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. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned whether the Government’s handling of energy policy was leading to higher electricity tariffs and possible emergency power purchases, citing reports of drought-related price pressures and delays in renewable energy projects. He argued that the Government had failed to justify fuel pricing despite earlier claims about excessive taxes and commissions, and raised concerns about consistency with IMF revenue targets. He criticized the suspension of wind and solar projects, including the Adani wind project, saying it jeopardized the previous target of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and could increase reliance on thermal power. He also requested careful consideration of village land needs when allocating land for solar projects in Batticaloa, and urged implementation of pending District Coordinating Committee decisions on local issues. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra - Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra contrasted the Government’s energy policy with previous administrations, stating that proposed Electricity Act reforms would restructure the CEB into five state-owned entities while keeping transmission fully under state control and rejecting privatization. She said the Mannar wind tender review arose from an appeal under the previous government, defended stakeholder consultations, and argued that fuel pricing decisions should protect the public rather than unlawful profits or sectoral lobbies. She also noted that the Ministry is preparing a “Women in Energy” policy to increase women’s participation and leadership in the sector. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s failure to remove the Rs. 50 fuel levy and reduce fuel-related taxes despite earlier promises, noting that prices had not fallen after three months. He also referred to rice import duties and alleged past corruption at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, stating support for genuine government-to-government measures to curb corruption while criticizing inconsistencies over the Trincomalee oil tanks and regional export hub policy. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar criticised the Government for not reducing electricity, water and essential costs as promised, citing electricity bills for 200 and 300 units as substantially higher than regional averages. He alleged that the Government had used the “76-year curse” narrative and social media messaging to win votes, but had not delivered tax or tariff relief after five months. He questioned whether current power-sector decisions remain influenced by a “mafia,” referring to COPE discussions, repeated extensions of a private power plant agreement, and high generation costs. He also asked about the status of rooftop solar expansion, claiming solar installations are being restricted while coal and diesel generation continue to be favoured. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government’s handling of the recent electricity blackout explanation and questioned whether commitments in its policy document had been implemented. He asked whether installment payment arrangements for electricity and water connection charges for low-usage households and MSMEs had been introduced after five months. He also cited the policy pledge to reduce electricity prices through competitive procurement and a shift to solar and wind power, arguing that household tariffs remain among the highest in South Asia. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that Sri Lanka inherited a strong electricity system built over successive administrations and questioned the Government’s plans for expanding generation, transmission and distribution under IMF-related constraints. He raised concerns over shutting down small hydro and solar plants on Sundays despite PPAs, delays and alleged irregularities in renewable tenders including the Mannar wind project, VAT and pricing issues affecting electricity and fuel costs, and the reduction of petroleum distributor margins without passing savings to consumers. He also urged dialogue with petroleum distributors instead of criminal investigations, sought clarity on LNG terminal and supply plans for plants designed for LNG, and called for retention of experienced engineers at Norochcholai. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Thanura Dissanayake said the Government’s priority in the power and energy sector is to stabilize supply, prevent recurring fuel and electricity breakdowns, and reduce costs through renegotiated renewable power purchase agreements. He said Sri Lanka should aim to export surplus renewable power only after achieving self-sufficiency, lower tariffs, and a coherent long-term plan. He outlined allocations for religious-place solar schemes, Colombo transmission upgrades including the Kerawalapitiya-Port underground line, and Rs. 20.7 billion in capital expenditure, while calling for strategic handling of Trincomalee oil tanks, petrol shed expansion, and investor agreements to maximize national benefit. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka argued that recent fuel and electricity issues were caused by management and implementation failures rather than actual shortages, citing the previous administration’s handling of fuel queues, CPC profitability, demurrage reductions, and non-political appointments. He rejected claims that Ministers protected filling stations, explaining the COPE-related recovery of Rs. 37 billion and the related court proceedings, and requested clarification on delays in connecting solar systems installed at 5,000 religious sites under an Indian credit line. He also discussed the Trincomalee oil tank and Hambantota refinery processes, stating that earlier EoIs and RFPs led to current negotiations, and urged the Government to introduce tariffs for solar-plus-battery systems to address grid balancing and reduce reliance on imported coal. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on campaign pledges by the President and JVP/NPP to reduce fuel prices by removing levies and taxes, asking why these measures had not been implemented and whether the current pricing formula would continue under IMF conditions. He also asked when the remaining promised reduction in electricity tariffs would be granted, noting that only about 20 per cent of the promised one-third cut had occurred through the PUCSL process. Referring to the recent nationwide blackout, he demanded a transparent explanation of its cause and warned that unclear public accounts could harm industry, consumers, foreign investment, and debt-servicing prospects. 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 raised a Point of Order challenging claims in the President’s Budget speech on energy policy, noting that page 21 lists four proposed items rather than ten. He questioned whether an energy hub or related policy had actually been established and argued that no new measures had been identified beyond the earlier “Solar Power Revolution” and the previously added 1,400 MW of capacity. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined progress on several energy-sector commitments in the “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” programme, including solar power expansion, wind power market development, refinery modernization, Trincomalee oil tank arrangements, fuel storage and distribution upgrades, sector restructuring, and solar installations for public and religious institutions. He stated that work had begun on 10 of 41 listed items within three months, amounting to 22 per cent progress, and said the remaining commitments would be pursued over the five-year period. He also said recent fuel queues were caused by panic rather than shortages, and that further discussions would continue to reach consensual and public-friendly outcomes. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined the Government’s energy strategy, emphasizing expansion of wind and solar generation, the need to strengthen grid stability, and the use of Sri Lanka’s location to become a regional energy hub. He said refinery development at Hambantota and Sapugaskanda, Trincomalee tank farm utilization, LNG trading plans, and international storage partnerships are being pursued to support exports, fuel security, and foreign exchange savings. He also linked energy infrastructure to wider economic priorities, including fertilizer production from refinery by-products and improved aviation fuel supply for tourism growth. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka placed Sri Lanka’s energy sector in the context of rising global energy demand and the shift toward clean energy and net-zero policies. He noted that international commitments are expected to reduce fossil-fuel use after 2025–2030, citing decisions by several countries to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, restrict new oil exploration, and limit coal-based power generation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the explanation given for the President’s overseas travel costs and asked for clarification on how 11 people travelled to three countries for Rs. 1.8 million. In the Energy Ministry debate, he criticized the handling of the recent power outage, citing CEB’s own media release and arguing that known Sunday load-management issues involving hydro, Norochcholai and solar generation had not been addressed. He alleged conflicts of interest involving the CEB Chairman and Resource Management Associates, tabled related documents, and raised concerns over delayed solar PPAs, reduced solar tariffs and payment delays affecting investors. He also urged more consultative policymaking on energy and fuel distribution to avoid public panic and hardship for rural fuel outlets. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam addressed the Energy Ministry budget allocation and supported the Government’s renewable energy target of 70 per cent by 2030, while urging stronger implementation in the North and East. He raised concerns over the Mannar wind power project, including alleged lack of transparency, inadequate community benefits, CSR misuse, and flooding linked to blocked drainage during Phase I, and requested ministerial intervention. He proposed expanded solar farms on unused state lands, grid and transformer upgrades to enable rooftop solar, free electricity connections for vulnerable households, concessional tariffs for small producers, and subsidized fuel for war-affected farmers and fishers. He also called for adequate CEB and Ministry staffing in the North and East, citing the absence of a dedicated CEB Engineer in Kilinochchi. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that, except for one item, the relevant projects are financed through donor agencies or external lenders. He noted that the Ceylon Electricity Board is responsible for making the repayments. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked the Minister to clarify the financing source for the proposed upgrades to electricity transmission lines and substations, specifically whether the funds would come from the Ceylon Electricity Board or from private investors. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody outlined the 2025 allocations under Head 119, noting Rs. 21.14 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 20.07 billion for capital expenditure, with recurrent spending reduced by 43 per cent from 2024. He detailed capital projects for transmission upgrades, waste-to-energy, rooftop solar, island hybrid renewable systems, Atomic Energy Board capacity, and the Kerawalapitiya-Colombo Port transmission line, while also listing externally financed hydro, solar, floating solar, wind, nuclear, and thermal generation projects. He stated that the Government targets 1,972 MW of renewable energy additions over the next two years and is also advancing petroleum-sector projects including the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, Sapugaskanda refinery modernization, and proposals for a new refinery. 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 moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction under Head 119 and argued that high energy costs and reliability concerns are major barriers to a production-based economy. He said the Government’s proposed amendments to the Electricity Act risk discouraging private investment and reversing reforms, despite earlier assurances of transparency and consultation. He highlighted a policy contradiction between the Energy Minister’s January 2025 concept paper and the Finance Minister’s February 2025 observations, which reportedly described the proposals as flawed and regressive. He urged the Government to resolve the contradiction and stated the Opposition’s willingness to cooperate on urgent, time-bound energy 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 Minister Anil Jayantha raised a matter of privilege concerning a newspaper report claiming that a 15 per cent tax would be imposed on overseas workers’ remittances, which he said was falsely attributed to him. He stated that the Government had made clear, in the context of the 2025 Appropriation Bill and the Inland Revenue Act amendment Bill, that no income tax would be levied on such remittances. He argued that the report damaged his reputation, misled the public, discouraged lawful remittance channels, and breached parliamentary privilege, and requested that those responsible be summoned before the Committee on Ethics and Privileges and that legal action be taken. Matter of Privilege: News Report in Sathi Aga Aruna Newspaper Read →