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- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that no institution had voluntarily registered under the relevant process, prompting inquiries with the Central Bank about its practicality. He also said that an Order to amend tariff lines under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, linked to the Sri Lanka–Singapore Free Trade Agreement and a decision of the previous Government, would not be presented to Parliament that day. He explained that the new Government’s policy is to analyse the Sri Lanka–Singapore FTA and other trade agreements under discussion before proceeding. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Foreign Exchange Act, Payment Systems Act, and Casino Business Regulation Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported presenting several Gazette orders and regulations for parliamentary approval, noting that many originated under the previous Cabinet but must now be approved within statutory timelines. He attributed the economic crisis to past revenue cuts, weak tax collection, corruption, and borrowing, while stating that tax and revenue adjustments under the IMF programme must be phased and transparently implemented. On the specific measures, he backed import controls to strengthen standards and anti-dumping protections for domestic industry, supported gradual liberalization of foreign exchange repatriation limits up to USD 500,000, and highlighted the need to regulate informal remittance channels such as hawala/hundi due to foreign exchange and anti-money-laundering concerns. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Foreign Exchange Act, Payment Systems Act, and Casino Business Regulation Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Harini Amarasuriya moved for parliamentary approval of an Order made under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2389/08 and presented on 7 January 2025, with Cabinet approval noted. She also moved approval of related Orders under the Payments and Settlements Systems Act, the Casino Business (Regulation) Act, and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, before opening the debate and calling on Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Foreign Exchange Act, Payment Systems Act, and Casino Business Regulation Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne stated that paddy purchases would not be handled solely by the Paddy Marketing Board, but also by Sathosa, the Co-operative Department and other institutions, so financing should not be a constraint. He reiterated support for a fair pricing formula based on production cost plus 30 per cent, citing the earlier Rs. 130 demand when production cost was Rs. 99.75. He said farmer fairness would be balanced with the Trade Ministry’s responsibility to protect consumers. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara questioned the Government’s plan to purchase over 300,000 metric tons of paddy with an allocation of Rs. 30 billion, arguing that the implied per-kilogram price would be below farmers’ expectations. He noted that the Government had previously demanded Rs. 130 per kilo while in Opposition and asked what price it intends to pay farmers this season, given higher production costs and current farmer demands. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned the Government on measures to prevent a rice shortage after the high-yield Maha harvest, citing inadequate prior intervention and stock-building. He asked whether the Government would use its reported 320,000 metric tons of storage capacity and a proposed Rs. 30 billion allocation to purchase paddy, and sought details on the expected harvest volume and planned procurement quantity. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne provided paddy production figures for 2015-2024 and a provisional 2025 Maha forecast, noting annual totals ranging from 2.383 million metric tons in 2017 to 5.149 million metric tons in 2021. He detailed Paddy Marketing Board purchases as a share of production, stating that government purchases were very low in recent years, including no Maha 2023 purchases, 2,153 MT in Yala 2023, 2,637 MT in Maha 2024, and 119 MT in Yala 2024. He said Sri Lanka has no fixed year-round paddy price, and that the PMB intervenes through seasonal guaranteed minimum prices, buffer stocks for food security, and rice releases through Sathosa and co-operatives during periods of price increases. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a Finance Ministry document on the fertilizer subsidy programme. He reported that Rs. 16,351 million had been released from October 2024 to 7 January 2025, specifying monthly releases of Rs. 164 million in October, Rs. 5,777 million in November, Rs. 4,015 million in December, and Rs. 6,395 million by 7 January 2025. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked why many farmers had not received the first Rs. 15,000 payment before the Maha harvest, noting that delayed support would not improve yields and that some farmers had been unable to plant due to weather anomalies. He sought clarification on promised relief, suggested that even Rs. 40,000 would help farmers replant, referred to reports of yellowing fields and Treasury funding constraints, and asked what measures would address possible crop losses and a resulting rice shortage. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary A total of 606,992 farmers are eligible for the fertilizer assistance scheme, with district-wise details tabled in the Library. The assistance covers the period from 1 October 2024 to 15 February 2025, with the Rs. 25,000 payment divided into two tranches; only the first Rs. 15,000 tranche has been paid so far in line with Election Commission guidelines, and further disbursement is continuing based on district requests. The Government plans to develop a fairer structured mechanism for future fertilizer support after consultations with farmer organizations, including direct delivery to fields, and intends to provide 25,239.73 metric tons of Muriate of Potash free for the 2024/2025 Maha season. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra raised a supplementary question referring to a World Socialist Web Site article alleging that a University of Peradeniya conference on opposing the IMF austerity programme was barred because it opposed Government policy and supposedly on ministerial instructions. She asked whether opposition to IMF austerity is considered contrary to Government policy. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva tabled the Committee on Public Finance report on instruments under the Foreign Exchange Act, Payment and Settlement Systems Act, Casino Business (Regulation) Act, and Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act. He noted approval of the continued USD 500,000 annual outward investment limit, registration requirements for hawala and hundiyal operators, and Port City engineering regulations, while calling for an urgent timetable to establish a Casino Regulator. He also highlighted unresolved Government concurrence on implementing Sri Lanka–Singapore FTA commitments to phase out the Port and Airport Levy on certain tariff lines, and said the Government must report its position expeditiously to the Committee. Papers Presented Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha argued that past economic policies produced unequal outcomes, with gains captured by a minority while economic downturns and debt burdens were borne by the wider public. Citing per capita GDP figures and the Gini coefficient in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, he said headline fiscal or growth indicators masked worsening inequality and widespread poverty. He rejected the view that IMF engagement alone could restore or develop the economy, stating that while fiscal stabilization and debt restructuring may be necessary, the Government would pursue a broader policy approach based on domestic and global economic conditions. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister concluded the adjournment debate on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024, noting that it was presented under Section 50 of the State Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, to inform the public and guide future economic policy. He said the Government’s approach is to expand production, stabilize the macroeconomic framework, protect vulnerable groups, and move towards a modern, productive economy. He rejected Opposition criticisms as not directly engaging with the policy content of the Report and framed the Report as a baseline for sustainable, people-centred growth. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of rice imports, alleging that a Rs. 65 per kg import tax kept prices high and benefited large millers while burdening consumers and small traders. He called for clarification and prompt payment of fertilizer support, questioning whether farmers were receiving the previously approved Rs. 25,000 per hectare or only Rs. 15,000. He demanded a clear mechanism for paddy purchasing ahead of the harvest, including a fair controlled price around Rs. 130 per kg, and warned of farmer mobilization if the Government failed to act. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L. M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Prof. Abeywickrama said the positive fiscal indicators in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 mask serious weaknesses in production sectors, especially agriculture, where growth and GDP contribution have declined due to inconsistent and politically driven policies. He cited the abrupt organic fertilizer shift, input restrictions, the Nilwala salt-barrier project, weakened extension services, and wildlife damage to home gardens as factors undermining farm livelihoods and food production. He called for a data- and science-based, step-by-step agricultural strategy under the Government’s “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” programme, with greater diversification beyond narrow staple-focused policies. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake, speaking on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 under the State Finance Management Act, argued that Sri Lanka’s crisis resulted from poor economic management, excessive high-interest borrowing, weak policy continuity, and IMF-driven fiscal adjustments that increased taxation and reduced welfare. He cited social impacts including food insecurity, child malnutrition, declining births, and professional migration, while crediting public finance officials for improvements in the primary balance. He said the Government intends to exceed growth targets by 2030 through tax relief for professionals, stronger social protection including Aswasuma-related benefits, support for schoolchildren, fertilizer and dairy sector relief, VAT relief on milk products, and extended Parate law moratoria for MSMEs. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper noted the 2024 mid-year recovery indicators but argued that growth remains fragile, citing weak agricultural performance, a widening trade deficit, reliance on tourism and remittances, rising tax burdens, higher VAT and excise duties, and the failure to pass on lower global oil prices. He criticized the Government for continuing policies it had previously opposed, including rice import taxes and IMF-aligned fiscal measures, while presenting earlier fiscal outcomes as its own achievements. He called for urgent infrastructure investment, particularly completion of the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway through possible Chinese grant assistance, and raised concerns over reduced rural road funding and damaged bridges in the East. He also linked human rights to economic standing, urging adherence to non-refoulement obligations for Rohingya refugees and warning against treating refugees as victims of human trafficking. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government’s performance after taking office, arguing that it had failed to deliver promised relief on rice, essential goods, electricity prices and taxation. He alleged continued rice shortages and benefits to large millers despite import measures, and contrasted current policies with positions taken by Government figures when in Opposition, including on the IMF programme and PAYE tax. He also raised concerns about the CID inquiry involving Parliament staff over a medal issue and accused the Government of pressuring the media for recalling its previous pledges. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana argued that opposition parties and aligned media were attempting to undermine the new Government by spreading claims of inexperience and disinformation shortly after the President’s election and the Government’s formation. He said the Government had maintained confidence despite warnings about the IMF and markets, citing the rise of the All Share Index as evidence of improved political stability. He emphasized that economic recovery must translate into improved human development and highlighted planned initiatives under “Clean Sri Lanka,” state digitalization, and rural poverty eradication, including basic infrastructure needs in the Colombo District such as facilities in Battaramulla. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →