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- 20 March 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that 40 model villages with 885 houses had been initiated in the Manmunai West/Vavunativu Divisional Secretariat area, with 270 houses completed and the remainder to be finished as funds are allocated. He said two model villages are to be completed in 2026, six approved villages comprising 136 houses are expected to be completed this year, and Treasury funding has been requested to complete the balance in phases over about three years. He also noted that under the North and East resettlement housing scheme, funds have been allocated for 2,500 houses at Rs. 2 million per house, following a Presidential directive to increase the per-house grant. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the number of vehicles in use had been reduced from 833 to 634, a decrease of about 200, in line with an earlier commitment. She added that, of 60 vehicles assigned to other State institutions, 8 had been returned, further reducing usage. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri sought clarification from the Prime Minister on the number of vehicles in the Presidential Secretariat vehicle pool during the Eighth Executive President’s tenure and the number returned after the 2024 Presidential Election, suggesting it may have been eight. He questioned apparent inconsistencies between government statements that vehicles would be auctioned or taken out of use and the Prime Minister’s reply that most were in use, asking how such public claims would be corrected. He also requested clarification on whether the pool contained 800 vehicles or whether 200 were not in use, citing concern over contradictory figures. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government has ensured priority fuel supplies for fishers, farmers and other essential activities, including kerosene and petrol during the fishing and paddy harvesting seasons. He argued that current fuel pressures stem from global war-related disruptions rather than domestic mismanagement, while contrasting this with the 2022 economic crisis, which he attributed to the previous rulers. He cited economic recovery indicators, including GDP growth, sectoral growth and increased fisheries earnings, and accused the Opposition of using the adjournment motion to revisit past issues rather than offer constructive proposals. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the Middle East conflict had created an external shock affecting Sri Lanka, but argued that the Government had stabilized the economy sufficiently to procure and pay for fuel, unlike during the 2022 crisis. He accused the Opposition and parts of the media of creating panic through misleading comparisons, fuel-stock claims, and other campaigns, leading to hoarding and unnecessary consumption. He urged citizens to rely on accurate information, reduce non-essential fuel use, and avoid actions such as hoarding or trade union disruption, while noting that government committees were continuously reassessing fuel and economic conditions. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir SJB AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir attributed the fuel crisis to international conflict involving the United States, Israel, Palestine and Iran, and urged the Government to condemn such actions while recognizing the hardships faced by Sri Lankans, including those working in the Middle East. He emphasized that effective petrol and diesel management is essential for agriculture, fisheries, transport and food distribution, and called for higher QR fuel allocations for long-distance freight, farming and fishing-related activities based on sectoral needs. He also asked the Fisheries Minister to address alleged unequal application of trawling restrictions in Jaffna, Mannar and Kalpitiya, and to allow affected fishermen to continue their livelihoods at least temporarily. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas rejected Opposition claims that electricity generation is consuming most diesel imports, stating that current power-sector diesel use is about 500 metric tonnes per day, around 10 per cent of national daily diesel consumption. He said the coal procurement process had not breached procedures, noted penalties over a rejected first vessel, and explained that third-party testing in Australia is being used to assess whether Norochcholai’s reduced output is due to coal quality or plant factors. He assured Parliament there would be no power cuts during Ramadan and Sinhala Avurudu, citing hydropower availability, coal stocks, fuel tenders and planned battery storage. He also defended continued fuel QR restrictions as a stock-management measure amid Middle East uncertainty and urged public conservation, reduced night-time electricity use, daytime EV charging and avoidance of fuel hoarding. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected claims that Sri Lanka was facing a crisis comparable to 2022, stating that current fuel pressures stem from global oil supply disruptions linked to Middle East conflict, while foreign exchange and rupee liquidity remain adequate. He said the Government is managing fuel stocks through the QR system and odd-even distribution, citing rapid vehicle registrations and a new fix to transfer QR allocations to current vehicle owners. He also said authorities are acting against fake fuel registration websites and fraudulent multiple QR registrations used for hoarding and resale. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne urged the public to respond responsibly to anticipated economic impacts, particularly in relation to fuel consumption. She called on both fuel station operators and citizens to use the QR code system properly, avoid panic, and conserve fuel during the crisis. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne argued that the current fuel and energy pressures arise from a global oil supply chain shock, not the bankruptcy and purchasing-power crisis seen in 2022, and said the Government is seeking to minimize public hardship while preserving macroeconomic stability. She cited 2025 reserve, deficit and growth improvements and said four committees are monitoring energy security, public services, supply chains and vulnerable groups alongside the Economic Stabilization Committee. She urged mainstream and social media to report only verified, attributable information, warning that anonymous speculation and fake news about power cuts, fuel tankers or political incidents could create panic and damage confidence. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri alleged that coal procurement and the release of 323 containers involved proven fraud and corruption, and defended the Committee on Public Enterprises Chair against attacks by the NPP. He argued that the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against the Minister of Power over the coal issue would likely be defeated by the Government’s majority, but said it would expose MPs who support the Minister despite the allegations. He also defended the SJB’s leadership and capacity to govern, rejected accusations of corruption against SJB members, and stated that the party would not seek power through unrest or crisis. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka rejected Opposition claims that Sri Lanka was in a broad national crisis, citing improved fiscal, foreign exchange, inflation, tourism, remittance, export and reserve indicators since 2022. He argued that current pressures, especially on fuel and energy, stem mainly from external shocks linked to Middle East conflicts rather than domestic policy failure or political instability. He said the Government would protect essential services and economic activity through fuel procurement, public service, distribution and social protection committees, temporary QR-based limits on non-essential consumption, and possible targeted relief including fuel tax reductions. He also proposed using the situation to promote Sri Lanka as a stable tourism destination and strengthen Colombo’s aviation and port transit roles. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne called for immediate, medium-term and long-term measures to manage risks to energy, trade, remittances and tourism arising from regional instability and fuel supply constraints. He proposed rationalizing energy use, diversifying fuel supplies beyond the Gulf, prioritizing foreign reserves for essentials such as medicine, food and fertilizer, and considering limited power cuts if needed to avoid severe outages. He warned that disruptions could affect tea exports, Middle East remittances, aviation routes and tourist arrivals, and urged monitoring and support for affected sectors. He also advocated digitalized work-from-home arrangements, faster renewable energy development, stronger port and logistics positioning, and strengthening SriLankan Airlines rather than ceding strategic aviation opportunities to conflicted private interests. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government recognizes teacher shortages and other education challenges in the estate community, and will consider special deployment and training measures within the ongoing recruitment of over 23,000 teachers required by a Court determination. She said the current fuel and energy pressures arise from a global crisis linked to the Middle East war and rising commodity prices, not from Government failure, and outlined measures including monitoring fuel supplies, using diplomatic channels, reintroducing the QR fuel system, and daily Cabinet subcommittee meetings. She also stated that a committee chaired by Hon. Upali Pannilage has been appointed to propose social protection measures for informal workers and small businesses likely to be affected. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Government had restored economic stability through debt restructuring, growth in tourism, remittances and exports, but that recovery was disrupted by Cyclone “Ditha” and a subsequent global war affecting energy supplies. He argued that Sri Lanka’s vulnerability reflects past failures to build fuel storage capacity, and cited the trilateral Sri Lanka-India-UAE arrangement to refurbish Trincomalee oil tanks and develop pipeline-based supply as a long-term response. He stated that Sri Lanka does not import oil through the Strait of Hormuz, sourcing instead from countries such as India, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore, while warning that global disruptions still affect the country. He also rejected remarks by Hon. Rauff Hakeem regarding an Iranian ship, saying the vessels were part of a naval fleet exercise in Visakhapatnam involving Sri Lanka, Iran and other participants. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman moved an Adjournment Motion calling on the Government to present a roadmap to maintain normal life amid global conflict-related economic pressures affecting fuel, tourism, exports and remittances, especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period. He criticized the Government’s delayed response to emerging Middle East tensions and fuel supply risks, alleged that fuel stocks bought at old prices were being sold at higher prices, and urged immediate pump-price relief and a fuel availability app. He also questioned foreign policy handling, warned against blaming future power cuts on the war, and demanded accountability over alleged coal procurement losses, including that the relevant Minister step aside pending investigations. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act aim to provide predictable, rules-based processes to attract investment, noting that only three investments materialized before December 2024 but that these have since progressed and over 150 businesses have registered. He attributed earlier delays to corruption and administrative uncertainty, and said the Government is targeting USD 14 billion in FDI by 2026 while advancing hospital, education, mixed-use, residential and commercial projects. He outlined measures including a high-level economic management committee, a six-week clearance window, and an Industrial Facilitation Centre as a Single Window to reduce approvals previously involving over 21 agencies. He also addressed concerns about local firms, litigation, and fuel supply stability, stating that lawful investment and industrial operations would be facilitated while maintaining fair competition. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Government to explain discussions with visiting US officials following reports of talks on safeguarding Sri Lanka’s ports and airports. He urged rapid use of Port City and Urban Development Authority projects to attract foreign exchange, including expedited approvals and targeted liberalization, while questioning the practicality of “work from home” policies for several sectors. He also alleged serious losses from substandard coal shipments, citing increased diesel generation, demurrage, penalties, and emergency procurement costs, and called on Minister Jayakody to resign pending an impartial inquiry. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra said the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act should be considered in the context of global instability caused by conflict in the Middle East and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, which could affect oil and food supply chains. She supported temporary conservation measures such as the Wednesday holiday, QR system, and a 25 percent reduction in government fuel use, while acknowledging the burden on workers. She argued that Sri Lanka’s political neutrality, fiscal stability, and energy-security planning should be used to attract long-term investment and strengthen the country’s position as a stable destination. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera said the technical correction to land parcel and street classifications forms part of broader reforms to facilitate investment. He argued that attracting FDI is central to achieving the Government’s medium-term growth targets, noting USD 1.057 billion in FDI in 2025 and a target of around USD 2 billion in 2026. He outlined measures on stability, infrastructure, digital systems, skilled labour, and tax incentives, including the National Single Window, Colombo Port City Act amendments, and proposed Investment Protection and Investment Promotion Bills. He also stated that the Government would ensure uninterrupted power supply and infrastructure support for investors. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →