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.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said he could not yet provide a definitive answer on compensation, describing the matter as complex, long-standing and sensitive. He stated that the Ministry is working toward sustainable solutions for cattle-rearing and grassland issues, not only in Batticaloa but also in areas such as Hambantota and Anuradhapura, within the Government’s broader policy goal of a production economy with support for the livestock sector. Oral Question: Ungazetted Livestock Grasslands in Batticaloa District (Q.64/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that Sathosa had conducted an inquiry into the alleged fraud and that a related criminal case was before the Welisara Court, limiting what could be disclosed in Parliament due to sub judice considerations. He said the available information indicated irregular pricing instructions, including sales at Rs. 135 despite a Sathosa price of Rs. 355, and argued that such actions would have required political direction, calling for action against the responsible political authority. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the handling of stocks released from the Port to Sathosa, arguing that the gap between Sathosa’s fixed price and the market price indicated possible embezzlement or theft. He asked why those allegedly identified in relevant files had not been promptly arrested and illustrated his concern with an example of imported rice being bought at a lower cost and sold at a much higher maximum retail price. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe reported on investigations into alleged fraud involving a Lanka Sathosa white onion consignment, stating that an internal disciplinary inquiry is ongoing and that related judicial proceedings are before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court, with the Attorney General expected to file indictments in the High Court. He named several former officials and noted that Sonal Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. officials had also been identified as suspects, while saying it is not yet possible to confirm all individuals definitively linked to the fraud. He said the consignment was bought at Rs. 105 per kg and sold at Rs. 135 per kg despite a system-recorded market price of Rs. 355 per kg, leading the CID to allege loss of potential state revenue, and added that implicated officers are no longer serving at the institution. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on the 2021 “garlic scam,” stating that 54,860 kg of garlic handed to Sathosa at Rs. 110 per kg was sold the same day to a Sathosa supplier at about Rs. 135 per kg, despite a retail price of Rs. 355, causing an estimated loss of around Rs. 12 million to Sathosa. He said preliminary and internal inquiries identified six persons, disciplinary action was taken against involved Sathosa officials, and a case is before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court. He added that the CID has sought the Attorney-General’s opinion, steps are being taken regarding High Court proceedings, and relevant inquiry reports have been tabled or placed in the Library. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development about the reported “garlic scam,” seeking confirmation of public concerns and details of any investigations conducted. He requested the names of involved persons or institutions, the estimated loss, and a breakdown of measures already taken and planned, or reasons if no action had been taken. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Vote on Account is an interim measure to maintain essential State functions, including public-sector salaries, hospital supplies, ongoing capital works and debt servicing, until the full Appropriation Bill is presented. He rejected claims that the Government was taking a new Rs. 3,000 billion loan, stating it related to replacing existing instruments under debt restructuring, and cited exchange-rate stability, lower interest rates, higher reserves, reduced inflation, stock market gains, tourism growth and remittances as signs of macroeconomic stabilization. He said the Government would pursue value-added production, research and development, digital economic integration, investor engagement, and a policy of transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister rejected a newspaper report alleging “fake medicines” in 500 government hospitals, stating that no such reports had been received by the Medical Supplies Division or the NMRA and that medicines are supplied only through approved and regulated procedures. He said shortages may occur but are being addressed systematically, and warned that unverified claims could unnecessarily alarm the public. He also outlined government action to recover unpaid excise taxes from several alcohol companies, including licence suspension and legal recovery efforts, and stated that the Vote on Account reflects reduced spending under the current President compared with previous allocations. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe used his maiden speech to thank voters, particularly in Kalutara District and Horana, for supporting the National People’s Power and acknowledged those who contributed to its electoral victories. Speaking during the debate on the Interim Appropriation, he criticized experienced MPs for focusing on remarks about the JVP rather than engaging substantively with the appropriation’s contents, shortcomings, or possible improvements to expenditure planning. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi said the new Government had received a mandate for social transformation and argued that the Opposition had not understood either that change or the limited purpose of the Interim Appropriation, which he described as a temporary measure to keep the State functioning until a full Budget can be presented. He said the Government had inherited serious economic and administrative problems, including neglected infrastructure, and would address them through the forthcoming Budget and a shift towards a production economy in line with the President’s policy statement. He also objected to remarks linking compensation to Rohana Wijeweera’s death, saying lives should not be valued in monetary terms, and asserted that the Government would proceed with its programme despite Opposition criticism. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister thanked voters in Kandy and said the Government’s mandate reflects citizens’ expectations for basic services and accountable governance. Drawing on his medical background, he argued that the health sector must reduce the gap between patients and treatment, improve prevention, address medicine shortages linked to administrative issues and corruption, strengthen food safety, and ensure affordable quality medicines. He announced that from 1 January the use of children under 12 in commercial advertising would be prohibited, and said the Mass Media portfolio would focus on improving facilities and professional training for journalists. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva corrected the record regarding Sri Lanka’s IMF Agreement, stating that it was not signed by Basil Rajapaksa. He said the agreement was signed by Ranil Wickremesinghe and Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe on 6 March 2023. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka criticized the Government’s handling of rice stocks and prices, citing the President’s statements on known stocks, discussions with mill owners, and possible imports despite earlier pledges not to import rice. He argued that essential foods have become unaffordable and questioned why the Government, with a strong mandate, has not acted on controlled prices. He urged immediate action on rice, fuel prices and electricity tariffs, while noting that longer-term promises such as bank loan relief and VAT reductions may take more time. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka questioned the Government’s failure to deliver promised electricity tariff reductions, citing large CEB profits and around one million disconnected consumers. He argued that, under the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 35 of 2002, tariff reductions could be made when profits exceed Rs. 15 billion, and asked why reductions had not been implemented while bonuses were being considered for CEB employees. He also criticised the Government’s handling of rice supply and prices, comparing its promises on ending the “rice mafia” with earlier election pledges on rice. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka acknowledged the Government’s large mandate but urged it to act immediately on key cost-of-living promises made before the election, particularly on fuel and electricity. He questioned why the Government retained the pricing formula, import arrangements and high taxes it had previously criticized, noting that fuel prices had not been reduced as promised and that kerosene had increased, affecting low-income groups, estate workers, fishermen and farmers. He also cited past investments in refining, hydropower and the Mahaweli scheme to challenge the Government’s characterization of the previous 76 years as a “curse.” Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Government is aware that Sri Lankan ex-service personnel have joined military service in Russia and Ukraine, with some injured, and is taking measures to assist and repatriate those affected despite difficulties. He rejected claims that the Government is continuing Ranil Wickremesinghe’s policies, arguing that the current IMF engagement is with Sri Lanka as a state and was initiated before Wickremesinghe’s presidency. He stated that the Government is engaging with international institutions to manage the economic crisis while planning to introduce a production-based programme in the forthcoming Budget. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath said the National People’s Power Government is operating under a previously presented policy mandate and that the Interim Appropriation is a short-term measure to meet day-to-day expenditure until a full Budget is presented next year. He stated that the Government will proceed with the IMF programme and international sovereign bond restructuring within agreed timelines, while pursuing a longer-term production-based economic strategy. He identified tourism and foreign employment remittances as immediate priorities for foreign exchange earnings, and cautioned the public against fraudulent foreign employment schemes, citing the E-8 visa issue as an example of an unauthorized arrangement lacking proper Cabinet and institutional approval. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana thanked the people of Kalutara for electing him in his maiden speech and said he was elected with support across Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities. He stated that the Opposition would support government measures that reduce public expenditure, including repurposing official residences, but said he would not join a coalition government with the JVP. He urged the Government to respond to Hon. Sajith Premadasa’s proposal to renegotiate IMF-related debt terms, arguing that the country’s bankruptcy and economic recovery should be treated as the common priority. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the issue of brown sugar production should be resolved within the Government rather than raised in Parliament, while acknowledging its importance. He said Sri Lanka has sufficient capacity to produce brown sugar and that a previously resolved issue has re-emerged. He urged the relevant Cabinet Minister and Deputy Minister to submit a Cabinet proposal to immediately remove VAT. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that local brown sugar producers are unable to compete because brown sugar is subject to about 20 per cent in taxes, including 18 per cent VAT, while imported white sugar is VAT-exempt and cheaper in the market. He said he intends to submit a Cabinet paper seeking removal of VAT on brown sugar to help clear existing stocks, support local factories, and address employee-related issues. He also noted that Sri Lanka needs about 130,000 metric tons of sugar annually, of which local producers can supply around 70,000 metric tons, and called for correction of the classification that treats imported white sugar as essential while local brown sugar is deemed non-essential. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →