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- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi presented, on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, the Committee’s report on the proposed scheme for payment of Aswesuma Welfare Benefits under Section 9 of the Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002. The scheme had been published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2467/03 of 15 December 2025, and the report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Committee Report - Aswesuma Welfare Benefits Scheme Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni outlined the NMRA process for registering medicines, including site inspections, dossier review, pre-shipment sampling and laboratory testing, and said registration delays had been reduced from 400–500 days to around 300 working days. He stated that the Government is strengthening post-marketing surveillance, upgrading the understaffed NMRA laboratory to international standards, and considering an independent national laboratory for pharmaceuticals and food testing. He also noted that the 2026 Budget allocates Rs. 185 billion for medicine procurement, with efforts to expand local sourcing, address supply gaps and monopolies, and advance price regulation. On the Troponin-I reagent issue, he said procurement disputes are before court and will be resolved judicially. Adjournment Debate and Adjournment Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned the Minister of Health on measures to ensure the supply of quality-assured medicines, the establishment of an international-standard pharmaceutical testing laboratory, and steps to prevent shortages in State hospitals. He raised concerns over NMRA-registered medicines causing adverse outcomes, unregistered hand-carried medicines being sold to patients, and alleged defects in diagnostic tests such as Troponin-I at the National Hospital. He also called for support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, price regulation, standardisation of diagnostic testing, and better oversight of essential equipment and supplies in both State and private hospitals. Adjournment Debate and Adjournment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha presented regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to facilitate and control disaster-related imports by designating the Disaster Management Centre or other government institutions as accountable consignees, preventing misuse of donated goods, and allowing specified licence exemptions or approvals through Customs and relevant ministries. He cited 5,058 consignments worth Rs. 2,473 million received by 6 January 2026, including relief goods, medicines, ambulances, and other supplies, and noted provisions for standards testing and health-related imports such as Suwaseriya equipment. He also defended education reforms as necessary to shift from rote learning to skills, competencies, and student-centred education, linking human capital development to productivity and economic recovery. He stated that government revenue, reserves, exports, and the current account remained on track, with reserves around USD 6.8 billion and a medium-term growth target above 7 percent. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about flood-affected Muslim families in Puttalam, citing 319 families in Puludivayal, Virudodai, under the Mundal Divisional Secretariat who he said had not received even the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant despite continuing inundation and significant losses. He questioned disparities in relief payments compared with other areas and alleged partisan distribution of assistance by some local representatives. He also objected to Colombo garbage being dumped at Aruvakkadu and defended his position as speaking for justice across communities, while referring to unresolved issues including land release in Vali North, the Thaiyiddy temple matter, and an indoor stadium controversy. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were supported as necessary to expedite clearance of foreign-donated consignments after Cyclone “Dicha,” while maintaining safety and quality checks for medical goods through processes such as NMRA approval and re-verification. The Deputy Minister said the Health Ministry uses priority lists to avoid unsuitable donations and hidden recurring costs, and noted planned absorption of 153 donated or funded ambulances into the 1990 Suwaseriya service. He also addressed Kandy municipal issues, stating unauthorized pavement trading was removed after a phased process with alternatives provided, and denied claims of arbitrary 400-500 per cent rate increases. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were presented as a mechanism to expedite duty-free clearance and distribution of foreign-donated disaster relief goods. The Deputy Minister said consignments from 22 countries and the World Food Programme, valued at about Rs. 1.57 billion, would be processed through an apex committee, warehoused at Orugodawatte under the NDRSC, and distributed via Divisional Secretariats according to district needs. He outlined categories of eligible goods, donor guidance, port coordination with Customs, simplified documentation, tax waivers, and a centralized data system to ensure faster delivery, accountability, and reduced Customs delays. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera, speaking during debate on regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, argued that Sri Lanka’s external finances remain in severe distress despite reported export earnings, tourism income and remittances, citing import costs, weak official reserves, rupee depreciation and a negative international investment position. He called for more transparent, data-based parliamentary debate rather than leaving economic decisions to technocrats, and urged collective national action in response to IMF-recognised vulnerabilities. He also criticised the Government as a continuation of the 2015 Yahapalana administration and alleged risks to sovereignty, public education, culture and wealth creation under current policies. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathna - Deputy Minister JJB AI summary Cabinet approval has been obtained to clear 150 unregistered Indian-donated ambulances without airbags for the Suwaseriya Foundation, with regulations prepared for Customs clearance. The Deputy Minister said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund has raised Rs. 4.1 billion in an audited Treasury account, and that legislation and a public website will be introduced to ensure parliamentary oversight and donor transparency. She cited housing projects and relief measures for disaster- and war-affected families as evidence of faster recovery, and also referred to the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions as an election pledge. She criticised Opposition conduct, including alleged abusive language and disruptions in the House, and called for greater decorum in parliamentary proceedings. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne presented Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to expedite the clearance of relief goods sent after the “Dissa” cyclone, based on a Presidential Secretariat decision. The Regulations allow Customs release of donated goods to the Disaster Management Centre or Government institutions despite certain licensing controls, permit release of specified banned items received as relief, and allow some food items to be cleared with Food Policy and Safety Committee approval without SLSI certification. She also stated that the Government does not intend to close the “Suwasariya” ambulance service, but plans to expand and improve it to international standards. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister explained that the Order under the Shops and Office Employees Act permits women to work at night as food and beverage attendants, particularly to support longer operating hours in the hospitality sector, with safeguards requiring suitable rest accommodation or secure transport after duty. He said the change was requested by employers, employer associations and trade unions, and discussed at the National Labour Advisory Council. He also outlined broader labour law reforms, including a consolidated bill, ratification of ILO Convention C190 on violence and harassment at work, improved industrial relations, and measures to increase women’s labour force participation through safer workplaces, care economy support, and protections against discrimination. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticised the Government over several issues, including the proposed appointment of the Auditor General, alleging unsuitable names had been sent while senior audit officers were ignored and urging that a qualified nominee be submitted to the Constitutional Council. He called for a special parliamentary committee to examine judicial transfers, saying judges lacked an effective mechanism to challenge unfair transfers. He also alleged irregularities and major financial losses in a 550 MW wind and solar power allocation approved by Cabinet, comparing the proposed Rs. 18 per unit rate with lower recent tender prices. He further raised concerns about education materials, including references to obscene websites in a Grade 6 module and the use of an incorrect symbol resembling Ashoka’s wheel instead of the Dharmachakra, and referred to alleged political pressure on officials in a gravel enforcement case. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary The Member supported the amendment to the Shops and Office Employees Act to permit women to work as food and beverage service attendants at night, subject to safeguards including accommodation, safe transport, and express consent for such assignments. He argued that the measure would support tourism growth, economic recovery, and higher female labour force participation. He also responded to Opposition criticism by asserting that the Government is addressing longstanding issues faced by the Malaiyagam community and implementing broader worker- and public service-related reforms, including salary increases, pension restoration, and loan benefits. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Mrs. Hiruni Wijesinghe said disaster relief measures announced by the President apply nationally and rejected claims of discriminatory treatment of Malaiyagam people, citing assistance and housing initiatives in Anuradhapura and Kurunegala. She criticized the Opposition for diverting debates from the Orders before Parliament, then supported amendments under the Shops and Office Employees Act allowing women in specified hotel and hospitality roles to work evening and night shifts with safeguards such as rest facilities, transport, and welfare measures. She said these changes, along with Sri Lanka’s ratification of ILO Convention C190 on violence and harassment at work, are intended to remove legal barriers, improve workplace dignity and safety, and increase women’s labour force participation. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government over the Grade 6 English textbook controversy involving a QR link associated with an LGBTQ logo, questioning accountability for any public expenditure losses arising from it. He then alleged irregularities in a coal procurement tender for the Lakvijaya/Norochcholai power plant, claiming that substandard, lower-calorific coal would increase consumption and impose significant additional costs. He argued that the tender should be cancelled rather than managed through penalties, tabled a port status document, and demanded an immediate suspension of the tender and a shift to quality-assured procurement. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said reserve accumulation remains a priority and outlined a diversified export-promotion approach, including tourism and remittances. He stated that the exchange rate operates under a flexible regime, with current volatility around 5.1 per cent, and said Central Bank interventions cannot be pre-announced due to market sensitivity. He maintained that the situation is being managed rather than indicating a crash, while noting links to interest rate dynamics and agreeing to consider the points raised. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the adequacy of current foreign reserves in light of rising borrowings, increased imports, rupee depreciation, and the need to resume substantial external debt repayments from 2028. He asked what specific measures would be taken to attract investment and develop exports, arguing that weak export and investment growth could undermine Sri Lanka’s future debt repayment capacity. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary In reply to a question by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Minister set out export earnings targets rising from USD 23.6 billion in 2026 to USD 36 billion by 2030, with sectoral strategies aimed at higher value-added exports and access to new markets through FTAs, PTAs and improved existing agreements. He said the impact of new Trump tariffs would depend on bilateral negotiations and regional outcomes, while investment facilitation would proceed through the BOI and the amended Colombo Port City framework. He detailed MSME support measures, including concessional credit schemes, ADB programmes, and credit guarantees through NCGIL, with Rs. 96 billion budgeted across SME and related financing. He also stated that incentives remain rules-based under existing tax, strategic development and Port City laws, and that reserve accumulation is expected to support debt servicing after gross official reserves reached USD 6.82 billion by end-2025. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Central Bank figures are managed by the relevant CBSL bodies, and any irregularities would be addressed through the appropriate processes. The member stated that conclusions should not be drawn based on suppositions alone. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the use of a fund that he said had increased from Rs. 4 trillion to Rs. 6 trillion. He sought clarification on how the expanded funds are being utilized. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →