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- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is reforming the energy sector to reduce corruption, waste and entrenched supplier arrangements in the CEB and CPC, while ensuring uninterrupted fuel and electricity supply. He stated that renewable energy expansion is being prioritized, including rooftop solar improvements, land identification for large-scale solar, lower tariffs achieved for wind and solar projects, and forthcoming tenders for storage. He said fuel dealer margin and tax discount issues would be corrected through existing law and discussions, and rejected claims of a nationwide fuel shortage. He also announced that a new Electricity Act would be brought in 2025 to prevent privatization, reverse fragmentation of the CEB, consolidate its functions, and support lower-cost power generation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath addressed the 2025 Budget allocation for the Energy Ministry, questioning how the Government’s target of 70 per cent renewable generation by 2030 can be met in Batticaloa amid transformer capacity limits, delays in solar connections, and unclear district-level allocations. He highlighted CEB service constraints, including delays in three-phase connections for SMEs and shortages of engineers, meter readers, electrical superintendents, and field officers, and asked whether recruitment and infrastructure measures are being taken. He also raised concerns about the impact of reduced investor confidence and the reported exit of the Adani Group on Eastern Province energy development, and sought assurances on consistent, fair fuel and electricity distribution in the district. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera cautioned that the matter concerns a multi-billion-dollar sector and should be handled with proper procedure. He indicated no objection to the relevant party’s knowledge or commitment, but emphasized the need to proceed correctly. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised concern that the Deputy Minister of Finance had previously given a different position regarding an updating process. He stated that he had asked the Deputy Minister the same question and sought clarification on the discrepancy. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the Government to convene all energy sector stakeholders and follow due process before launching the updated national energy policy. He stated that, to his knowledge, the formal process for introducing the policy had not yet begun. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that Sri Lanka’s national energy policy is a gazetted legal document, originally adopted in 2008 and updated in 2019, and argued that any new government energy policy must follow the required legal process. He urged that it be prepared under the relevant Act, approved by Cabinet, and submitted to Parliament so it becomes a national policy rather than a party document, which he said is important for disciplined implementation and investor confidence. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the NPP Government’s proposed energy transition policy, emphasizing affordable, secure and clean energy, renewable generation, storage, and integration with global energy markets. He said planned measures include zoning land for renewable projects, developing wind and solar capacity in the Puttalam-Jaffna, North-East, and Monaragala-Hambantota areas, pursuing hydrogen and ammonia production, and procuring new renewable power at around USD 5 cents per kWh to reduce generation costs and electricity bills. He also stated that 2,500 MWh of battery storage and a pumped storage project in Kegalle are planned, and that a National e-Mobility Secretariat will be established to support electrification of transport as part of the 2050 net-zero pathway. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the dispute between CPC and fuel distributors stems from long-unimplemented decisions on dealer margins dating back to 2010 and 2016, later complicated by fuel price increases, court injunctions and pending litigation. He said the CPC is now attempting to implement a new circular unilaterally despite the Court of Appeal directing discussions with dealers, and warned that mishandling the matter could create fuel shortages. He rejected claims that the Opposition was trying to create queues, saying it was raising concerns based on CPC board papers and shortages, and questioned why the subject Minister did not respond in Parliament. He also alleged past and present irregularities in CPC appointments, allowances and the conduct of officials, calling for accountability. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that reliable, affordable energy is central to economic growth and that Sri Lanka cannot depend solely on variable renewable sources such as wind and solar, but should combine them with LNG and improved grid capacity. He emphasized that transmission and distribution weaknesses require state-private investment and regulatory changes, including wheeling arrangements through the CEB to supply industrial users from dedicated renewable projects. He proposed accelerating battery storage and EV-related technologies to manage excess rooftop solar and provide nighttime power, and also suggested pursuing an electricity interconnection with India to create export opportunities. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Electricity Board be operated with a business-oriented approach, including through public–private partnerships and greater involvement of entrepreneurs. He raised concern that electricity had reportedly been disconnected to 600,000 to 700,000 consumers, questioned the proposed soft-loan response, and asked how consumers would be compensated if the CEB disconnected supply without prior notice. He said these issues should be addressed as part of a broader effort to rebuild the country. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that electricity and petroleum pricing, sector finances, and infrastructure investment are central to economic growth, competitiveness, and modernization, noting the recent return to profitability of the CEB and CPC after large losses. He urged the Government to expedite India–Sri Lanka grid connectivity, consider oil pipeline links and use of Trincomalee oil tanks, and bring forward delayed power sector reform legislation, including possible private participation in transmission and distribution. He raised concerns about future generation costs, LNG delays affecting the Sobadanavi plant, rejection of the generation plan by the PUCSL, and the need for contingency planning, renewables, battery storage, and carbon trading. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera AI summary Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera supported the Ministry of Power and Energy vote, arguing that the Government’s production-based economic plan depends on expanding energy supply while retaining national assets and protecting the environment. He highlighted Budget priorities for renewable energy, including expected solar and wind generation, and referred to plans for a new Hambantota oil refinery and LNG/fuel trading hub to increase refining capacity and attract investment. He said the Government had implemented a 20 per cent electricity tariff reduction within three months, rejected Opposition claims about fuel shortages, and alleged that some fuel shed owners and politicians were resisting reduced margins. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that the recent nationwide blackout exposed serious vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s energy security and said prior engineering warnings should have been addressed. He urged the Government to expand low-cost solar power, maintain incentives for private sector investment, and consider large-scale battery storage to reduce reliance on hydro and thermal generation. He also called for better fuel procurement and storage, fair discussions on dealer margins to prevent queues, mandatory sanitation facilities at fuel stations, and clarity on plans involving fuel storage tanks and private or foreign participation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that past governments’ contributions to energy and economic development, including the accelerated Mahaweli project, the end of the war, and economic stabilization, should be acknowledged despite political differences. He criticized the Government for unfulfilled promises on foreign funding, graphene production and electricity tariff reductions, and said Ministers had handled recent energy-related explanations irresponsibly. He questioned the award of a 50 MW wind power project to Hayleys after earlier technical rejection, and demanded transparency on the release of 300 containers without proper checks. He also urged the Government to investigate alleged corruption fairly and not use the Police or CID to harass critics. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara argued that previous governments failed to act on Sri Lanka’s substantial wind and solar energy potential, despite studies and opportunities dating back to 2003. He said the Government is pursuing plans for wind, solar, battery storage, pumped storage, hydrogen, ammonia and urea production, while restructuring stalled renewable energy Expressions of Interest, including a 3,000 MW target and temple solar projects. He also stated that future energy planning would address rising demand, grid stability, and forecasting through new technologies, with the aim of avoiding power cuts and positioning Sri Lanka as a South Asian energy hub. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the Ministry of Power and Energy should prioritize public welfare and economic stability, and urged the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to restore or negotiate the long-standing 3 per cent dealer commission rather than reduce it amid rising operating costs. He commended the Ceylon Electricity Board but called for urgent supplies of meters and connectors to reduce delays in new and solar connections, including solar systems for places of worship in Batticaloa under the Indian Credit Line. Citing national renewable energy targets and PUCSL/CEB correspondence, he argued that solar power remains under-implemented and cheaper than diesel generation, and asked the Ministry to remove restrictions and give priority to solar expansion, particularly in the Northern, Eastern and other under-served provinces. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s policy direction for the electricity sector, asking whether it intended to create a market-based structure or retain the single-buyer model, and cited CEB’s shift from a Rs. 298 billion loss in 2022 to significant profits after cost-reflective tariff adjustments. He criticized the process for amending the 2024 Electricity Act, tabling the Cabinet decision of 23 January 2025 and arguing that the appointed review committee lacked legal, financial, regulatory and investment expertise while including members with potential conflicts of interest. Referring to observations made by the President as Minister of Finance, he urged wider stakeholder and public consultation, reconsideration of the committee’s composition, and adherence to established procedures before proceeding with electricity sector reforms. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Energy was presented as central to the Budget, economic development, and national security, with clarification that the Adani power proposal was referred for Cabinet review because of concerns over the agreed tariff of 8.26 US cents per kWh, while investment remains open and transparent. The Minister rejected claims of overcharging on fuel, stating that prices follow the formula, and called for authenticated evidence to be submitted for investigation where corruption is alleged. He outlined plans for a 2025 Energy Transition Act, a Results Delivery Framework for 2025-2026, and reforms including digitalized procurement, a green hydrogen agency, a National Energy Policy Planning Office, and land-use coordination. The policy objective is to reduce average energy costs by one-third within two to three years while moving towards 70 percent renewables and net-zero by 2050. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government’s handling of media and stakeholder issues, alleging misuse of parliamentary privileges against a newspaper editor and intimidation of fuel distributors through possible CID action. He accused the Energy Minister and Government of failing to manage fuel distribution, electricity supply, and tender processes, including questioning the rejection of a main bidder in favour of Hayleys. He argued that the Government’s actions contradicted its promises on good governance and anti-corruption, and warned that public dissatisfaction over power outages and policy reversals would have electoral consequences. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget and the Government’s energy policy, rejecting Opposition claims of an emerging fuel crisis and saying the Government would not allow shortages or instability. He tabled a 2022 National Audit Office report on CPC dealer commission overpayments, documents alleging improper overtime and vehicle use by union-linked individuals at CPSTL and CPC, and a list of alleged political links to petroleum dealerships. He argued that Opposition criticism was connected to affected business interests and stated that the Government’s priority was energy security and public relief after the country’s bankruptcy. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →