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- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Moved a resolution, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, to approve Determination No. 40 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025. The determination amends the expenditure and receipts limits for Head 25002, “Payments on behalf of Other Governments – Deposit Account – Department of State Accounts,” reducing both from Rs. 1.25 billion to Rs. 1.15 billion, with validity until 31 December 2025 and Cabinet approval noted. The motion was put to the House and 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 a resolution to approve Determination No. 38 under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025, amending financial limits for Head 22302, the “Warehouse Deposit Account (Explosives) – Sri Lanka Navy.” The amendments reduce the maximum expenditure limit to Rs. 800 million, reduce the minimum receipts limit to Rs. 1.175 billion, and set a maximum debit balance of Rs. 375 million, valid until 31 December 2025. The resolution was presented with 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 a resolution under Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025, to amend financial limits for the Department of Publications’ “Books Printing, Promotion and Sales” Deposit Account under Head 21302. The changes reduce the maximum expenditure, minimum receipts, and maximum liabilities limits, with validity up to 31 December 2025, following Cabinet approval and a determination by the Minister of Finance. The resolution was put to the House and agreed to. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Several regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were presented for approval, including limited Kiri Samba imports, tyres for SriLankan Airlines, and HS code changes. The Deputy Minister argued that the economy stabilized in 2025 with improved fiscal and growth indicators, but said 2026 pressures arose from Middle East-related import cost increases and a surge in vehicle imports that raised dollar demand and temporarily weakened the rupee. He said stabilization would come through Central Bank action, Government policy measures, expected IMF and multilateral inflows, public restraint on non-essential imports, and better communication, while cautioning importers against panic-driven over-importing. He stated that recent additional duties were aimed mainly at slowing luxury vehicle imports, excluding development-related vehicles such as those used for agriculture and public transport. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara urged the Government to address pension recalculation concerns for war veterans recalled after retirement, linking the issue to the commemoration of those who served in the war. He criticized claims about economic stability and warned against irresponsible governance amid reports of rupee depreciation. He argued that fertilizer subsidies and paddy price claims do not reflect conditions faced by farmers, stating that fertilizer prices have risen sharply, few farmers have received subsidies, and many are selling paddy at lower market prices, and called for practical relief for farmers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran defended the Government’s economic management, arguing that current pressures stem from global conditions rather than Government policy, and contrasted them with the 2022–2023 crisis, which he attributed to the previous administration. He cited comparative fuel prices, tax revenue growth from 2023 to 2025, and rising export earnings as evidence of stability and recovery, while stating that development projects have continued. He also highlighted planned support for rebuilding cyclone-damaged houses in Mullaitivu, water projects in the Northern Province, and funding for the renovation of the Vavuniya District Secretariat, and urged the Opposition to offer constructive policy proposals. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva warned that the foreign exchange market was entering a confidence-driven vicious cycle, with exporters delaying conversions and importers rushing to buy dollars as the rupee weakened, citing a Bank of Ceylon dollar sell rate of Rs. 354. He argued that political assurances were insufficient and called on the Finance Ministry, Treasury and Central Bank to give clear policy direction, restore two-way market pricing, and use market intelligence. He suggested interest rates may need to rise by 50 to 100 basis points if confidence is not rebuilt, while noting the resulting cost to government and borrowers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary During the debate on regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, Susantha Kumara Nawarathna defended the Government’s handling of fertilizer and rice supply issues amid the Middle East-related economic pressures. He said urea is being distributed at Rs. 10,200 per metric ton through Agrarian Service Centres to cover 65 percent of farmers, with 48,299 metric tons requested and an additional 15,000 metric tons approved for purchase from private firms. He stated that rice imports of Ponni Samba and Kiri Samba had been halted, while existing Paddy Marketing Board stocks would be distributed through cooperative outlets at concessionary prices. He also highlighted the increase of the Yala fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 30,000 per hectare and said paddy prices had been stabilized compared with earlier controlled prices. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran paid tribute to Brigadier Balraj and raised concern over reported deforestation of more than 40 acres near Vavuniya University, urging immediate government action. Addressing regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, he questioned the rationale for relaxing import controls on Samba and Kiri Samba rice while large quantities of paddy remain in Paddy Marketing Board stores. He asked the Minister to disclose how much of the stored paddy is Samba or Kiri Samba, and called for timely milling, marketing, and fair-price procurement of the current Yala harvest in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya before prioritising further imports. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Rathna Gamage said the import and export control regulations were based on recommendations from the Food Policy and Security Committee and oversight by the Committee on Public Finance, particularly in relation to food security and essential commodities. He argued that the Government is pursuing a production-based economy and cited increased tourism earnings and workers’ remittances, while noting that the 2026 cyclone and Middle East conflict had placed pressure on the rupee in line with regional currency depreciation. He said the Government had responded by absorbing the initial shock through reduced state fuel quotas and cuts to political privileges, and framed the regulations as measures to support production, safeguard food security and stabilize the economy. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad warned of renewed economic stress, arguing that the Government’s focus on taxation burdens SMEs indirectly through vehicle import taxes, leasing charges, and rising fuel, water, and electricity costs, while waste and mismanagement persist. He questioned the Government’s response to the sharp depreciation of the rupee and asked for a clear plan to prevent a repeat of the 2022 crisis, including answers on how to restore the dollar rate. He also urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take step-by-step measures to rebuild the economy and called, in the context of the war-end commemoration, for military modernization and proper benefits and honour for retiring personnel. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella raised concerns about delayed and inadequate relief in Kandy District six months after the Divva cyclone, citing official figures showing that only a small proportion of partially damaged houses had received assistance. She highlighted especially low coverage in Minipe, Udapalatha, Doluwa and Delthota, and noted that only 302 of 6,119 people who lost land had received alternative land. She questioned the basis for compensation assessments, referring to a Delthota/Mailapitiya case where a damaged house allegedly received only Rs. 64,000 without technical inspection, and called for fair, non-arbitrary valuation procedures. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary He supported the Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that the Government is managing the economy responsibly amid global pressures while the Opposition is spreading falsehoods and ignoring context. He said the Government is prioritizing domestic production, youth investment, revenue growth, and reducing waste and corruption, citing Finance Ministry figures on higher revenue, primary and current account surpluses, and reduced debt. He also referred to recent war hero commemorations, the party’s anniversary, youth conferences, and tourism initiatives, calling for unity to advance economic recovery. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act were presented for approval to permit regulated imports of retreaded aircraft tyres and specified Ponni Samba and Kiri Ponni rice substitutes. Upul Kithsiri contrasted the Government’s current economic management with the 2022 crisis, citing shortages, low reserves, power cuts and public service vacancies inherited after halted recruitment. He argued that since 2024 the Government has maintained fuel, fertilizer and services while improving fiscal and external indicators, including higher revenue, a primary surplus, a current account surplus and reduced debt. He called on the Opposition to stop disrupting proceedings and support efforts to improve the economy, while noting ongoing youth, tourism and national development programmes. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged serious irregularities in the release of imported chrysanthemum consignments despite National Plant Quarantine Service findings of live whitefly and rust disease, citing the Plant Protection Act regulations requiring destruction where live insects are detected. He tabled related laboratory reports and claimed that more than 100 containers from the same company had been released despite officers informing authorities, warning of risks to agriculture and exports. He also referred to alleged financial losses from fuel vessel payments and criticized recent rupee depreciation under the Government. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Citing PUCSL reports, S.M. Marikkar stated that all 17 vessels failed to deliver and that 155,000 MWh of power was consequently not generated, requiring replacement purchases using furnace oil, naphtha, and diesel. He asked the Government to disclose the total penalties recovered, noting that the amount had not yet been quantified. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Arkam Ilyas stated that 17 coal vessels had arrived and test results for 16 had been received, leading to US$27 million in penalties being levied. He said these costs had not been passed on through electricity bills and were reflected in PUCSL reports, rejecting claims that losses arose from this matter. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government over alleged failures in power generation, stating that 17 vessels had failed to deliver expected outcomes and that costly spot tenders caused losses to the State. He warned that a 155,961 MWh generation shortfall would continue until September and argued that declining investor confidence, rising flour prices, and reduced imports reflected a repeat of the economic mismanagement seen in 2022. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar raised concerns over the rupee’s sharp depreciation, arguing that the dollar’s rise from Rs. 344 to Rs. 354 increased the rupee value of debt and was already affecting consumer prices, including milk powder. He alleged that all 17 coal shipments supplied to Lakvijaya Power Plant failed calorific value specifications, citing plant and PUCSL reports which he tabled, and said the resulting generation shortfall had to be covered by furnace oil and diesel at high cost. He claimed losses exceeded Rs. 30 billion and called on the Government to accept responsibility, while also questioning confidence in IMF funding and the adequacy of foreign investment inflows. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Dinesh Hemantha defended the Government’s economic approach during debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that it has chosen difficult policy decisions aimed at long-term stability rather than short-term measures. He said the Government maintained the 2026 Budget despite calls to revise it after the “Divva” cyclone, while separately implementing relief payments for cleaning, household goods, school books, rent, and housing. He stated that house construction for eligible disaster-affected families has begun across affected Divisional Secretariat areas, including unresolved cases from earlier disasters, and noted that land identification is underway in all 11 DS divisions of Matale, including lands requiring Forest Conservation Department approval. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →