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 Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath acknowledged staff shortages, particularly among field officers, and other service delivery constraints in Trincomalee and the wider Eastern Province, including land-related issues and capacity limitations at Divisional Secretariat level. He stated that the Government is undertaking recruitment and plans to improve DS office facilities islandwide, including through technology, to bring services closer to the public. He also said the Government is willing to consult both Government and Opposition representatives from Trincomalee and act on their proposals. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said smallholder tea growers, who produce about 75 per cent of Sri Lanka’s tea, are facing pressure from falling green leaf prices, export issues and global energy-related conditions. He noted that tea export earnings reached USD 1,507 million in 2025, the highest since 2017, and said the Government has expanded fertiliser support through a QR-based scheme to 187,759 growers. He stated that Cabinet has approved a one-time additional fertiliser relief of Rs. 5,000 per 50 kg bag, on top of the existing Rs. 4,000 subsidy, with Rs. 2.5 billion allocated by the Treasury for smallholder tea growers. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that the Government has expanded cyclone “Dicha” disaster relief to Malayaha plantation communities living in line rooms, who were initially ineligible because they lacked ownership of houses or land. He said Cabinet decided on 6 April that line-room residents whose homes are totally damaged, certified as high risk by the NBRO, or deemed uninhabitable by disaster authorities will receive Rs. 5 million in housing relief and 10 perches of land, with options to buy or build a house. For partially damaged line rooms, he said the Divisional Secretary, Plantation Human Development Trust, and the Ministry will assess damage and arrange suitable housing assistance. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised a supplementary question on relief for the Malayaha community living in line rooms affected by the recent “Dicha” cyclone. He stated that these communities faced landslides and high-risk conditions but had not received relief on par with the general public, and asked what government programme is in place to assist them. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 8 April 2026 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 relief measures, stating that social protection is a core responsibility while maintaining policy stability and fiscal discipline. She said Rs. 50 billion had been allocated for the Ditsa natural disaster and that additional measures announced in response to the war were targeted at affected sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, transport and electricity costs, without printing money, increasing unsustainable debt, selling assets, or altering foreign policy. She argued that the Government was continuing development and public services while monitoring conditions, taking expert advice, and adjusting measures such as fuel-use controls and public holidays according to changing needs. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha criticised the Government for failing to provide adequate relief ahead of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year despite what he described as available Treasury funds. He said increases in fuel, electricity, gas, food, fertilizer, and construction material prices had worsened hardship for public servants, daily wage earners, farmers, construction workers, and three-wheeler drivers. He also called for effective relief and resettlement programmes for people affected by the “Ditsa” cyclone and long-standing landslides in areas such as Rakwana, Madampe, Suriya Kanda, and Aluthkaella. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper cited the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report of 2 April 2026 on Lanka Coal Company’s procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, arguing that it identified a flawed process that allowed substandard coal to be supplied over a 36-month period. He disputed earlier assertions about loading and unloading port inspections, stating that the buyer had the right to reject loading-port reports and determine compliance. He challenged the Government to refer the audit report to CIABOC, the CID, and the Attorney General, in light of amended Standing Orders enabling such referrals, to determine responsibility for losses from the coal imports. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Iran-Israel-USA conflict had disrupted global fuel logistics and raised insurance and shipping costs, affecting Sri Lanka’s crude and refined fuel supplies. He stated that the Government had prioritised uninterrupted supply over price, using the QR and odd-even systems to curb hoarding and reduce queues, with consumption returning close to normal levels. He reported current stocks and scheduled cargo arrivals, saying diesel, petrol, kerosene, Jet A-1 and industrial fuel supplies had been secured through early June, with further tenders pending. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the Energy Minister on an Auditor General’s Report dated 2 April 2026, which found that Taranjot Resources (Pvt.) Ltd., selected under emergency coal procurement, lacked prior experience and had defective registration. He said similar concerns applied to Trident Chemphar Ltd. and argued that the Minister bore responsibility for coal procurement policy and Cabinet submissions relating to these agreements. He asked the Government to clarify the future of the Taranjot agreement and its policy on emergency coal procurement in light of the Auditor General’s findings. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra stated that the Government is seeking to sustain economic growth and livelihoods by cushioning fuel price increases, with the Treasury absorbing Rs. 20 per litre on petrol and Rs. 100 per litre on diesel. She argued that such relief is a governmental duty given fuel’s wider impact on the economy, and referred to the effects of the Easter Sunday attacks and the pandemic on tourism and other sectors. She also challenged the Opposition to state what relief measures it had provided while in office. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook argued that the Government has managed economic pressures, disaster relief, and the fuel supply more effectively than previous administrations, citing the country’s prior bankruptcy, fuel queues, and lack of reserves. He listed relief payments provided after the “Ditva” cyclone and said the Government is absorbing losses on fuel while allocating Treasury funds to support sectors such as fisheries and agriculture. He also noted ongoing development projects in Kandy District, including the Katugastota-Ketambe flyover and Mahaiyawa tunnel, and stated that fuel prices would be reduced if the Middle East ceasefire holds. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra outlined Government relief measures following the “Ditva” cyclone, tabling official payment records and citing progress on grants for damaged homes, schoolchildren, temporary housing, livelihood losses, deaths, and full or partial housing damage. He rejected Opposition criticism as inaccurate and said compensation and recovery programmes were continuing despite subsequent Middle East tensions. He also welcomed the announced temporary ceasefire in the Middle East and expressed hope it would lead to lasting peace, while noting the President’s new relief package for SMEs, farmers, fishers, and low-income Aswesuma recipients. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government’s priority since taking office in 2024 had been restoring macroeconomic stability after the 2022 default and responding to subsequent shocks, including the “Didwa” disaster and the Middle East conflict. He stated that affected fishers and inland aquaculture farmers received support through NAQDA and the Department of Fisheries, including Rs. 238.8 million for boats, canoes and nets and Rs. 139.9 million for repairs. Referring to fuel price increases, he said kerosene and fuel subsidies had helped revive fishing activity, and proposed further assistance of 25 litres per day for small boats and Rs. 150,000 per trip for multi-day boats, with a willingness to adjust the scheme after further consultations. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar alleged serious irregularities in recent coal procurement for the Lakvijaya power plant, arguing that government ministers ignored repeated warnings from the Opposition, Oversight Committee proceedings, and audit findings about non-compliant shipments, defective sampling, delayed vessels, and the failure to use umpire sample provisions. He claimed the delays and tender decisions caused major public losses through higher-priced emergency purchases, demurrage not recovered, low-grade coal, power cuts and tariff impacts, and called for the matter to be taken to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. He also criticized the President for defending the responsible minister and said the tender should have been cancelled earlier and supply divided among other compliant bidders. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara defended the Government’s coal procurement process, arguing that it attracted unprecedented bidding, followed proper testing at loading, discharge and plant stages, and included penalties or recoveries where contractual issues arose. He contrasted this with alleged past irregularities in coal purchases, disaster resettlement, and public enterprise management under previous administrations, while stating that current housing and relief measures were being completed or funded without money printing. He also rejected links between coal issues and electricity tariff decisions, outlined planned investments in solar integration, batteries and pumped storage, and said CEB restructuring would reduce tariffs without privatizing key State entities. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief measures, including New Year goods packs and compensation after cyclone damage, and questioned whether newly announced relief would reach beneficiaries. He argued that current tax policies, including the removal of CESS and increased indirect taxation, harm small producers, farmers, fishers and SMEs while benefiting large conglomerates. He also accused the Government of inconsistency on rice imports and urged it to acknowledge rural hardship and change its policy direction. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s economic and welfare record during the debate on the current political and economic situation, arguing that it inherited a collapsed economy with import restrictions, recruitment freezes, halted salary increases and reduced welfare. He cited Budget measures including public sector salary increases, expanded welfare payments, higher fertilizer and Mahapola subsidies, school and health-related assistance, and increased housing and resettlement grants. He also outlined relief after the “Ditcha” cyclone, including housing reconstruction payments and support for small industries and fishers, and said further assistance would continue amid global economic pressures. He rejected Opposition criticism, contrasting the Government’s relief to low-income and affected communities with previous policies he said benefited large businesses. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika said the Government’s adjournment debate concerned the Middle East crisis and its likely economic and social impact on Sri Lanka, particularly energy supplies, and noted that relief measures including a Rs. 100 billion New Year package and three months of fuel support were being provided without money-printing due to improved fiscal management. He argued that stronger revenue, reserves, a lower deficit, a current account surplus, and stabilized inflation and interest rates had enabled the Government to manage both disaster recovery and external fuel shocks. He rejected opposition criticism on corruption, disaster management, and procurement testing, citing improvements in the Corruption Perceptions Index, ongoing housing support after disasters, and the use of official laboratory-based testing procedures. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government had stabilized public finances after the 2022 bankruptcy by widening tax compliance, controlling expenditure and reducing the budget deficit without introducing new taxes. He argued that this fiscal management enabled major relief allocations, including Rs. 270 billion in 2025, Rs. 500 billion in 2026 for cyclone-affected people, and a Rs. 100 billion economic package for fishers, Aswesuma beneficiaries and low-electricity users. He rejected Opposition claims that compensation and relief had not been provided, stating that most payments had been made and that remaining cases were due to administrative issues. He framed these measures in the context of recent cyclones and the economic risks from the Middle East conflict and disrupted supply chains. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary The member stated that festive-season relief payments would be increased for vulnerable groups, including raising assistance for the extremely poor from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000 and increasing other poor and transitional benefits to Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 7,500 respectively. He also said relief would be provided on electricity bills for consumers using under 90 units, and support would be given to fisherfolk and farmers affected by the fuel situation. He noted a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East and said the Government hoped for normalization while preparing for adverse outcomes. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →