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- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued that rising fuel prices, taxes, electricity and water bills are worsening the cost of living despite public expectations of relief after the 2024 election. He said high costs are affecting households, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and businesses, and urged the Government to use available funds to support people and keep enterprises afloat. He questioned the Government’s plan to meet IMF reserve targets, manage upcoming debt and import costs, and sustain the economy after IMF support ends. He also called for faster relief and housing reconstruction for people affected by Cyclone Ditta. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne said the Government remains committed to pursuing justice for the Easter Sunday attacks and other serious crimes through independent investigative and judicial institutions, rejecting attempts to create public agitation over the investigations. She then addressed Orders under several tax-related laws, highlighting the Stamp Duty exemption on receipts for Government payments to people affected by natural disasters. Referring to damage caused by Cyclone “Ditti,” she said the Government had provided about Rs. 500 billion in relief and gave progress figures for grants, rent support, schoolbook assistance, and death compensation, noting some delays due to documentation and practical issues. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan discussed Orders under the Stamp Duty, Ports and Airports Development Levy, Excise, and VAT laws, noting exemptions for disaster relief payments, new levies on plastic water pipes and consumer durables, and the imposition of 18 per cent VAT on certain textile imports. He raised concerns that VAT on imported textiles would strain apparel exporters’ cash flow, that broader consumption taxes would burden low- and middle-income households, and that a lower VAT registration threshold could pressure SMEs. He recommended expedited VAT refunds for apparel exporters and greater reliance on direct taxation while reducing consumption taxes on essential household items. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the approval of the Gazette Orders and Regulations, arguing that they protect revenue while offering relief and improving fairness for businesses. He said the changes under several tax laws mainly update HS codes to align with international classifications, rather than altering tax rates. He also argued that replacing the specific Cess on imported textiles with VAT and lowering the VAT registration threshold would reduce price distortions, allow input tax credits, and create neutrality between importers, domestic manufacturers, and exporters. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva said the Deputy Minister had confused Governance-Linked Bonds with Macro-Linked Bonds, noting that the relevant relief under Macro-Linked Bonds depends on GDP exceeding USD 108 billion. He criticised the removal of SVAT, arguing that imposing 18 per cent VAT on domestic inputs while imports for BOI exporters remain zero-rated disadvantages local suppliers and discourages their integration into export value chains. He proposed retaining SVAT for exporters while addressing past abuses, and called for lower electricity tariffs to improve export competitiveness. He said the measure should be withdrawn and amended to better support domestic production and reduce energy costs. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined four fiscal measures: remitting stamp duty on government disaster-assistance payments, updating Ports and Airports Development Levy and excise provisions to align with new HS sub-classifications, and replacing the specific Cess on imported textiles with VAT from 01 April 2026. He said the textile VAT change responds to local garment manufacturers’ requests for equal treatment, allows VAT-registered producers to claim input credits, and should not undercut domestic apparel production because finished apparel imports remain taxed. He also stated that Sri Lanka has met the macroeconomic targets and reporting timelines required under the IMF-linked debt restructuring, making it eligible for a 0.75 percentage point interest relief under Macro-Linked Bonds. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala, presenting a statement on behalf of the Minister of Defence, said Police, CID, FCID and Customs investigations had uncovered large-scale illegal foreign remittances made through companies registered as importers, with no corresponding goods brought into Sri Lanka. He outlined three investigations involving alleged telegraphic transfer schemes, drug-related proceeds and suspected customs fraud, including frozen bank accounts, seized balances, links to multiple companies and transactions across numerous countries and banks. He said the Government is investigating the role of company directors, bank officers and related individuals, and described the inquiries as part of wider efforts to address financial crime and protect economic stability. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said previous governments had not established an effective mechanism to capture and tax international platform-based transactions, including during the tenure of the former Finance Minister. He stated that the current Budget introduces tax and collection mechanisms, supported by legal and technological measures, to bring tourism-related inflows into the domestic system and reduce revenue leakages. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned why mechanisms are not in place to capture tax and foreign exchange revenue from tourism transactions, including off-book earnings and credit card payments processed through foreign gateways. He argued that foreign visitors should contribute through appropriate systems, as Sri Lankans are taxed extensively, and asked whether the Government would apply similar rigor to ensure these revenues enter official channels. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said tourist arrivals had reached historic highs in late 2025 and early 2026, while per capita spending estimates had declined in US dollar terms partly due to changes in survey methodology, market composition, exchange rates, inflation and length of stay patterns. He explained that SLTDA tourism earnings estimates are not directly comparable with additions to official reserves because of offshore card settlements, informal transactions, unregistered providers and funds retained outside formal banking channels. He outlined measures to improve data and reduce leakages, including monthly TSA-based analysis, registration and capacity-building for informal operators, stronger enforcement, a new National Tourism Policy and Tourism Act, and work on digital payment and regulatory systems to route more tourism receipts through domestic channels. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister provided the Government’s response to a question on the economic impact of the “Ditva” cyclone, outlining compensation mechanisms issued through Finance Ministry circulars and Disaster Relief Service Guidelines, with sector-specific payments for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and MSMEs. She detailed a concessional working capital loan scheme for affected enterprises, allocating Rs. 10,000 million through 15 banks, with Rs. 3,812.48 million disbursed to 2,980 enterprises by 28 April 2026, alongside banking moratoria and fee waivers under Central Bank directions. She also stated that disaster management institutions and relevant line ministries have prepared recovery and future risk-reduction plans, with annexed documents placed in the Library. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Prime Minister, under Standing Order 27(2), for a detailed assessment of the 2023 IMF Extended Fund Facility following approval of the fifth and sixth reviews and a further US$695 million tranche. He sought information on whether the programme has met its economic, fiscal and social objectives, including effects on living standards, growth, employment, investment, exports, MSMEs, wage earners and vulnerable groups. He also questioned whether Sri Lanka can proceed without another IMF arrangement, whether further engagement with the IMF beyond 2027 is being discussed, and what alternative strategy exists if not. He requested disclosure to Parliament of the total repayment cost of the IMF facility and the annual external debt service schedule from 2028 to 2048. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera outlined recent fiscal allocations for relief and economic support, including Rs. 67 billion for “Ditva” cyclone-affected persons in 2025, Rs. 500 billion in 2026, Rs. 100 billion in concessional credit for MSMEs, and Rs. 100 billion for sectoral relief linked to the Middle East war’s impact. He stated that the Ministry of Finance has met the conditions for the macro-linked bond and IMF targets, while maintaining coordination with the Central Bank, despite tax relief measures expected to reduce revenue by about Rs. 100 billion. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government cannot offer a clear solution because the Treasury and the Central Bank are giving conflicting positions. He specifically referred to a matter involving US$25 million, indicating concern over inconsistency in official financial information. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the effectiveness of the proposed fiscal-monetary Coordination Council, citing differing positions of the Central Bank and Treasury over the alleged disappearance or theft of US$25 million. He also sought clarification on usable official reserves, arguing that import-cover adequacy should exclude non-convertible reserves such as yuan holdings. He further warned that non-compliance with IMF governance-linked bond conditions could result in the loss of an estimated US$70–80 million in coupon relief in 2026, and urged attention to the impact on the public. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, outlined the roles of fiscal and monetary policy and the respective responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. He said IMF, World Bank and ADB support contributes to stabilization and reforms, including the 2023 IMF Extended Fund Facility, Aswasuma social protection allocations, debt restructuring, governance reforms and public sector transparency measures, while national policy decisions remain with the Government. He noted coordination under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, and identified risks including high public debt, geopolitical and trade uncertainties, inflationary pressures, SOE-related fiscal burdens and social protection needs. Government responses cited included strengthening tax administration, rationalizing exemptions, improving expenditure management, debt and SOE reforms, expanding social protection and digitalization, anti-corruption measures, and promoting exports and foreign exchange earnings. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) on the Government’s economic policy framework, focusing on the coordination of fiscal and monetary policy within the IMF programme and related agreements with international institutions. He asked for details on policy instruments, targets, responsible institutions, risks, and assessments of impacts on inflation, interest rates, the rupee, investment, employment and cost of living. He also sought clarification on reported differences between the Treasury and Central Bank, including the alleged missing US$25 million, and requested that the Treasury’s report on the matter be tabled in Parliament. He further asked what measures are being taken to ease economic pressures on middle-income groups, professionals, MSMEs, farmers, fishers and low-income households, and to strengthen parliamentary oversight and public accountability. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB AI summary Tabled in response to Question No. 8, the answer stated that seven services fall under the Combined Services and provided vacancy figures as at 1 March 2026, including major vacancies in the Management Service Officers Service, Office Employees Service, Combined Drivers Service, ICT Service, Translators Service, and Librarians Service. It outlined Cabinet approvals, gazette notices, examinations, interviews, and appointments already completed or scheduled to fill vacancies in several services, including translators, librarians, ICT officers, MSOs, and drivers. The answer noted that recruitment restrictions during 2020–2024 had created backlogs, and that ongoing recruitment would proceed through due process, cadre reviews, and institutional requirements. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the People’s Bank authorization connected to co-operative pawning licences had lapsed on 07.06.2024, and that three rounds of discussions had been held with the bank to restore it. He said the Government was also taking steps to protect the co-operative sector from asset misappropriation while restoring the facility. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over rising gold-loan indebtedness, noting Rs. 3,514.5 million in gold loans over 15 months and an average household burden of about Rs. 168,000, much of it through rural banks. He warned that the relevant authorization had lapsed in 2024, potentially creating legal issues, and questioned the impact on farmers who pawned gold to fund cultivation amid an upcoming harvest, reported rice imports of 157,000 metric tons, and the stated rice price band. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →