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- 5 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary R.M. Jayawardhana addressed the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, outlining the history of valuation education and the role of valuers in public bodies such as the Valuation Department, Urban Development Authority and local authorities. He said the proposed statutory institute is supported in principle, but its functions must be clearly defined to avoid overlap or conflict with existing institutions, particularly following court guidance on dual mandates. He urged that the Bill be refined, with amendments where necessary, to establish a clear legal framework that strengthens the profession without creating administrative disputes. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to advance the use of technology and modernize outdated legal frameworks. He specifically called for amendments to the 150-year-old Customs Ordinance as part of moving administrative and regulatory systems forward. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to ensure Sri Lanka Customs can operate on a 24-hour basis as part of modernization efforts. He said Customs has indicated readiness, but other line agencies must support it through online integration, including ASYCUDA, Inland Revenue, commercial banks, and import regulatory authorities. He argued that continuous clearance of shipments is necessary to provide exporters with efficient service and improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that improving competitiveness is essential amid rupee fluctuations, cost-push inflation, and the need to meet major external debt repayments, including USD 14 billion due in 2028. He supported modernizing the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers, and Container Operators Act, stating that legislation must be effectively implemented. He called for digitalization of freight forwarding, including connectivity with systems such as ASYCUDA, to strengthen exports, professional standards, and Sri Lanka’s position against peer countries. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill, arguing that it would legalize and professionalize an important logistics sector while promoting fair competition, revenue generation, and digital connectivity. He said Sri Lanka must align depot operations with international standards such as ASYCUDA and strengthen its logistics performance if it is to become a regional hub. He also raised concerns over shipping lines extracting value without adequate returns to local operators, Customs clearance delays causing demurrage costs, and revenue from foreign-operated terminals leaving the country, and asked that the relevant Minister or Deputy Minister respond to these issues. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister supported the three Bills before the House, stating that they form part of the Government’s broader programme to stabilize institutions, laws, and economic management, including establishing a statutory framework for real estate professionals. He said macroeconomic indicators, including foreign reserves of USD 6.8 billion after vehicle import expenditure, show stabilization, and defended procurement processes such as coal tenders as transparent and competitive. He also outlined the Government’s response to the recent cyclone, including housing assistance of Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses and up to Rs. 250,000 for partially damaged houses, noting that payments had begun for 136 fully damaged and 1,580 partially damaged houses while delays were due to verification and rebuilding requirements. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Bills relating to real estate professionals, container depot operators, and licensing of ship agents and related operators, arguing that they form part of the Government’s reforms to strengthen economic and industrial development. He said the Government had restored macroeconomic stability after the country’s recent crisis and was addressing past weaknesses, corruption, and institutional failures. He also criticized the Opposition over its handling of issues such as School Development Officers, claims about religion, and references to war heroes, while stating that the Government would allow legal institutions to act independently against corruption and crime. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the Bill to establish the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka as a means to attract skilled professionals and investors, including emigrated Sri Lankans, while expanding entrepreneurship, exports, and employment without discrimination. He urged reforms to university curricula so graduates develop practical skills, self-employment capacity, and job-creation abilities rather than relying mainly on government employment. He also raised concerns about the Batticaloa railway service, stating that reduced coaches and altered timetables had lowered revenue and inconvenienced commuters, and requested restoration of the previous train schedule and rolling stock. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s economic management, stating that the IMF programme is on track, the next tranche is expected on time, and debt service, fiscal targets, inflation and interest rates are being managed within the programme framework. He argued that logistics and transport are central to export growth and said the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill responds to industry demands by regulating depots, reducing congestion, setting service and price standards, and empowering the Director-General of Merchant Shipping, alongside digital port reforms such as the Port Community System and Single Window. He also supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka, as a measure to professionalize the sector through standards, accountability and stakeholder consultation, while urging the Opposition to engage constructively through committee processes. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of imposing burdens on poor and middle-income people, electricity consumers, and professional valuers through the Bills under debate, specifically alleging interference with the Institute of Valuers’ role in pricing and appraisal. He questioned the Government’s handling of trade policy, noting that Sri Lanka’s claimed 20 per cent US tariff advantage had been undercut by India’s 18 per cent rate, and asked whether negotiations were underway to secure better terms if Bangladesh also received similar treatment. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition accused the Government of reducing benefits for pensioners, elders, war heroes and disabled personnel, including the previous 15 percent senior citizens’ deposit interest concession. He questioned the impact of US–India tariff arrangements on Sri Lankan export competitiveness, especially apparel, and demanded an urgent Government response. He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in coal procurement, the shifting of streetlamp electricity costs to the public, and the status of the next IMF tranche and electricity tariff conditions, while criticising the Government’s approach to Buddhism and inter-religious harmony. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB AI summary Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku outlined progress on the East Container Terminal, noting that quay works are complete, yard integration is expected by month-end, and straddle carrier procurement has been restarted after earlier irregularities. He said congestion is driven largely by inefficient handling of the domestic import/export share of Colombo Port traffic, and that the Bill would regulate container depot operators through licensing, service standards, pricing oversight, minimum tariffs, and infrastructure requirements. He also referred to plans to open an elevated highway ramp by end-March to move green-channel containers directly to inspection facilities and ease port circulation. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku supported the Bills under debate, including the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, as necessary for regulating depot operations and improving efficiency around port activity. He reported that the Port of Colombo exceeded 8 million TEUs for the first time and outlined plans to expand capacity through the WCT, ECT and JCT to approach 15 million TEUs by year-end. He said the ECT project had been accelerated since late 2024 despite procurement-related delays, with partial yard completion and operations expected to commence during the month. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar requested that allegations made against Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara under Standing Order 91(c) be expunged from Hansard, while briefly criticizing past political alignments. He then alleged serious irregularities in coal procurement by the Ministry of Power and Lanka Coal Company, including shortened tender periods, altered qualification criteria, poor-quality coal shipments, unclear penalty calculations, and possible costly spot procurement. He questioned the basis for cancelling shipments and moving to spot tenders, warning that the process could create coal shortages and power cuts, and asked the Minister of Justice to raise the matter in Cabinet and stop the alleged fraud and losses. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake presented three Bills, including the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, and said the latter would establish a regulated professional body for the expanding real estate sector. He argued that regulation is needed to improve governance, ethics, investor confidence, financial transparency, and AML/CFT compliance, noting risks identified by the Financial Intelligence Unit and the forthcoming FATF assessment. He also said the Institute would support graduates and professionals in property management, valuation and investment analysis by creating licensing standards and an ethical framework. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Government’s policy is to pursue production-led growth by facilitating productive sectors and expanding exports. He noted that exports to the United States declined from USD 3,291 million in 2022 to USD 2,762 million in 2023, before rising to USD 2,910 million in 2024, and said further growth is needed. He said the Government, through continued discussions and the Export Development Board, is working to increase market share, broaden the exporter base, diversify the export basket, and strengthen reserves. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked whether the Government would take the lead in concluding a trade agreement with President Trump, citing the EU-India deal and an 18% arrangement between the United States and India. He argued that securing Sri Lanka’s approximately USD 3.4 billion in exports from the previous year would strengthen foreign reserves and support economic recovery. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that recent US tariff actions show preferential access is not automatic, noting Sri Lanka’s reciprocal tariff rate of 20 per cent compared with higher initial indications and varying rates for selected regional countries. He said discussions with the US are ongoing on a reciprocal tariff agreement covering goods, services, investment, digital trade, labour-related standards and other areas, but no final timeline or binding terms have been agreed and details remain confidential. He emphasized that the Government will protect vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, apparel and fisheries through safeguards, phased liberalization, negative lists and trade remedy laws, while monitoring impacts and updating Parliament according to procedure. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Discussions with the United States are being handled through formal intergovernmental channels, involving USTR and other US agencies, while Sri Lanka is represented by an inter-agency team chaired by the Finance Ministry Secretary. The process is conducted in line with Cabinet decisions and includes consultations with relevant ministries, regulators, and the private sector where appropriate. The response emphasized that Sri Lanka’s economic context, IMF-related reforms, vulnerabilities, and recent consolidation are being raised in the talks, and that the Government also briefed the US Embassy on the impact of Cyclone “Ditwah”. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya — Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary The Prime Minister tabled detailed annexes on university staffing and stated that Cabinet approval has been granted to fill 1,209 academic vacancies, alongside salary increases for university academics and new Budget 2026 allocations for higher education infrastructure projects. She said there is no programme to close schools, but a proposal to upgrade one school per education division for quality primary education. She clarified that History remains compulsory from Grades 6 to 11 and that Aesthetics is included from primary level and compulsory at higher grades. She also outlined steps on teacher service reforms, difficult-school allowances, and graduate teacher recruitment following related court decisions and the issuance of a Gazette for existing vacancies. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →