimated Rs. 355 million in 2012 to Rs. 660.1 million. Referring to the Minister’s statement that 53 of 57 shops had been leased, he requested the list of persons or entities to whom the shops were leased. Oral Question: Shops Leased Out in Polonnaruwa City Center (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister answered questions regarding the Polonnaruwa Public Commercial Complex, stating that 57 shops exist and 52 are occupied. He tabled an annex on decisions from a 24 September 2019 meeting on long-term leasing, including advertising for investment proposals, forming an evaluation committee, and obtaining Municipal Council and Governor approvals. He said the decisions are being implemented, and that six shops with rental arrears were sealed in February 2024, tenancy termination notices have been issued under Section 266 of the Municipal Councils Ordinance, and legal action is being initiated to recover arrears. Oral Question: Shops Leased Out in Polonnaruwa City Center (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government for details on shops in the Polonnaruwa City Center, including the total number, how many have been leased, and the status of decisions taken at a 2019 Governor-led discussion on leasing and allocation. He also asked whether those decisions are being implemented and, if any loss has been caused to the Municipal Council through leasing, whether recovery action will be taken against those responsible. Oral Question: Shops Leased Out in Polonnaruwa City Center (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe acknowledged gaps in import regulation, including missing HS codes and inadequate testing protocols, and said legal amendments are being prepared, particularly to strengthen consumer protection through revisions to the Consumer Affairs Authority Act. He stated that Customs testing would be improved, investigations into locally refined imported coconut oil are ongoing, and committees are working on standards, import quality, and market protection measures to be brought before Parliament. Oral Question: Substandard Coconut Oil (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government’s response to alleged corruption and fraud, including an oil-related scam raised by MP Marikkar. He argued that proposals alone were insufficient and called for clear legal action against those responsible for frauds said to have contributed to national bankruptcy. He urged the Government to introduce any necessary amendments to strengthen the law and inform Parliament how it intends to end such rackets. Oral Question: Substandard Coconut Oil (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said fraudulent practices in coconut oil imports, including companies closing and reopening under new names to avoid accountability, had been identified. He stated that the Ports Authority and Customs are taking measures to prevent such consignments entering the country and that amendments to the Consumer Affairs Authority Act are being prepared to strengthen legal action and impose tougher penalties. Oral Question: Substandard Coconut Oil (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri asked the Minister what measures would be taken to address the release of substandard coconut oil, particularly consignments contaminated with aflatoxin. Referring to past Opposition allegations about racketeers involved in such imports, he sought specific action beyond traditional enforcement methods to identify, punish, and end long-running frauds in the sector. Oral Question: Substandard Coconut Oil (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Consumer Affairs Authority has detected substandard coconut oil unfit for consumption, citing adulteration, poor production and storage practices, unsafe reuse of containers, inadequate labelling, and reprocessing of used oil as common problems. He said the Government has issued Gazette notifications under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, is working with the Coconut Development Authority and Ministry of Health, and conducts raids and sample testing to address quality and traceability issues. He also outlined challenges faced by small and medium oil mill owners, including raw material shortages, price volatility, rising costs, limited credit access, environmental compliance burdens, low innovation, and competition from imported oil sold as local, adding that policy and regulatory measures are being pursued through relevant ministries. Oral Question: Substandard Coconut Oil (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development whether substandard coconut oil unfit for consumption has been found in the market, how it enters supply chains, what tactics are used, and what measures are being taken to prevent its sale. He also sought reasons why quality coconut oil is not reaching consumers, and requested details of the problems faced by small and medium-scale oil mill owners and proposed solutions. Oral Question: Substandard Coconut Oil (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi questioned the Deputy Minister about a tourism-related construction project near the Madunagala hot springs, noting that the site had fallen into disrepair despite similar central and provincial funding claims seen elsewhere. He asked whether a feasibility study had been conducted and urged the Government to determine whether the site could be made productive by providing basic infrastructure such as roads and electricity, or whether the project should be abandoned. Oral Question: Madunagala Tourist Project (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, provided expenditure and status details on tourism-related facilities, including a foot massage centre built at a cost of Rs. 2.13 million and facilities at Madunagala costing over Rs. 35 million. He stated that a planned heart revival centre had not been established, but the building would be partitioned in 2025 for a Ruhunu Tourist Bureau souvenir and gem sales centre and tourist activities. He also noted that the Madunagala rural bazaar is in ruins and that Rs. 42 million has been allocated in 2025 for road improvements, beautification, and electricity supply to sustain the site as a tourist attraction. Oral Question: Madunagala Tourist Project (Q.1/2025) Read →