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 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary In response to a question on a proposed flyover project, Bimal Rathnayake stated that it is not currently being implemented because the Cabinet-appointed RAMP Committee decided on 10 November 2022 not to proceed, due to the inability to secure domestic funding amid the economic crisis. He added that no decision has been made on whether to construct the flyover or on any funding source, and related follow-up matters are therefore not applicable. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction: Funding AI summary An oral question was raised regarding the proposed flyover over Kirulapona Junction, with attention to how the project would be funded. The matter sought clarification from the relevant Minister on the financing arrangements, likely in the context of transport infrastructure planning and public expenditure. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Companies responsible for importing substandard medicines have been identified, and an internal investigation is under way into the importation process. Following a committee report on 66 patients who lost vision after cataract surgery at Nuwara Eliya General Hospital, the Cabinet decided to provide government compensation to the affected patients and to pursue legal action against those responsible for importing the medicine. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa stated that serious irregularities occurred after an established process was disrupted under pressure, making it difficult to quantify an overall loss at this stage. He said individual investigations are underway and that the extent of fraud and corruption will be reported for each case, with Parliament to be kept informed in due course. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera raised concerns about past shortcomings in the procurement of medicines and the need for stronger controls within the Ministry of Health. He asked whether the Ministry would conduct a comprehensive review of cancelled tenders, incomplete procurement processes, and medicine imports, and present a report to Parliament on the resulting financial loss to the country and the impact on the public. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa stated that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority’s existing laboratory capacity is inadequate for the country’s pharmaceutical quality-testing needs. He said the Government plans to establish a WHO-standard, high-capacity medicines testing laboratory within three years, with a roadmap, plans, and a site already identified, using government funds to address broader issues in the pharmaceutical sector. Oral Question: Software System for Management of Medicine Stocks (Q.236/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said coordination among the NMRA, Medical Supplies Division, SPC, and SPMC is central to improving the medicines supply process. He noted past problems at the NMRA, including a failed technical system, fraud, and a backlog of 2,100 files, of which about 1,200 had been cleared, leaving around 900 pending as of 31 May. He stated that from January, the Government would streamline registration and renewal processes over three months while maintaining due diligence, with the aim of clearing the backlog by March and further expediting work through increased staffing. Oral Question: Software System for Management of Medicine Stocks (Q.236/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Coordination among institutions involved in medical supplies is ongoing, with steps being taken to improve the related data system and maintain services without disruption. The Minister confirmed the use of the Swastha software system and identified procurement issues including limited NMRA-registered suppliers, non-submission of bids, high bid prices, and delayed deliveries. He stated that the Ministry’s Medicines Review Committee, with stakeholder participation and ministerial supervision, is addressing these issues. Oral Question: Software System for Management of Medicine Stocks (Q.236/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Compensation for deaths from crocodile attacks or human-elephant conflict is currently Rs. 1 million, while disaster-related deaths are compensated at Rs. 250,000 under existing law. A Cabinet paper has been submitted to raise disaster-death compensation to Rs. 1 million, with funding to be allocated in the next Budget if approved. Oral Question: Landslide Risk Districts and Disaster Compensation (Q.235/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary From 2019 to 23 December 2023, 3,154 families were identified across 14 landslide-risk districts, with Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Kegalle most affected; 264 families remain in temporary housing, including 128 staying with relatives or friends. The Deputy Minister cited legal, socio-economic, land availability, tenure, programme and funding constraints as reasons for delays in providing alternative housing or land. He stated that amendments to the Disaster Management Act are being prepared, grants for land and housing are proposed to be increased subject to Cabinet approval, and Rs. 79 million was allocated in 2024 for infrastructure on state lands. He also outlined plans to strengthen early warning, coordinated disaster management mechanisms, restrictions on future development in high-risk zones, and action against activities contributing to landslide risk. Oral Question: Landslide Risk Districts and Disaster Compensation (Q.235/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha said the Government is working with Treasury officials to manage state finances while prioritizing increased production and growth. He stated that a 2025 programme would expand micro, small and medium industries, with further steps toward 2026 to be set out through the forthcoming Appropriation Bill and related measures. He emphasized that growth should reduce inequality and said support programmes would aim to connect people to the economic process rather than function as mere handouts. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that economic recovery requires a clear government policy to support SMEs, which he said make up about 70 per cent of the economy and cannot recover under 13–15 per cent interest rates. He asked how the Government would reduce rates to 8–9 per cent, address the mismatch faced by borrowers whose rates rose from 10–12 per cent to about 30 per cent, and strengthen SMEs to mobilize Rs. 3.3 trillion and achieve 15 per cent growth. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Agreed that guidelines and inflation targeting alone are insufficient, the speech referred to the State Financial Management Act and IMF-linked GDP projections underpinning 2025 revenue and expenditure limits. It noted limitations in statistical modelling such as ARDL, and stated that the fiscal framework targets revenue at 15 per cent of GDP and expenditure at 13 per cent, supported by proposed fair fiscal measures. The central policy objective identified was increasing production through expanded investment, with the programme to be adjusted and reformed as needed. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned how the Government plans to achieve the IMF-agreed 2025 growth target of about 15 per cent, or roughly Rs. 5,000 billion in GDP expansion. He argued that inflation targeting alone would be insufficient and asked what measures would be taken to attract domestic and foreign investment, empower SMEs, and expand the economy. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Prof. Anil Jayantha identified ten key development sectors, including human resource development, modern agriculture, energy, digitalization, tourism, IT, fisheries, transport, MSMEs, and culture/environmental conservation, all linked to the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. He stated that investment projections are based on recent trends, incentives, improved investment conditions, and policy consistency, with USD 879 million in domestic investment projected for 2025. He said the Government aims to attract at least USD 2 billion in FDI annually up to 2034, prioritizing technology and capital-intensive projects, while addressing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing grey-list concerns; a detailed answer with tables was tabled. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake requested that the ten identified sectors be provided, indicating the need for clarity on the sectoral breakdown being discussed. The intervention appears to be a procedural or informational request seeking specific details rather than a substantive policy argument. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Finance, stated that Sri Lanka’s average economic growth over the past 30 years was about 4.2 per cent, with a high of 9.1 per cent in 2012 and a low of -7.3 per cent in 2022, and tabled detailed figures. He said current growth projections are prepared under the State Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, with IMF and Department of State Financial Policy involvement using an autoregressive distributed lag model, but noted concerns with the model and said revisions are expected, citing the 2024 projection rising from 2 per cent to around 4–5 per cent. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government intends to prioritize the completion of school buildings that are 80 to 90 per cent finished. She said all such buildings are being reviewed and considered for attention, in response to a question raised in Parliament. Oral Question: Bandaragama Central Secondary School Development (Continuation of earlier question) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera requested priority funding to complete the remaining work under the “Nearest School is the Best School” project at K/Ramukkana Vidyaloka Primary School in Bandaragama, noting the shortage of advanced secondary schools in the area. He said the primary section and part of the secondary building have been completed under an existing master plan, while the halted secondary section requires about Rs. 300 million, and asked whether the Government would complete it in the coming year as a model fully fledged school. Oral Question: Bandaragama Central Secondary School Development (Continuation of earlier question) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera questioned whether continued sale of the society’s properties could realistically repay depositors, noting that two land sales had yielded only about 10 per cent of the Rs. 1 billion owed and that four more sales would add only around 5 per cent. He asked what would happen to depositors and the society after the remaining lands were exhausted, and called for an immediate halt to the sale of these public assets. Oral Question: Maharagama Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (Q.233/2024) Read →