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- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka sought clarification from the Government regarding a newspaper report alleging that around 500 unregistered or substandard medicines are circulating in hospitals without National Medicines Regulatory Authority approval. Referring to previous incidents involving patient harm and related court proceedings, he asked whether the report is true and what action the Government is taking to protect patients. Vote on Account Debate (Introduction and Motion) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka thanked voters in Anuradhapura and highlighted urgent difficulties facing district farmers, stating that the promised Rs. 25,000 fertilizer relief had not been fully paid and calling for proper compensation for flood damage, including consideration of earlier demands for Rs. 100,000 per acre and support for other crops. He argued that debate on the Vote on Account should focus on current responsibilities rather than repeated references to “76 years” of past politics, noting that all parties connected to past governments share responsibility. He also urged the Government to act quickly on its election promises to prosecute corruption and present the cited 400 evidence files, while affirming the Opposition’s role in questioning the Government on behalf of the public. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Vote on Account, arguing that the President’s expenditure estimates were significantly lower than those of the previous administration and that much of the allocation reflected debt servicing or specific grants such as World Food Programme funding. He cited spending by the National Youth Services Council on “Smart Youth Night” as an example of wasteful expenditure under the former government, contrasting it with neglected repairs to the Council’s auditorium. He stated that the new administration would avoid tender irregularities and politically motivated spending, and would focus Ministry resources on youth and sports development programmes. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. K.S. Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. K.S. Kugathasan, in his maiden speech, welcomed the President’s policy statement on transparent, merit-based governance, rule of law, an efficient public service, protection of public assets and action against corruption, while urging that these pledges be implemented in practice. He argued that economic policy should pursue not only growth but equitable development and income distribution, citing Bolivia as an example where growth increased inequality. He proposed strengthening agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry, including through specialized universities similar to the Agricultural University at Coimbatore, to support sectoral development and foreign exchange earnings. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad criticized the Government for expanding welfare programmes such as “Aswesuma” and child-related assistance while failing to deliver tax relief expected by the middle class. He argued that, despite accusing Sajith Premadasa of welfare populism, the Government had adopted similar welfare measures using public funds, whereas his party leader had used party funds for such assistance. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad thanked voters in Mirigama and Gampaha and said his right-wing movement would use its mandate while urging the new Government to clearly define whether it intends to pursue a genuine left economic path rather than policies he associated with Ranil Wickremesinghe. He questioned the Government’s references to a “76-year curse,” saying recent relief measures suggested funds remained from previous administrations, and called for a clear timeline to implement promised production-based industries, anti-corruption laws, and development measures. He also sought clarity on foreign policy, particularly relations with India, the future of Adani projects, and whether the Government would remain non-aligned or tilt toward China. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage stated that volunteers, including engineers and other intellectuals, are coming forward to contribute to national development without financial motive. He said the Cabinet combines theoretical and practical expertise to implement the country’s recovery plan. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage supported the Vote on Account, arguing that it gives practical effect to the President’s policy statement by increasing support for the fisheries sector and linking it to a broader plan for a productive economy. He cited Sri Lanka’s maritime resources and past budget allocations, stating that Rs. 5,769 million has been allocated for fisheries for the next four months, benefiting workers and dependent communities. He said the Government aims over five years to raise fish consumption, increase fisheries’ GDP contribution, and improve training and status within the sector. He also defended the Government’s advisory arrangements, contrasting them with previous administrations and naming professionals now involved. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that his earlier remarks, referring to Hon. Kabir Hashim’s statement, concerned the lack of difference in allocations for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, without attributing specific purposes to either allocation. He asked that the Hansard be checked for the detailed uses of the funds and requested that he be allowed to express his views in Parliament without being challenged on a point he had clarified. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake pressed the Government to give a direct answer on whether Rs. 320 million allocated for advisors related to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe or President Anura Dissanayake. He urged ministers not to use Opposition time for digressions and to state clearly if they could not answer. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake requests a direct clarification regarding a claim that a President is allocating Rs. 320 million for advisors. He asks the member to identify which President is being referred to and to answer briefly without lengthy explanation. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake asked for clarification on whether the Rs. 320 million allocation for advisers referred to President Anura Dissanayake or former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He urged the member addressed to be specific in identifying which President was being discussed. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that he had not accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of misusing funds, but had questioned the purpose of an allocation equal to that provided to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for four months. He noted that the former President’s expenditure included helicopters, bulletproof vehicles, multiple cars, and paid advisers amounting to about Rs. 300 million, and asked what the funds would be used for if the current President was not incurring similar costs. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Rathna Gamage defended the Vote on Account, stating it is a constitutionally established interim financial measure rather than a Budget, and criticized Opposition Members for allegedly misrepresenting its contents. He rejected claims about allocations for presidential advisers and clarified fisheries relief measures, including diesel subsidies for multi-day vessels and small boats, with monthly settlement arrangements approved through the Fisheries Ministry. He argued that the Vote on Account provides a four-month framework to support the productive economy under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara welcomed the President’s emphasis on a digital economy and the creation of a separate Science and Technology Ministry with qualified experts. He questioned whether the allocated Rs. 1.78 billion for Science and Technology and Rs. 3.78 billion for the Digital Economy were sufficient for the major transformation promised. He noted that similar commitments had been made by previous leaders and urged the Government to translate the current pledges into reality. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara said the Opposition would cooperate with efforts to meet public expectations and support changes where necessary. He questioned the Government’s criticism of past Rajapaksa-era concentration of budgetary control, alleging that the current Budget similarly allocates nearly 60 percent among six Ministers and suggesting power is concentrated within a “Pelawatte brothers’ company” associated with the National People’s Power. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that he had not proposed filing cases in India, but referred to constitutional provisions there as an example of citizen action. He argued that the Government’s move to suspend Standing Orders 27(3) and 121 enabled a matter, including a Vote on Account, to be taken up despite normal notice requirements and the absence of a constituted Public Finance Committee. He stated that the Opposition’s concern was raised under the Public Financial Management Act, noting that a Vote on Account is typically used when an Appropriation Bill has not been presented before 31 December. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected claims that presenting a Vote on Account violates public finance law, citing Article 150(2) of the Constitution, sections 23(1) and 23(2) of the relevant Act, the Order Paper, and the Attorney General’s recorded opinion. He argued that the procedure is lawful where an Appropriation Bill has not been presented, and urged Members not to mislead the public through selective statements or social media clips. He called for genuine criticism while warning against creating unnecessary public concern over the State finance process. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana urged the new Government to respect the role of the Opposition, avoid triumphalism despite its large mandate, and account to Parliament on how it will address corruption, economic recovery, education, health, and public relief in a bankrupt country. He questioned allocations under the Vote on Account, including presidential expenditure, travel, motorcades, and advisers, and said the Government’s current positions on borrowing, rice imports, taxation, and “mafia” claims differed from its earlier rhetoric. He also called for continued justice for Easter Sunday attack victims and warned that suspending Standing Orders in relation to the Vote on Account must comply with the Public Financial Management Act and proper parliamentary procedure. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana — Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the four-month Vote on Account as necessary to maintain government operations until a full Budget aligned with the Government’s election programme can be prepared. He argued that the new administration inherited severe economic and sectoral problems, including in agriculture, SMEs, fisheries and state enterprises, and said demands for immediate solutions within two weeks of assuming office were unreasonable. He cited recent reductions in many commodity prices, currency and stock market stability, increased remittances, and expenditure controls as early progress, while stating that the Government would not privatize the CEB or pursue layoffs despite overstaffing in entities such as Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories. He also outlined the broader “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as an effort to reform Parliament, public institutions, society and governance practices. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →