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- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Nanda Bandara said the Government was debating regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act as part of efforts to rebuild the economy, strengthen foreign reserves, reduce import expenditure and expand export income. He argued that the NPP Government had stabilized reserves and introduced a transparent framework to resume vehicle imports after a five-year halt, balancing public transport, private needs and economic requirements. He also emphasized the need to modernize rail and public transport to support production and tourism, attributing improved conditions to political stability and reduced corruption. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe argued that part of the account regarding a tender decision was being omitted. He said the Power and Energy Minister had explained that, after an appeal to the relevant Appeal Board and Cabinet consideration of the Cabinet Paper, awarding the tender to the company saved more than Rs. 2 billion, and questioned why that fact was not being stated. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman alleged that a tender previously rejected for a major bid bond deviation and again found non-responsive on appeal was later recommended for award by a Cabinet-appointed committee. He claimed the reversal resulted from political appointments and pressure under both the former and current Governments. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the reasons for rejection by the TEC/PC had been considered by both the Procurement Appeal Board and the CANC. He urged that reports not be quoted selectively, and called for all relevant documents to be read together to understand why the bid was initially rejected and why that decision was later reversed. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that official documents, including the PC report, CANC report, and Cabinet Paper, indicated that Hayleys Fentons had been rejected, yet Cabinet approval was subsequently granted to Dhammika Perera. He contended that if the Government intended to change the award, the proper procedure would have been to call for a fresh tender. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody clarified that the procurement in question was not initiated by his side and noted that Cabinet Papers are submitted by Ministers, not Secretaries. He stated that after the financial bids were opened, the lowest price formed the basis for the CANC’s award decision and that the CEB had issued the notification. He rejected allegations of impropriety, saying any claims should be supported with evidence and pursued through the courts. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman challenged the Minister’s account of cooperation with Customs unions, citing a Customs Officers’ Association letter alleging that 323 containers were released despite risk-management concerns, including 86 marked for mandatory Red Channel examination. He then questioned the handling of the 50 MW Mannar wind power tender, alleging that procurement decisions after appeals and Cabinet consideration improperly favoured Hayleys Fentons despite earlier technical and bid-bond objections. He demanded transparency on the Cabinet approval of 6 January 2025, argued that the project should have been re-tendered if the process was flawed, and cautioned officials against changing tender documents under political pressure. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the recent container congestion at Customs had been resolved through coordinated action, with inspections conducted according to risk-based criteria, and rejected allegations linking specific containers to illicit goods or the Western Province Governor. He explained measures to ease port space constraints and defended phased vehicle import relaxation based on improved reserves while protecting domestic assembly and foreign exchange. He also justified noise restrictions on tourism-related events as compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, outlined guaranteed paddy prices for the Maha season, and said the Government would prioritize rule of law, market regulation, and economic recovery. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa questioned several Government positions, arguing that policy announcements on tourism regulations, paddy pricing, vehicle imports, unemployment, and coconut shortages lacked consistency or timely implementation. He criticized the delayed paddy price decision, saying many farmers had already sold part of the Maha harvest below the announced Rs. 120 price, and asked whether campaign promises on cheaper vehicles would be honoured. He demanded that the Government disclose details of the reported release of 323 containers, clarify statements on Provincial Council Elections, and state its position on USAID-funded programmes in Sri Lanka. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the foreign exchange and import-export regulations, arguing that import controls should be based on reserves, food security, national and environmental security, and human capital needs. He said the Government had increased foreign reserves to USD 6.1 billion and justified the phased resumption of vehicle imports for tourism, public transport and goods transport. He criticized previous administrations over alleged corruption, import policies affecting farmers, and misuse of privileges, and requested an investigation into a Ginigathhena incident involving deaths and alleged foreign employment fraud linked to a former Minister. He concluded by calling for unity across communities to rebuild the economy. