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- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar institutions had suffered from poor management over many years and that efforts during the past one and a half years were aimed at restoring their profitability. He said the Ministry and Treasury were intervening, with Cabinet decisions in place to ensure fairness to farmers and support production. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena questioned the Government on the financial position and future of Pelwatte, noting that despite ethanol and sugar sales in 2025, the company reportedly owes about LKR 2.57 billion to farmers, suppliers, banks and EPF. He said cane cultivation is declining as farmers and outgrowers leave the sector, and asked whether the company will be closed, privatized, or subject to another recovery plan. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Approvals and funding have been arranged to address the recent issues affecting the factories. The Ministry is currently implementing the relevant measures. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary W.H.M. Dharmasena questioned the Minister on whether workers at the Sevanagala and Pelwatte state sugar factories would receive the public sector pay increases granted since 2025. He linked the issue to falling ethanol prices, increased imports, delayed maintenance, and factory breakdowns that have left the workers in distress. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa detailed land use, production, sales, operational issues, and employee payment matters at the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories. He said Sevanagala’s 2025 output was affected by machinery failures, procurement delays, farmer protests, field burnings, VAT-related sales constraints, and cash-flow problems, while Pelwatte production proceeded as planned. He reported that EPF arrears at Sevanagala had been settled, Pelwatte arrears were being addressed through Cabinet-approved funding and the 2026 Budget, and monthly EPF/ETF payments had resumed on schedule from October 2025. He also stated that formal cadre approval, recruitment, promotion procedures, and placement on government salary scales for Lanka Sugar Company employees were being finalized. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked what action the Ministry can take regarding small and medium hydropower plants that have completed their contracts or been abandoned, particularly in sensitive headwater and tributary areas. He raised concerns about environmental damage after operations ceased and sought clarification on ownership responsibilities and remediation where contract conditions have not been met. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that obligations linked to development projects may arise either from voluntary commitments or from enforceable contractual terms. He said the Government can intervene where contractual obligations are breached, including through environmental authorities, the Irrigation Department, or under Power Purchase Agreements, but requires specific details to do so. He added that no sufficient information has yet been received to justify intervention, while reported matters are being handled by the relevant agencies. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy stated that there are eight power plants in Yatiyantota and five in Bulathkohupitiya, with details of developers, projects, DS Divisions, and capacities provided in an annex. He said grid connection requires a PUCSL generation licence and an SLSEA energy permit, which in turn requires environmental, irrigation, and other agency clearances. He further noted that compliance is monitored by the Central Environmental Authority, SLSEA, and PUCSL, and that relevant agencies take legal action where there is non-compliance. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Projects are being implemented across both centrally administered national schools and schools called national schools under Provincial Councils. A data system is being managed with the Digital Ministry and the Advisory Committee on Digital Economy to assess physical and human resources nationwide, address uneven distribution, and support data-driven budgeting and prioritization, including for Ratnapura. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep JJB AI summary The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep argued that public and donor-funded institutions should not be named after politicians and said this practice should be corrected. He proposed considering names of upcountry heroes and martyrs for such institutions and stated that special programmes are being introduced to deliver services directly to the upcountry community, alongside planned legislative amendments to the selection process for Board members. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that final accounts for 2022–2024 are incomplete, while 2020–2021 accounts show income of Rs. 192.27 million and expenditure of Rs. 168.43 million, including spending on the Thondaman Vocational Training Centre, Sports Complex, and Cultural Centre. He said Board meetings scheduled in July and September 2025 were not held due to lack of quorum, and 2025 income figures are still being prepared. He outlined the current NVQ courses at the Hatton Thondaman Vocational Training Centre, noted 219 students were enrolled in 2025, and described planned income generation from Norwood Stadium bookings, matches and parking, along with upcoming certification and trainee recruitment activities. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel requested detailed financial and operational information from the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure regarding the Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation and its affiliated institutions. She asked for income and expenditure reports for 2020–2024, 2025 income details, Board of Management meetings and decisions in 2025, the current performance and 2025 student enrolment of the Thondaman Vocational Training Centre in Hatton, and whether an income-generating programme exists for Norwood Stadium. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government’s reversal of Grade 6 curriculum reforms, alleging inadequate consultation, poor module preparation, and a loss of over Rs. 800 million on printed books to be withdrawn. He questioned the suitability of certain content for schoolchildren, called for accountability from the Education Minister, and argued that budget reductions in education undermine reform implementation. He also listed several policy reversals by the Government, contending that decisions are being changed in response to public or social media pressure rather than through consistent governance. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister said audit reports referred to earlier conditions and should not be used to claim that current reform preparations remain incomplete. He stated that, although the relevant work was not ready at the time covered by the audit, 94 modules are now being printed for the second term, with a further 188 to follow, and urged Members to be cautious in making allegations. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa — Leader of the Opposition AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that proposed education reforms lack the proper Westminster-style process of Green and White Papers, public consultation, and detailed planning. He said the reforms do not adequately address structural issues such as examinations, school disparities, teacher training, resources, administration, and technology readiness, and warned against reforms benefiting elite schools while burdening parents and undermining free education. He called for equitable, modernized reforms that include early ICT education, emerging technologies, and recognition of free education as a fundamental right. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman said the SJB supports education reforms and a technology-integrated, student-centred curriculum, but argued that the Grade 6 rollout should not proceed until practical deficiencies are addressed. He cited the President’s postponement to 2027, pointing to content errors, incomplete teacher training, teacher vacancies, lack of teachers’ guides, and inadequate smart boards, devices, and internet connectivity, particularly in disadvantaged schools. He questioned how students would learn in the first term if equipment was only expected later, called for accountability over Rs. 5,000 million already spent and issues noted by the Auditor General regarding the reform roadmap, and urged equitable preparation before implementation. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha seconded the proposal and emphasized human development as a key pillar of the Government’s reform agenda, stating that education reforms were shaped through broad consultations and must continue through informed debate. She focused on teacher development, noting that teacher education curricula have not been updated for 16 years and calling for modernization, digital and smart-classroom training, improved facilities, and psychosocial support. She cited several 2026 Budget allocations for teacher colleges, the NIE, technology education, facilities, and capacity development, and urged critics to engage constructively rather than spread personal attacks against the Prime Minister and Education Minister. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised an urgent question under Standing Order 27(2) regarding a Deputy Minister’s statement on converting EPF lump-sum gratuity into a monthly pension, noting unrest among workers and unions and recalling the 2011 controversy and Roshen Chanaka’s death. He questioned whether IMF conditions, actuarial studies, Cabinet discussions, or comparative analyses support the proposal, and asked that relevant material be presented to Parliament. He sought assurances on safeguards for the Rs. 6.2 trillion EPF/ETF asset base, continued pre-retirement withdrawal facilities, prevention of political or debt-financing use of funds, and a transparent consultation process with trade unions before any gazette is issued. Question by Private Notice: Employees' Provident Fund Gratuity to Pension Scheme (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer with annexes on the Lanka Sathosa Super Market Complex in Kilinochchi, stating that the building and land use had received the required approvals from relevant land, local authority and urban development bodies. He reported that construction used Lanka Sathosa/CWE-related funds, with total recorded expenditure of Rs. 272,721,536.71, and noted Cabinet and Board decisions concerning an additional payment of Rs. 49,634,237.50. He also stated that the complex began operations on 28 July 2015, that parking land issues had been addressed through proposed long-term vesting, and that Lanka Sathosa leased the complex to 9 Complex Company for 10 years from 10 January 2024. Oral Question: Sathosa Store Building - Construction and Maintenance Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development for details regarding the Sathosa store building in central Kilinochchi. He sought clarification on whether the building was constructed with proper approval from the Karaichchi Pradeshiya Sabha, the use and value of public funds and quotations, the ownership of the building and land, and whether the land had been granted on a long-term lease. Oral Question: Sathosa Store Building - Construction and Maintenance Read →