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. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided a detailed reply on the history, assignments and revenue arrangements for maritime security services involving the Sri Lanka Navy, Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd and Avant Garde Maritime Services. He stated that the service began in 2009, shifted between the Navy and the RALL-AGMS joint venture, and that a 2025 Cabinet decision and Extraordinary Gazette authorised the Navy to provide the service independently. He reported JV income of USD 14.12 million from September 2021 to July 2025, with about USD 2.12 million paid to the Navy, while Navy-only operations from October 2025 to February 2026 earned USD 598,250 for the Consolidated Fund. He also said the Navy had received Rs. 2.39 billion in total from earlier arrangements and noted an unpaid Rs. 782 million allegedly due from Avant Garde. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka questioned the limited five-day public consultation period for the Draft National Electricity Policy, noting that at least 14 days is generally expected. He raised concerns that the policy gives insufficient attention to renewable energy, particularly solar power, and asked what concrete steps are being taken to support solar-based generation, including battery capacity and related technical measures. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka raised a supplementary question concerning alleged national losses arising from substandard coal procurement, with part of the remarks expunged by order of the Chair. He asked what action the Ministry and Minister would take to recover any losses and sought the current status of related inquiries. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy answered a parliamentary question on solar power, stating that approximately 9 GWh is added daily to the National Grid from solar generation and that current contract tariffs average Rs. 17.168 per kWh, within a range of Rs. 12.73 to Rs. 37.46. He said solar purchase tariffs are set by an inter-agency committee using a cost-reflective formula, with Cabinet approval, and detailed the fixed feed-in tariffs and rooftop solar rates introduced in 2025. He also noted that the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan 2025–2044 targets 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and that Battery Energy Storage Systems are being implemented to manage surplus solar energy for peak demand. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary The report of the Committee on Public Finance was presented on regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, import duty proposals under the Customs Ordinance, and the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill. Dr. Harsha de Silva stated that the Committee approved the Bill subject to ensuring women’s representation on the Authority, noting that the redrafted Bill now brings previously unregulated micro-borrower groups and relevant institutions under a dual regulatory framework. He also welcomed the IMF Managing Director’s visit, acknowledged IMF support during Sri Lanka’s crisis, and requested continued engagement with greater emphasis on governance issues alongside financial reforms. Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister, in response to questions on official vehicles and fuel allowances, stated that no official vehicle or fuel allowance was provided to the former Minister of City Planning and Water Supply between 29 October and 15 December 2018. She further informed the House that the Minister of National Dialogue appointed in September 2015 was allocated three official vehicles, with four used in certain months, and that their details, periods of use, and monthly fuel expenditure were tabled in annexes. She said the fuel entitlement was 750 litres for petrol vehicles and 600 litres for diesel vehicles, and noted that alternative vehicles were provided when allocated vehicles were under repair. Questions: Official Vehicles Allocated to Ministers (2015-2018) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that Ministry records show no fuel allowances were paid to the Minister of City Planning and Water Supply for November and December 2018. She added that Transport Division files contain no record of official vehicles being allocated during that period, including from 29 October to 15 December 2018, so related follow-up details were not applicable. Questions: Official Vehicles Allocated to Ministers (2015-2018) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister, responding as Minister of Education, provided records on official vehicles allocated to the former Minister of City Planning and Water Supply from 21 September 2015, identifying a Nissan Teana car and a Toyota Hilux double cab. She stated the monthly fuel entitlements under a 2010 Presidential Circular and tabled available fuel expenditure figures for 2015 and 2018, while noting that records for 2016–2017 and some litre-based details were unavailable. Questions: Official Vehicles Allocated to Ministers (2015-2018) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake defended the President’s declaration of essential public services under the Essential Public Services Act in response to Cyclone “Ditcha,” arguing that emergency powers are necessary to procure and restore critical services disrupted by the disaster. He said the Government would use these powers only for disaster management and outlined progress in relief payments, while noting that eligibility verification is required for public funds. He cited survey findings and international comments to support the Government’s relief performance, rejected Opposition criticisms and rumours about returned reconstruction cheques, and called for factual assessment of the post-disaster response. Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the emergency declared after the disaster was necessary to coordinate a nationwide response beyond the capacity of the Disaster Management Act, including deployment of security forces, essential services, personnel and machinery across administrative boundaries. He stated that the regulations had not been used to suppress protests, strikes, media or political activity, and said reforms were under way to disaster management structures, the Online Safety law and legislation replacing the PTA. He also said emergency powers helped stabilize tourism and expedite procurement for recovery work, citing record December and January tourist arrivals, a preliminary World Bank estimate of US$4.1 billion in economic impact, and parliamentary approval of supplementary estimates. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi argued that the Government is managing the aftermath of the “Ditva” cyclone as part of a wider socio-economic and institutional recovery, emphasizing housing, land, financial support, and restoration of livelihoods for affected families. She defended the extension and use of Emergency Regulations as necessary to reduce administrative delays and enable timely relief, while stating that assistance is being delivered transparently and according to need. She criticized the Opposition for focusing on shortcomings rather than supporting disaster response, and called for cooperation among political leaders, officials, and citizens in rebuilding efforts. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported the extension of the Emergency, arguing it is needed to expedite recovery from the 2025 natural disaster, including housing compensation, school reconstruction, road and bridge repairs, and restoration of health services. He stated that Rs. 500,000 grants for fully damaged houses are being implemented, denied that rights had been violated under the Emergency, and said protests and expression remained allowed. He also said decentralized funds would be allocated fairly among all MPs and that the 2026 Budget would proceed with development plans, including increased cultivation support and compensation for human–wildlife conflict. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government’s continued use of emergency regulations, arguing they were being extended to suppress protests arising from unmet promises, including compensation pledges for damaged houses. He questioned delays and changing compensation amounts, challenged Government claims on education reforms, and defended the Opposition Leader’s assistance to people affected by “Ditva.” He also said the Government should honour all mandate-related promises, including on salaries and vehicles, raised allegations about ruling party MPs’ remuneration arrangements, and complained that parliamentary speaking time favours party leaders while Government MPs failed to object to remarks insulting teachers. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda defended the past use of emergency laws in the context of ending terrorism, while questioning whether the current Government can achieve its objectives under emergency if it has struggled under ordinary law. He welcomed the decision to arrange a teachers’ recruitment examination for Development Officers but raised concerns about the Gazette, including ineligible degree categories, unavailable university specializations, and the exclusion of International Relations, International Studies, and Archaeology graduates. He also requested relief for public officers affected by the suspension of local and foreign leave after they had already made commitments. He further criticized restrictions and omissions in Member development allocations, arguing that they should be usable for genuine local needs such as temples, daham schools, sports clubs, rural societies, and preschools. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that disaster response powers under the Disaster Management Act would have been sufficient, making the continued extension of emergency regulations unnecessary and open to abuse. He cited landslide and rockfall risks in Udunuwara and surrounding areas, alleging inaction by officials despite deaths, damaged homes, destroyed roads, and concerns over quarrying permits, and tabled residents’ representations to the President while calling for proper inspections and valuations. He also raised delays and permit issues affecting the Eastern Province palmyrah industry, including mechanization approvals and compensation for damage. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara opposed the extension of Emergency Regulations issued under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that cyclone “Ditwah” recovery does not require emergency powers and that existing institutions can address issues such as landslide risks and administration. He highlighted concerns over provisions on essential services, restrictions on entry, competent authorities, misinformation, immunity for officials, and possible media suppression. He also raised issues relating to alleged damage or mishandling of archaeological and cultural heritage sites, the remand of monks in Trincomalee, and high leasing rates affecting citizens. He concluded that the regulations were being used for repression rather than reconstruction. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, stating that they were being used solely to coordinate relief and recovery after Cyclone “Ditwah,” not for political suppression. He described widespread damage across 22 districts, including heavy rainfall, flooding, more than 1,250 landslide sites, around 650 deaths, 173 missing persons, and extensive housing destruction. He said the Emergency enabled rapid inter-agency action through the Essential Services Commissioner General, including mobilizing technical personnel for NBRO assessments, and urged the Opposition to support the extension. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Emergency Regulations issued after Cyclone “Ditwah,” stating that they are needed to coordinate relief, maintain essential services, and restore infrastructure across the 22 districts declared disaster-affected. He said the regulations enable an Essential Services Commissioner General to coordinate state, private, local, district, national, and international actors in resettlement, compensation, reconstruction, and service restoration. He emphasized accountable use of public funds and international assistance, including support from 32 countries, the World Bank, JICA, and bridges from India, with allocations based on district-level requests and audits. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said Rs. 2.85 million would be released to the relevant High Court and then to the Kaluwanchikudy Magistrate’s Court by 9 February for excavation work. He attributed the delay to procedural requirements, court vacations, Cyclone Ditwah, and the need to clarify budget rates for audit purposes, and apologized to the affected families. He said subsequent funding tranches should be faster, noted his personal involvement in the excavations, and stated that DNA analysis would proceed simultaneously with excavations, followed by required religious rites. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Attention was drawn to difficulties faced by small and medium-scale paddy millers, including the non-receipt of promised concessional interest loans. It was stated that small millers account for about 65 percent of paddy purchasing, and the Government was asked to respond and take prompt action. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site Read →