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the Government and President failed to address a Customs-led work-to-rule and related “container crisis” at the Port, which he said delayed imports and exports, increased demurrage costs, and harmed foreign exchange earnings. He stated that the problem reflected longstanding resistance to Customs reform and alleged that union influence had prevented effective intervention, while many ordinary Customs officers had worked to clear the backlog. He questioned the President’s explanation for congestion and requested detailed data from the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and the Committee on Public Finance on container examinations, examination capacity, recoveries, staffing costs, demurrage payments and examination yard charges. He estimated delay-related losses at over Rs. 10 billion and called on the Government to address entrenched “mafias” in Customs and other sectors under its “Clean Sri Lanka” agenda. Procedural: Committee Composition and Debate Commencement Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The speech supported parliamentary approval of an Order under the Foreign Exchange Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, describing them as temporary measures to protect reserves and support economic stabilization. It outlined limits on outward investments, targets to increase foreign reserves, and a phased relaxation of vehicle import restrictions with registration deadlines, penalties, and licence sanctions. It also explained recent rice import relaxations in response to shortages and said the Government is improving data systems and using these measures to normalize the economy, support tourism, revenue, production, and public transport. Procedural: Committee Composition and Debate Commencement Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Projects such as Mihindusenpura and Puradora Sewana began in 2013 and 2014, predating President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure, but many residents still lack deeds more than 11 years later; Mihindusenpura has issued 398 deeds out of 830 units, while Puradora Sewana has issued none for its 34 units. On instalment obligations, the Member stated that political statements made at ceremonies do not alter legal requirements unless lawful directions are issued by the competent authority, and that institutions must act within their legal mandate. Oral Question: UDA Housing Units and Deed Distribution (Q.295/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that deeds have been issued for 1,678 housing units across 24 projects and that remaining deeds will be granted after compliance certificates, notarial deeds, and settlement of outstanding water, assessment, and monthly charges. He noted that beneficiaries may be required to pay up to Rs. 350,000, but the Government is preparing a mechanism for residents facing hardship and is considering further reductions to expedite the issuance of deeds. Oral Question: UDA Housing Units and Deed Distribution (Q.295/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary The Minister stated that interest rates are determined by the independent Central Bank, while the Government supports SME lending through concessionary schemes that reimburse part of the interest to banks, enabling loans at around 7%. Regarding SriLankan Airlines, he argued that past mismanagement contributed to SOE losses and said the current Government has appointed competent management, maintained support during a transition period, and is addressing legacy debts despite reported operational profits. Oral Question: People's Bank - Corporate Governance and Operations (Q.294/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the allocation of Rs. 23.8 billion for SriLankan Airlines’ debts, noting that about half would go to People’s Bank, and asked whether such public funds could instead support low-interest lending to SMEs. Referring to the Committee on Public Finance and the Central Bank’s role in monetary policy, he asked what measures the Government could take to ensure low-cost credit for SMEs and entrepreneurs without spending on loss-making State-owned enterprises. Oral Question: People's Bank - Corporate Governance and Operations (Q.294/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that while the figures cited relate to past years, interest rates in 2025 have been gradually declining and state banks will reflect this in lending. He said commercial lending rates depend on borrower risk profiles, but Government concessionary schemes such as Odapana and SME loans provide credit at around 7 per cent through state banks. He acknowledged the need for affordable SME credit to revive the economy and said the Government has already taken measures in that direction. Oral Question: People's Bank - Corporate Governance and Operations (Q.294/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned why People’s Bank continues to charge loan interest rates of 17–18 percent despite lower administrative costs, declining interest rates, and increased profits. Referring to the difficulties faced by SMEs, he asked whether the bank’s lending rates could be corrected and reduced to around 8–10 percent. Oral Question: People's Bank - Corporate Governance and Operations (Q.294/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Deputy Minister provided detailed responses on People’s Bank, including its establishment date, current board and management, branch and employee numbers, capital position, and compliance with Basel capital adequacy requirements. He tabled financial performance data covering profits, return on equity, administration costs, net interest margins, and balance sheet figures up to 2024, noting that 2024 figures are unaudited and future forecasts are still being prepared. He also stated that no loans exceeding Rs. 1 billion had been written off, making related follow-up questions inapplicable. Oral Question: People's Bank - Corporate Governance and Operations (Q.294/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for detailed information on People’s Bank, including its incorporation date, current leadership, branch and employee numbers, paid-up capital, and compliance with Basel capital adequacy requirements. He also sought financial data on profits, returns, administrative costs, lending margins, and balance sheet values, as well as details on any loan write-offs exceeding Rs. 1 billion, the entities involved, and the legal procedures followed. Oral Question: People's Bank - Corporate Governance and Operations (Q.294/2024) Read →