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- 17 March 2026 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported approval of remuneration and service conditions for officers and employees of the Commission under the Anti-Corruption Act, arguing that adequate staffing, salaries and capacity are necessary for CIABOC to function independently and effectively. He said past anti-corruption laws and institutions lacked enforcement culture and resources, while the Government has removed recruitment obstacles and seeks to finalize a 971-member cadre to address a large backlog of investigations. Referring to an indictment involving the Power Minister over an alleged incident from about a decade earlier, he argued that the filing of charges under the present Government demonstrates institutional independence. He also noted that Middle East tensions affect Sri Lanka’s stability but said the Government had stabilized the economy and administration. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister moved approval under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, for the remuneration and service conditions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption’s staff, stating that this is necessary to establish an independent 971-member cadre. He said legal clarifications had confirmed that the State Finance Management Act does not restrict appointments under the Anti-Corruption Act, and outlined related anti-corruption measures including dedicated courtrooms, FATF-linked procedures, and improved investigative capacity. He also urged that allegations such as those concerning coal procurement be referred to the relevant independent authorities, cited recent action by the Commission as evidence of independence, and briefly referred to economic reserves, contingency planning amid Iran–US tensions, and resolving issues with the QR Code system. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne explained the reintroduction of the fuel QR code system as a precautionary measure to manage distribution amid global supply risks linked to the Middle East conflict, while stating that existing stocks remain sufficient for normal needs. He said the Government chose a rapid, phased rollout rather than advance notice or a temporary sales halt to avoid panic buying and economic disruption, with support mechanisms for vehicle ownership changes and mobile number issues. He reported that over 5.09 million users and 5.10 million vehicles were registered, including nearly 440,000 new vehicle registrations, and said the system was being supported by the same technical teams involved in 2023. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the proposal and recalled his role in developing the 2023 anti-corruption law, arguing that institutions such as the Attorney General’s Department and CIABOC must be strengthened. He then raised concerns over the 2025–2026 coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Plant, alleging delays, inferior coal supplies, financial losses, and improper award of both the main and emergency tenders to Trident Chemphar Ltd. despite reported failures and prior blacklisting. He questioned why the Energy Minister remains in office after indictments were filed under the CIABOC Act, and cited alleged improper meetings with a bidder during the tender process, calling for decisive action. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary As Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised the unresolved issue of salary parity for the CIABOC Chair and Commission members, noting that although it was accepted in 2023 that their salaries should be comparable to those of the President of the Court of Appeal, subsequent judicial salary increases had not been reflected for CIABOC. He stated that the matter requires parliamentary action rather than action by the Ministry of Finance, and asked whether the Government would honour the 2023 undertaking. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Moved for Parliament to approve, under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, the remuneration and conditions of service for CIABOC officers and employees, including a 971-position cadre and a new remuneration scheme with specified allowances. She said the approval is needed to operationalize the expanded mandate and independence of CIABOC under the 2023 Act, address staffing and legal-capacity constraints, and clear a backlog of over 4,000 concluded investigation files. She also noted Cabinet’s approval of special committees to manage impacts from current external energy pressures and ensure continuity of essential services. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill for its Second Reading on 7 April 2026. The Bill was ordered to be printed and referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. Bills Presented and Points of Order Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Several Government Bills were presented, including amendments to the Inland Revenue Act and the Social Security Contribution Levy Act, both scheduled for Second Reading on 7 April 2026 and referred to the Committee on Public Finance. A Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill was also introduced to reform insolvency law, provide mechanisms for rescuing and rehabilitating individuals and companies, repeal the Insolvency Ordinance, and amend related legislation including the Companies Act, Inland Revenue Act, and Mediation Boards Act. Bills Presented and Points of Order Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns over the absence of a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and digital asset transactions, citing a reported Rs. 290 million crypto scam and concerns about capital flight under the Foreign Exchange Act. He asked the Government to state the current policy of the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance, actions taken since his January 2025 queries, estimated crypto transaction volumes, tax treatment of crypto gains, and whether enforcement agencies have a joint mechanism to address fraud, money laundering, and illicit outflows. He also questioned whether Sri Lanka is lagging behind peer jurisdictions and requested a timeline for introducing laws or regulations to govern digital assets and crypto exchanges. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Government has secured fuel stocks, tenders, and orders sufficient until August despite global oil price and logistics pressures linked to instability affecting supply routes. He stated that electricity cuts have been avoided so far, though load shedding may be necessary if conditions worsen, with priority given to public relief and keeping industry operating. He added that Sri Lanka currently has only about 22 days of storage capacity and is beginning projects to expand this to 45 days, while emphasizing that no special fuel quotas are given to MPs or Ministers. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned whether a stated matter was a printing error before seeking clarification on the Government’s preparedness for escalating Iran-Israel-US tensions. He argued that strategic and scenario planning should have anticipated impacts on energy security, citing reduced Norochcholai output over several days and the resulting reliance on diesel generation amid possible global shortages. He referred to PUCSL warnings of power cuts in April, June and July, and demanded a clear, data-driven plan to prevent load-shedding and consumer price increases. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on fuel supply, stating that daily risk assessments are being conducted and discussions are underway with contracted, alternative, and oil-producing country suppliers, including under a Cabinet-approved mechanism for non-registered suppliers. He outlined current fuel sufficiency dates for diesel and petrol grades, said there is no separate emergency petroleum stock, and noted that a committee has been appointed for emergency procurements and prioritised quota allocations to essential institutions. He said crude tenders for WTI, Saharan Blend, and Miri Light were to be opened that day, QR quotas would not be generally revised except for scientifically assessed special cases, and discussions on Russian supplies and access to IEA releases were continuing. The Minister attributed uncertainty to global logistical constraints linked to the war, including insurance and shipping difficulties, and said the Government was managing supplies daily to avoid prolonged power cuts while acknowledging possible cost increases. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide current, accurate data on petroleum stocks and the number of days they would last, questioning recent price increases despite earlier assurances on fuel reserves. He called for the removal of all taxes on fuel in line with promised ex-wharf pricing, and requested details of any strategic reserve, contingency plans, and impact assessments for global oil price rises and Middle East supply disruptions. He also raised concerns over the reactivated QR-based fuel distribution system, including inadequate quotas, registration problems after vehicle transfers, and the need to revise allocations for transport, agriculture, fisheries, health, tourism, and other essential sectors. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of Opposition AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s preparedness for disruptions to fuel, gas and other key imports due to the Middle East conflict and possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Referring to the 2022 fuel crisis and its impact on electricity, transport, health and industry, he asked whether the Government has conducted or will present to Parliament a risk assessment covering crude oil, refined fuel, LNG, LPG, fertilizers, industrial materials and food shipments. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna – Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer detailing Rs. 509.28 million in allocations across 14 Divisional Secretariats, with figures listed for each division and sectoral allocations for roads and infrastructure. The response clarified that education allocations are made to the relevant line Ministry and Western Provincial Council rather than to Divisional Secretariats, provided expenditure details where applicable, and stated that all projects were completed by 31 December 2025. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka on behalf of the Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to provide details of 2025 allocations for each Divisional Secretary’s Division in the Kalutara District. He requested sector-wise figures for education, roads and infrastructure, expenditure incurred to date under those sectors, and a list of projects scheduled for completion by 31 December 2025, or reasons if the information cannot be provided. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged that around 60 projects had been stalled due to the economic crisis when the government took office. He said action was initiated after the issue was raised through the District Coordination Committee and by letter, with Cabinet memoranda submitted and coordination undertaken with the Cabinet Secretariat and NBRO. He noted that recent cyclone conditions increased NBRO’s workload and caused delays, but stated that the aim is to complete the matter within the year. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, responding on behalf of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, provided data on six Civil Defence Force headquarters in the Anuradhapura District, including officer and troop strength totaling 7,895 officers and 6,444 troops. He listed current duties ranging from security, administrative and police station work to archaeological site protection, education support, wildlife duties, construction, and revenue-generating projects, with detailed deployments provided in annexes. He confirmed that the Civil Defence Department operates farms and enterprises, naming several crop and non-agricultural projects, and referred to annexed details on land extents, manpower, income, expenditure, harvests and sales for 2024 and 2025. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns that a 900 MW coal plant is reportedly producing only about 780 MW because of low-quality coal, creating an estimated 120 MW shortfall that must be covered by diesel generation during a fuel-constrained period. He asked whether the Minister accepts this assessment and noted that COPE is also examining the matter. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy complained that essential parts of his original question had not been answered and requested a mechanism to ensure complete follow-up responses with relevant reports. He raised concerns over alleged losses of Rs. 8.4 billion from low-quality coal supplied to Norochcholai, citing testing reports and impacts including environmental harm, boiler damage, and increased generator fuel consumption. He asked when the Minister would accept responsibility for the issue and resign. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →