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- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara said his remarks were not a personal attack or a dispute with the Government, but a matter that should be raised in Parliament. He rejected any suggestion that he was advocating cuts to public servants’ salaries and argued that the Government should have brought the Appropriation Bill in time instead of relying on an alternative procedure. He requested that the issue he raised be considered fairly. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara cited Section 23(2) of Act No. 44 of 2024 to argue that a Vote on Account should be followed by the passage of an Appropriation Act, including the expenditure already made. He maintained that the Government could have brought the Appropriation Bill within 26 days and stressed that citizens should retain the right to challenge the procedure in court if a Vote on Account is presented without the Appropriation Bill. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the Government was presenting the Vote on Account in accordance with the relevant legal provisions, arguing that Parliament may do so where the Appropriation Bill has not been presented and passed. He criticized earlier procedural objections and attempts to suspend Standing Orders prematurely, attributing them to political eagerness, and said the matter had been discussed and clarified. He urged the House to conclude the issue and proceed with the day’s main business, preferably by agreement among party leaders. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that presenting a Vote on Account is permitted under Section 23(1) of the State Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, where the Appropriation Bill for the following year has not been passed by 31 December. He stated that since the Appropriation Bill had not even been presented, there was no violation of the Act, and referred the point to the Chief Opposition Whip. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Referring to the State Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, he argued that a Vote on Account is lawful when the Appropriation Bill has not been passed by 31 December. He said the measure is necessary after the election period to ensure public servants’ salaries, public services, relief programmes, and essential projects can continue. He rejected Opposition objections as procedural obstruction and asked them to state publicly if they wanted government operations halted. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake clarified that the suspension of Standing Orders was necessary because the Committee on Public Finance had not yet been constituted in the new Parliament, rejecting the claim that the Government was bypassing procedure for political reasons. He said the five-day laying requirement for the Resolution had been discussed and agreed upon, and that procedural defects in a late letter were set aside after the Speaker permitted it, particularly given the money-related matter. He requested the relevant Minister to clarify the reference to a Bill so the House could proceed responsibly. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka asked the Government to clarify its position on the procedural issue raised by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara regarding the Vote on Account and Supplementary Estimate. He noted that party leaders had agreed to proceed by suspending relevant Standing Orders under Standing Order 138, despite the usual requirements under Standing Order 27(3) and the Committee on Public Finance process under Standing Order 121(2), and referred to Article 150(2) as providing constitutional scope for a Vote on Account. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the procedural basis for presenting the Vote on Account, noting that Parliament had passed the Public Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, to regulate such matters. He argued that section 23 of the Act requires an Appropriation Bill to be presented first, and that proceeding under Article 150(2) while claiming conformity with section 23 raises a legal and procedural issue. He stated he was not seeking to obstruct the Government’s urgent financial arrangements, but said his parliamentary privilege was affected because he had not been able to raise the matter at the Party Leaders’ Meeting. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake presented the resolution for a Vote on Account under Article 150(2) of the Constitution and Section 23(1) of the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, to authorize government expenditure from 1 January 2025 until the 2025 Appropriation Act takes effect or 30 April 2025. The resolution seeks approval for specified withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund, including Rs. 1,402.886 billion for services in the First Schedule, Rs. 4,197.114 billion for charged expenditures, Rs. 5 billion in advances, and authority to raise up to Rs. 4,000 billion in loans. It also provides for Treasury-authorized transfers from allocations under the Department of National Budget, subject to reporting to Parliament within two months. Papers: Supplementary Estimate No. 14 of 2024 and Vote on Account Resolution Read →
- 5 December 2024 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved a Resolution under Article 150(2) of the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, to authorize a Vote on Account for government services from 1 January 2025 until the 2025 Appropriation Act takes effect or 30 April 2025, whichever occurs first. The resolution seeks approval to withdraw specified sums from the Consolidated Fund for public services, statutory liabilities, and advances, and to raise up to Rs. 4 trillion in loans. It also provides for transfers from allocations under the National Budget Department to other programmes under Treasury or National Budget Department direction, with such transfers to be reported to Parliament within two months. Papers: Supplementary Estimate No. 14 of 2024 and Vote on Account Resolution Read →
- 5 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva asked for the date of the relevant Audit Report and sought clarification on whether it was presented before or after the Committee on Public Finance report tabled on 12 June 2024. He indicated that the timing was necessary to understand the context of the Committee’s prior examination of the matter. Papers: Auditor-General's Reports and Special Audit Report Read →
- 5 December 2024 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Moved procedural motions to print the Auditor-General’s Reports and a Special Audit Report, set the day’s sitting hours, and exempt consideration of Main Business Paper Items 1 to 13 from relevant Standing Orders. On behalf of the Prime Minister, moved approval of a Vote on Account under Article 150(2) of the Constitution and the State Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, to fund government services from 1 January 2025 until the 2025 Appropriation Act comes into operation or 30 April 2025, whichever is earlier. The resolution authorizes specified Consolidated Fund withdrawals, advances, borrowing up to Rs. 4 trillion, and transfers from the Department of National Budget subject to reporting to Parliament. Papers: Auditor-General's Reports and Special Audit Report Read →
- 5 December 2024 Mr. Speaker [The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala] AI summary The Speaker announced a meeting on 6 December 2024 to elect a Member of Parliament to the Constitutional Council under Article 41A(1)(f), inviting MPs outside the Government and outside the Samagi Jana Balawegaya to attend and stating that nominations from absent members would not be considered. He also tabled multiple volumes and parts of the Auditor-General’s Reports for 2022 and 2023 under Article 154(6), including a Special Audit Report on electric vehicle import permits linked to foreign remittances by overseas Sri Lankans between 1 May 2022 and 15 September 2023. The Speaker said the Secretariat would examine an issue raised regarding the relevant dates and report back to the House. Opening of Parliament - Speaker's Announcements Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran raised concerns about severe rain and flood impacts in Ampara District, particularly the 10-day interruption of drinking water supply in Karaitivu and slow repairs by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. He urged the Prime Minister, relevant Minister, and disaster management authorities to restore water supply immediately, warning of possible public protests if the issue continues. He also called for urgent relief for flood-damaged paddy fields in Alayadivembu, Thirukkovil, Karaitivu and Navithanveli, and requested the construction of proper drainage canals in Alayadivembu to prevent recurring flood damage. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Kader Masthan AI summary Hon. Kader Masthan said the Vanni District and much of the country had suffered serious hardship from the recent floods, with about 470,000 people affected nationwide. He acknowledged the relief work of district MPs, officials, the tri-forces, NGOs and civil organizations in evacuating people, operating shelters and providing food. He urged the Government to amend the relevant disaster-relief circular, arguing that food assistance must also reach people who remain in their homes due to fear of theft or cultural reasons and cannot move to temporary shelters. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said Cyclone “Fengal” and rains since 21 November had affected 141,151 families, mostly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with 18 deaths and around 20 injuries reported. He outlined government actions including formalizing disaster management responsibilities by Gazette, presidential directives for immediate relief, ministerial visits to Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee, increased relief allocations, and deployment of security forces and officials. He argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen disaster preparedness, citing climate change, monsoon patterns, unplanned development and environmental degradation as factors increasing recurring flood and landslide risks. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa described the impact of recent Northeast monsoon flooding in Ampara, including damage to roads, culverts, bridges, drainage, houses, agricultural infrastructure and fisheries, and noted that eight people died, including six madrasa students. He said NPP MPs had visited affected areas, coordinated with district and divisional officials, and assured residents that compensation and assistance would be expedited. He also criticized past development failures, citing the unusable Oluvil harbour, and called for future disaster mitigation while thanking local welfare groups, fishermen, swimmers and the tri-forces for relief efforts. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne emphasized that disaster management should prioritize preparedness, including convening the National Council for Disaster Management and undertaking pre-emptive rehabilitation of vulnerable irrigation infrastructure. He said the Government had decided to raise death compensation for natural disasters from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1,000,000, while the existing Rs. 40,000 per acre crop-loss compensation rate is inadequate and should be revised. He distinguished natural disaster compensation from losses caused by policy or administrative failures, citing Udawalawa water releases, unpaid potato and onion seed purchases, unpaid crop insurance claims, and farmer pension arrears. He also proposed reforms to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, insurance coverage for all cultivated plots, low-interest collateral-free farmer loans, and noted that fertilizer payments for the current paddy season would be made shortly. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister expressed condolences for those affected by the recent cyclone and floods in Sri Lanka and India, and said emergency responses were carried out by the Disaster Management Centre, public officials, armed forces, and volunteers with unusual coordination and commitment. He detailed relief and transport arrangements in flood-prone parts of Matara, including efforts to ensure A/L candidates reached examination centres, and thanked named officials and defence personnel involved. He provided figures on disaster relief allocations and spending, noted emergency assistance from China, and stated that any allegations of wrongdoing should be raised, while mentioning a CID referral regarding alleged irregularities in Ampara relief distribution during the 2023–2024 floods. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa reported extensive cyclone and flood damage in Ampara District, including 11 deaths, 46,766 affected families, major crop losses, damaged houses, irrigation works, roads, bridges, and fisheries assets. He said the Government would move beyond short-term disaster responses by preparing plans, regulations and preventive measures to manage recurring floods, while acknowledging that flooding cannot be eliminated entirely. He called for expedited and improved assessment procedures for agricultural losses, warning that delays by officials are unacceptable, and cited estimated compensation and reconstruction needs running into several billions of rupees. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →