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- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe questioned the implementation of schemes intended for low-income beneficiaries, alleging that selections in some cases were influenced by political favoritism. He stated that associates, relatives, supporters, and campaign workers of the then-MP were chosen instead of genuinely low-income families. Oral Question: Housing Projects Implemented by NHDA - Details and Transparency Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that only 5,000 MT was authorized for import, despite an estimated 10,000 MT shortfall, to prevent a fall in farm-gate prices when the local harvest entered the market. He explained that import permissions were issued in two phases according to market conditions and noted that small-scale operators face financing and scale constraints, often sourcing from licensed bulk importers. He said allowing multiple micro-imports would require coordination with the Trade Ministry and undertook to discuss the matter with them. Oral Question: Cashew Corporation - Establishment, Objectives and Operations Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage disputed the reported cost of a proposed University College of Technology project, stating that Rs. 434 million had been allocated and Rs. 11 million spent on construction. He said institutional assessments, including by UNIVOTEC, NIBM, DTET, NAITA and VTA, found the site unsuitable, while the Department of Wildlife Conservation identified it as an elephant corridor. He argued that the project had been politically driven without proper feasibility studies and had already been halted in 2023 under the previous administration, not by the current government. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about a University College project begun in 2018 with Rs. 50 million, noting a reported Cabinet decision of 10 December 2025 to allocate the site to the tourism sector. He asked why the location could not instead be used for educational institutions such as NAITA and VTA, which currently operate in rented premises, while any tourism activities could use other available land. He urged the Government to consider restarting vocational and educational activities at the site to support students who are unable to enter university. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Asked about NAITA facilities in Trincomalee and Kinniya, details were provided that both currently operate from privately leased buildings, with monthly rents of Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 44,000 respectively, and have done so since shortly after NAITA’s establishment in 1990. The response listed the vocational and NVQ training courses conducted in 2025 and stated that NAITA expects to move these centres to government premises within about two years. It also noted awareness of a 13-acre Kinniya land allocation and Rs. 50 million budget provision in 2018 for a now-abandoned University College building, with relocation to be considered in that context. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Education Minister, stated that there were 3,152 vacancies across Grades I–III of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service as at 31 August 2025, while 2,494 non-SLPS officers were covering duties and 1,677 principals would be aged 57 by 30 September 2025. He said recruitment must follow the SLPS Service Minute through competitive examination and interview, and that a Gazette notification for new recruitment would be published within two weeks after PSC non-concurrence with an alternative proposal. He also said a proposed Education Council would address recruitment and promotion matters across education services, and that principals’ salary anomalies would be referred to the National Pay Commission within a broader framework. Oral Question Reply: Officers of Sri Lanka Principals' Service Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concerns over significant vacancies in the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service, noting existing and prospective shortages due to retirements and officers covering duties outside the service. He asked whether younger officers could be recruited in greater numbers to Grade III and whether the process of filling vacancies could be expedited. He also sought action to address salary anomalies faced by senior teachers entering Principals’ Service Grade III, including possible interim payments until recalculations are completed. Oral Question: Officers of Sri Lanka Principals' Service - Details (Q. 1348/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake agreed with the concern raised by a Sectoral Committee Chair regarding delays in audit reports. He said that if Committee Chairs submit a concrete proposal, the Government would raise it at the Parliamentary Business Committee to arrange a three-hour or special debate on the issue and obtain views before deciding further action. He added that approving 2021–2022 reports at this stage would be a disservice to the public. Papers: Sectoral Oversight Committee Report on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Use of Resources Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Moved that the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill be referred to the Committee on Public Finance, following consideration by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations. Presented several annual and performance reports, including those of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, Department of Ayurveda, and Superior Courts Complex Board of Management, and moved their referral to relevant oversight committees. In response to a question on Trincomalee District hospitals, detailed ongoing and planned development at Trincomalee District General Hospital, including JICA-funded cardiology, sewerage, waste disposal, A&E, ward and equipment projects, staffing measures, and possible future support for Kantale Base Hospital under ADB and government-funded programmes. Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Motion Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized Government members for focusing on attacks on the Opposition during a disaster debate rather than explaining relief measures undertaken. He defended the Opposition Leader’s “Husma” programme, citing medical equipment donations to several flood- and cyclone-affected hospitals, and said Opposition representatives had provided food and essentials to isolated villages in Kurunegala. He questioned the Government’s disaster preparedness and water management, referring to heavy-rain forecasts, Kotmale and Deduru Oya operations, and called for examination of failures and implementation of the President’s promised assistance programmes. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif thanked communities, religious institutions and NGOs for assistance after Cyclone “Ditva” affected Kandy District, particularly Gampola, and rejected allegations that he and the Government had failed to respond. He disputed Opposition claims on relief payments, stating that most Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 payments had been made, with additional support planned for damaged houses, lost livestock and businesses. He also said Gampola town waste clearance was about 90 per cent complete, defended plans to bring Ambuluwawa under State control for development, and urged MPs to use accurate information when speaking about disaster relief. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister addressed the Adjournment Motion on the aftermath of the “8960”/“Ditva” cyclone, arguing that the Government and public institutions responded actively despite rapidly changing weather conditions and the severity of the event. He cited damage in Moneragala District, including 38 fully destroyed houses, 542 partially damaged houses and four deaths, and said district officials, security forces and other agencies coordinated relief and mitigation efforts from 26–27 November. He rejected Opposition claims of unpreparedness, defended the Meteorological Department’s advisories, and criticised Opposition MPs from the district for not participating in local coordination meetings while later raising complaints in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyachchi AI summary Hon. B. Ariyachchi raised concerns that disaster-affected families had received only Rs. 25,000 despite earlier assurances of higher compensation, citing cases in Pupuketiya, Godakawela, and Onaya where damaged houses and landslide-risk families remain inadequately assisted. He argued that risk assessments have excluded some households in vulnerable areas and called for a special programme to provide safer land, including through estates or private acquisition. He also stated that the Opposition and its local representatives assisted affected communities during the cyclone, and urged the Government to use disaster funds for permanent housing, livelihood restoration, business support, and employment rather than repeated camp-based relief. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha referred to the damage from Cyclone Michaung, including loss of life, damage to paddy lands and businesses, and significant impacts in Ratnapura District. He cited specific figures for affected families, people, GN divisions, and landslides, and highlighted the Kaelikanda landslide in Kolonna DS. He urged authorities not to limit action to the three houses classified as high risk by the NBRO, but to undertake broader mitigation and resettlement planning for vulnerable clusters where a larger slope failure could endanger many homes. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi rejected claims that the Government lacked a clear disaster response programme, citing payment data for household item grants in Yatiyantota and Kegalle and actions taken before and after the disaster. He tabled an interim Environment Ministry report on flood, landslide, coastal erosion, mangrove and forest damage, with a fuller assessment due within six months, and outlined restoration and coastal clean-up measures. He also addressed Ambuluwawe, stating that rebuilding in hazardous areas requires NBRO clearance and that the CEA had halted cable car-related construction pending approvals, while tabling Auditor General observations alleging procurement irregularities and conflicts of interest. He added that national parks, botanical gardens and related facilities were reopened quickly to support the tourism season. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera disputed government claims that most Cyclone Michaung relief payments had been made, saying progress was not evident in Yatiyantota and other affected areas. He defended the Opposition Leader’s actions, citing early warnings, calls for emergency mobilisation, efforts to seek international support, and donations of medical equipment to affected hospitals. He urged the Government to ensure timely rental payments for high-risk displaced families, expedite land identification and housing, and allow estate workers to be resettled on suitable land outside estates if necessary. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan said the Government had responded to Cyclone Michaung through staged relief measures, including food assistance, cash grants for cleaning and household items, and plans for house reconstruction. He highlighted land identification challenges for resettlement, citing alleged illegal occupation of state land in Puttalam, and said 100 acres had been reserved for permanent housing for families affected by flooding in Sinnanaguwillu. He detailed the scale of damage in Puttalam District, including affected families, destroyed and damaged houses, schoolchildren needing assistance, and fisheries losses, and outlined compensation allocations and payment rates for damaged boats and fishing gear. He also stated that damaged rail infrastructure had been restored, procedures were being set for housing payments, and called for the recovery process to proceed without politicisation, fraud, or waste. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned whether the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund” for post-Michaung resettlement and infrastructure restoration had been legally established, despite government communications stating it was under the Presidential Secretariat. He asked the Government to table the legal instrument creating the Fund, arguing that public funds require statutory authority, parliamentary approval, and auditability. He further raised concerns about monies being directed to a Deputy Secretary to the Treasury account and called for the Fund to be properly constituted and submitted for audit. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna rejected claims that the Government ignored disaster forecasts, citing Disaster Relief Service Guidelines No. 01/2025, which he said had established advance procedures and empowered district and divisional officials to act immediately. He stated that relief was handled through formal grama, divisional and district committees rather than party organisers, and that Opposition Members could participate in District Coordinating Committees. He reported progress on restoring roads, clarified that Divisional Secretaries had not threatened withdrawal, and said 525 deaths had been legally confirmed with compensation payments under way, while housing assistance would be based on damage assessments and unsafe sites would not be used for resettlement. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary As of 21 January 2026, Rs. 45.7 billion had been released through District Secretariats to Divisional Secretariats for disaster relief, contradicting claims that no funds were released. Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne detailed relief measures in Nuwara Eliya, including compensation for 55 deaths, cleaning grants, item replacement assistance, and school support, and said temporary shelter and 212 acres for resettlement were being arranged. She rejected allegations concerning the Kotmale reservoir and political appointments, challenged critics to file cases if evidence exists, and urged that the disaster response not be politicised. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →