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 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam argued that while his proposed package plant is modest, larger Batticaloa water projects such as the Muthanar Oya scheme, linking Rugam and Kithul tanks, and the Valachchenai supply would address most district water issues if completed. He said the main bottleneck is the lack of an in-district water design team, with only two District Engineers available, causing delays even when additional pipeline allocations are made. He asked whether a design team could be assigned to Batticaloa to expedite water supply works. Oral Question: Water Supply to Porativu Pattu DS Division and Araiyampathi (Q.353/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister said he could not confirm details beyond official National Water Supply and Drainage Board data, noting that national production-demand gaps and low water pressure restrict supply hours. He undertook to discuss whether Ampara water sources could serve the cited areas, review issues regarding the reported absence of applications, and examine the proposed package plant, while noting that similar proposals across the country require significant multi-year funding. Oral Question: Water Supply to Porativu Pattu DS Division and Araiyampathi (Q.353/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam acknowledged water supply works completed in 2025 and planned for 2026 in Araiyampathi, Kokkatticholai, Kaluwanchikudy and Mandur, totalling about 42 km, but said several villages still face serious water shortages. He noted difficulties in Porativu Pattu because supply must come from Ampara and applications are being discouraged. He asked whether a package plant could be established at the Mandur water office location to serve the affected areas, noting that the Divisional Secretary had agreed on land availability. Oral Question: Water Supply to Porativu Pattu DS Division and Araiyampathi (Q.353/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary Confirmed that several villages in Porativu Pattu and Manmunai Pattu DS Divisions already have varying levels of pipe-borne water coverage, while others require extensions or upstream infrastructure upgrades. He stated that Kakkachiveddai’s remaining 3.5 km pipeline and Kirankulam-Dharmapuram’s new supply are proposed under the CEDE Project in 2026, with Kirankulam-Dharmapuram targeted to receive water by the end of the year. For Thikkodai-Dumbalai, he said extension is not technically feasible until pumping and transmission main improvements are designed and implemented. Oral Question: Water Supply to Porativu Pattu DS Division and Araiyampathi (Q.353/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri challenged claims that certain MPs do not take salaries, stating that salaries are first paid into MPs’ personal bank accounts and only later may be transferred to party funds. He further questioned whether pooled MP salaries and allowances create an alternative pension arrangement, despite public claims about abolishing MP pensions. Oral Question: Members of Current Parliament - Salaries and Allowances (Q.117/2024) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri sought clarification on claims that Government MPs do not take Parliamentary salaries, noting that the Prime Minister’s reply indicated all MPs except Hon. Nayana Wasalathilake draw salaries, though some forgo fuel allowances. Citing a 2015 Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna financial statement to the Election Commission recording income from MPs’ salaries and allowances, he asked whether parties pool such public funds to support members, including after retirement, in a manner that effectively substitutes for a Parliamentary pension. Oral Question: Members of Current Parliament - Salaries and Allowances (Q.117/2024) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary The 17th Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises was presented in Sinhala, with English and Tamil versions to follow, covering an inquiry into the National Savings Bank under the National Savings Bank Act. The report identified Rs. 96,046 million in recoverable outstanding loans over Rs. 5 million as at 30 September 2025, including Rs. 7,972 million classified as non-performing, and examined major defaults involving RPI (Pvt.) Ltd., Technopark Development Company, and Bimputh Finance PLC. It noted delays and weaknesses in NSB’s recovery action, including over Rs. 258 million outstanding after the winding up of Bimputh Finance PLC and a US$ 9 million syndicated facility to RPI that had grown to US$ 14.73 million without principal repayment. Urgent follow-up and corrective action were recommended as detailed in the report. Committee Report: 17th Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Presented the Report on the Deviation of Headline Inflation from the Inflation Target under the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement for the second and third quarters of 2025. She moved that the report be referred to the Committee on Public Finance, and the motion was agreed to. Opening and Auditor-General's Report Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Several Opposition criticisms of the Special Commodity Levy regulations were rejected, with the Minister stating that the gazettes adjusted or extended existing levy structures rather than imposing new taxes. He said changes to citrus imports under the Pakistan–Sri Lanka FTA, extensions for potatoes and onions, relief exemptions after Cyclone “Ditva,” and concessions for fish and pharmaceutical salt were handled through institutional review, Cabinet approval and parliamentary tabling. He also argued that import data showed no abnormal stockpiling and that the Government’s approach reflected due process and price-stability objectives. He linked these measures to broader economic stabilization, citing improved growth, lower inflation, continued budget discipline and reforms aimed at higher inclusive growth. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about Civil Security Department personnel being transferred far from their home districts with inadequate allowances, and requested fair treatment for long-serving officers. He asked for transitional relief for over-30 Postal Department substitutes and for public servants who completed degrees late due to COVID-19 and the economic crisis to be eligible for graduate teaching recruitment. Addressing the SCL Gazette on levies for items such as potatoes and onions, he supported farmer protection but called for seasonally informed, data-based rates and a transparent mechanism to use levy revenue to support farmers while stabilizing consumer prices. He also highlighted falling paddy prices in Anuradhapura and asked when funded paddy dryers would be installed and made operational. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah urged the Government to combine agricultural recovery with efforts to attract foreign investment, arguing that inward-looking politics would not address economic problems. He said the “Ditva” cyclone and floods had severely affected fisheries, paddy, vegetable and floriculture sectors, and called for relief including nets, boats, compensation, subsidized seed paddy, fertilizer, fuel, and concessional electricity for agriculture-related production. He asked the Finance Ministry to prepare realistic national recovery plans, reduce barriers such as high power tariffs and input costs, and create a secure, predictable environment for investors, particularly in agriculture. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda defended the Government’s regulations and orders, saying they were supported by data while the Opposition relied on false allegations. He highlighted paddy procurement in the last Yala season, guaranteed prices, and levy policy as measures to protect farmers and consumers, while citing improved agricultural research, lower inflation, and economic growth as evidence of stabilization. He also rejected Opposition claims on security zones and referred to the recent passage of legislation removing MPs’ pensions as part of changing political culture. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka criticised the Special Commodity Levy regime, arguing that the Rs. 80 per kg levy on imported potatoes has failed to protect domestic farmers amid a sharp fall in production and alleged profiteering in imports. He questioned how levy revenue is used to develop local potato cultivation and claimed similar problems affect paddy farmers, citing low purchase prices in Polonnaruwa and continued benefits to large millers and traders. He also called for reductions in rice prices when miller margins rise and urged the Government to pay overdue disability and elderly allowances. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the regulations and orders before Parliament, arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy and created conditions to reduce prices of essential goods. He cited wage increases for public, private, and estate workers, expanded social assistance, anti-corruption and asset recovery measures, removal of MPs’ pensions, lower inflation, higher growth, improved revenue collection, increased remittances, export growth, and stock market gains as evidence of recovery. He stated that savings and improved fiscal performance are being directed toward public relief, including support for schoolchildren and easing commodity prices. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera urged approval of regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a motion under the Customs Ordinance, and orders under the Motor Traffic Act, stating that the tax relief measures were designed to support economic stability, market competition, domestic production, and price management. He contrasted them with the 2020 commodity tax concessions, alleging they reduced Treasury revenue without benefiting consumers, and cited improved Customs revenue and IMF recognition of stronger growth, low inflation, and adequate reserves. He also explained that levy exemptions for donated essential goods after the “Ditva” cyclone enabled the distribution of about LKR 3.1 billion in foreign and organizational assistance through disaster relief authorities and District Secretaries. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardhana said the regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act and Imports and Exports (Control) Act are intended to manage import levies, including adjusting the levy on Pakistani hybrid mandarins following a trade-related request under the bilateral agreement. He said SCL increases on potatoes and big onions were approved to protect local farmers during harvest periods, and cited government actions on economic stabilization, housing projects, vehicle imports, debt payments, and IMF support as evidence of progress. He also defended the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions, arguing that parliamentary pension entitlement after five years is inconsistent with public service pension rules, and noted that the IMF had decided to provide USD 200 million for those affected by Cyclone “Dittha.” Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government for failing to reduce VAT or essential goods prices while, according to him, increasing official privileges and foreign travel. He cited reports on rising food insecurity, weak cyclone reconstruction funding, and Sri Lanka’s position in corruption perception rankings to argue that economic hardship and governance concerns persist. He contrasted current growth figures with those under the previous administration, claiming growth is driven mainly by vehicle imports and taxation rather than investment, and accused the JVP-led Government of reversing earlier positions on strikes, India, and the United States. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that the Government had provided tax relief by raising the personal income tax threshold from LKR 12 million to LKR 18 million and adjusting the first rate slab to begin at LKR 10 million. He also cited reductions in VAT on milk-related products and changes to withholding tax on interest, limiting it to taxable persons. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera responds to a claim that the Government had not reduced taxes, stating that this is incorrect. He says the Government reduced three categories of taxes that had been imposed by the previous Government and indicates he will identify them. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that the Government had not reduced taxes and was operating within the economic framework established under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Citing the Central Bank Governor, he said current revenue collection and policy direction reflected that programme, while the Government was taking credit for its results and distancing itself from shortcomings. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →