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 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Government’s plan, linked to IMF commitments, to phase out CESS and PAL by 2029. He asked what assessments and revenue plans support the policy, how affected industries such as cement, tyres, tiles, apparel, footwear and agriculture will be modernized and protected, and what measures will prevent job losses, higher import dependence and a wider trade deficit. He argued that export promotion must be accompanied by a coherent macroeconomic plan to strengthen domestic industry and protect consumers. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary On behalf of the relevant Minister, the Deputy Minister tabled details on land permit applications in the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat area under Circular 2008/04. He stated that 938 applications had been submitted, including 286 from persons belonging to Pottuvil DS Division, but no permits had been issued under the Circular, while 1,478 new permits had been issued by the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat and 712 applications remained pending. Delays were attributed to boundary disputes with Wildlife and Forest Conservation lands, staff shortages, disputes after Land Kachcheri selections, and prior alienation of some lands; a mobile service is to be held in Lahugala to expedite permits for eligible applicants. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled a response on behalf of the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister regarding disciplinary action against Mr. H.S. Wanasinghe of the Department of Census and Statistics. He stated that Wanasinghe had been interdicted in 2014 following preliminary investigations, later reinstated subject to inquiry, paid withheld remuneration, found guilty on three charges, and punished by withholding increments, before retiring in 2016. He also said the Department’s statistics are compiled using field data, estimates, and internationally accepted methodologies, and that data distortion was therefore not applicable. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya on behalf of the Hon. R.G. Wijerathna AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development regarding whether an officer in the National Accounts Division of the Department of Census and Statistics was interdicted in 2012–2013, the officer’s identity, and whether fair treatment had been ensured. The question also sought details on procedures to prevent distortion of sensitive economic data under the current Government, or reasons if such procedures are not in place. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka tabled a written answer detailing Sri Lanka Ports Authority operating profits and losses from 2010 to 2024, showing losses up to 2015, profits in most later years, and a peak operating profit of Rs. 1,176.09 million in 2022. He stated that no Ports Authority-owned jetties have been leased to private companies, but the disused Vegetable Jetty has been temporarily leased to the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau for tourism-related beautification, with lease revenue and taxes reported for 2024 and 2025. He also listed jetties in the relevant port area, identifying several as not in use, and said other requested details were provided in an annexure. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya on behalf of the Hon. Roshan Akmeemana AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya, on behalf of Roshan Akmeemana, asked the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation for detailed financial and operational information on the Trincomalee Port. The question sought annual profit or loss figures from 2010 to 2024, details of any jetties or terminals leased or otherwise assigned to private companies, the companies involved, and their payments to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority from 2005 to 2024. It also requested clarification on current government-owned jetties or terminals and any plans for developing the Trincomalee Port. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath JJB AI summary Hon. T.B. Sarath stated that the Kantale Water Treatment Plant’s capacity of 54,000 cubic metres per day is insufficient because water consumption in the Trincomalee District has already exceeded that level. He said proposals have been prepared to address the resulting crisis and that the Government is prepared to allocate the necessary funds to meet the need. Oral Question: Provision of drinking water in Trincomalee District (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath JJB AI summary Ongoing infrastructure projects are being reviewed nationwide, with a proposed allocation of about Rs. 120 billion in the upcoming Budget. The proposals include measures to provide water to the Trincomalee District, with funding expected to be allocated and projects likely to commence next year. Oral Question: Provision of drinking water in Trincomalee District (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Asked for clarification on the implementation timeline of a delayed project, noting that the economic crisis and COVID-19 had affected its progress. He specifically requested when the project would commence and when it was expected to be completed. Oral Question: Provision of drinking water in Trincomalee District (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy acknowledged concerns that although initial installations are completed to standard under supervision, safety hazards may arise later. He stated that future work would continue under proper procedures and supervision, with the concerns taken into account to improve safety and standards. Oral Question: Low-capacity electricity cable systems - Expansion (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised concerns about the continued use of wooden electricity poles in rural and hill areas, noting their vulnerability during disasters and the resulting risks to power lines, transformers and public safety. He asked what plans are in place to ensure safer, higher-standard systems in future electrification and upgrade programmes. Oral Question: Low-capacity electricity cable systems - Expansion (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary CEB and its subsidiaries do not install unsafe poles or cables as a matter of policy, though unsafe conditions may develop later due to natural or human factors. The Minister stated that installations follow standard procedures and that complaints about hazards are prioritized for inspection and rectification. He outlined ongoing distribution upgrades through annual system improvements and a biennial Medium Voltage System Development Plan, with Rs. 17,835 million allocated in Budget 2026 for these purposes. Oral Question: Low-capacity electricity cable systems - Expansion (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam raised concerns about land plots allocated to public officers in 2011 and later handed to the National Housing Development Authority in 2019. He noted discrepancies over whether grants would be valued at 2011/2012 or 2022 rates, stating beneficiaries were prepared to pay if earlier valuations applied. He requested that the Ministry review the previously interviewed and shortlisted list of public officers and proceed with granting the remaining plots, rather than initiating a fresh selection process. Oral Question: Land plots in Omanthai–Veppankulam distributed to public sector employees (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam asked the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply about 125 land plots in Omanthai–Veppankulam, Vavuniya, distributed to public sector employees in 2011 through the Vavuniya Divisional Secretariat and the National Housing Development Authority. He sought clarification on whether land grants should be issued, whether the developed lands have been revalued, whether the original distribution value will be considered, and the time frames for revaluation and issuing permits to occupants. Oral Question: Land plots in Omanthai–Veppankulam distributed to public sector employees (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, the Minister presented Rules issued under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, as published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2479/54 of 12 March 2026, and moved that they be referred to the Committee on Public Finance. He also informed the House that the Parliamentary Business Committee would be convened in early June or at the end of May to arrange business ahead of the next sitting on 9 June, taking into account Opposition views expressed during the debate on the dollar issue. Opening and Papers Presented Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha – Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation AI summary The Minister responded to a multi-part question on Mahaweli projects, stating that relevant annexures had been placed in the Library and that the programme began under President J.R. Jayewardene in 1977. He said information on outstanding domestic and foreign loans must be obtained from the General Treasury, noting that Moragahakanda Hydropower Station revenue is to be used for loan repayment, and cited Rs. 1,600 per hectare as the relevant cost figure. He further stated that costs are not reimbursed, no performance or forensic audit has been conducted on the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, and therefore no audit report is available for submission. Final Parliamentary Items and Adjournment Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for detailed financial and operational information on the Mahaweli Authority up to 31 December 2025. He sought scheme-wise capital expenditure, historical details on the initiation and acceleration of the Mahaweli Project, revenue streams from 2020 to 2025, outstanding debt terms, irrigation maintenance costs and cost recovery, and whether any recent performance or forensic audit report would be tabled in Parliament. Final Parliamentary Items and Adjournment Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Moved approval of a determination under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025, to amend the specified financial limits for the “Government Factory – Works Done Deposit Account” under Head 31003 of the Department of Government Factory. The change reduces the minimum limit of receipts from Rs. 450 million to Rs. 325 million, with other limits marked not applicable, and is valid until 31 December 2025. The motion had Government and Cabinet approval and was agreed to by Parliament. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Moved approval of Finance Minister’s Determination No. 43 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025, to amend the limits for Head 31002, the Government Factory Stores Deposit Account. The change reduces the minimum limit of receipts from Rs. 120 million to Rs. 60 million, with other specified limits marked not applicable, valid until 31 December 2025; Cabinet approval had been granted and the motion was agreed to. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Moved approval of Finance Determination No. 41 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025, to amend limits for the Department of Agriculture’s “Maintenance of Agricultural Farms and Seed Sales” Deposit Account. The determination reduces the minimum limit of receipts from Rs. 120 million to Rs. 60 million, with other specified limits not applicable, and is valid until 31 December 2025; Parliament agreed to the motion. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →