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. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s fuel pricing and taxation approach, arguing that a nominal 14 per cent tax has effectively risen to 36 per cent and that outdated cost calculations no longer reflect current conditions. He said costs had increased substantially over 11 years and urged the Minister to account for the practical realities faced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation rather than relying on theoretical figures. 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 The Minister stated that recent queues at fuel stations were not due to a shortage of stocks but to panic created amid a dispute over dealer commissions. He explained that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is implementing a revised commission formula, following audit findings and Court of Appeal proceedings, to prevent commissions being calculated on tax components of fuel prices. He said dealers had continued placing orders, but a small group appeared to have restricted distribution and spread concern through social media. He assured that the revised margins remain fair, with additional allowances for remote distribution, and that the Government will ensure uninterrupted fuel supply. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Rs. 18.99 figure is an average energy cost, noting that competitively procured projects often achieve prices below Rs. 15 or under Rs. 20, thereby reducing the average without arbitrary tariff cuts. He argued that competitive tendering is the mechanism for lowering prices. On fuel-related issues, he said the Government is addressing irregular practices since 2019 to prevent unlawful diversion of public funds, linking the matter to taxation and public revenue, and indicated that the State Minister of Finance would provide further explanation. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned inconsistencies between stated Government policy, the Minister’s explanation, and CEB actions on electricity pricing. He asked why renewable energy unit rates had been reduced from about Rs. 30 to Rs. 18–20 despite cost revisions suggesting around Rs. 40, warning that this destabilizes investors. He said the issue has persisted at the CEB for years and emphasized that consumers should benefit from any pricing decisions. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary A Cabinet sub-committee has been appointed to examine the matter, and action will be taken based on its report. The Minister said the average renewable energy tariff of Rs. 18.99 reflects lower prices achieved through competitive procurement, despite higher tariffs in some legacy projects, and that this approach will continue to reduce costs. On fuel-related concerns, he stated that the Government is correcting unlawful practices dating from 2019 to prevent misuse of public funds and protect tax revenue, with further clarification expected from the State Minister of Finance. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought clarification from the Minister on whether competitive bidding would be introduced for energy projects under 10 MW. He also asked whether the previously available 6,688 incentives would be altered. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody responded to questions under Standing Order 27(2) on renewable energy planning, stating that the CEB’s Long-term Generation Expansion Plan 2025–2044 is aligned with the target of 70% renewable generation by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. He outlined tariff-setting procedures for rooftop solar and projects below 10 MW, emphasized periodic reviews and competitive procurement, and said the PUCSL had raised concerns on some input parameters but had not rejected the plan. He cited planned renewable projects including Sampur solar, Mannar wind and Mullikulam wind, gave projected capacity additions and 2025 generation cost figures, and stated that demand is expected to grow by about 5% annually with no emergency power purchases anticipated. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns that the PUCSL had rejected the CEB’s 2025-2030 Least Cost Long-term Generation Expansion Plan due to inconsistencies with the National Energy Policy, and tabled the PUCSL’s letter. He questioned the Government on CEB resistance to renewable energy, tariff structures for renewable producers, investor confidence, continued reliance on thermal generation, and steps to revise energy planning in line with renewable and climate commitments. He also sought data on 2025 generation costs, source mix, projected demand growth, possible emergency power purchases, and whether consumers would be compensated for unplanned power cuts given CEB profits from high tariffs. He additionally asked the Minister to address the fuel distribution issue arising from the reduction of filling station owners’ discount. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2) to the Minister of Power and Energy, said Sri Lanka’s energy crisis is being aggravated by rising CEB operating costs, lower hydro generation, and reliance on expensive thermal power. He questioned the CEB’s alleged resistance to integrating non-conventional renewable energy, including reduced tariffs, delayed approvals, and discouragement of private investment, arguing that these measures increase sectoral financial pressure and threaten the target of 70% renewable energy by 2030. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda raised concern over a 20-perch State land block in Mahenawatta allegedly being sold for Rs. 20,000 despite its high urban value and proximity to several Government institutions. He argued that past failures in proper procedure have harmed State land management and said the area urgently needs land for a police station. He requested that the land be reacquired and allocated to the Police for that purpose. Oral Question: LRC Land in Mahenawatta - Pitipana Sale (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the referenced project is an extension under Phase I rather than a formally named Phase II, and stated that about 61% of the ongoing works have been completed. He said Budget allocations would enable completion of these works, including benefits for Ratnapura, while further projects would depend on future funding. On Alapatha DS Division, he undertook to obtain details and respond privately, noting that Rs. 2,000 million has been allocated nationally in the Budget for potable water supply across districts. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage in Ratnapura District (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage raised concerns about water safety, including leptospirosis risks linked to water source areas, and said treatment plants would be needed. He questioned the statement that there is no Phase 2 of the “Visal Ratnapura” water project, noting that coordination meetings had referred to limited works comparable to a second phase. He requested Budget funding to extend the project by about five kilometres to supply the Alapatha Divisional Secretariat Division, which remains without water despite the source being located there and faces recurring landslides. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage in Ratnapura District (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that community water supply projects, including DN CWS schemes, are required to provide potable water through treatment facilities. He asked for details of the approximately 300 schemes alleged to lack treatment plants and said he would investigate if specific information is provided. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage in Ratnapura District (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Waruna Liyanage asked the Minister about drinking water provision in Ratnapura, noting that while the NWSDB and community schemes serve many families, nearly one million people still lack NWSDB-supplied water and many community projects lack treatment plants. Referring to the Budget allocation of Rs. 2,000 million for the Department of National Community Water Supply and 21 planned new projects, he asked how much funding would be allocated to Ratnapura. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage in Ratnapura District (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on drinking water shortages in Ratnapura District, stating that NWSDB and community schemes together serve about 48% of the district’s drinking water needs, with 12 NWSDB projects and 490 community water projects currently operating. He outlined ongoing and planned interventions, including distribution improvements under “Visal Ratnapura” Phase I, a Rs. 1,528 million project to add about 178 km of pipelines and 7,000 household connections, and 21 projects in areas without NWSDB supply. He said there is no separate “Phase 2” project, but further projects are planned under the NWSDB’s 2025–2029 programme and the “Praja Jala Abhimani” programme, with detailed annexes placed in the Library. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage in Ratnapura District (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised two supplementary issues regarding the fishing sector, noting that 182 multi-day vessels were reportedly not operating, including about 97 at the Beruwala fishery harbour, and requested an investigation. He also questioned delays in the Rs. 25 per litre fuel subsidy for multi-day vessels, stating that some fishers had not received payments due from October 2024 while others had received November payments, and asked that the relevant Minister be informed and action clarified. Oral Question: Fishery Harbours Development and Multi-Day Vessel Operations (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka asked the Government to explain the sudden emergence of long queues at fuel stations across the country. He requested clarification on the cause of the situation and the measures being taken to prevent or resolve it. Procedural: Opposition Whip Introduction Read →
- 28 February 2025 Hon. Members AI summary The Committee agreed to amend Head 189, Programme 01 by increasing the capital allocation by Rs. 500 million to Rs. 2.545 billion, incorporating Budget Proposal No. 31, while retaining recurrent expenditure at Rs. 17.1 billion. It then approved allocations for the Department of Police under Head 225, including Rs. 136.1 billion recurrent and Rs. 8.2 billion capital expenditure, with Hon. K. K. Ponnambalam’s objection recorded. Allocations for the Department of Immigration and Emigration under Head 226 were also approved, comprising Rs. 5.8 billion recurrent and Rs. 6.2 billion capital expenditure, before the Committee reported progress and adjourned to sit again on 1 March 2025. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Voting & Amendments (Heads 103, 189, 222-226, 304, 320, 325) Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2025, under Head 189 for the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. The allocation cited was Rs. 17.1 billion in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 2.045 billion in capital expenditure for Programme 01, Operational Activities. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Voting & Amendments (Heads 103, 189, 222-226, 304, 320, 325) Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan called for a Division during the Committee Stage voting on Budget expenditure heads. Following electronic voting, the relevant allocations under Head 103 and defence-related Heads 222 and 223 were approved, with 88 Ayes, 10 Noes and no abstentions; opposition to Head 222 by G.G. Ponnambalam was recorded. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Voting & Amendments (Heads 103, 189, 222-226, 304, 320, 325) Read →