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- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said the Government had achieved macroeconomic stability by 2025 despite major shocks, including the “8962” cyclone and global war-related disruptions affecting energy and fertilizer, and had provided relief through fiscal discipline, a Rs. 500 billion supplementary allocation, use of Budget reserves, and adjustments to other expenditure heads rather than a new Budget. He said targeted allocations would cushion vulnerable groups and that details of funding adjustments would be presented to Parliament. On the Strategic Development Projects Act regulations, he said amendments would make incentives more rule-based, using criteria such as foreign exchange inflows, job creation, technology transfer, and infrastructure development. He added that projects would undergo independent cost-benefit and socio-cultural assessment before approval and periodic review afterward, including possible termination if targets are not met. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned findings in an audit report on coal procurement, linking them to a similar 2022 issue investigated by the Committee on Public Finance and arguing that bypassing supplier qualification requirements can impose major costs on the public. He said higher generation costs feed into electricity tariffs under cost-reflective pricing and reiterated support for targeted relief to vulnerable groups. He asked the Government to explain how announced electricity, fuel and Aswesuma relief—estimated by him at Rs. 80–90 billion and largely time-limited—would be financed, including what expenditure would be cut or reclassified, and whether inflationary pressures could realistically ease within the relief period. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna spoke during the Second Reading debate on the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and related regulations, rejecting Opposition claims that the Government was failing to manage current crises. He said the Government had addressed disaster impacts, fuel and energy constraints, and farmer concerns during the Yala season, including fuel access for ploughing and harvesting. He detailed fertilizer requirements and available stocks, stating that urea, TSP and MOP would be distributed through Agrarian Service Centres across all districts, and urged farmers to begin cultivation without fear. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about alleged misrepresentation of Sri Lankan cricketers’ fitness test results, stating that several players who had passed were being wrongly portrayed as failures while others had not yet taken the test. He thanked Gary Kirsten for accepting the post of national Head Coach and urged the Sports Minister to address the issue properly, emphasizing that both talent and physical fitness are necessary for cricketing success. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara urged the Sports Minister to address problematic practices he had raised, noting he would not dwell on a ministry he previously held. He questioned the President’s announced relief measures, arguing that Aswesuma support covers only about 1.6–1.7 million of Sri Lanka’s 5.5–5.7 million families and asking what relief is available to the remaining households. He also challenged the Government’s claim that it would absorb Rs. 100 per litre of diesel, demanding a fuel pricing formula to verify landed costs, margins, and the basis for repeated fuel price increases despite reported stocks. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Government had maintained uninterrupted energy supply and industrial activity despite a 40-day global crisis, with no factory closures, job losses or power cuts. He cited reserves of USD 7.3 billion, debt repayments, vehicle import allocations, increased exports and remittances, and a Treasury surplus as evidence of economic stability and capacity for relief measures. He defended revisions to VAT and SSCL thresholds, QR-based payment formalization, changes to SSCL collection on imports, and a transparent BOI incentive framework, while noting forthcoming PPP legislation and equal investment incentives for domestic and foreign firms. He also argued that retaining key State enterprises such as the CEB and CPC supported current stability, and projected continued growth above 5 per cent with support from exports, remittances and dollar bond investment. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera cited the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report on coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, alleging serious irregularities under the current Government. He said the tender awarded to Trident Chemphar Limited was improper because the company was not registered with Lanka Coal Company at the time, and that required testing and accredited reporting procedures were not followed. He also claimed a Rs. 300 million emergency procurement was awarded to a company lacking basic qualifications and experience, and called for the Minister’s resignation, a government apology, and corrective action. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB AI summary Aruna Panagoda defended the President’s relief package, stating that it was introduced in response to wartime hardships and the festive season, with over Rs. 100 billion in support for farmers, fishers, and low-income groups. He said the Government’s revenue measures are linked to the Budget, aimed at improving tax administration, bringing tax evaders into the system, and shifting away from excessive reliance on indirect taxes. He also argued that strengthening the rule of law and reducing corruption and commissions are necessary to restore investor confidence. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir opposed the proposed tax increase to 36 per cent, arguing that it would harm entrepreneurs, industry, and the wider economy. He welcomed the sports regulation limiting office-bearers in sports associations to eight years, noting its earlier association with former Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara. He urged the Government to ensure that the President’s relief package, including cyclone assistance, fertilizer, fuel, and fisheries support, is actually delivered without excessive administrative barriers, and raised concerns over high input costs, low farm-gate vegetable prices, and transport constraints. He also requested the opening of a completed but unused hospital in Kalpitiya and defended the Opposition Leader’s attendance at a book launch as a normal response to an invitation. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Government’s relief efforts, saying promised assistance after the “Ditsa” cyclone, especially for damaged houses, had made little progress and urging that newly announced relief not suffer the same fate. He argued that poverty has risen, public servants and low-income groups are struggling ahead of the New Year, and repeated tax, fuel, gas, and electricity price increases have worsened pressures on SMEs and manufacturers. He also raised concerns over alleged low-quality coal procurement, unannounced power cuts, inadequate support for farmers, and called on the Government to use its parliamentary majority to implement a livelihood-support programme, while stating the Opposition would cooperate to reduce public hardship. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake supported approval of the Order under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, noting that the updated prohibited substances list published by Gazette is part of Sri Lanka’s obligations to maintain fair competition and support athletes. He said the Government intends to strengthen sports development, including athletics and cricket, and argued that cricket requires systemic change free from undue influence. On the economic measures, including the Social Security Contribution Levy amendment and related financial instruments, he stated that the Government has not imposed new burdensome taxes, defended its relief and stabilization efforts, and said further tax and policy adjustments are necessary for economic recovery and international engagement. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that attracting investment requires improving business confidence and addressing practical operational problems faced by both export factories and domestic enterprises, rather than relying only on tax policy or pressuring firms over bonuses during an economic downturn. He called for faster legal and administrative remedies for issues such as theft, bounced cheques, and enforcement burdens on small industries, including simplifying taxation of imported beedi leaves. He opposed any move to refer COPE findings directly to the CID, saying it could undermine parliamentary oversight and due process, and urged consultation with former COPE Chairs. He also asked the Sports Minister to address instability in cricket, called for regulation of online sports betting alongside stronger anti-fixing and anti-doping laws, and sought clarification and action over the President’s statement that substandard coal had been imported. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the Budget-related measures, including amendments to the Social Security Contribution Levy, Orders under the Strategic Development Projects Act, Rules under the Central Bank Act, and Orders under the Anti-Doping Act, saying they would support relief, stability, and investment. He said the President’s three-month plan addressed pressures from global conflict and local conditions affecting groups such as tea smallholders, fishing communities, and low-income households. He argued that Sri Lanka was rebuilding international confidence through rule-based governance and investment processes, and said any technical gaps in the legislation should be addressed with input from experts and business leaders. He also criticized the Opposition’s conduct, alleging disruption, lack of credibility, and responsibility for past economic mismanagement. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Supported the Orders under the Convention against Doping in Sports, the Government’s approach to Port City benefits, and measures to ease public burdens, while criticizing Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe over past claims that rice imports would cease and questioning continued imports. Raised delays in enrolling students selected for the University of Colombo Faculty of Nursing, and in appointing 46 qualified national school principals whose results are before the Public Service Commission. Urged action on regularizing over 80 unpaid casual workers at the Pulmude Mineral Sands Company instead of new recruitment, and called for implementation of Cabinet-approved MSME relief loans, noting delays by banks and administrative bodies. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne supported the adoption of the 2026 WADA prohibited substances list under the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency established by Act No. 33 of 2013. He said SLADA conducts awareness programmes, but stronger testing and education for athletes, coaches and parents are needed, noting around 70 doping-related bans since 2013 and a recent sanction for refusal to provide a sample. He urged increased urine sample collection, after a decline in 2025, and stressed the need to send clean athletes to upcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games to avoid reputational damage to Sri Lankan sport. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the importance of the Port City project but urged the Government to appoint a business-oriented chairperson to attract investors, criticizing the suitability of the current appointment. He linked global instability and the Middle East conflict to economic pressures, and argued that domestic living costs have worsened since the Aragalaya, citing increases in food, gas, fuel, and electricity costs. He called for Provincial Council elections to test the Government’s public support and criticized statements by Government members that he said minimized public hardship. He also requested that the Fisheries Minister table records of assistance paid to multi-day fishing vessels, arguing that current fuel costs have left fisherfolk in serious difficulty. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Orders giving domestic effect to WADA’s annually updated prohibited substances list under the Convention against Doping in Sports Act, arguing that anti-doping enforcement protects clean athletes, athlete welfare and Sri Lanka’s sporting reputation. He also defended proposed economic and tax measures, including rules under the Central Bank Act and amendments to the Social Security Contribution Levy, as criteria-based and transparent frameworks to attract FDI, support domestic investors and rationalize revenue collection. He rejected Opposition claims that incentives favour only foreign investors or that taxation is excessive, and linked the measures to tourism recovery, job creation and recent increases in tourist arrivals and FDI. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said fertilizer procurement for the Yala season was underway, with MOP available and TSP and urea tenders and consignments being managed for proportional allocation. He defended the Government’s relief package as planned and sustainable, including direct assistance to affected groups and measures to contain inflation without increasing money supply growth. He stated that the Government had engaged producers, importers and distributors on essential goods, fuel, gas and construction materials to limit festive-season price increases, while acknowledging possible pressure from the dollar, oil prices, tourism and remittances. He rejected Opposition claims on shortages, prices and coal quality, saying such matters should be debated on facts and handled through contractual and procedural mechanisms. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe rejected claims that the Government was unprepared for the impacts of the Israel-US attacks on Iran, stating that Cabinet committees had been established on transport, food security and continuity of public services, with QR-based fuel controls used where needed. He said fiscal discipline and increased revenue had enabled additional relief expenditure, including Rs. 50 billion this year for Cyclone “Michaung” victims, bringing relief allocations to about Rs. 150 billion with the latest Rs. 100 billion. He also dismissed concerns over fertilizer shortages, saying availability had been reviewed with relevant companies, departments and ministries through regular inter-ministerial coordination on production, transport and essential supplies. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa disputed the Government’s claim that 100,000 MT of fertilizer is sufficient, stating that farmers face shortages of urea, MOP, and TSP and urging verification in farming areas. While welcoming initial relief measures, he called for them to be substantially expanded using a larger portion of the reported Rs. 1.4 trillion in savings so that the public receives tangible relief. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →