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. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, regulations under the Strategic Development Projects Act relating to eligibility criteria and tax exemptions or incentives were tabled and referred to the Committee on Public Finance. The Annual Report of the Homoeopathic Medical Council for 2022 was also tabled and referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Empowerment. Papers and Petitions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister said graduate recruitment to the public service between 1994 and 2022, including absorption into the Development Officer Service, was often not based on approved vacancies and had led to cadre excesses and career distortions. He stated that future graduate recruitment would be strictly vacancy-based, while existing Development Officers would continue to have promotion pathways under the service minute or PSC Circular 01/2012. He also noted ongoing Cabinet-approved recruitment to certain executive posts and said salary and pension-related concerns would be addressed through the Wages Commission and Pensions Commission, with the Ministry intervening on long-standing issues. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on Development Officers, arguing that graduates recruited to these posts were placed in a cadre without adequate legal arrangements, service minutes, duties, grading, promotions, or career prospects. He urged the Government to create a lawful framework, with Attorney General’s advice, to absorb or regularize them and provide at least a basic path for their future. He also offered to assist in developing such a framework, citing the hardship faced by many Development Officers and their families. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage seconded the Adjournment Motion on improving the professional status of Development Officers recruited between 1994 and 2021. He said graduate Development Officers in public service lack a clear promotion pathway and called for a mechanism to move from MN-4 to MN-5 and higher posts, including proposed roles such as Supervisory Development Officer and Administrative Development Officer. He noted recent government measures for the wider public service, including salary increases, and requested similar attention to Development Officers’ unresolved issues. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi moved an Adjournment Motion highlighting unresolved service issues affecting around 125,000 graduate public officers, including Development Officers, who remain on the MN-4 salary scale without a structured promotion pathway despite long service. He welcomed the Government’s restoration of pension rights for officers recruited since 2016, but urged immediate measures to define job roles, raise professional status, and create fair promotion channels to higher grades without disadvantaging other public services. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister supported the proposal to determine improved remuneration and service conditions for CIABOC officers, arguing that stronger staffing, resources, and legal capacity are necessary to combat technologically complex corruption and wider corruption networks. He said the Government proposes revised pay scales for senior CIABOC positions and an enhanced “anti-corruption risk allowance,” developed with the Management Services Department and Ministry of Finance to attract and retain specialized forensic, investigative, and prosecutorial personnel. He also noted that current fuel supply constraints were due to external logistics rather than domestic fiscal issues, and requested prudent public consumption while the Government manages stocks. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary The Member supported increasing remuneration and pension benefits for CIABOC officers, including higher salaries for senior officials, but questioned whether the Commission was acting independently or being used to target the Opposition while ignoring allegations against the Government. He raised specific concerns about the handling of complaints relating to “Container 323,” Parliament officials, and energy procurement, including coal quality issues at Norochcholai, alleged tender irregularities, increased diesel use, and possible health impacts. He urged CIABOC to investigate these matters promptly and impartially, and also objected to Parliament being adjourned during a fuel crisis while district development meetings were scheduled on sitting days. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said CIABOC had strengthened Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption standing and that the proposed remuneration and service-condition measures would give it greater recruitment capacity and operational independence, including plans for district-level offices. He defended the Government’s QR fuel measures as a response to war-related global disruption rather than bankruptcy, contrasting it with the previous crisis and stating that fuel supply, harvesting activities, and electricity generation were being managed without a need for power cuts. He also referred to the Government’s handling of an incident involving Iranian vessels, saying Sri Lanka acted in line with international law and humanitarian obligations while avoiding alignment with parties to the conflict. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the resolution on salaries and service conditions for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, arguing that it is necessary to implement the autonomous staffing model established by the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. He outlined the Commission’s expanded mandate, new operational structure, enlarged multidisciplinary cadre, and proposed pay and allowance scheme intended to retain specialized staff and reduce vulnerability to corruption. He also raised concerns about vacancies, limited case filings, and alleged constraints on financial autonomy under the Public Finance Management Act, and proposed legal clarification, direct use of a Commission Fund, a hybrid staffing model, and safeguards against politically motivated transfers. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath said the Government is strengthening CIABOC by improving officers’ salaries, allowances and facilities to ensure independent action against bribery and corruption. He argued that the economic collapse resulted from past corruption and misuse of public funds, and rejected Opposition criticism that the Government had failed to manage recent crises, citing the response to the Ditcha cyclone and current global fuel pressures. He said measures had been taken to address farmers’ fuel needs and prevent fertilizer profiteering, including agreed urea prices of Rs. 9,500 per 50 kg bag through private firms and Rs. 9,000 through the State fertilizer company. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Government faces a public trust deficit over its handling of the fuel and energy situation amid the Middle East crisis, and called for clear disclosure of fuel stock figures by type and monthly requirements. He criticized the absence of strategic reserves, inadequate preparation for energy-security risks, and insufficient attention to renewable energy and contingency planning. He also questioned the decision to ask the private sector to close on Wednesday, saying it harms daily-wage earners and small businesses, and urged alternatives such as work-from-home. He further accused the Government of lacking an independent foreign policy and said poor engagement with BRICS had reduced Sri Lanka’s access to strategic support. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Parliament was asked to approve facilities for CIABOC to conduct systematic investigations, with the Minister noting that concerns about probes can be referred to the now-independent Commission. He outlined government measures, led by the President and approved by Cabinet, to manage fuel allocations amid the Middle East conflict and QR reintroduction, including registration of industrial fuel needs, quota allocation through relevant ministries and CPC agreements. He said priority arrangements are in place for export industries, logistics, food distribution and tourism, including identity protocols for guides and tourist vehicles, and that ministers review allocations every two days to avoid disruption. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Opposition supports anti-corruption action and the Anti-Corruption Act, but argued that CIABOC must act independently on both past and current allegations, including complaints concerning the Speaker and officials. He alleged that the Government was protecting “new thieves,” particularly in relation to coal procurement, and questioned why a Minister facing allegations remained in office. He linked coal and fuel management failures to higher electricity tariffs, diesel use, fuel price increases, and problems with the QR system, while demanding tax reductions and relief for the public. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon supported the resolution on remuneration and service conditions for CIABOC under the Anti-Corruption Act, arguing that stronger pay structures, risk and performance allowances, and 971 recruitments are needed to attract specialist investigators in fields such as accounting, banking, engineering, and ICT. He said the Government intends to decentralize anti-corruption work to district level and stressed that political will is necessary for the Act’s effective implementation. He also linked the reforms to past corruption allegations and economic shortages, noting an improvement in Sri Lanka’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranking as evidence of institutional activation. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that LPG and fuel shortages resulted from failures in procurement, storage management, and contingency planning rather than solely from global conditions. He cited non-compliance by an LPG supplier, failure to maintain buffer stocks or collect penalties, underutilized fuel storage, and declining CPC fuel reserves, warning of risks to power generation and fuel supply after April 23 if no firm plan is implemented. He also called on the Government to take responsibility and act on unresolved allegations against National Transport Commission directors following the Priyasath Dep inquiry. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported determining proper remuneration and service conditions for CIABOC officers, arguing that independence, resources, and effective implementation of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2023 are essential to combat corruption and rebuild public trust. He cited Sri Lanka’s improved Transparency International ranking, past losses such as the 2020 sugar scam, and proposed reforms including a beneficial ownership register, digitized public services, and whistleblower protections. He also addressed fuel supply concerns, attributing current constraints to Middle East conflict rather than domestic shortages, and said the Government would maintain supplies for essential sectors while discouraging hoarding and misinformation. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera stated that taxes were necessary to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies and meet large debt obligations under IMF-related arrangements, while seeking to avoid undue burdens on the public. He said Government decisions were taken collectively and not for private gain, contrasting this with past mismanagement, theft, waste, and corruption. He argued that current technical shortcomings should not be labelled as fraud and said the priority should be easing public pressure arising from global conditions. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka called for CIABOC to be strengthened while remaining independent and non-partisan, alleging lack of progress on complaints relating to container, coal, rice, onion and salt frauds and urging priority attention to a complaint against the Speaker. He questioned the handling of a fertilizer-related Fundamental Rights case involving the Minister of Power and Energy, suggesting procedural irregularities. He also warned of an impending fuel supply risk, arguing that the Government had failed to assess the impact of Middle East crude supply disruptions and had not secured sufficient April diesel and petrol cargoes, with diesel availability further strained by power generation needs. He demanded transparent and timely fuel procurement and equal, prompt investigations into major corruption complaints. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bribery and corruption were described as undermining public service quality, public trust, merit-based administration, investment, and the rule of law. The speech supported strengthening the legal and institutional framework under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, alongside digitalization measures expected to reduce corruption opportunities within three years. It urged approval of a Motion to finalize CIABOC’s staffing structure, remuneration, and conditions, including 971 positions and an expansion of investigators to 377, to enable the Commission to function effectively and independently. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government’s handling of energy and fuel risks amid the Middle East conflict, arguing that it had failed to undertake scenario planning despite earlier warnings about possible disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and opportunities such as temporary US sanctions relief on Russian oil. He attributed current electricity risks to domestic procurement failures, particularly alleged low-quality coal supplies to Norochcholai, and cited generation deficits and PUCSL warnings about possible scheduled cuts during peak months. He questioned the adequacy and fairness of the fuel QR quota system for sectors including transport, farming, fisheries, SMEs and exports, and demanded that the Government honour its promise to sell fuel at landed cost by removing added taxes and levies. He also objected to the adjournment of Parliament during the crisis and said the Opposition would support genuine solutions while opposing actions that endanger energy security. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →