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- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that the dignity of public representatives does not depend on the existence of a parliamentary pension. She said respect must be earned through public trust and urged all representatives to work toward that standard. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Bill to Abolish Parliamentary Pensions, stating that it implements a clear electoral pledge made at the presidential and parliamentary elections and is based on the Government’s mandate rather than the Chitrasiri Report. She questioned whether Members who had previously presented similar Private Members’ Bills would support the measure, and rejected the argument that pensions are necessary to attract quality representatives or prevent corruption. She argued that pre-1977 politicians served without pensions and said the Bill seeks to restore a tradition of public-spirited representation. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested that the Chitrasiri Committee Report on salaries and entitlements of MPs and former officeholders be tabled before proceeding with the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions. He argued that any reform should be prospective rather than retrospective, citing former MPs, widows and dependents who rely on existing pensions, and said wrongdoing by some Members should be dealt with individually under the law. He also questioned the financial rationale for abolition, stating that MPs’ pension payments form a very small share of government revenue, and urged consideration of contributory or lump-sum pension models used elsewhere. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna – Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, presenting it as part of a broader programme to remove political privileges and rebuild public trust during economic hardship. He argued that the existing pension scheme, expanded since 1977, is unfair because MPs can qualify after only five years while public servants must work for decades, and said past abuses had strengthened public opposition to such benefits. He contrasted this with the Government’s measures to reduce official residences, vehicles and other privileges, and defended the plantation wage increase while criticizing Opposition resistance to it. He said the Government would consider compassionate assistance for former MPs in genuine hardship, but maintained that the general pension entitlement should end. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera opposed the proposed pension reform, arguing that it was motivated by hostility toward former JVP/NPP MPs who had contributed salaries and allowances to the party and now lack financial support, citing former MP Charitha Premasiri Manage as an example. He called instead for reasonable reforms such as need-based assistance or contributory mechanisms to protect financially vulnerable former representatives and encourage clean public service. He also urged caution over statements linking a slain lawyer in the Akuregoda incident to the underworld without proof, and asked government leaders to avoid broad claims that Sri Lanka is a “racist country” without specifying the conduct being addressed. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the Bill abolishing MPs’ pensions as rushed and lacking an informed review of the rationale for pensions, arguing that pensions should remain available at least through a grandfather clause for those already retired or in the system. He contrasted the Government’s criticism of Rs. 34 million in monthly former MPs’ pensions with what he described as larger sums channelled from elected representatives’ salaries to party funds, and accused the Government of selectively invoking its mandate while delaying commitments on the IMF agreement, Development Officers, constitutional reform, the Executive Presidency, and Provincial Council elections. He also raised concerns over the killing of a lawyer near Akuregoda, objecting to official claims linking the victim to the underworld before proof, and asked the Government to table details of alleged underworld figures said to have sought surrender. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued for honesty in political criticism, citing NPP representatives living on former Bandaranaike family land in Attanagalla while stating that not all wealth should be characterized as illicit. He praised the President and Shammi Silva for facilitating a cricket match that he said attracted 15,000–20,000 Indian tourists, and said municipal-level corruption, including in the Kadawatha/Kaduwela area, would be exposed. He also urged that pensions be granted to those genuinely in need, clarifying that he was not seeking a pension for himself. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake opposed the proposed abolition of parliamentary pensions, arguing that some former MPs and widows rely on them, and said he had submitted an amendment to the Bill. He challenged JVP/NPP members who previously received such pensions to return those funds to the Treasury, while also criticizing the transfer of the Badulla District Secretary after his cyclone-related work. He raised allegations regarding a Rs. 19 million payment connected to the Sekkuwatta playground in Ja-Ela and an alleged Japan employment fraud linked to persons associated with NPP nomination efforts, requesting investigations and stating he would table documents. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported repealing the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977, arguing that it created an unjust benefit for MPs compared with ordinary public servants. He traced the law’s enactment and subsequent amendments in 1982, 1985 and 1990, stating that they expanded pensions to MPs’ spouses and children and further entrenched the scheme. He said the repeal would end a long-standing system that allowed elected representatives to receive pension benefits after short periods of service. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran argued that repealing parliamentary pensions could discourage civil servants and professionals from entering politics, and proposed either a contributory pension scheme for MPs or reabsorption into previous civil service posts after political service. He said equality in the Vanni requires fair resource allocation rather than repeated aid deliveries, and questioned the absence of a proper transfer policy for Development Officers, including excess staffing in Jaffna. He also raised concerns about the 02.02.2026 graduate teacher recruitment Gazette, stating that Northern Province applicants were excluded for Hindu Civilization and Karnatic Music despite shortages in several districts and education zones, and requested urgent correction of the imbalance. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that MPs should receive pensions to provide financial security and help attract qualified people to Parliament, while cautioning against portraying all MPs as corrupt. He questioned the Government’s consistency on pledges relating to voluntary service, fuel and electricity price reductions, VAT, abolition of the Executive Presidency, and constitutional reform, citing low implementation of promises. He also raised concerns about alleged interference in Parliament’s independent administration, referring to action involving the Deputy Secretary-General and possible moves concerning the Secretary-General, and called for protection of institutional independence. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government had acted on its manifesto by stabilizing the economy, increasing foreign exchange earnings and fiscal revenue, and allocating funds for disaster recovery after “Ditva.” He framed the Bill abolishing MPs’ pensions as part of a broader effort to reform political culture, reduce privileges, and combat corruption, rejecting the Opposition’s argument that pensions deter corruption. He said investigations into corruption would continue, alongside measures against links between politicians, narcotics and the underworld, and referred to wider reforms including education changes and the “Praja Shakthi” rural poverty programme. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to hold Provincial Council elections without delay if it claims to retain public support. He defended pensions for MPs as a measure of social security and anti-corruption, while questioning the Government’s handling of state pensioners, including unresolved teacher-principal pension anomalies and exclusions from recent pay adjustments. He also criticized the cancellation of senior citizens’ higher savings interest, the proposed electricity tariff increase despite prior reduction promises, and the relocation of disabled war veterans from Boossa to Panagoda. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Moved the Second Reading of a Bill to abolish the non-contributory pension entitlement for Members of Parliament, stating it would apply prospectively to current and future MPs after enactment while not requiring existing pensioners to repay benefits. He framed the measure as fulfilling a National People’s Power election pledge and cited the January 2025 payment of Rs. 34,406,186 in former MPs’ pensions as context for the reform. He also referred to public approval data, government actions on reducing presidential privileges, narcotics and crime, and condemned the recent killing of an attorney and his spouse, saying investigations and arrests were proceeding. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody said the Rs. 10 billion required for the CEB voluntary retirement scheme would be paid by the Treasury and not included in electricity tariffs, and that other costs such as cyclone losses and coal-related losses were also not in the CEB’s tariff note from 1 April. He rejected claims of an impending 20 per cent tariff increase, stating that the PUCSL would determine any adjustment, and argued that the Government was acting to avoid burdening consumers. He also said the Government was addressing alleged vested interests in the energy sector and had awarded 160 MW of battery energy storage systems, with a further 300 MW planned for the year. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns about a directive on direct power feeding and alleged that officials had instructed those involved not to speak about it. He stated that there was an 80 MW electricity deficit and warned that covering it with fuel oil generation would result in financial losses. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Energy Minister on the rollout of renewable energy, alleging resistance from vested interests and warning that electricity tariff increases of 13.56 per cent could be followed by a further 20 per cent increase due to coal imports. He asked how CEB cashflows would cover cyclone-related expenditure, how major transmission investment gaps would be bridged, and how coal quality, procurement, and load port certification issues at Norochcholai would be addressed. He urged the Minister not to permit an additional tariff hike and raised concerns that fuel oil generation was being used to cover an 80 MW shortfall, creating further losses for consumers. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board is being reorganized under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act as amended in 2025, with six fully state-owned subsidiary companies established for generation, distribution, transmission, system operation, residual functions, and employee funds management. He said no policy decision has been taken on time-of-use tariffs or curtailing variable renewable energy, cross-subsidies will not be removed, and VRS costs will not be passed to consumers without PUCSL approval, with Treasury funding expected. He further noted that disrupted power system restoration and rehabilitation will be phased to minimize consumer impact, while transmission development funding is being arranged through ADB, AIIB, the World Bank, and possible regulated public-private participation. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that, after maritime security-related authority was reassigned to the Navy, operations have generated over USD 620,000 since November, all credited to the Consolidated Fund. He said 354 operations had been conducted at USD 1,750 each, contrasting the current arrangement with the previous system under which only a portion of revenue reached the Navy and Rakna Arakshaka. He noted that former joint venture entities had vacated Navy armories following government action but had filed a Supreme Court case, and said the matter was being handled through legal channels. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that, following Cabinet approval in July 2025 on the President’s proposal, the Navy’s role in maritime security operations for foreign private maritime security companies has been reinstated. He said the measure, implemented through a Gazette and presidential directive presented to Parliament, is intended to support national and maritime security, protect merchant shipping, manage resources efficiently, and generate foreign exchange at minimal cost. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →