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- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera said the Opposition initially supported emergency regulations in good faith following a serious disaster, but argued that the current provisions include matters unrelated to disaster relief and could be misused. He urged the Government to limit or reframe the regulations strictly to what is necessary for disaster response, warning that Sri Lanka’s history of emergency misuse has created public suspicion. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported parliamentary approval of the emergency proclaimed on 28 December 2025 under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing it is needed to manage cyclone-related displacement, damaged housing, relief delivery and essential services. She said emergency powers have not been used against the Opposition or social media criticism, and that democratic activity has continued despite allegations of misuse. She stated that the appointment of the Commissioner General of Essential Services and related regulations require the emergency framework until permanent legislation or the immediate need is no longer present. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition argued that the Government should have declared a disaster situation under the Disaster Management Act during “Dicha” and used its provisions for relief, rather than relying on emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance. He said the current regulations resemble those used for counter-terrorism or public disorder situations and are disproportionate to disaster-response needs, despite promised compensation and relief payments. He asked the Prime Minister to clarify the legal basis for extending the emergency after a notice stated that the declared disaster situation had ended on 15 December 2025, and called for properly tailored disaster-relief provisions to be operationalized. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that the fisheries community, including fishers in Jaffna, has faced longstanding social and economic marginalization and needs improved security in old age. He said the Government had invited constructive Opposition proposals on the regulations but criticized Opposition speeches as unproductive. He also defended the Government’s education reforms and stated that the Government would remain united in support of the Prime Minister and President. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando welcomed the principle of a fishermen’s pension but disputed claims that the 2025 Government initiated it for the first time, citing earlier schemes and past advocacy by the Opposition. He argued that the proposed contribution and benefit structure gives inadequate returns, questioned non-refundable contributions and Board discretion on refunds, and asked that Government funds—such as savings from abolishing MPs’ pensions—be used to strengthen the scheme. He also raised concerns about unpaid fisheries insurance claims under “Sayura” and asked what diplomatic action had been taken after the Seychelles Coast Guard allegedly set fire to the “Ishani Duwa” trawler and detained its crew. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that they improve fishers’ pension benefits while the Government also moves to abolish MPs’ pensions. He responded to Opposition claims about disaster relief, stating that assistance announced by the President is being paid and processed in stages based on assessments, and contrasted this with delays after past disasters such as Meeriabedda. He also criticized the previous administration’s record on policing and governance, and urged the Opposition to support the Government’s legislative programme, economic stabilization efforts, and relief measures where appropriate. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi supported the proposed fisheries pension scheme, stating that it introduces benefits for contributors who have paid more than 75 per cent of contributions, allows those who paid between 25 and 75 per cent to withdraw contributions with Board-determined interest, and provides full pension arrangements in cases of disability before pensionable age. He said the scheme would improve the welfare and dignity of fishers and their families, and briefly criticised Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi’s earlier remarks as insulting to the fisheries sector. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi welcomed the new regulations on mud crab harvesting as a measure to protect a valuable export resource, while stressing that effective implementation requires continuous monitoring by the Ministry, NAQDA, NARA and fisheries officials to prevent over-extraction during sensitive periods. He also highlighted the introduction of a new pension scheme for those engaged in marine, inland and brackish water fisheries and related activities, describing its flexible contribution levels and lifetime/spousal benefits. He noted that the scheme would extend welfare coverage beyond earlier limited pension and insurance arrangements, including to multi-day vessel crews and aquaculture workers. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana supported new Regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that flexible contributions and survivor benefits are needed because fishers are largely informal workers with irregular incomes and limited social protection. He said past schemes had low enrolment and called for stronger outreach, while outlining disaster-related losses to fishing craft in the Eastern Province and government measures to repair or replace vessels and provide gear grants. He also referred to plans to expand Cod Bay harbour with World Bank support, renovate the Trincomalee central fish market, and revive inland fisheries. He concluded by affirming media freedom while stating that media institutions must be accountable for accurate reporting. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan defended the Government’s fisheries policy, rejecting claims made by Namal Rajapaksa and arguing that current measures go beyond previous limited support such as distributing fingerlings after floods. He outlined the proposed fisher pension scheme, including flexible contribution options, beneficiary payments after death, possible linked benefits such as life jackets, and coverage for allied workers in the fisheries value chain. He also referred to storm relief through Cey-Nor, grants for nets, boat repairs, stronger fisheries budget allocations, enforcement of crab size regulations, and the planned “Sayura” insurance scheme providing over Rs. 1 million in death benefits. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary The Hon. Stepni Fernando supported regulations setting a minimum 130 mm carapace width for harvesting, retaining, or exporting mud crabs, arguing that unregulated harvesting has reduced stocks and that breeding, habitat restoration, hatcheries, and lagoon conservation—starting in Negombo—are needed to sustain a valuable export fishery. She also outlined changes to the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme, stating that low uptake would be addressed through easier payments via Fisheries Inspectors and flexible contribution schedules suited to irregular fisher incomes. She said the measures are intended to protect both coastal and inland fishers, including older fishers, while also noting ongoing government support for districts affected by floods and landslides. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Regulations under the Fisheries Workers’ Pension and Social Protection Scheme, arguing that fisheries is a major economic sector that should be modernized through training, infrastructure, and equipment. He said fishers, particularly low-income and lagoon-based communities in Puttalam and Karpitiya, need pension coverage and social protection, citing recent disaster losses of canoes and nets and the death of a young fisher during floods. He noted proposals such as developing the Karpitiya fishing harbour, building landing sites for lagoon fishers, and providing age- and circumstance-based pension arrangements, while stating that the Government is also providing disaster relief and livelihood support. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran welcomed the fisheries workers’ pension and social protection regulations but urged amendments to make them more practical and adequate for fishers’ livelihoods. He proposed flexible, seasonally aligned contribution payments, partial Government co-responsibility, inflation-indexed pensions and compensation, and updated death and disability benefits. He also questioned provisions that deny compensation where alcohol is cited and argued that the disability criteria should be expanded to cover occupational injuries, illnesses, missing persons, and loss of fitness to work, with reference to international practice and ILO Convention C188. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme Act, arguing that a reformed pension scheme is necessary for the large fisheries-dependent population. He cited Ministry figures showing 272,900 families directly engaged in marine and inland fisheries and said the previous scheme had limited enrolment and very few beneficiaries due to structural weaknesses. He linked the proposal to the Government’s policy objective of ensuring dignified retirement for senior citizens, particularly in a hazardous sector, and also condemned remarks made in the House against the Prime Minister. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi supported the fisheries regulations, stressing that export sectors such as mud-crab, prawns, cuttlefish and tuna must comply with EU standards to protect foreign exchange earnings, recalling the previous EU fish export ban and its later removal. He criticised the proposed fishermen’s pension arrangements as placing too much cost on fishers and urged a State co-contribution or relief mechanism, including suggesting that MPs’ pensions could be redirected to support the scheme. He also called for diplomatic action over a Sri Lankan vessel reportedly seized and burned in Seychelles, and requested repairs to harbour radio stations and the Southern mobile slipway to support fishermen’s safety and costs. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister sought approval for regulations on mud-crab harvesting, citing NARA guidelines, complaints about undersized and gravid crabs, and the need to meet EU and UN seafood standards to avoid export restrictions linked to IUU fishing and non-compliance. He said the regulations would set standards including a 130 mm minimum carapace width and govern catching, culturing and export to protect resources while sustaining foreign exchange earnings. He also outlined plans to revive an effective fisher pension and social security scheme, noting losses from Cyclone “Ditwah,” including destroyed and damaged boats and three deaths, and said the Government was providing grants, replacement craft and gear. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister moved for approval of regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act relating to the harvesting of mud-crabs, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2371/32 and presented to Parliament in December 2025. He also noted that Parliament would consider regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act and the 2019 Sri Lanka Fisheries Annual Report. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question seeking clarity on the status of Sri Lanka’s trade negotiations with the United States amid indications of a possible March 2026 deadline and the economic impact of Cyclone “Ditwah.” He asked whether talks cover only tariffs or wider areas such as services, investment, digital trade and labour, who is negotiating on Sri Lanka’s behalf, and whether Parliament will be consulted or asked to approve any final agreement. He also sought details on any requests for post-cyclone concessions, preferential tariff treatment comparable to other Asian countries, measures related to the trade imbalance, trade data for 2023-2025, and safeguards for vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, apparel and fisheries. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Trade Negotiations between Sri Lanka and USA (Hon. Ravi Karunanayake) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s electricity and fuel pricing policy, stating that past failures to revise prices, service debts, and pay generators were now being addressed. He said the average electricity price had been reduced from Rs. 37 in July 2024 to Rs. 29, and argued that further reductions depend on lowering power purchase costs, including renewable energy purchase prices. On petroleum pricing, he said landed cost alone cannot determine prices because distribution and other costs must be included, and stated that the Government had recently absorbed losses rather than increasing fuel prices. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government for raising electricity tariffs without conducting an impact assessment on low- and middle-income households and small businesses. He argued that the increases in electricity and fuel prices contradicted election promises on tariff reductions, pricing formula changes, renewable energy, and IMF conditions. He urged the Government to renegotiate IMF conditions in light of Cyclone “Ditwah,” convene an international donors’ conference, and implement relief measures. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →