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- 27 February 2025 Hon. Members AI summary Parliament agreed to the proposed allocations under the Special Spending Units for Heads 1-25, including an increased capital expenditure sum of Rs. 9.487 billion. It also approved allocations under Head 1, including Rs. 2.519 billion for Programme 01 recurrent expenditure, Rs. 354 million for Programme 01 capital expenditure, and noted Programme 02 allocations of Rs. 20 million recurrent and Rs. 100 million capital expenditure. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025, an amendment was moved on behalf of the Minister of Finance to revise capital expenditure under Special Spending Units, Heads 1-25. The amendment replaces the relevant allocation with Rs. 9,487,000,000, increasing the capital provision for Head 1 by Rs. 6,000,000,000 to include allocations under Budget Proposals Nos. 07 and 19. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe listed several former Presidential Advisors and associates who, he said, had received vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat, arguing that 64 such vehicles had been issued in a manner that burdened the public. He contrasted this with the current administration’s reduced vehicle use and expenditure, stating that wasteful costs on vehicles, premises, and related facilities had been curtailed to protect public trust. He defended the Budget as delivering the largest salary increase in Sri Lanka’s history for public servants, with intervention for private sector workers, and said the Government was working to rebuild the country after bankruptcy caused by corruption and waste. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the Government’s mandate and rejected Opposition claims about the President’s Fund, saying decentralization to Divisional Secretariats had increased access and applications within its first 20 days. He said the National Procurement Commission’s guidelines must be updated, with greater transparency and technology to allow bidders to track tenders, and called for stronger performance auditing through COPA, COPE, the Audit Service Commission and the National Audit Office. He also said CIABOC would be strengthened with resources, staffing and infrastructure, citing past political interference, low case completion rates and Sri Lanka’s corruption perception ranking. Responding to criticism of appointments, he argued that Government appointees were qualified and contrasted them with alleged patronage under previous administrations. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman criticized Government members for condemning Rajapaksa-era waste while recalling that they supported Mahinda Rajapaksa’s rise to power in 2005 despite controversies such as “Helping Hambantota.” He argued that the Government’s claimed “system change” is limited to expenditure cuts and has not delivered transparency or depoliticized appointments, citing the concentration of 94 institutions and 27 per cent of the Budget under the President, political appointments to senior posts, and eight ambassadorial appointments from outside the Foreign Service. He said the Opposition’s role is to scrutinize the Government and questioned unmet promises, including on accountability and governance reforms. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala defended the 2025 allocations under the President’s Head, stating that expenditure had been reduced while funding for independent commissions and oversight bodies such as CIABOC, the National Audit Office, the National Procurement Commission and the Human Rights Commission had been increased. He said the Government had reduced staff and monthly costs at the Presidential Secretariat, opened it to the public, and was ending what he described as past misuse of the President’s Fund. He argued that improved revenue collection, reduced waste and a proposed Rs. 232 billion public sector salary increase would support a more efficient, citizen-friendly public service under independent institutions. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticized government remarks on the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic by recalling the 1988–89 threat to the Temple of the Tooth and urged sensitivity to that history. She warned against interference with independent Commissions, questioned proposals to formalize and tax informal remittance channels, and argued that some Budget expenditure reductions appear to be accounting shifts while heritage maintenance is being undervalued. She also raised concerns about procurement accountability, delays and investigations relating to the President’s Fund, and urged officials not to be discouraged from lawful decision-making, emphasizing that the institutions under the Special Spending Unit are essential to democratic checks and balances. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised concerns over Parliament’s failure to implement Public Administration Circular No. 06/2006 for 18 years, arguing that about 850 parliamentary staff had faced unfair treatment in service restructuring and pay anomaly corrections. He rejected broad corruption allegations against his former political group, contrasted its record with the Rajapaksa administration, and accused the current governing party of having previously supported leaders it now criticizes. He urged the Government to reduce wasteful expenditure, disclose concrete savings, address underworld violence as a national security and international credibility issue, and act consistently on wage and governance commitments. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam criticized proposed changes to the Tax Appeals Commission process, particularly the requirement for a 25 per cent cash deposit before an appeal and the restriction on submitting new evidence or raising new issues at appeal hearings. He argued these measures would deter investors, undermine natural justice, and create risks of corruption, and asked the Government to reconsider them. He also urged the Government not to follow previous approaches toward minorities, especially Tamils in the North and East. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam welcomed the response but urged that the relevant charge or requirement be waived at least for senior citizens, stating that he remained unconvinced by the explanation. He then referred the House to Annexure IV of the President’s Budget Speech, indicating a continued focus on budget-related provisions. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Clarified that monthly income up to Rs. 150,000 remains exempt from tax under the Withholding Tax arrangements. He stated that where the Withholding Tax rate was increased from 5 per cent to 10 per cent, refunds would be made where applicable, while noting that some persons fall outside the WHT system despite broader tax rate increases. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that, with religious approval and at the President’s request, an Exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic would be held from 18 April and invited Opposition MPs to attend. He said the Government was reducing public expenditure, citing cuts to vehicles, fuel, staff and allowances in the Chief Government Whip’s Office, and contrasted current monthly spending with previous costs. He also presented figures on the costs of Presidential Commissions of Inquiry since 2016, questioned the rapid implementation of compensation related to the 2022 “Aragalaya” incidents, and said a full list of recipients would be tabled at Committee Stage. He further listed 2024 maintenance costs for former Presidents, highlighting the share attributed to Mahinda Rajapaksa. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake argued that independent commissions and Parliament itself must be accountable to the public, while retaining necessary independence, resources and respect. He said the newly established Constitutional Affairs Committee would engage such institutions on their conduct, and criticized what he described as past entitlement and misuse of official residences, vehicles and public funds by former office-holders. He defended the current Government’s policy of restraint on official privileges, stated that official housing should be used only where justified, and said Parliament had initiated audits of its own expenditure, tabling audit reports on costs linked to the Speaker’s residence and vehicle use by former parliamentary office-holders. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary The Minister outlined Budget allocations for 21 institutional Heads, including Parliament, independent commissions, and oversight bodies, noting their important but less visible functions and mentioning pending staff matters such as leave encashment. He urged bodies such as the Bribery Commission and Audit Service Commission to act more effectively and accountably, particularly in addressing large-scale corruption and expenditure in sectors such as highways. He cited alleged inflated claims and major project costs in the highways sector and called for stronger audit standards, management audits, and oversight of high-value projects. He also supported structural reforms to address overlapping state institutions and staffing imbalances, saying independent oversight is necessary to implement the Government’s mandate. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that reductions in presidential expenditure are useful only if essential services of the President’s Office, Secretariat, and President’s Fund continue effectively. He supported reasonable official facilities and security for current and former Presidents, subject to discipline and proper risk assessments, while opposing unnecessary luxury and public-funded residences for former Presidents who have adequate housing. He called for clarification on vehicles exhibited by the Presidential Secretariat that he said later appeared at MPs’ residences, and urged transparent policies on official residences and vehicle permits rather than populist measures. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government inherited a bankrupt economy in September 2024 and is using its first Budget to restore stability, investor confidence and public trust after decades of mismanagement. He rejected claims that independent commissions were being weakened, citing increased 2025 allocations for the Bribery Commission, Human Rights Commission and National Police Commission. He also stated that the Budget includes additional support for national unity and for communities in the North, East and estate areas affected by war and neglect. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that debate on the President’s Head should focus less on the total allocation and more on whether funds benefit the public and support necessary institutions. He welcomed curbs on unnecessary expenditure but urged that programmes such as the President’s Fund, medical assistance, Mahapola scholarships, student aid and religious grants be strengthened, and that Governors be able to support local needs in the absence of Provincial Councils. He also raised issues regarding auctioning Presidential Office vehicles, possible tourism use of official residences, and an obstruction to planting a Bo tree at Galle harbour, while noting cost-cutting measures begun under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and continued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said the 2025 Budget’s success depends on whether the Government can raise the projected Rs. 4,990 billion in revenue against Rs. 7,190 billion in expenditure and deliver on its pledges. He questioned reliance on Inland Revenue, Excise and Customs, asked for disclosure on the 300 bar permits allegedly issued by the previous Government, and criticized unfulfilled promises on fuel tax cuts, electricity tariffs, Samurdhi payments, and collateral-free youth loans. He warned that public support could decline if economic hardship continues, particularly over high rice prices and festival-season shortages, and urged the President and Government to implement practical measures and keep their commitments. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government remains committed to repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act after introducing new counter-terrorism legislation consistent with international human rights standards, following a review by a committee chaired by President’s Counsel Rienzi Arsekularatne. He rejected Opposition claims that an independent Prosecutor’s Office reflects distrust of the Attorney-General, arguing it is a manifesto commitment intended to separate prosecution from the Attorney-General’s advisory functions and improve impartiality. He also defended the Budget as a “people’s Budget” and said the Government’s first months had focused on ending corruption, waste, and misuse of public funds. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said that during the Committee Stage of the Budget debate, Government Members were presenting substantive points on the economy while much of the Opposition was avoiding economic issues and relying on unrelated or media-driven remarks. He added that the Government would welcome constructive Opposition contributions to rebuilding the country, but criticised what he described as a lack of substantive engagement from many Opposition Members. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →