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- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary The Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that, as of 14 August 2025, the Tender Board had confirmed in writing that the supplier was registered and eligible. He clarified that the USD 5,000 payment was not a precondition for registration, but was payable after registration and before the next bidding process. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody responded to concerns about a delay in a USD 5,000 payment linked to a coal procurement process, stating that USD 5,000 was deposited on 18 August 2025 but appeared as USD 4,980 due to exchange rate application, with the USD 20 balance paid on 22 August. He said the Cabinet Appointed Tender Board had already confirmed the supplier’s qualification in writing on 14 August, and that the requirement was to pay before the next bidding, not before award. He maintained that the payment and registration conditions had been met and noted that COPE could further examine the matter. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri raised concerns during debate on defence regulations and the Emergency extension about coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant. Citing the National Audit Office’s Special Audit Report for 2025/2026, he said Trident Chemphar Limited had been awarded a 1.5 million metric ton coal contract despite allegedly being unregistered at the bid date and not having paid the required registration fee, while similar opportunities were denied to others. He also alleged that testing of an umpire sample was bypassed and warned against further emergency procurement of 300,000 metric tons from the same company, urging action based on the Auditor General’s findings. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Two amendment Bills were presented: the Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Bill and the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill. Both were scheduled for Second Reading on 5 May 2026, ordered to be printed, and referred to the Committee on Public Finance. Presentation of Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha responded to questions on debt restructuring and CESS, stating that prior answers and annexures would be tabled and that borrowers who engaged with banks received available relief. He said the phasing out of para-tariffs, including CESS changes, was not an IMF condition but part of tax streamlining and fiscal consolidation based on an HS-code framework developed with stakeholder consultation. He added that MSMEs currently contribute less than 10% of export earnings and that the Government plans to present a strategy to raise this to 25%. Ministerial Statements on Economic Policy Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said MSMEs, which the Finance Minister had acknowledged contribute 52% of GDP, are under severe pressure from recent crises and from the IMF-linked gradual removal of CESS protections. He argued that the suspension of parate execution was not accompanied by debt restructuring or relief for over-indebted SMEs, and asked whether the Government has a programme to protect them and develop export-oriented industry. He warned that major manufacturers such as Brandix and MAS Holdings are relocating operations to Indian states including Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and proposed dedicated industrial parks and stronger support measures to retain factories and jobs in Sri Lanka. Ministerial Statements on Economic Policy Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on MSMEs, stating that they contribute about 52 percent of GDP and less than 10 percent of export earnings, with 1.037 million establishments operating and 108,000 closed due to the economic crisis according to 2022 survey data. He outlined 2025 credit disbursements across five schemes and said Rs. 95.686 billion in credit packages is planned for 2026, including refinance, ADB-funded and interest-subsidized schemes, plus a collateral-free credit guarantee programme backed two-thirds by the Treasury. He also referred to Central Bank circulars providing loan restructuring, interest waivers, moratoria and working capital support for MSMEs affected by economic conditions, natural disasters and Cyclone “Micha,” and placed related documents in the Library. Ministerial Statements on Economic Policy Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that procurement disputes are governed by internationally accepted trading conditions and that losses from supplier defaults would be pursued through penalties and legal action. He assured Parliament that any loss would be recovered from the supplier and not passed on to the public or included in the tariff revision. He also rejected claims that coal procured under emergency arrangements was substandard before it had even been loaded, and said the matter would be investigated. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa alleged irregularities in coal procurement, stating that due to delayed vessel arrivals the Government was sourcing 300,000 metric tons from a supplier that had not previously met required specifications. He questioned why this decision was made and claimed that corruption in the process would impose costs on 7.5 million electricity consumers. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s proposed electricity tariff increase, linking it to alleged use of substandard coal and failures in power generation. He stated that although the Government now refers to a 15 percent increase, he believes the final increase will amount to 30 percent, and framed his remarks as the basis for further questions. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s handling of coal procurement and maintenance-related power outages, arguing that PUCSL data, plant performance, coal consumption, calorific value and ash content suggested inferior coal had been supplied, preventing full 900 MW output from the three coal units. He asked why the tender was awarded to Trident Chemphar Limited despite alleged incomplete registration, and why laboratory certificates from labs with expired accreditations were accepted. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody tabled annexes in response to questions on coal procurement and the Lakvijaya Power Plant, stating that the plant has only three 300 MW units and that none has been shut down due to coal quality issues. He said all three turbines had been operating continuously since January and that available generation capacity should meet peak demand, subject to hydrology, solar availability and weather conditions. He outlined the supplier registration and procurement process, noting that 12 coal shipments had been delivered by 7 April 2026, seven shipments were delayed, liquidated damages and penalties amounting to USD 12.68 million had been initiated, and further legal action was being discussed with the Attorney General’s Department. Emergency procurement had also been initiated to arrange five additional shipments from 20 April 2026. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on allegations that substandard coal supplied by Trident Chemphar Limited to the Lakvijaya Power Plant had reduced generation efficiency, increased coal consumption, created fly ash issues, and forced costly use of diesel and furnace oil. He requested vessel-wise data comparing Trident’s coal with the previous supplier on generation capacity, consumption rates, calorific value, fly ash output, delivery schedules, and losses. He also asked whether tender criteria were relaxed, whether the supplier was properly registered, what legal and technical advice was obtained, and how the Government would ensure uninterrupted peak-time electricity supply and recover any losses. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa objected to an alleged attempt to add new material on earlier coal procurements to a Special Audit Report already tabled and distributed in Parliament concerning Lanka Coal Company procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant for 2025/2026. Citing parliamentary practice and Articles 153 and 154 of the Constitution, he argued that doing so could undermine the Auditor General’s independence and infringe Members’ privileges. He proposed that earlier transactions be investigated separately and that a distinct Auditor General’s report with relevant annexures be submitted to Parliament. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled an answer stating that preschools in Kilinochchi are maintained by the Northern Provincial Council’s Early Childhood Development Authority, not the Civil Security Department. He said 228 female Civil Security Guards serve as preschool teachers there, with salaries and allowances paid by the Department amounting to Rs. 14,207,364 per month, but the Department does not provide uniforms or administer the preschools. He explained that the teachers were recruited after the war to support early childhood education and placed under the Department only for administrative supervision, and that restructuring plans provide for their reassignment to the relevant Provincial Councils. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged concerns about liquor licensing in tourist zones, noting that the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority only recommends licences to the Excise Department. He said illegal alcohol sales by unlicensed operators are causing losses in government fees and taxes, and stated that discussions with the Minister of Finance aim to ensure proper collection of fees and taxes before licences are issued. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Deputy Minister stated that the Hanguranketha Rest House is one of 37 rest houses under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and that field inspections have not found illegal activities. He detailed the lessee, Jayalath Mudiyanselage Jayalath Bandara Dissanayake, and said the lease was awarded through an interview process following approvals in 2008, with agreements covering 2008–2018, 2018–2020, and 2020–2028. He added that SLTDA officers conduct periodic inspections, require rectification of shortcomings, and collect a 1% Tourism Development Levy from gross turnover. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana asked the Minister whether Prima and Tokyo Cement, which operate in connection with the Port of Trincomalee and provide significant economic and employment benefits, have failed to pay harbour tonnage dues since inception as alleged by trade unions and local communities. He requested clarification on whether such dues are being paid, noting that comparable companies at Hambantota and Colombo Ports pay them, and asked whether any unpaid dues can and will be recovered. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on the operational profit and loss of the Ports Authority from 2010 to 2024, noting losses in several earlier years and profits in recent years, including Rs. 926.03 million in 2024. He stated that no Ports Authority jetty has been leased to private companies, but the Vegetable Jetty was temporarily leased to the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau for tourism promotion, with most dues paid except rent from November 2025 to February 2026. He listed the jetties at the Port of Trincomalee and their usage status, and said a Master Plan for the entire port is in operation, with the Trincomalee plan laid in the Library. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana asked the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation to provide detailed financial and operational information on the Port of Trincomalee, including annual profit or loss over the past 15 years. He sought clarification on whether port jetties or terminals had been leased or transferred to private companies, the identities of those companies, payments or taxes made to the Ports Authority over the past 20 years, the current ownership status of port facilities, and the Government’s plans for developing the port. Oral Questions and Answers Read →