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- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma responded to earlier inquiries by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake regarding the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank and the Regional Development Bank. He stated that the Government is discussing and will implement measures to reduce financing costs, particularly interest rates, for small and medium enterprises to support business expansion, new investment, market access and a production-oriented economic programme. Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Prime Minister on whether the reported 7.75 percentage point reduction in interest rates was sufficient for Sri Lankan producers to compete regionally. He noted that interest rates in countries such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan were around 5–7 percent, while Sri Lankan rates remained higher, and asked what structural measures could be taken to provide producers with more competitive borrowing costs. Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma responded to a supplementary question raised under Standing Order 38 regarding an automated licensing system for the Department of Import and Export Control. He stated that the system is supported by the U.S. EXBS Program as a donation of hardware and software, with Cabinet approvals granted in 2019 for training and technical guidance and in 2023 for provision of the system. He clarified that Rs. 19.88 million in additional provision for 2024 relates to accounting for laptops and software development already received as a foreign grant, and said USAID has not issued any written notice to Sri Lanka of any suspension or impact on assistance following the relevant U.S. Executive Order. Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister replied to a deferred question, stating that Central Bank monetary easing since June 2023 had reduced policy rates and market interest rates, supported increased private sector credit in 2024, and that any further rate reductions would depend on inflation and growth conditions while affecting depositors. She said the Government was pursuing foreign exchange generation beyond exports, addressing exporter concerns through Budget 2025, and implementing short-, medium- and long-term measures to improve Colombo Port cargo clearance, including 24/7 examination yards, additional holding capacity, Customs risk-management automation, AI-supported scanning and new scanners. She also outlined digital payment and ease-of-doing-business initiatives, citing expanded payments through the National Payment Platform, the launch of GovPay on 7 February 2025, and investment facilitation through the BOI Investor Facilitation Centre and related coordination mechanisms. Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister answered a parliamentary question on Pradeepa Halls and related land leases, stating that Government Chief Valuer assessments had not been obtained for the Modara and Maligawatta halls due to unresolved vesting and valuation processes, and that the halls were leased based on a Board decision rather than procurement. He also stated that a 109.71-perch land parcel at Maththegoda had been leased to the Venerable Muruttetuwe Ananda Thero Foundation for an annual ground rent of Rs. 453,000, based on a Government Chief Valuer assessment, to support community and religious activities. Oral Question: Question No. 4 - 449/2025 (Housing) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that the human resource shortage has been identified as a critical operational issue. He said the number of vacancies and additional staffing needs have been discussed with the Government and recruitment will proceed once approval is granted. He also indicated that officers’ allowances and other difficulties will be reviewed with a view to providing relief measures. Oral Question: Question No. 3 - 447/2025 (Forest Conservation) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Asked whether the Government has a plan to address reported understaffing among field officers, particularly Forest Range Officers. He also requested clarification on measures to provide adequate fuel and facilities to support their duties. Oral Question: Question No. 3 - 447/2025 (Forest Conservation) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that industrial zones handed over to Divisional Secretaries lack clear accountability for infrastructure and administration, despite rent collection. He said the Government intends to bring such zones under the Ministry and the Industrial Development Authority, and to prevent unauthorized commercial sub-leasing of State plots unless conducted under Ministry oversight and proper agreements. He added that future regularization through Divisional Secretaries would follow formal procedures. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga asked what measures the Ministry is taking in relation to the Budget allocation of Rs. 1.5 billion for infrastructure development in 32 existing zones and the opening of new zones. She raised concerns about neglected maintenance, loss of opportunities for genuine investors, unauthorized occupation or residence within some zones, and asked about interim sub-leasing and steps to expedite the 15-step process so existing factories can function smoothly. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked the Minister what measures have been taken to address delays in issuing lease permits, noting that investors who waited 15 to 25 years face accumulated rent arrears, difficulty expanding production, and barriers to obtaining bank loans due to lack of lease documentation. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Oshani Umanga asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development whether new industrial zones are planned in Sri Lanka and, if so, sought details of those plans. She raised concerns about delays faced by investors in obtaining approvals and preparing lease agreements for industries in such zones, and asked what measures would be taken to reduce delays. She also asked whether a linked, streamlined process involving all relevant institutions could be established, and the expected timeframe for doing so. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports AI summary The Minister defended the 2025 Budget as the Government’s first step toward “system change,” arguing that it redirects policy toward reducing corruption, waste and politically driven expenditure while rebuilding productive State assets. He cited projected revenues, recurrent expenditure, interest payments and the Rs. 1,315 billion capital expenditure allocation, stating that criticisms about missing revenue details or small project allocations ignored the Budget’s figures and multi-year funding structure. He also highlighted allocations for the North, including roads, housing, the Mullaitivu Waddduvakal Bridge and the Jaffna Library, framing them as part of national unity and post-conflict reconciliation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned whether the NPP Government’s first Budget reflects the leftist and “system change” policies it advocated while in Opposition, arguing that many proposals resemble conventional budget measures and previous administrations’ approaches. He criticised perceived reversals on issues such as foreign investment, the Trincomalee oil tanks and digitisation, and urged the Government to accept scrutiny without blaming past politicians or dismissing all former MPs as corrupt. He also called on Government members to clarify whether they understand and support the Budget and to align their conduct and policy implementation with the mandate for change. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi expressed support for the Government’s first Budget, highlighting the Rs. 271 billion allocation for education. He argued that education is central to addressing past societal issues and said the Budget emphasizes building a humane, people-centred society. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi argued that criticisms of the Budget had distorted the Minister’s statements and should be assessed against the detailed Estimates. He highlighted welfare allocations, including Rs. 441.3 billion for pensions and substantial payments to families of deceased and injured soldiers, as evidence that the Budget balances production and growth with social obligations. He also noted the Rs. 13.6 billion allocation to the Ministry of Digital Economy, saying it should support more efficient public services and reduce paperwork and administrative delays. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi – Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Minister supported the Government’s first Budget, arguing that its allocations reflect a broader aim of social upliftment, human freedom, and support for vulnerable groups, including prisoners, persons with disabilities, children in care, and women. He linked provisions on transport, water, environment, and education to the need to rebuild society after recent national crises, citing local water shortages in Eheliyagoda and environmental degradation. He also criticised the Opposition for seeking to move past past abuses and failures, defended continued reference to such events as necessary for accountability, and called for greater public “Budget literacy” to prevent misinterpretation of fiscal measures such as salary proposals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath defended the NPP Government’s maiden Budget, arguing that it is consistent with the party’s manifesto, the President’s policy statement, and the Budget Speech, and is aimed at poverty eradication, “Clean Sri Lanka,” and building a digital economy. He highlighted major allocations for health, education, transport, agriculture and nutrition, environmental protection, justice, national security, public service reform, and social protection. He said the Government had inherited economic and social decline from previous administrations and urged the Opposition to engage constructively rather than criticise without an alternative vision. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the maiden Budget as a “citizen’s budget” aimed at broad participation in economic recovery and fair distribution of production benefits. She highlighted allocations for health, including Rs. 600 billion for the sector, Rs. 1.5 billion for a cancer unit at Ratnapura Teaching Hospital, Rs. 400 million for a Ratnapura Maternity Care Complex, and Rs. 500 million for local production of assistive devices. She also emphasized funding for maternal and child nutrition, school meals, education, school infrastructure, university quality improvement, vocational training stipends, and support for rural agriculture through the fertiliser subsidy and cooperative-based mechanisms. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva challenged Hon. Nalin Hewage’s denial that he had claimed a Toyota Vitz could be imported for about Rs. 1.2 million, citing a Newswire article dated 2 November 2024. He placed the article in the Library and said it referred to removing taxes and other barriers to make such an import possible. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the 2025 Budget as a historic and expansionary response to the economic crisis, arguing that increased public spending is needed to revive demand, production, employment, tourism, remittances, and investment. He criticised previous governments for bankruptcy, rising debt, currency depreciation, weak growth, asset sales, poor youth employment outcomes, and alleged economic mismanagement, citing figures on FDI, macroeconomic indicators, NEET youth, and public debt. He highlighted the Budget’s education allocation, a reported USD 3.7 billion project secured during the President’s China visit, and transport investments focused on rail efficiency and linking economic hubs to reduce fuel use and improve logistics. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →