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- 18 February 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha - Question to the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to provide details on estate housing in the Ratnapura District. He requested the number of estate houses, annual funding allocations from 2020 to date, and planned future measures for their development, with reasons if the information cannot be provided. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Minister Abayarathna responded on waste management at the Athulathmudaligama/Barabinduwa site, stating it is used for composting, temporary waste storage, recycling transfer and disposal preparation, with odour and vector control measures in place. He said accumulated mixed waste near the entrance has been removed, supervision assigned, and drainage and water testing are being arranged in response to concerns about a nearby community well. He reported that the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha and Waste Management Committee are pursuing acquisition of about five acres from LRC land for improved waste management, supported by Rs. 13 million in Provincial Council funding for water supply, machinery, concreting, drainage, roofing and related works. He added that steps are also being taken to release Maddegodara LRC land and that the Provincial Council will assist the local authority despite the matter falling under the Pradeshiya Sabha. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about health and environmental problems caused by the unsuitable waste management site for the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha at Athulathmudaligama. He asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to address foul odours, pests, roadside garbage, and the risk of contamination to a nearby community water scheme well. He requested an urgent site inspection and the allocation of suitable Land Reforms Commission land for a proper waste management facility, noting the site’s proximity to schools and the town. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister outlined the statutory composition and 2025 membership of the President’s Fund Board of Governors and stated that, following a Board decision on 10 February 2026, medical grant ceilings had been increased to cover approximately 25 per cent of surgery or treatment costs. She detailed service reforms effective from 7 February 2025, including decentralized applications through Divisional Secretariats, digitization, a simplified form, easier certification, representative filing, revised income assessment, and a public hotline. She also listed transparency measures such as online processing, Audit and Management Committee meetings, Auditor-General audits tabled in Parliament, website publication of tariffs and guidelines, RTI responses, and annual activity planning. Additionally, she announced that the deadline for graduate recruitment applications and the qualifying degree date had been extended to 5 March 2026 with Cabinet approval. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara raised an adjournment question to the Prime Minister on the President’s Fund, established under Act No. 7 of 1978, noting its public purpose, audit requirements, and alleged past misuse for political purposes. He asked for details on the current Board of Governors, any increases or changes in benefits and objectives under the present Government, measures to simplify access to services, and steps taken to ensure transparency in the provision of assistance. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake moved two new clauses relating to parliamentary pension reforms. The first would preserve existing pension entitlements for former Members of Parliament aged 65 or above at the commencement of the Act, while the second would allow hardship-based exemptions for former MPs whose sole livelihood depends on the parliamentary pension, subject to review by an independent committee comprising judicial, audit, and Treasury representation and based on financial disclosure. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill to repeal parliamentary pensions, describing it as part of a wider effort to reduce political entitlements, restore public trust, and present governance as public service rather than privilege. He argued that past expansions of MP benefits, corruption, and nepotism damaged confidence in politicians and institutions, and said the Government is also cutting unnecessary vehicles, residences, and security while improving revenue collection and international confidence. He rejected claims that ending pensions would cause poverty or corruption, noted that abolishing presidential pensions would require a constitutional amendment, and said the reform supports national unity and a renewed political culture. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that the Bill has prospective application and is not retrospective, stating that it complies with the Constitution, which protects the President’s pension but not MPs’ pensions. He also addressed the recent murder of a lawyer, noting that 12 police teams are investigating, four alleged assistants have been arrested, and the Government condemns the act and will pursue the perpetrators. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha urged that the Bill repealing MPs’ pensions should not apply retrospectively, citing constitutional concerns and the reliance of former MPs and their families on such income after years of public service. He proposed introducing a contributory pension scheme funded by deductions from MPs’ salaries, similar to systems in several other countries, to avoid burdening taxpayers. He also raised concern over the recent murder of a lawyer, stressing the constitutional right to legal representation and calling on the Government to ensure the safety of lawyers, judges, Attorney General’s Department officers and police involved in sensitive cases. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, tracing the expansion of MPs’ pension entitlements since 1977 and arguing that these privileges contributed to an unhealthy political culture. He rejected claims that pensions prevent corruption or that the repeal targets particular individuals, linking the measure to the 2022 public demand for reform and to election pledges to reduce political privileges. He said politics should be treated as public service, with former MPs returning to prior professions if not re-elected, and framed the repeal as part of broader reforms to rebuild public trust. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, stating that it fulfils the Government’s promise to establish a new political culture without harming current beneficiaries. He argued that the special pension scheme and past parliamentary privileges had not improved governance, addressed corruption, or resolved ethnic discrimination and reconciliation issues. He said abolishing such entitlements is part of restoring public trust in Parliament and encouraging representatives committed to public service and sacrifice. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill in line with the Government’s mandate, while cautioning that abolishing MPs’ pensions could make future parliamentary entry harder for candidates without wealth or major-party backing and could be reversed by a future government. He urged the Government to increase public service pensions, repeal or properly reform the PTA in line with human rights concerns, introduce a new Constitution, abolish the Executive Presidency, and provide a political solution for Tamil-speaking people in the North and East. He also called for disclosure of the mastermind behind the Easter attacks and noted positively the recent Independence Day celebrations. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, arguing that elected Members receive a five-year public mandate and should not retain special lifetime or family entitlements created through amendments to the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977. She framed the repeal as fulfilment of a government pledge and cited related measures such as reductions in presidential and former presidential benefits, housing and welfare programmes, wage and salary increases, public service recruitment, education and health initiatives, and anti-corruption commitments. She also referenced IMF comments on growth, inflation, reserves and revenue, and claimed broad public support for the Government’s programme. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Arguing against the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, J.C. Alawathuwala said the Opposition’s position is that MPs should receive a pension and challenged the Government to test public opinion through Provincial Council elections under the previous system. He cited examples of former MPs, including members associated with the Government’s party, who he said depended on parliamentary pensions for basic needs such as medicine and rent. He argued that many MPs do not qualify because of early dissolutions and short terms, and urged the Government instead to address disparities among the wider pensioner population while at minimum retaining pensions for those who served 10 years. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne supported the Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions, arguing that it fulfils the Government’s electoral mandate and is not an act of political revenge because Government Members are also giving up benefits. He said the administration has already reduced presidential, ministerial and parliamentary privileges, including salaries, allowances, insurance and multiple-post entitlements, as part of a broader shift in political culture. He added that while not all promises can be completed early in a five-year term, measures such as increases to public servants’ pensions and salaries and estate workers’ wages have already been implemented, and genuinely destitute former Members could seek assistance through existing channels. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper opposed the Bill abolishing parliamentary pensions without an alternative mechanism, arguing that legally granted rights should not be arbitrarily removed and that needy former MPs should be supported through an independently managed contributory welfare fund funded by Members. He said he had prepared amendments and would bring a Private Member’s Bill to establish such a fund, citing New Zealand and local mutual-aid models as examples. He also criticised the Government for selectively implementing manifesto pledges and said he had submitted a Private Member’s Bill to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and address terrorism offences under general law. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe supported the Bill to abolish the special pension scheme for Members of Parliament, stating that it fulfils a National People’s Power manifesto pledge and responds to public demands for a new political culture. He argued that parliamentary service is a temporary public mandate rather than a pensionable career, and that lifelong pensions for MPs create unjustified privilege compared with ordinary citizens. He said the reform is intended to restore trust in Parliament and signal ethical leadership without undermining the need for adequate salaries and institutional support for MPs. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary During debate on the Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions, the Member supported ending pensions for current MPs but urged a special mechanism to assist former MPs and families in genuine need, citing war-related deaths and former Members dependent on pensions for essential expenses. He also conveyed condolences over the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Mannar youth in Colombo and requested presidential compensation for the family. He raised fisheries issues in Puttalam and Kalpitiya, arguing that restrictions on trawling are being applied unevenly while similar practices continue in northern areas. Referring to the 1991 Gazette, NARA demarcations, and cyclone damage to boats, he asked the Fisheries Ministry to intervene, review the restrictions affecting the 23 permitted Kalpitiya boats, and provide relief to affected fishing families. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, arguing that it fulfils a government and presidential pledge to end non-contributory pension privileges for MPs and their families. He contrasted parliamentary pensions with the contributory pensions of public servants and said elected office should be treated as public service rather than a profession for personal benefit. He also cited public confidence, anti-corruption efforts, economic recovery, anti-narcotics action, tourism development, estate worker wage increases, coastal park projects, education reforms, and the “Praja Shakthi” rural poverty programme as evidence of the Government’s broader policy agenda. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda opposed the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, arguing that the Government had not first tabled or explained the Chitrasiri Report on MPs’ pensions and allowances. He contended that removing pensions while retaining other parliamentary benefits could discourage lower- and middle-class political participation and favour wealthy candidates or parties with large funds. He also questioned the impact on former MPs who had taken loans against their pensions, while stating that his political work would continue regardless of pensions or benefits. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →