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- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi framed the 2025 Budget as a historic turning point comparable to the 1970 and 1977 Budgets, arguing that its central objective is the “democratization of the economy” through broader participation and fairer distribution of growth. He highlighted targets and measures including 5 per cent growth, investment in agriculture, food security, technology, agro-industry, digital transformation across 12 sectors, and improved public service efficiency and accountability. He also defended salary increases and private-sector wage interventions as necessary to raise purchasing power, and said the Budget seeks to deliver jobs, enterprises, better health and education, and national development. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam assessed the Budget against whether it marked a substantive departure from past policies affecting Tamils in the North and East, arguing that it lacked targeted measures for war-affected districts despite the Government’s stated commitments. He questioned allocations for northern roads and the Jaffna Library, called for protectionist and special economic provisions for the North and East, and highlighted disparities in district capital funding. He also raised concerns over the militarization of preschool education, land seizures by the Forest Department and High Security Zones, dairy land disputes in Mayilathamadu and Madhavanai, and irrigation projects such as Maduru Oya and Lower Malwathu Oya, warning that these could perpetuate displacement and colonization unless addressed. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported the Government’s first Budget, describing it as a “citizens’ Budget” focused on rural, low-income, marginalized and vulnerable groups. He highlighted allocations for low-income households, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, kidney patients, schoolbooks, autism support, and additional interest for senior citizens’ deposits, while criticizing alleged misuse of public funds by former ministers. He also referred to drug trafficking concerns in Hambantota and Beliatta and said steps were being taken to stop inflows through local harbours. He noted a Rs. 100 million allocation to rebuild and digitize the Jaffna Public Library, linking it to reconciliation after its burning in 1981. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana spoke in support of the Government’s first Budget during the final day of the Second Reading debate. He criticised members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, alleging misuse of public funds, excessive housing loans, corruption linked to projects such as the Krish building, and other criminal matters. He also challenged claims about past harbour development in Hambantota, Mirissa and Kirinda, arguing that these projects were poorly engineered and have not adequately served fishermen. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka criticized the Budget as departing from the Government’s manifesto, arguing that promised VAT removals and tax cuts had not materialized while revenue targets, withholding tax, excise measures, vehicle taxes, and import restrictions would burden ordinary people. He said support promised to fishers, farmers, unemployed graduates, and older job seekers was inadequate or absent, and alleged that paddy pricing decisions favoured millers over farmers. He urged the Government to allow previously granted vehicle permits for executive-grade and medical officers to be used. He also condemned an alleged threat made by a Government State Minister against Hon. Namal Rajapaksa and said the Opposition would not be intimidated. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara defended the 2025 Budget as a credible and socially responsive programme aimed at justice, equality and economic transformation, contrasting it with previous budgets he said had not materialized. He highlighted allocations for health, education, transport, agriculture, security, public administration and Rs. 749 billion for social protection, alongside salary and stipend increases and measures for farmers, estate workers, fisherfolk, students, public servants and private-sector workers. He said the Budget would be financed through projected revenue of Rs. 4,990 billion and domestic and foreign borrowing against expenditure of Rs. 8,835 billion, and emphasized digitization, infrastructure rehabilitation and research funding while criticizing alleged misuse of youth funds under the previous administration. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan welcomed the 2025 Budget’s focus on economic transformation, digitalization and expanded welfare, but argued that many proposals lack implementation details and measurable outcomes. He called for transparent plans on FTAs, PPPs, state land leasing, digital infrastructure, cyber security, startup support, revenue sustainability, and public sector salary financing. He also urged more targeted and sustainable welfare measures, increased support for female-headed households, stronger agricultural modernization and rural infrastructure, and greater capital allocation to industry. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary VAT had been applied to domestically manufactured pharmaceutical products and to imported bulk drugs that were packed locally. The Minister stated that the Budget provides for the removal of VAT on those pharmaceutical products. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the Minister of Finance would provide a detailed explanation later in the day regarding tax relief measures. He stated that, following passage of the Budget, Bills would be introduced to reduce VAT and revise PAYE tax slabs and rates, in line with policy measures announced before the Budget. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara disputed the Prime Minister’s claim that his statement was false, citing page 103 of the Government’s policy statement. He argued that the document’s reference to reducing VAT to one point on items such as infant milk, medicines, school supplies, agricultural equipment and solar panels indicates that VAT is included in the policy. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as a value-based shift toward “Economic Democracy,” emphasizing social strengthening, equality, citizen participation, State regulation, and public investment rather than what she described as past cronyism and politicized economic management. She highlighted increased allocations for health and education, child protection reforms, support for women’s economic participation, special needs education, the removal of VAT on packaging inputs for locally produced medicines, and a Rs. 300 million “Sri Lankan Day” initiative for national unity. Responding to Opposition claims, she said the Budget implements the Government’s manifesto, denied that promises had been broken, and stated that salary increases would raise principals and teachers to among the higher-paid public service grades while restoring dignity to the public sector. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that the Government had abandoned many positions it held before coming to power, including on privatization, foreign investment, private universities, Indian-linked projects and the IMF agreement, and said the Budget did not reflect the mandate it claimed. He criticized the proposed public sector salary increases as largely offset by the absorption or reduction of existing allowances, while welcoming the restoration of pension calculations under Circular 03/2016 for 2016–2020 retirees. He opposed the Budget on the grounds that fertilizer subsidies were limited mainly to paddy farmers, the promised paddy buffer stock and price controls were inadequately funded, and VAT reductions on essentials promised before the election had not been implemented. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna made a personal explanation responding to remarks she said had harmed her and her family, including claims about her name and past events connected to violence in Kandy and Matale. She stated that her name had not been secretly changed and said her earlier question concerned the justification for spending Rs. 1 billion on a feasibility study and allocating Rs. 2.5 billion for the Kelani Valley railway. She thanked several Members, including the Leader of the Opposition, the Prime Minister and the Chief Government Whip, for their support, and directed further personal allegations and challenges at Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the Government about rice import measures taken during a recent shortage, noting that Sathosa, the State Trading Corporation and the private sector were permitted to import 160,000 metric tons and that a Rs. 65 per kg duty generated significant revenue. He asked whether, amid a renewed Nadu rice shortage ahead of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year and market prices exceeding the guaranteed price, the Government would pass any duty revenue relief to consumers or introduce special consumer-protection measures. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson requested detailed information from the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development on rice imports to Sri Lanka since 2015, including quantities, expenditure, source countries, and importing institutions. He also asked what measures the Government intends to take to reduce future rice imports, seeking an explanation if the information cannot be provided. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Government would continue necessary action regarding ongoing cases, including those before international courts, while local investigations proceed. He said the five-year plan for the national carrier aims to restore its reputation, use transit traffic to support tourism, and prevent the airline from becoming a fiscal burden. He then introduced the matter of details on rice imports from 2015 under question 90/2024. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that SriLankan Airlines was profitable under its Emirates partnership but incurred major losses after being brought fully under State control, despite having around 6,000 employees and 19 aircraft. He raised concerns about delays, cancellations and safety issues affecting expatriate demand for direct flights, and asked whether the Government would act on the J.C. Weliamuna Committee’s findings by prosecuting wrongdoing and recovering losses to the State. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that the Rs. 20 billion allocated in the Budget for the airline is to address historical liabilities, not operating losses, noting that the airline is currently operating at a profit. He attributed the liabilities to past fraud, corruption, politicisation, and above-market aircraft lease arrangements, some linked to cases before foreign courts. He said the Government’s 2025–2030 plan does not envisage Budget funding for operating expenses and that discussions are under way on foreign-currency debt restructuring to make the airline self-sustaining without imposing future costs on the public. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara questioned who ultimately bears SriLankan Airlines’ reported losses of about Rs. 2 billion between April and October 2024, arguing that the burden may fall on the wider public, including those who do not use air travel. He compared the situation to the assumption of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation debt through a fuel levy and asked whether the losses are recovered through ticket prices or met by the Treasury. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma, responding on behalf of the Finance Minister, stated that SriLankan Airlines operates 22 leased aircraft, including three unused aircraft for which lease payments of about USD 0.9 million per month per aircraft have continued. He provided details of current destinations and said the airline had 6,056 employees as of 14 January 2025. He outlined a five-year business plan for 2025/26 to 2029/30 focused on operational profitability, balance sheet restructuring, reduced reliance on government support, market share growth, and product improvements, with the Ministry providing guidance. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →