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- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised concerns about the workload and responsibilities of Agricultural Research and Production Assistants, including financial duties, invasive plant removal, fertilizer subsidy distribution, loan recoveries, and land-related levies. She questioned the Ministry on the lack of budgetary allocations, vacancies, unpaid allowances, and reported plans to remove ARPAs from supervisory duties, warning that any resulting industrial action would affect farmers. She also referred to unresolved issues such as the spread of invasive plants and limited implementation of wild boar control measures. Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised concerns that Agricultural Research and Production Assistants have an excessive workload, including data entry for fertilizer subsidy processing. She said delays in data entry due to insufficient officers have prevented many farmers from receiving subsidies, and noted that field information collection was also hampered during Cyclone “Mitra”. Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources reported that Sri Lanka’s fishing industry includes marine fisheries, inland fisheries and aquaculture, with about 320,470 active fishers in 2024. He stated that, due to the hazardous nature of the sector, two personal insurance schemes are being implemented through the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and the Social Security Board, including accident, disability, death, hospitalization and other benefits. He also noted that a new contributory Fisher Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme was launched on 21 November 2025, offering lifetime pensions from age 60 and lump-sum benefits for disability or death, with amendments proposed to extend future pension benefits to spouses. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that the Trincomalee oil tanks require rehabilitation before they can be used, noting that 24 tanks remain with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation while others had previously been transferred to India. He said rehabilitation has begun on four of the 24 tanks, with two completed and pipeline installation underway, and emphasized that storage can only begin after this work is finished. On Norochcholai coal plant environmental concerns, he said relevant agencies would report any damage and the Government would take appropriate action. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Minister’s response on fuel storage, referring to earlier claims about managing supplies through the Trincomalee oil tanks and stating that the lack of tanks was not an adequate answer. He also raised concerns about environmental harm to residents near Norochcholai from the burning of substandard coal and requested that the Minister inform Parliament of the steps to address it. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government is ensuring uninterrupted coal-based power generation and that petroleum supplies are not facing disruption. He said existing Ceylon Petroleum Corporation storage tanks are being used at maximum capacity and that construction has begun on nine new tanks. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to maintaining energy security despite external risks such as global conflict. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hector Appuhamy questioned the Minister responsible for coal about reported imports of substandard coal that have reduced Norochcholai Power Plant output from 900 MW to about 600 MW, limiting electricity supply. He warned that reliance on costly generator-based power amid global oil supply disruptions and limited local fuel stocks could create a severe domestic crisis, and asked what steps the Government would take to prevent such a situation. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on an Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017. He then questioned why regulations made under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act had been tabled without being referred to the Committee on Public Finance, arguing that finance-related Port City regulations have consistently been examined by that Committee and should not be sent only to a Ministerial Consultative Committee. Papers: Regulations, Reports and Orders Tabled Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas defended the 2025–2026 coal procurement, arguing that the Opposition had misstated the country’s coal requirement and that the tender followed the same specifications used in 2023 with approvals for the 21-day bidding period and an extension. He said suppliers had been pre-registered for quality, financial capacity and supply capability, and that the selected purchase price of USD 98 per metric ton avoided costs associated with an earlier proposed three-year tender at USD 324 per metric ton. He also stated that penalties and claims for substandard coal have been part of past procurements, that pending recoveries could reduce tariffs, and that the Government would act against any supplier failing to meet standards. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister rejected the Opposition’s adjournment motion alleging irregularities in the coal procurement tender, stating that the cited volume and four main allegations were incorrect. He said the tender followed National Procurement Commission procedures, incorporated earlier COPF guidance on competition and supplier assessment, selected the lowest compliant bidder, and did not involve improper deviations. He explained that delivery timing and coal quality were managed under contract terms, with load and discharge port testing by accredited third parties, penalties imposed where specifications were not met, and no legal basis for cancellation absent a breach. He warned that premature cancellation could expose the State to damages and argued that procurement decisions must be based on documented compliance rather than unauthenticated claims. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman alleged irregularities in several government decisions, including a withdrawn wheat tender, the release of 323 containers, and the awarding of a 50 MW Mannar wind power project despite an appeal being rejected. He questioned why the President’s committee report on the containers had not been presented to Parliament and accused the Government of failing to uphold its pledges on transparency, anti-corruption, and the rule of law. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned why a coal supply agreement had not been cancelled despite alleged breaches of tender conditions relating to substandard coal and delayed deliveries. He cited a CEB report estimating losses at Rs. 7.6 billion, warned that further shipments could increase the loss, and argued that the proposed 13% electricity tariff increase would pass the cost to the public. He also alleged that the tender had been structured to favour a blacklisted company without sufficient coal supply capacity and demanded accountability for the decision. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman defended the Opposition’s role in raising allegations of fraud and mismanagement, rejecting claims that SJB members were compromised or implicated in corruption. Referring to the coal procurement issue, he cited a 19 February 2026 Ceylon Electricity Board report signed by its General Manager stating that losses from eight coal shipments amounted to Rs. 7,672 million, excluding unclaimed penalties. He questioned the Government’s response to these concerns and argued that Parliament must scrutinize losses involving public funds. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra criticized Opposition Members for allegedly using energy-related debates to advocate for a particular company rather than engaging in substantive scrutiny of government policy. She stated that the Government has no objection to any company winning tenders, including politically linked firms, provided they meet qualifications, pricing requirements, and tender conditions. She urged the Opposition to protect the public mandate, avoid undermining public discourse, and perform its role through legitimate criticism rather than what she described as company-driven interventions. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected the Opposition’s Adjournment Motion on alleged coal tender irregularities, arguing that no specific defect in the procurement process, exclusion of bidders, appeal, or court challenge had been identified. She said coal rejections for quality had occurred under previous governments as well and could be addressed through contractual safeguards such as penalty clauses. She called on MP Marikkar to substantiate his allegation that funds were deposited to an account connected to the Minister’s wife’s mother, or to report it to the Bribery Commission. She further argued that the current tender process was more transparent than past practices where Cabinet Papers were allegedly used to override tender outcomes and favour preferred suppliers. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned coal procurement and testing procedures, arguing that the shift during his tenure from Load Port Reports to Discharge Port, Norochcholai lab, and independent testing addressed earlier anomalies, but that current shipments still showed quality failures. He said lower calorific value and higher ash content in recent coal shipments would reduce Norochcholai’s effective generation capacity and increase reliance on costlier thermal generation, creating a significant financial impact. He urged the Minister to adopt pricing tied to energy content, maximize plant efficiency, explain the legality and testing basis of recent shipments, and provide answers on emergency tenders. He also requested a timeline for CEB restructuring, including the proposed company structure, VRS implementation, union negotiations, and responses on cyclone-related CEB losses. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged a forward-looking approach to power and energy policy, citing President Anura Dissanayake’s 2005 May Day statement on reforming the trade union movement. He questioned the short public consultation period for the new National Electricity Policy, noting that comments were invited only from 12 to 19 February despite the Public Utilities Commission’s usual 21-day requirement, and contrasted it with the six-month consultation period for the 2019 policy when he was Minister. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa defended the Government’s coal procurement for the Norochcholai/Lakvijaya Power Plant, contrasting it with past practices of cancelled tenders and Cabinet-awarded purchases to preferred suppliers. He said the 2025 process registered 26 international suppliers, allowed 28 days for bids, received 10 bids, and included an appeal period with no objections lodged. He explained that coal quality is assessed through load port and discharge port reports, with penalties imposed for deviations, and noted past penalty amounts under previous years’ supplies. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding corruption and bank accounts, challenged them to provide specific evidence, and suggested the criticism was linked to the unsuccessful bidder. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana rejected the Opposition’s coal-related allegations, arguing that they were politically motivated and unsupported by evidence, and challenged MP Marikkar to provide the referenced bank account details. He defended the Government’s 500-day record, citing improved corruption perceptions rankings, increased revenues, profitability in state-owned enterprises, and public survey results, attributing these to anti-corruption policies. He also referred to past coal procurement issues from 2009 to 2016, including alleged tender irregularities, losses from unloading failures, plant shutdowns, and penalty reductions, to argue that previous administrations bore responsibility for major losses in the sector. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri tabled a letter from the Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries alleging political pressure on land-related duties by a person acting as Private Secretary to the State Minister of Lands. He accused the Government and NPP members of failing to act on their anti-corruption promises, particularly in relation to allegations over coal procurement and quality, including questions about fines, supplier liability, and testing procedures. He also challenged the Government to investigate and disclose details of an alleged bank account linked to a relative of the Colombo Mayor, rather than placing the burden on Opposition MPs to prove the claim. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →