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- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake defended the NPP Government against Opposition criticism, saying it had passed important laws within two months in office and would maintain order and dignity in Parliament. Addressing the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, he argued that the framework is important for protecting creative works by artists, scholars and authors, and for strengthening Sri Lankan brands in global trade. He cited Ceylon Tea, cashew, coconut, palmyrah and kithul products as examples of goods that could be developed, branded and protected through intellectual property measures. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government’s credibility while debating trade-related regulations intended to protect domestic industry, arguing that its current actions contradict positions taken while in Opposition, including on oil tanks, foreign relations, bar licences, and the Arjuna Mahendran issue. He said the Opposition would support lawful measures to recover improperly paid compensation and other funds for the State, but demanded consistent action rather than rhetoric. He also raised concerns about a contract allegedly awarded despite an invalid bond and unfinished prior work, and criticized Government MPs for accepting parliamentary insurance benefits while publicly condemning the use of public funds. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, to register geographical indications, arguing that Sri Lanka should use them to protect and promote products with distinctive geographic and cultural origins. He said such protections, including under frameworks like WTO TRIPS, would help prevent misuse and strengthen the production economy. Citing Ceylon Tea, cinnamon, and mee kiri as examples, he pledged that the Government would develop Sri Lanka’s unique resources into internationally recognized products. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga supported the approval of regulations under the Intellectual Property Act for registering geographical indications, stating that GIs protect authenticity, prevent unauthorized use, and increase product value. He noted that while Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon are already recognized, products such as Ceylon Pepper, King Coconut, pineapple, palmyrah, kithul, Jaffna mango, crafts, and textiles could also be registered through associations or cooperatives. He argued that GI registration would support the Government’s production economy agenda and cited international examples and price increases to encourage regions to pursue registrations. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam said staff in the two LRC offices serving the North and East face unfair transfers requiring travel of around 450 kilometres because there are no other offices in those districts. He argued that this practice reflects discriminatory policies of previous governments and called on the Government to end it immediately to establish its credibility. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka responded to a reference made to him by citing SLSI specifications on imported lime, stating that the maximum permitted chromium level is 10 mg/kg. He presented lab reports indicating chromium levels of 14 mg/kg in lime imported into Sri Lanka and argued that this exceeds the standard and reaches a carcinogenic level. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala clarified technical aspects of lime used in water purification, explaining that limestone is processed into calcium hydroxide and that heavy metals are not normally present in either the raw material or production process. He stated that specifications for calcium hydroxide generally do not require heavy metal testing, but acknowledged that contamination could occur through other sources or irregular imports. He said reports cited by Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleging heavy metals in lime were serious and should be investigated. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, arguing that geographical indications and stronger quality standards could protect brands such as “Ceylon Tea” and prevent damage caused by low-quality exports. He cited recent foreign exchange earnings to show the relative decline of traditional exports such as tea, rubber, and coconut, and said higher-value, standards-based production could improve agricultural incomes and export revenue. He linked the regulations to the Government’s policy focus on a production economy, agriculture, modern technology, and value addition, and called on producers to act honestly in implementing the new framework. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper urged that, before implementing the relevant registration regulations, small-scale and regional producers be consulted and made aware of their importance, particularly for products associated with specific areas such as Jaffna, Valvettithurai, Maruthamunai and Valaichchenai. He requested a special initial programme, including simple and affordable legal aid for registration, noting that costs such as travel to Colombo and fees of over Rs. 45,000 would be burdensome for local entrepreneurs. He also raised concerns that the application process lacks a mechanism to verify whether registered products are genuinely sourced from the claimed region, warning that this could enable misuse, adulteration and false regional branding. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act to register geographical indications, describing them as broadly commendable and important for protecting and marketing Sri Lanka’s region-specific products. He urged the Minister of Trade to consult experts and ensure accurate understanding of geographical indications, distinguishing them from trademarks and noting their basis in international intellectual property frameworks such as WIPO and TRIPS. He cited examples such as Ceylon Tea, king coconut, Maruthamunai handloom sarongs, regional curd, dodol, thalaguli and cashew to argue that Sri Lanka should better protect and promote products linked to particular places and traditions. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa listed compensation payments allegedly made from public funds to 43 politicians and former officials for property damage during the Aragalaya period, stating that the total exceeded Rs. 1.224 billion. He argued that these payments reflected abuse of power and contrasted them with the difficulties ordinary citizens face in obtaining disaster or crop-damage compensation. He said the Government would continue exposing such practices, recover justice for public money, and redirect funds toward services such as health, education and transport. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayathissa alleged misuse of state resources by politically powerful individuals, citing bar permits allegedly issued through proxies, President’s Fund payments taken by politicians, and compensation paid in 2022 for property damage. He said he would later disclose names linked to bar permits and questioned how large sums were obtained from funds intended for ordinary citizens. He read out a list of politicians and compensation amounts, arguing that these payments exceeded what ordinary disaster victims typically receive. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns about a power sector tender, alleging that a bidder whose techno-commercial proposal had been rejected for an unacceptable bid bond was improperly reconsidered and advanced despite the Procurement Committee’s decision. He questioned why the matter was not referred to the National Procurement Commission before appointing a Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee, and argued that tender procedures appeared to have been bent to favour Hayleys/Dhammika Perera. He urged the Government to cancel the tender, negotiate with the compliant lowest bidder if pricing was an issue, and said future LNG power arrangements, including any deal with Adani, would be closely scrutinized for rates and procedural integrity. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported the operationalization of geographical indication regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, arguing that long-delayed implementation had deprived Sri Lankan exporters and producers of higher-value market opportunities. He cited international and local examples, including Colombian coffee and Sri Lankan cinnamon, gems, crafts, masks and palm products, and said GI protection could improve prices and export prospects. He also defended the Government’s positions on land and labour reforms as aimed at fair production and income distribution, and said vehicle imports would be managed cautiously to protect foreign reserves, inflation stability and export competitiveness. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar supported amendments to the Intellectual Property Act aimed at strengthening legal ownership and protection for Sri Lankan products, including through geographical indications and related mechanisms. He argued that protections should extend beyond well-known products such as Ceylon Tea to palmyrah-based products, noting their production across 11 districts, the existence of hundreds of related products, and projected revenue potential. He proposed that ownership of protected palmyrah products be vested in palmyrah development associations rather than individuals, and said the Government had begun efforts to revive a sector damaged over previous decades. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that 27 containers of imported hydrated lime for water treatment had chromium levels of 14 mg/kg, exceeding the permitted 10 mg/kg standard, despite required pre-shipment and local testing protocols. He said the material had been sent to the Ratmalana, Galle, and Ambatale water treatment plants and claimed the National Water Supply and Drainage Board had sought to relax the relevant standard instead of re-exporting the shipment. He tabled laboratory reports and called on Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to investigate, re-export the containers, and disclose who benefited from the transaction. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna supported the 2024 regulations under the Intellectual Property Act to enable domestic registration of Geographical Indications, arguing that Sri Lanka had lacked an operative registration framework despite the concept being included in law in 2003 and amended in 2022. He said the regulations would allow products such as Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon to be registered locally and better protected and marketed internationally. He urged the Government to identify and register further potential GIs, including sapphires, pepper, cashew, natural salt from Panama, and curd from Digamadulla, linking the measure to export promotion, rural production, and economic development. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake spoke during the debate on regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, briefly linking the issue of rights to the need to protect Sri Lanka’s claim over Katchatheevu. He rejected allegations raised against him by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, challenged the Government to file any pending cases promptly, and referred to his acquittal in a previous matter. He also defended his record at Lanka Phosphate, claiming improved profits, export sales, and resolution of litigation, and disputed claims about problems at the Uma Oya project, stating it is supplying power and water benefits. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act to establish registration of Geographical Indications, explaining their role in protecting products whose qualities or reputation are linked to a specific place. She said the 2022 amendment enables domestic and foreign GI registration in Sri Lanka, which could raise producer incomes, improve export value, protect against counterfeits, and benefit consumers. She emphasized that GI applications must be collective through associations, and identified potential Sri Lankan products such as Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, cashew, pepper, Ambalangoda masks, and Ratnapura gems. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon supported the overdue regulations on geographical indications, stating that GIs protect products whose qualities are linked to specific regions and can benefit all compliant producers through legal protection, higher prices, consumer trust, and export promotion. He argued that Sri Lanka should strengthen GI protection for products such as Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Pepper, Ceylon Cashew, Ceylon King Coconut, and regional goods like Southern buffalo curd to prevent misuse, support rural producers, and promote tourism. He said the Government would promote a production economy, provide facilities to producers, and advance exports. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →