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- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera thanked the Prime Minister for decisions concerning the Principals’ Service and education system, then raised a supplementary question on salary anomalies affecting Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service officers recruited into Sri Lanka Principals’ Service Grade III. He asked what steps the Government would take to address the pay disparity in light of principals’ leadership and administrative responsibilities. Oral Question: Vacancies in Education Services Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary As of the response, there were 903 vacancies in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service and 3,790 in the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service. The Prime Minister stated that recent SLEAS appointments had been made through open, limited, and experience/skills streams, with further viva examinations and later competitive examinations planned to fill remaining and newly arising vacancies, while SLPS recruitment would proceed through a limited competitive examination under the relevant Service Minute. She clarified that entry from the Teachers’ Service to the Principals’ Service is treated as fresh recruitment, not promotion, but said a Cabinet Memorandum is being prepared to seek approval to apply pay-fixation provisions similar to promotions for such appointments. Mandatory SLPS training requirements include induction training and capacity development courses before promotion to higher grades. Oral Question: Vacancies in Education Services Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister to investigate an alleged fraud involving funds for a Children and Women protection centre. He cited claims that Rs. 49.8 million had been received for tenders and procurements, but only about Rs. 12 million worth of goods had been purchased, leaving around Rs. 35 million unaccounted for, and referred to alleged involvement of senior police officers while requesting that the matter be ascertained and acted upon. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Japan’s assistance through the IOM to the Ministry was provided in the form of equipment, including computers and furniture, rather than monetary donations, according to available records. If any financial assistance had been received, the Department of External Resources would have been involved, but no such reports are currently available. The Minister said the matter could be re-examined if necessary. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake challenged the Minister’s statement that no funds were received for the Centre, citing reports that USD 166,000, or Rs. 49.8 million, had been received without Department of External Resources approval in 2019. He requested that the Minister recheck the briefing and account for the funds, alleging that work worth even Rs. 12 million had not been completed. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for details on foreign assistance received by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children from February 2024 to March 2025. He requested information on the donor country and organization, the amount received in US dollars, approvals from the Department of External Resources and the Ministry Secretary, the official heading the relevant Child and Women’s Affairs Division during that period, and the projects on which the funds were spent. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that factories are not closed arbitrarily and that any environmental concerns would be assessed with recommendations provided to achieve compliance. He requested the relevant details from the Member and undertook to examine the matter the same day. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister said sector-specific industry concerns are handled through 26 advisory councils in coordination with bodies such as the Export Development Board and BOI. He explained that previous concessional loan schemes had limited uptake because banks preferred their own products, leading to the integration of these schemes with Ministry of Finance facilities under a Rs. 95 billion allocation for the year. He stated that monthly reviews with banks, the Central Bank and Finance Ministry officials are being held to improve disbursement, with a further committee meeting scheduled for 11 March, and asked Members to refer SME credit issues to the Ministry for coordination. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked what immediate relief the Ministry can provide to SMEs facing rising overheads, including electricity tariffs and taxes, despite higher turnover and weak consumer demand. He questioned the operation of SMILE credit lines, asking whether loans require a Minister’s letter and what support is actually available, including for businesses affected by Cyclone Diththa that received limited compensation despite major losses. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested detailed information from the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development on small and medium-scale factories that were opened or closed in 2025. He sought figures by category, products manufactured, export or domestic market orientation, reasons for closures, and measures taken by the Government to promote SME factories in Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim tabled COPA’s Fourth to Ninth Reports for the First Session of the Tenth Parliament under Standing Order 119(3). He noted that earlier reports covered inquiries from the Ninth Parliament based on Auditor General’s reports, highlighted serious unresolved audit issues at the Colombo Municipal Council, and observed implementation progress by Sri Lanka Railways. He also presented the Ninth Report on the 2023 online assessment of 836 public institutions’ financial discipline and operational performance, stating that the system helps COPA identify weak institutions for scrutiny. The Fourth to Eighth Reports were presented in Sinhala only, with English and Tamil versions to follow. Tabling of Reports Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Adjournment Motion on recognizing women’s unpaid care work and preparing a National Care Policy, linking it to International Women’s Day and the theme of rights, justice and action for women and girls. She outlined government measures including the establishment of a Women’s Commission under the Women’s Empowerment law, proposed reforms to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, amendments enabling women’s night work, recognition of sexual bribery under the Anti-Corruption Act, and microfinance regulation to protect affected women. She also noted programmes for low-income women and women-headed households, and said the Ministry is working to professionalize caregiving and recognize care work as economically valuable human-capital development. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the proposal to formulate a National Care Policy for women, highlighting increased women’s representation in Parliament, local authorities and community bodies. She argued that women bore the heaviest burdens during the recent economic and social crisis, and cited Government measures including school and preschool nutrition programmes, sanitary pads for schoolgirls, housing assistance, wage increases and efforts to reduce household hardship. She also referred to export growth, the planned Sri Lanka Expo 2026 and village-level women’s entrepreneurship initiatives as evidence of women’s expanding role in the national economy. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary The Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus proposal for a National Care Policy to recognize unpaid care work as part of the national economy, in the context of International Women’s Day 2026 and the UN theme on women’s rights, justice and action. She highlighted recent gender-sensitive budgeting measures, particularly housing support for low-income and women-headed households under the “Seamatha Nivahana” programme, including an increase in housing grants to Rs. 1 million and planned allocations for 31,000 houses. She also referred to housing initiatives for plantation workers, conflict-affected displaced persons, and girls leaving care homes, stating that these measures aim to improve women’s safety, dignity, and social, economic and political standing. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government has submitted an Adjournment Motion for a National Care Policy to recognize, reduce and redistribute unpaid care work and integrate it into the national economy, in line with its election policy commitments and the ILO’s 3R approach. She also addressed women’s representation and participation in the media, citing concerns over commodification, online abuse, harassment, and limited advancement into decision-making roles. She outlined planned measures including an Independent Media Commission, a Chartered Institute of Media Professionals, skills-development funding of Rs. 104 million, exploration of journalist insurance, and action to protect media workers affected by reported problems at the “Mawbima” newspaper. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage supported the Adjournment Motion on recognizing women’s unpaid care work and developing a National Care Policy, noting the gap between women’s high university participation and low labour force participation. She argued that caregiving responsibilities, not reflected in GDP, require state support through gender-responsive budgeting, early childhood services, education allowances, shelters, counselling, and mental health programmes. She also rejected an Opposition reference to an Iranian warship near Galle, saying wartime issues should not be politicized and reaffirming support for humanitarian principles and world peace. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi argued that women’s participation in governance, public services, and the labour force is essential to economic stabilization and social transformation, citing the recruitment of female SLTB conductors and the need to address harassment in public transport. She outlined government measures including increased preschool meal allocations, investment in early childhood centres, women’s enterprise projects, online and local marketplaces, community kitchens, laundry services, caregiver networks, and production and marketing programmes such as “Diriya Man Petha” and “Liya Shakthi.” She also detailed support for women with disabilities, including housing, repairs, sanitation, hearing aids, and mobility assistance, and said the Government would continue advancing women’s economic, political, social, and cultural empowerment. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana supported the Motion calling for a National Care Policy, linking it to International Women’s Day and the Government’s policy commitments on reducing women’s unpaid care burden. He said the Ministry has included this objective in the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, is finalizing an Action Plan, and will seek Cabinet approval, establish a Steering Committee, sign relevant MoUs, and submit the draft to the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus. He also noted joint work with the Labour Ministry and the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Protection and Community Empowerment to develop a National Social Protection Strategy and strengthen childcare, eldercare, and other care services while assessing the economic value of unpaid care work. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath linked the Adjournment Motion to International Women’s Day and emphasized women’s safety, economic contribution, and the need to recognize unpaid care work through a National Care Policy. She noted that although women comprise over half the population and a large majority of university graduates, their workforce participation remains low, particularly after marriage and childbirth, and argued for policies strengthening the family unit as well as women’s economic, political, and social empowerment. She cited the Women’s Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024, the proposed Women’s Commission, planned amendments to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, and the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill as measures addressing women’s protection and financial vulnerability. She also referred to inter-ministerial coordination and loan programmes for women entrepreneurs, stating that the Government would support women facing social and economic challenges. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha moved an adjournment motion calling for a National Care Policy to recognize and value women’s unpaid care work as part of the national economy, alongside their contributions in apparel, tea and foreign remittances. Marking International Women’s Day, she argued that Sri Lanka needs a legal and policy framework to strengthen women’s safety, social protection, political and economic participation, and to change outdated social attitudes. She proposed applying the ILO-related “3Rs” approach—recognize, reduce and redistribute care work—using digital services, infrastructure, online complaint mechanisms and a national integrated care programme for children, elders and persons with disabilities. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →