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- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the President had not sought to restrict attorneys from meeting clients in prison or intimidate lawyers performing professional duties, while noting that lawyers should be mindful of professional boundaries. He apologized only for any personal hurt caused by his remarks about a referenced individual, not for the substance of what he said. On rental payments, he said extensions were due to the lack of alternative premises and that funding for the Adhikarana Piyasa project was intended to consolidate departments and reduce recurring rental costs. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised concerns over the large court backlog, citing IMF and committee findings that delays, judicial administrative burdens, shortages of judges, and delays in indictments undermine justice and investor confidence. He urged reforms to reduce case delays, strengthen the Attorney-General’s Department through recruitment and training, and address vacancies in the Prisons Department and Rehabilitation Authority. He also highlighted recurring rental costs for justice-sector buildings and judges’ quarters, supported the move to consolidate offices through the “Adhikarana Piyasa” project, and questioned revenue-raising from courthouse canteens. He further requested respect for the legal profession, noting that lawyers must be able to represent and consult suspects while maintaining ethical distinctions from judicial officers. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella addressed delays in the justice system, citing about 1.1 million pending cases across courts and noting their social, economic, and investment-related impacts. She proposed establishing administrative tribunals, digitizing court processes through e-filing and e-payments, and empowering judges to award realistic costs to discourage frivolous litigation. She also requested repairs to the Kandy Court Complex, support for additional lawyers’ offices on UDA land with extended payment terms, and a part-time Commercial High Court in Kandy for high-value commercial matters. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Votes of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, citing Budget allocations for court digitization, infrastructure, judicial education, and Law Commission work to improve legal development. He highlighted remand prison congestion, particularly in drug-related cases after bail jurisdiction was moved to the Court of Appeal, and said proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure would allow broader use of online testimony and speed up handling of court exhibits. He also raised concerns about past misuse of the ICCPR Act and political interference in the judiciary, arguing that reforms, stronger oversight by the Judicial Service Commission, vacancy filling, and judicial training are intended to build an independent and efficient justice system. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration responded to concerns about mass graves, stating that funding had been allocated for investigations at Kokkuthoduvai, Mannar, and Colombo sites. He said the recent Chemmani matter would be examined and that evidence would be protected. He affirmed that justice should apply to all Sri Lankans, while indicating he would provide a fuller response in his winding-up speech. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala defended the Government’s record on judicial independence, prison administration, and criminal accountability, stating that courts now function independently and prison institutions have been opened to public scrutiny. He said Singapore had informed Sri Lanka in December 2021 that Arjuna Mahendran could not be extradited under its law, but that proceedings would continue through available legal routes, including trial and enforcement of judgment if extradition fails. He urged that the Attorney-General’s Department and Police be allowed to act independently in complex cases, noted that major public finance suspects are before court, and challenged the Opposition to prove any misuse of public funds by Government members. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Votes of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and said shortcomings in court facilities, record-keeping and photocopying services should be addressed after the allocations are passed. He proposed reconsidering judicial retirement ages, particularly for the High Court and Court of Appeal, to retain experienced judges. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding files and political conduct, stating that files had been referred for lawful investigation, and argued that the Government was safeguarding judicial independence through proper appointments and non-interference. He also cited past incidents involving the judiciary and prisons, including the impeachment of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and the alleged actions of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, as context for reforms to make these institutions independent and accountable. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the expedited establishment of the proposed Provincial High Court at Panadura and similar measures elsewhere to reduce court delays. He called for immediate implementation of court digitalization and automation, citing prior Cabinet and institutional work since 2017-2019, and said the project had been vetted and could reduce delays, malpractice and inefficiency. He also requested faster publication and digital availability of Sri Lanka Law Reports through a dedicated unit. Referring to the Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, he asked that the required Gazette be issued under section 2(1)(a)(ii), with the appointed date backdated to enactment to avoid complications in cases already decided under the Act. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne reviewed legislative work undertaken in the justice sector since 2022, stating that 36 Acts and multiple regulations were passed under successive Justice Ministers, with around 90 further drafts in progress. He highlighted laws connected to GSP+, the IMF programme, Central Bank independence, anti-corruption, and election expenditure regulation, and urged effective implementation, including possible amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act and speedy presentation of pending Bills. He also called for phased digitalization of the court system, including SMS court notices and digital record rooms, given fiscal constraints. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne argued that prison policy should address groups excluded by social and economic structures, citing severe overcrowding, the high number of remandees and drug-related detainees, and the low educational attainment of inmates. She outlined Budget allocations for prison infrastructure, sanitation, software, vocational training, staff salaries, recruitment, and the Pallekele Prison Complex, and referred to the Government’s prison policy based on the Nelson Mandela Rules. She also highlighted the Criminal Procedure Code amendment to allow audio-visual testimony, plans to recruit 1,000 probation officers to expand community-based corrections, and measures for children in custody, including separate transport and funding for probation, reform, and child-care institutions. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Government plans to review problems in bail law and the bail-granting process and introduce necessary reforms. It also aims to improve equal access to legal services, noting the high costs faced by the public, with the 2025 Budget presented as an initial step toward broader legal-sector remedies in future years. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama said the 2025 Budget reflects the National People’s Power mandate to reform multiple sectors, including the justice system. He highlighted inadequate court facilities in the Gampaha District, particularly the Pugoda Court, and stated that funds have been allocated to expedite proper court operations. He argued that the location of courts, police stations, and legal reforms should be based on evidence and policy rather than political influence or personal preferences, citing complications from the Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 43 of 2024. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister outlined Budget 2025 allocations for the justice sector, stating that Rs. 24 billion has been provided despite economic constraints and that the Ministry is addressing major backlogs, including over 1.1 million pending cases as of June 2024. He identified human resource shortages, stalled court infrastructure projects, and weak contract enforcement as key constraints, and said the Government will recruit judicial and non-judicial staff, resume 23 halted projects, construct a new Ministry building, and expand courts in underserved areas. He also proposed implementing pre-trial procedures, expanding Small Claims Courts, piloting digital courts in Kandy and Negombo, and strengthening the Attorney-General’s Department while beginning steps toward a separate prosecution service. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa said he sought to clarify alleged misunderstandings among a small group of nurses regarding the 2025 Budget salary revisions and to counter claims that public servants’ salaries had been reduced. He outlined increases in basic salary, overtime rates and daily allowances across nursing grades, stating that entry-grade nurses’ gross monthly pay would rise to at least Rs. 133,640 from April 2025, with larger increases at higher grades. He argued that these revisions represented significant improvements within current economic constraints and accused certain individuals or unions of spreading misinformation to mobilize protest action. Ministerial Statement: Minister of Health and Media on Nurses' Concerns Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that CPC, Lanka IOC, Sinopec and RM Parks fuel order and delivery figures showed distribution was continuing and there was no basis for a shortage. He tabled a High Court of Civil Appeal decision, noting that the court dismissed appeals with costs and found the public were disadvantaged compared with dealers. He said the Government was acting in accordance with the judgment and urged the business community not to create disruptions, warning that sectors such as tourism could be affected. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the fuel distribution issue has historical causes and was not created by an administrative decision of the current Government. He said CPC has sufficient stocks, is releasing substantial volumes, and that queues had eased, assuring the public there would be no shortage. He argued that the central issue concerns whether commissions can be paid on publicly collected tax, noting that audit reports and court proceedings indicate commissions on the tax-included final price are improper, and rejected attempts to create panic over fuel availability. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka said he agreed with many points made by the Leader of the House and noted that, during his tenure, the 3 per cent tax component paid to dealers had been removed. He asked the Minister of Power and Energy to clarify fuel dispatch volumes for the day and whether special Sunday distribution would be arranged, warning that panic buying could create temporary shortages despite sufficient stocks. He added that, if necessary, the President had authority to ensure an operational distribution plan. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that court determinations on fuel dealer commissions must be respected and that disregarding them would amount to contempt. He argued that commissions should be calculated on the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s actual cost, not on tax-inclusive retail prices, describing the previous method as a longstanding error already recognized by CPC and former Ministers. He said the Government would engage with dealers and take legal or administrative steps if needed, while assuring that there was no fuel shortage and distribution was continuing. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary There is no fuel shortage, and the Government will not allow one to occur, though queues have formed due to public sentiment and unusually high dealer orders. The Minister said the CPC is engaging directly with dealers and that reports of non-distribution came through social media rather than official channels. He defended the new fuel pricing formula, stating it was developed after consultation and modelling, gives dealers a fairer margin based on CPC costs excluding taxes, and that attempts to create a crisis appear politically motivated. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested additional time from the Leader of the House to raise concerns about a proposed decision affecting fuel dealers. He said there had been an earlier decision to raise the cap to 640, referred to a Court of Appeal ruling and a Board paper, and noted that dealers had rejected the proposal at a meeting. Citing reduced fuel consumption after the QR code system and lower recent orders for Octane 92 petrol and diesel, he urged the Minister to consult dealers before implementation to avoid further litigation and disruption. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →