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- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Prof. Anil Jayantha stated that the points raised would be considered, noting that zone identification work is still ongoing and not finalized. He said amendments to the BOI Act would be accompanied by separate proposals for zone management models, with selections based on economic and social viability, and emphasized that major decisions could not be concluded within two months but would proceed methodically. Oral Question No. 1 – 103/2024: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Infrastructure Facilities Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha stated that any inaccuracies in the Rs. 290 million figure would be reviewed and corrected, and affirmed that the Government does not oppose further development of the Zone. He said 2025 allocations must be considered within the overall fiscal framework, including a 13 per cent of GDP expenditure ceiling and Rs. 1,315 billion in capital outlays under the Appropriation Bill. He added that investment attraction depends on multiple factors beyond a sea outfall, and that proposals for this and other zones would be assessed and prioritized step by step. Oral Question No. 1 – 103/2024: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Infrastructure Facilities Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Asked whether the upcoming Budget would allocate funds for the sea outfall project and the raw water intake from Deduru Oya. Oral Question No. 1 – 103/2024: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Infrastructure Facilities Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha referred to the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone, which he said he initiated in 2018, noting its potential expansion to about 1,200 acres and its importance as one of the few BOI zones with available land. He questioned the accuracy of the stated BOI expenditure figure of Rs. 290 million, citing higher costs for land, internal roads, and the water project, and asked that the figures be rechecked. He also asked whether Budget funds would be allocated for a sea outfall and raw water intake from Deduru Oya, stating these are needed to support industries in the zone. Oral Question No. 1 – 103/2024: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Infrastructure Facilities Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister, answering on behalf of the Minister of Finance, detailed expenditure and progress on BOI-related infrastructure up to 31 December 2024, including Rs. 290 million for internal works and Rs. 1,528.53 million for external infrastructure such as land acquisition, access roads, water supply and electricity. He outlined further development plans, including additional land vested in the BOI, continued road works with a Rs. 1,000 million Treasury request for 2025, expansion of water capacity to 10,000 m³ per day, and power supply increases up to 10 MW and later 20 MW. He also stated that internal roads, utilities, fencing and the entrance gate are scheduled for completion or expansion, mainly during 2025. Oral Question No. 1 – 103/2024: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Infrastructure Facilities Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to concerns raised by Hon. Harsha de Silva regarding rice data, stating that some figures cited were inaccurate, including the claim that one million metric tons of rice were missing. He acknowledged that the Maha harvest was lower than previously stated and said he would provide factual details and outline Government measures to address data-related issues during the debate. Committee Report: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on import/export control regulations, a Strategic Development Projects Act notification, and a Ports and Airports Development Levy order. He noted action to resolve discrepancies between food import standards and Consumer Affairs Authority standards, and raised concerns about inconsistent paddy and rice production data used to justify rice import decisions, asking the Agriculture and Finance Ministries to examine the matter, including claims of missing or hoarded rice stocks. He also stated that the Committee approved measures under the Sri Lanka–Singapore FTA to phase down the Ports and Airports Development Levy over five years, in line with the Government’s stated position. Committee Report: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake alleged that members of the former COPE process, whom he called the “footnote gang,” protected former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in relation to the 2015 Central Bank bond issue and named several former MPs in that regard. He argued that such conduct must be addressed as part of the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme and urged the Opposition to offer substantive criticism rather than personal or minor attacks. He also said the Government was prepared to allocate two days in March for a further debate on the programme. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Applicable Customs duties were charged, according to Customs. An investigation is underway following complaints that have been lodged. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana sought clarification from the Minister regarding 323 containers that a union claimed had been scanned and released. He asked whether the Government had identified their contents, would recall them if necessary, verify duties, ensure proper inspections, and outlined what action would be taken. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the release of 323 containers was handled under established Customs procedures intended to reduce congestion, with duties levied, and was not a simple Green Channel release. He said trade union concerns were discussed under the President’s leadership, clearance operations were allowed to continue, and an inquiry would be conducted if concerns remained. He also noted that similar committee-based procedures had been used previously, including the release of 584 containers on 25 July 2024, and said the relevant Customs report would be tabled. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticised the initial implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, saying it alienated three-wheeler drivers and private bus owners while failing to address larger issues such as the rice “mafia,” delays in solar approvals at the Ceylon Electricity Board, and passport appointment backlogs. He questioned allegations that over 300 containers had been released by Customs without proper inspection and raised concerns about possible contraband. He also urged the Government to disclose the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks, arguing that Clean Sri Lanka should prioritise such major accountability issues over action against small transport operators. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged the Government to use the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to address broader governance issues rather than limit it to activities such as drain cleaning or removing bus stickers. He defended his personal and family record in Hambantota and Tangalle local government service, rejecting allegations made against him in his absence and calling on the Government to focus on governing after being elected. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage argued that the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative should be understood as a broad programme of political, social, ethical, environmental and institutional reform, not merely waste removal or drain cleaning. She attributed current crises in governance, public services, education, health, the economy and the environment to past political failures, citing the lack of clean water in parts of Matale as an example. She said the Government would pursue efficient public transport, systematic waste management and education reforms to build environmentally and socially responsible citizens, and called on educators, public servants, citizens and the Opposition to support the programme. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister stated that allegations and issues concerning Sri Lanka Cricket and other sports are being examined comprehensively, with fraud to be exposed and legal measures prepared where necessary. He said inspections had revealed misuse of public funds, including facilities claimed to exist but found neglected, and asserted that the Government would act independently without favouring vested interests or engaging in commissions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a broad initiative focused on improving productivity across government, industry, schools and state-owned enterprises, rather than a limited enforcement exercise. He said the National Productivity Secretariat, now under his Ministry, will relaunch the National Productivity Awards and drive measures to reduce waste and improve efficiency in industrial zones and public institutions. He announced plans to support the Valachchenai Paper Mill by aggregating waste paper from state institutions, schools and households through collection centres, following a Cabinet submission. He urged Opposition MPs and the public to support the programme, arguing that higher productivity is essential for Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global market. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 Hon. Dinidu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman said surveys, reserve demarcations, and protection plans had been completed for district water sources, and proposed that water protection plans for all sources be implemented under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He argued that Clean Sri Lanka would support environmental protection and poverty eradication, while accusing Opposition members of opposing it for political reasons and of previously misusing public funds during election-related activities. He rejected allegations of waste in the programme and called for a new political culture that avoids such practices. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised a series of sectoral grievances, urging Government action on rising shootings and drug-related crime, passport issuance delays, alleged tax losses from coconut oil imports, port container congestion, and the restoration of a 15 per cent interest scheme for senior citizens. He also called for consultations on vehicle and safari jeep regulations, employment solutions for unemployed graduates, pathways for Development Officers into teaching, expedited recruitment to the Sri Lanka Teacher Educators’ Service, and new student nurse intake gazettes. He further requested expanded B.Ed. technology education opportunities, remedies for Grama Niladhari service issues, and implementation of the Government’s pledged one-third electricity tariff reduction, noting that the PUCSL had approved only a 20 per cent cut. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe informed the House that the Director General of Customs would provide, within an hour, details on imports by five companies, including quantities refined and exported under SVAT eligibility, quantities sold locally, and any identified fraud. He stated that he would update Parliament later that evening. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar cited newspaper reports alleging that approximately Rs. 700 million in taxes were evaded during October–December after the current President took office. He asked the Minister to respond the following day and urged the Government to address financial fraud and tax evasion as part of its broader clean-up efforts. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →