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- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s consistency on policy positions, citing reported agreements on petroleum pipeline and HVDC grid connectivity with India after earlier NPP opposition, and its acceptance of the IMF programme after previously criticizing it. He urged the Government to be transparent with the public about its intentions, including on industrial policy and SOE reforms, and argued that industrial development requires openness to the world. He also tabled his party’s proposal, annexes, and a Government disclosure made to international markets that he said had not been tabled in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s expected GDP growth and argued that if nominal GDP reaches the levels implied in released data, external creditors’ effective haircut could fall significantly through state-contingent recoveries. He criticized the Government for previously claiming it could change the IMF debt sustainability framework while now accepting it, which he said the Opposition had also recognized as unavoidable. On behalf of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, he tabled a proposal to add a state-contingent clawback instrument to Treasury bonds exchanged with the Employees’ Provident Fund under the Domestic Debt Optimization programme, so EPF members could benefit if the economy performs better, similar to external creditors. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Clarified that a document had not been tabled because it contained market-sensitive information that must first be disclosed through a foreign exchange, after which it would be presented to Parliament. Stated that the Government is optimistic about next year’s GDP growth based on the current trajectory, but will provide projections after the 2024 final accounts are prepared, noting that the Government has been in office for only three months. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s claims on the economy and the restructuring of International Sovereign Bonds, arguing that the high creditor acceptance rate indicated the deal was highly favourable to bondholders. He tabled documents he said the Finance Ministry had released externally but not to Parliament, and criticized the Government for failing to present them. He said the stated 27 per cent haircut could reduce significantly under the macro-linked bond mechanism if USD GDP exceeds IMF baseline levels, while interest rates would rise from 2028 to 2038. He asked the Acting Finance Minister to state the Government’s expected GDP for 2024. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that the Government’s economic framework has reached a successful stage, with economic stabilization forming the foundation for future development. He emphasized that the programme is intended to move the country beyond incremental improvements to a higher economic level, supported by confidence from domestic and foreign investors and creditors. He said rating adjustments are expected in due course to further support this environment. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary The Minister stated that the Government has made rapid progress under the IMF programme, including reaching a Staff-level Agreement, advancing ISB restructuring, and securing broad creditor acceptance, including for Governance-linked Bonds. He argued that investor confidence has improved, citing stock market performance and foreign creditor participation, and said disclosures would be made to the London and Singapore Stock Exchanges. He also said a relief package for SMEs is being finalized following the parate execution period, and that the Government is reviewing debt obligations, swaps, litigation, credit rating implications, and banking sector impacts while preparing tax relief measures. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development AI summary The Acting Minister said the Government continued the international sovereign bond restructuring process because prior agreements, creditor comparability concerns, and significant advisory costs made withdrawal likely to create further instability. He outlined the inherited debt and economic crisis, noted the role and costs of advisers appointed by the previous Government, and argued that stabilization measures had contributed to lower inflation, energy and fuel costs, interest rates, and improved reserves. He said the Government had expedited Aswesuma payments, fisheries relief, fertilizer support, and measures to revive business activity, while pursuing reforms, rural development, MSME support, and a growth path to 2030. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa moved an adjournment motion calling for transparency on the Government’s debt restructuring process, particularly the restructuring of International Sovereign Bonds and whether the new Government has altered or continued the previous IMF programme. He questioned the equity between domestic debt restructuring and ISB terms, citing the macro-linked bond mechanism, and demanded that the IMF staff-level agreement, ISB understanding, bilateral loan agreements, future debt obligations, swap details, and reserve adequacy be tabled in Parliament. He also raised concerns over delayed electricity and fuel price relief, reduced senior citizens’ deposit interest, fertilizer support, compensation promises, high prices, and promised tax changes, arguing that the Government should explain its position and honour its mandate. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s position on India-related agreements and projects, including ETCA, the IL/UCC agreement, the proposed oil pipeline, the Adani project, Trincomalee oil tanks, and the Sampur 500 MW plant, and called for a detailed report to Parliament on investments, security implications, and trade effects following the President’s visit to India. He also asked whether the Government had negotiated with the IMF for reductions in VAT, PAYE tax, electricity tariffs, and water tariffs, noting concerns over the reported ISB haircut and revenue collections. He urged the Government to state whether promised tax and tariff relief, especially for young professionals, would be implemented or used instead to support debt-restructuring targets. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa defended the Government’s plan to provide Rs. 6,000 for books and stationery to schoolchildren from Aswesuma and other financially distressed families, arguing that education should not depend on parental income. He also challenged claims to medical qualifications, stating that use of the title “doctor” requires SLMC registration under the Medical Ordinance and outlining the ERPM, internship and registration pathway for foreign medical graduates. He raised concerns over past payments from the President’s Fund to politicians and public figures, contrasting them with difficulties faced by ordinary patients, and questioned transparency in those disbursements. He further referred to spending by the Prime Minister’s Office medical unit and indicated that the current administration was reducing such expenditure. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Hasara Liyanage stated that the Supplementary Estimate for education should be considered in the context of the evolution and current needs of the education sector. She indicated an intention to address how education policy and resource allocation must respond to changing circumstances, though the provided excerpt does not include specific proposals, questions, or demands. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that security arrangements for former Presidents are determined by specialist threat assessments rather than political decisions. He clarified that Rs. 610 million, not Rs. 300 million, had been spent over 11 and a half months on tri-forces protection for six former Presidents. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Supported the Supplementary Estimate, noting that the Opposition backs allocations for children’s education relief while suggesting greater funding would be preferable. Raised concern over media reports that tri-forces protection for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa may be withdrawn and reduced to police protection, questioning the rationale and claimed Rs. 300 million cost saving, especially in comparison with STF resources used for prisoner transport. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Supplementary Estimate to provide school stationery allowances, saying it addressed an immediate need among underprivileged children while reflecting deeper failures in the education system. He argued that past policy had left education poorly aligned with skills and employment, citing unemployment, qualification mismatches and the number of three-wheeler drivers as evidence. He contrasted the previous National Education Policy Framework with the Government’s stated aim to take greater responsibility for education costs, reduce burdens on families, and expand vocational education after Grade 9. He also linked education reform to producing ethical citizens and strengthening the productive economy. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana welcomed the Supplementary Estimate on education but argued that support for children’s schooling must be linked to broader family welfare. He urged the Government to present the 2025 Budget early and address public expectations, including salary increases for public and private sector workers, removal of PAYE tax, reductions in electricity bills, and VAT relief on educational items and essential foods. Referring to the resignation of the former Speaker and the role of “Viyath Maga,” he said academic qualifications should be balanced with social connection and public experience, citing the COVID-19 forced cremation policy as a lesson. He stated that the Opposition would support measures that benefit education. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order concerning unutilized funds allocated to the Northern and Eastern Provinces, stating that such funds had been returned by responsible officers and that this had led to blame being placed on the Ministry of Health. He requested the Minister to take action and review past allocations, including how much funding had gone unused. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Supplementary Estimate for educational relief and said the Government had stabilized the economy, maintained investor confidence, and remained committed to transparency, accountability, and a “cleaner Parliament.” He addressed public debate over MPs’ qualifications, arguing that scrutiny of credentials reflects a changed political culture, while criticizing politically motivated allegations. He explained that the “Dr.” title appearing before his name on the Parliament website was an error he had not submitted, said he lodged a CID complaint to determine whether it was accidental or deliberate, and requested the Secretary-General’s office to temporarily take down and fully verify the Parliament website to prevent further erroneous information. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned whether the Rs. 6.5 billion Supplementary Estimate for school supplies is sufficient, arguing that uniforms and supplies should be provided to all needy applicants to avoid social divisions among children, and linked this to the Government’s unfulfilled pledge to remove VAT on educational items. He also criticised past government-side statements concerning India in the context of the President’s visit, saying such remarks should be withdrawn if they affected bilateral relations. He further raised concerns over alleged false or questionable educational credentials among government-affiliated figures, stating that public trust is being undermined and asking that the Opposition not be blamed for issues first raised by activists and the public. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya proposed reallocating Rs. 6,500 million within the existing cash assistance provision to create a “Grant for Purchase of School Stationery and Equipment,” with delivery mechanisms under review by relevant ministries and annual implementation planned from next year. She also outlined measures to support school attendance, including reviewing the mid-day meal programme and providing uniforms to all children in 2025 through a Chinese Government donation. She defended the Government’s handling of international relations and said it welcomed public scrutiny of Ministers’ and Members’ qualifications, emphasizing transparency. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 SUPPLEMENTARY SUM: STATIONERY ALLOWANCE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN OF ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES — The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Moved a Supplementary Estimate seeking up to Rs. 6,500 million for recurrent expenditure under the 2024 financial year to fund a stationery allowance for economically disadvantaged schoolchildren. The Prime Minister cited survey data showing the economic crisis has affected 55% of schoolchildren’s education, particularly in rural and estate areas, with many reducing or reusing stationery. The proposal provides Rs. 6,000 per child to about 825,000 Aswesuma-recipient children aged 5–18, with plans to extend support to an estimated 250,000 additional non-Aswesuma children facing hardship. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →