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- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the monthly disability allowance is Rs. 10,000, following the 2025 Budget increase, and that 171,957 people currently receive it, with applications accepted continuously up to the gazetted ceiling of 200,000. He said eligibility is based on medical certification and household per-capita income below the official poverty line of Rs. 16,191, with no restriction on multiple eligible persons in one family or on receiving Aswesuma or other livelihood support. He added that Rs. 19 billion has been allocated for 2026, the previous waiting list was ended from April 2025, and payments are scheduled monthly before the 15th through Divisional Secretariats. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman asked the Prime Minister about the status and legality of funds credited to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” account following Cyclone “Michaung.” He questioned whether affected people had received adequate relief, whether the relevant disaster declaration and fund establishment complied with the Disaster Management Act, who administered the fund, how much had been received and spent, and whether donations remained unused in the Treasury. He also asked whether funds allocated for Provincial Council elections had been diverted for disaster relief, noting that he had rephrased a reference to a political party official after an earlier version of the question was rejected. Oral Question: Rebuilding Sri Lanka Account Expenditure (Q.2) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake praised the Prime Minister’s response and linked current reforms to the UNP’s historical role in independence, economic liberalization, and recovery from the declared bankruptcy under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He noted his tenure as Finance Minister and the addition of 2,800 MW of renewable energy, while stating that postponing elections after the bankruptcy declaration was wrong. He argued that the Government promised “system change” but is instead practising “system maintenance,” and said his side would submit its points collectively. Procedural: Points of Order and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asked what benefits Sri Lanka gains from replacing the earlier Adani electricity purchase arrangement, which he said involved a higher unit price, with a re-tendered Mannar-Kondechchi project involving a local investor at a lower competitive price. He argued that not all foreign investments are beneficial and framed the change as a measure to reduce costs and protect the economy. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana questioned the Prime Minister on electricity tariff relief, arguing that delays in implementing past generation plans and storage systems had contributed to solar power curtailment and financial losses. He cited estimated curtailed solar generation of 6.5 GWh in March and 24 GWh in April, and asked when businesses and households could expect reduced electricity bills under the Government’s current measures. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister, responding to questions from Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, outlined plans to reach 70 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2030, including planned additions of 1,274 MW of wind and 2,071 MW of solar capacity, expansion of transmission and distribution, and multiple battery energy storage projects. She said procurement or preparatory work is underway for several BESS projects, including 160 MW/640 MWh already procured, 250 MW/1000 MWh approved by Cabinet, projects supported by the ADB, a Korean grant-funded Hambantota pilot, and private sector-funded storage linked to solar plants. She stated that these measures are intended to improve renewable energy absorption, grid stability and reliability, reduce emergency power generation, and potentially lower electricity tariffs through proper procurement and storage agreements. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana asked the Prime Minister about the Government’s plans to expand renewable energy generation, particularly solar and wind, to reduce electricity generation costs. He sought details on targets, strategy, progress and funding for Battery Energy Storage Systems intended to support grid integration of renewable power, and asked how the technology would improve reliability, quality and affordability of electricity for consumers and industry. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake presented, on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, the Committee’s report on two sets of rules made under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023. The rules, published in Gazette Extraordinary Nos. 2479/54 and 2492/10, had been referred to the Committee, and the report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Committee Reports: Public Finance and Sectoral Oversight Committees Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister provided data on National Housing Development Authority housing schemes, stating that most pre-2012 high-rise schemes were built without elevators because regulations at the time did not require them, and that elevator maintenance in newer schemes would be transferred to Management Corporations after deeds are issued. He identified two schemes reported as unsafe or unfit for occupation: Slave Island Wekanda, cited by the National Building Research Institute as hazardous, and Nupewela Resettlement Housing Scheme in Matara, found by the Department of Buildings to be unfit for occupation. Responding to a question on NHDA housing and deeds, he stated that 15,947 units were constructed within Colombo Municipal Council limits and 52,174 islandwide as at 31 December 2025, with further project and district details provided in an annex. Adjournment and Written Answers Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary Accurate data on the national housing shortage by income group or sector is not currently available, and the Ministry is seeking information from the Department of Census and Statistics. The National Housing Development Authority plans several programmes for 2026-2029, including 70,110 grant-assisted houses for poor and low-income families, Sevana housing villages, loan schemes for low and lower-middle-income families, and housing for middle-income earners, tenants, occupants of uninhabitable houses, and government servants, with costs assessed against inflation, mortgage rates, and construction escalation. Eligibility criteria include low income, lack of a permanent house, female-headed households, disability or chronic illness, large numbers of dependents, need for construction or renovation, and ability to pay in middle-income schemes. The Minister also stated that there is no publicly accessible beneficiary registry and listed recent or planned middle-class housing schemes in Tangalle, Ragama, Wadduwa, Ranpokunagama, Kirulapone, Maligawatta, and Gampaha. Adjournment and Written Answers Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Under Section 7(1)(a) read with Section 105 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, the Minister tabled the Rules relating to the Repatriation of Export Proceeds to Sri Lanka, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2492/10 of 9 June 2026. He moved that the Rules be referred to the Committee on Public Finance, and the House agreed. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported extending the emergency regulations after Cyclone “Ditva”, stating that they provide the legal basis for the Essential Services Commissioner-General to deliver relief, housing and rehabilitation to displaced persons. She challenged Opposition claims on poverty figures, asked for sources to be tabled, and said the Government’s Praja Shakthi programme and fiscal measures were aimed at reducing poverty and providing relief. She also said the Government would protect investigators and pursue justice in relation to crimes, corruption and the Easter Sunday attacks, while accusing the Opposition of spreading misinformation on welfare, prices and public finances. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government for failing to implement election promises to farmers, citing high input costs, poor-quality and scarce fertilizer, lack of guaranteed prices, and inadequate action on the human-elephant conflict. He called for the promised guaranteed paddy price, including the stated Rs. 150 per 8 kg pledge, to be delivered and for Treasury allocations to be used to protect livelihoods. He also raised concerns about Divisional Secretaries and other public officers lacking fuel allowances and facilities, and about the suspension of examinations and stalled registrations for over 700 traditional and specialist Ayurvedic practitioners under issues linked to Act No. 31 of 1961. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, moved for approval of an Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2478/06 of 3 March 2026 and presented on 19 May 2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi highlighted COPA findings on alleged fraud, corruption, and irregularities at the Department of Motor Traffic from 2012 to 2024, stating that nearly Rs. 4 billion in Government revenue was lost or misused. He said the report would be referred, under amended Standing Orders, to the Bribery Commission, IGP, Attorney General and other relevant bodies for further action, and cited specific issues involving motorcycle registrations and driver’s licence software maintenance costs. He also criticised former Rajapaksa-era administrations over unresolved tsunami housing titles, high inflation during 2020–2022, and alleged misuse of publicly purchased Pfizer vaccines during Covid-19, tabling related documents. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah thanked the President for allocating about Rs. 300 million to complete the Nintavur cultural hall, but disputed the President’s remarks that the Oluvil harbour had been built without feasibility studies or an EIA. He stated that multiple institutions, including LHI, CECB, COWI, the SLPA technical team and NIRAS, had assessed the project and found it feasible, and that Danish financing and consultants were involved. He argued that the harbour’s present problems arose from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s failure to carry out regular dredging and maintenance as envisaged, rather than from flaws in the project’s approval process. He also defended the late M.H.M. Ashraff’s legacy and said criticism of him was hurtful to the Muslim community. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake criticised former government advisers and linked past governance to the economic crisis, while also calling for accountability over the Easter attacks. Referring to the COPA report on the Department of Motor Traffic, he highlighted alleged vehicle registration abuses, including motorcycles registered as luxury vehicles, misuse of 120 out of 158 vehicle import licences issued for religious institutions, and an alleged Rs. 931 million fraud involving number plates. He commended public officials, the Auditor General and audit officers for exposing these matters, and said the current Government would not repeat the practices that led to economic damage. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that Sri Lanka is approaching a serious economic crisis, saying official indicators such as the primary surplus do not reflect weaknesses in the real economy, including agriculture, tea, manufacturing, SMEs and industry. He compared Sri Lanka’s low usable reserves with India’s and said tourism policy should focus on increasing revenue per visitor, claiming this could generate an additional USD 2–3 billion. He also denied allegations of interfering in investigations relating to Major General Suresh Sallay, stating that he had only participated in a Bodhi Pooja for Sallay’s health and objecting to his continued detention. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka disputed opposition claims on thermal power generation and coal ship demurrage, arguing that inaccurate statistics were being used to mislead Parliament and the public. He then addressed an Extraordinary Gazette under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, explaining that revised HS classifications and new subheadings were intended to reapply existing tax rates without substantive changes. He noted that Middle East conflicts were disrupting global aviation and affecting SriLankan Airlines, clarified reports about Treasury funding, and said the airline’s operational loss had been reduced from USD 150 million to USD 100 million while a restructuring process with private sector participation was being considered. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister responded to claims by a previous speaker regarding poverty and electricity generation. He stated that poverty had declined from 24.5 per cent in 2024, when the National People’s Power took office, to around 22 per cent in 2026, and disputed the claim that 900,000 litres of diesel were being used daily for power generation, citing 7 June data showing oil-based thermal generation at 11.68 MW out of 2,417 MW. He asked for the source of the figures and indicated he would clarify before allowing a response. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →