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- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister presented six items under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act for approval, stating that they are intended to remove impediments to investment and accelerate investor attraction. The proposals include allocating additional land for electricity supply to Phase II, permitting higher buildings with authority approval, reducing retail land allocation from 30 per cent to 5 per cent for urban beautification, making a technical correction on open coastal spaces, and amending the usage classification matrix. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Welcoming the Regulations under the Port City Act, Faiszer Musthapha urged the Government to actively attract Middle Eastern investment amid regional conflict by offering competitive concessions and not allowing IMF conditions to prevent growth-oriented incentives. He compared Colombo Port City with Dubai’s DIFC and India’s GIFT City, calling for transparent, time-bound approval processes, answers to COPF concerns about entity approvals, a dedicated Commercial High Court, and expedited arbitration. He also cautioned against publicly damaging the reputation of local developers such as Home Lands and Prime Lands, arguing that domestic firms that have delivered projects should be protected while regulatory issues are resolved. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan questioned whether the Colombo Port City has met its original expectations of becoming a high-tech and fintech-driven economic hub, and asked how much it has contributed to Sri Lanka’s recovery while noting concerns over sovereignty and past large-scale infrastructure projects. He called for practical development plans, legal reforms, and early realization of public benefits and revenue from the Port City. He also raised issues including fuel and possible power shortages, hoarding of agricultural inputs, disparities in dengue assistant appointments, the TID summons of the Jaffna University Students’ Union President, and the need to apply security laws in a rights-respecting manner. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the Regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, describing them as technical adjustments, including changes to permitted building heights, needed to make the project viable. He said past large-scale projects had suffered from poor planning, corruption, and inadequate returns, and argued that the current Government has a responsibility to correct deficiencies rather than abandon such projects. He highlighted efforts to create an investor-friendly “Single Window” system covering institutions such as the BOI and Port City Commission, and said allegations of corruption or underperformance in projects such as the Norochcholai coal plant would be handled through institutional mechanisms including COPE. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged a non-partisan approach to using the Colombo Port City and Sri Lanka’s geographic position to attract investment, particularly in offshore banking, insurance, digitalization, crypto regulation and service-sector activity. He questioned prioritizing housing within the Port City and called for stronger incentives, Central Bank action, and use of Mattala Airport to capture aviation opportunities arising from Middle East instability. He also pressed for urgent structural reforms, including SOE commercialization, action on SriLankan Airlines losses, trade agreements with Singapore, Thailand and India, and labour reforms to support digital economic growth. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe rejected Opposition claims of an imminent economic or power crisis, stating that Sri Lanka recorded 5 per cent growth last year, maintains resilient exports and remittances, and is managing external shocks including the Middle East conflict and fuel needs for industry. He outlined proposed regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, including changes to land allocation, building height limits, retail space requirements, open space parameters and business classifications, and said investor interest remains strong. He said the Government is facilitating fuel quotas for industries and SMEs through relevant agencies and local administration, while assuring that electricity continuity will be maintained through thermal generation if coal output falls. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister presented the second amendment to the Colombo Port City Development Regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act for Parliamentary approval, stating that it seeks to facilitate investment through rule-based land-use reallocations while keeping the total land extent unchanged. He outlined changes to land-use categories, public utilities, open spaces, transport facilities and service-use limits, with conditions to protect traffic circulation, internal mobility and external impacts. He linked the regulations to broader efforts to raise economic growth and investor confidence, citing forthcoming or ongoing legislation on public-private partnerships, investment protection and promotion, SOE reform, insolvency, and AML/CFT compliance. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Minister’s answer but asked that the Hingurakgoda Airport, referenced by the President, be included in the Government’s airport development plans. He proposed converting one VIP terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport into an active passenger terminal to ease congestion, noting the airport is operating above capacity. He urged the Government to use Mattala Airport to attract Middle Eastern carriers affected by regional turmoil, including through incentives such as free handling, and to expand cargo capacity to prevent losses in fisheries exports and earn foreign exchange. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on the status of Sri Lanka’s aviation sector amid rising tourism, trade and travel demand. He asked the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation for detailed data on operating international airlines, passenger capacity, embarkation tax collection and arrears, arrivals and departures by airport from 2023 to 2025, and the levy due to Government. He also sought information on international and domestic airport capacities, utilization levels, planned infrastructure projects including Terminal 2 and regional upgrades, constraints on tourism growth, and the additional capacity expected from ongoing developments. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns about rising poverty and income inequality amid economic pressures and cost-of-living increases, including effects attributed to Middle East conflict-related fuel and price rises. He requested updated district-level poverty data, definitions and indicators used for the National Poverty Line and multidimensional poverty, and information on impacts on sectors such as manufacturing, self-employment, MSMEs, and the wider economy. He asked the Government to detail current social protection and income-support programmes, assess the adequacy of Aswesuma, and clarify whether a National Poverty Alleviation Policy exists with timelines and components. He also sought data and targeted measures for vulnerable groups, including children, mothers, persons with disabilities, the elderly and youth, and asked for short-, medium- and long-term policies to address multidimensional poverty, job losses and factory closures. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. K. Kader Masthan) SJB AI summary An oral question was raised to the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government regarding the condition of multi-purpose service centres (Sevapiyasa) in the 153 Grama Niladhari Divisions of Mannar District. It sought details on divisions without proper offices, temporary alternative locations, renovation needs, lack of toilets, water and electricity, and disconnected electricity supply, and asked whether the Ministry recognizes the impact on public service delivery and what plans exist to address these shortages. Oral Question: Multi-Purpose Service Centres in Mannar District (Q.1455/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna outlined two education policy tracks: digitizing about 6,200 secondary schools through fibre or broadband connections by year-end, and reorganizing schools using criteria such as catchment population, transport access, teacher deployment, and infrastructure capacity. He stated that Rs. 500 million supported 31 schools last year, while Rs. 1 billion is allocated this year for 169 schools, with future emphasis on primary schools. He also detailed allocations for Pirivena and special education, national school infrastructure, estate sector schools, and pending “Nearest School – The Best School” projects, arguing that infrastructure funding is being targeted through defined programmes. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary The Minister said the auditorium project was initiated under the “Nearest School – The Best School” programme in 2016, began substantive work in 2019, and was delayed by COVID-19 before Cabinet approval was renewed in 2023. He stated that Rs. 36 million was allocated in 2024 for essential construction, and that the Engineering Department has been consulted on securing and completing the building, surroundings, interior finishes, seating, and fittings, with Ministry funding planned for completion in 2027. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that decisions on the matter rest with the Ministry of Finance but argued that the proposed concession should not be granted. He said many people had already paid taxes and dues despite hardship, the sums involved were not large, and in the absence of a wartime emergency, the Government should act fairly by collecting revenue and providing services. As Minister of Transport, he said he did not endorse the concession. Oral Question: Department of Motor Traffic: Registration of Vehicles (Q.1822/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara noted that Sri Lanka has around 8.8 million registered vehicles, including over 5.2 million motorcycles, and highlighted lost revenue from lapsed annual revenue licences. He asked whether the Government would allow owners, particularly of motorcycles and land vehicles, to renew licences without accumulated fines as an incentive, citing missed renewals during COVID-19 and deterrence caused by heavy penalties. Oral Question: Department of Motor Traffic: Registration of Vehicles (Q.1822/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake clarified that the fuel QR system was introduced as a preventive measure to manage consumption, avoid stockpiling, and protect supplies for essential services, rather than due to an immediate shortage. He explained technical issues affecting users with changed vehicle ownership or phone numbers, said 2.7 million problematic entries had been deleted, and outlined the revised registration process through fuelpass.gov.lk, with misuse subject to computer crime laws. He added that abnormal sales in some districts and logistical limits had contributed to pressure, but said the QR system should ease the situation, while vehicles without number plates could obtain fuel using alternative documents bearing the vehicle number. Oral Question: Department of Motor Traffic: Registration of Vehicles (Q.1822/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, the Deputy Minister provided details of four 2016 housing projects in Ipalogama and Kekirawa, comprising 90 completed houses funded through loans. He stated the approved allocations were Rs. 6 million for Kadiyangalla and Rs. 10 million each for Swasthigama, Girukiranagama and Dividinugama, with current occupancy ranging from 5 of 15 houses to 23 of 25 houses. He explained that two projects targeted low-income beneficiaries verified through Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretary certification, while two targeted middle-income employees earning below Rs. 75,000 per month, verified through salary slips. Oral Question: Housing Projects in Ihalagama, Kadiyangalla and Manewa GN Divisions (Q.1783/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath stated that the matter would proceed only with transparency and community agreement, with efforts to minimise harm. He said resettlement, compensation, and livelihood restoration for affected persons would be handled through institutional coordination and a careful operational plan to ensure fairness. Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath, answering on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, said the proposed Vee Oya reservoir near Yatiyantota is intended to support potable water supply, Kelani River flood mitigation, dry-season flow regulation for Colombo and surrounding areas, and possible hydropower generation. He stated that detailed design is underway under the CResMPA project, with implementation envisaged in 2027 subject to Cabinet approval, completed assessments, and World Bank support. He further said EIA and SIA reports are being prepared, preliminary studies identify 203 housing losses and 13 business losses, and landslide-risk studies by the National Building Research Organisation will inform design measures. Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne reported on consultations with banana farmers and visits to key banana markets where unsold produce was being discarded, noting that Ambul prices remain volatile despite satisfactory prices for Kolikuttu and Seeni. He said the Government is formulating a plan to support banana farmers through export promotion with private-sector partnerships, small-scale value addition, credit facilitation, and a state-supported processing framework to improve farmer returns and generate foreign exchange. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →