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. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said the CEB has proposed to the PUCSL an 11.57 per cent electricity tariff increase for January–March 2026 to cover a projected Rs. 13,094 million net deficit, while noting that no assessment has been made of impacts on low- and middle-income households, small businesses, or public institutions. He stated that the Government remains committed to reducing the average unit cost from Rs. 37 to Rs. 25 over three years through competitive procurement, including recent lower-cost wind and battery storage tenders. He said consultations on the National Electricity Policy and tariff methodology are under way, with comments open until 09 January, and that the Government is moving toward cost-reflective tariffs while maintaining support for vulnerable consumers. He also defended draft changes to rooftop solar pricing and future procurement, saying new capacity should be obtained competitively and curtailment would occur only for genuine technical reasons. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s proposed national electricity policy and alleged a divergence from election pledges to reduce bills and expand low-cost renewable generation. He asked whether the CEB had sought an 11.57% tariff increase for early 2026, whether impact assessments and technical or economic studies would be tabled, and whether public consultation should be extended due to disaster conditions. He also sought clarification on possible removal of cross-subsidies, introduction of time-of-use payments for renewable energy, changes to pricing for wind, small hydro and biomass, and compensation or curtailment arrangements for contracted generators. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara said the concern was not with the Speaker or the Constitutional Council personally, but with the failure to conclude the appointment process for the head of the National Audit Office. He argued that if the senior-most officer can serve in an acting capacity, there should be a proper decision on a substantive appointment, and emphasized that the Constitutional Council should act independently rather than as a rubber stamp of the President. He also called for the process to be free from interference, including from government figures or personal contacts. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa cited Articles 153(1) and 154(8) of the Constitution to argue that the Auditor-General must meet the defined qualification of being a practising qualified auditor. He stated that the President had submitted four nominees, including two serving officers of the National Audit Office, who met these constitutional requirements, and said the Constitutional Council should assess only whether nominees satisfy those qualifications rather than compare them with other potential candidates. He criticized the rejection of nominees, including acting appointees, on grounds such as educational background or prior service, and said the President would proceed according to law. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva stated that the Committee on Public Finance has a constitutional role in approving the budgets and work programmes of the National Audit Office and CIABOC, and said he had written to the President regarding the need to appoint an Auditor-General. He argued that the President and Constitutional Council must act in accordance with the Constitution by submitting and recommending a suitably qualified candidate on merit. He also questioned the Speaker’s refusal to circulate his letter to Members or the Constitutional Council, saying he did not know the legal basis for that decision and would table both letters. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the President had submitted constitutionally compliant names for the post of Auditor-General and that the Constitutional Council must decide on their approval. He argued that continued opposition to qualified candidates amounts to obstructing the appointment process and impeding the country’s progress. He emphasized that the President, Constitutional Council, and Parliament all share responsibility for ensuring the post is filled. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a point of order under Standing Order 92(2), citing Standing Order 119(2) on the role of the Committee on Public Accounts in examining accounts audited by the Auditor-General. He drew attention to the absence of an Auditor-General for about a month and sought the Speaker’s permission to raise the matter in relation to parliamentary financial oversight. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Lasith Bhashana Gamage questioned the Co-operative Development Department’s handling of inquiries under Section 47(2), noting that a 2014 inquiry’s directives were allegedly not implemented and that another inquiry was requested in 2025. He said several Gampaha District co-operative institutions, including the co-operative hospital, banking system, trading service, and SANASA banking, were not being adequately supervised. He asked what action would be taken against officials who fail to perform their duties properly, while acknowledging that many officers are honest and capable. Oral Question: Co-operative Hospital Gampaha Administration and Irregularities (Q. relating to Lasith Bhashana Gamage) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa acknowledged staffing shortages in the ambulance service, noting past salary stagnation, inadequate facilities, low recruitment, and staff leaving after training. He said salaries were increased last year in agreement with the Finance Ministry and accepted the need for a promotion scheme. He stated that although 332 ambulances are operating, some areas face insufficient staffing, and measures are being prepared alongside the introduction of new ambulances to address the issue. Oral Question: Batticaloa Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service Operations (Q. relating to Kanthasamy Prabu) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government’s policy statement includes a pledge to reduce the relevant matter by 30 percent within three years. He urged members not to rush the process and asked for patience while the commitment is implemented. Oral Question: Batticaloa Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service Operations (Q. relating to Kanthasamy Prabu) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Asked the Government to specify when bills for apartments and shopping complexes would be reduced, requesting a clear date or timeframe for the change. Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government on electricity tariffs, particularly for apartment and shopping complex consumers being asked to purchase transformers and seek relief through the Public Utilities Commission. He argued that consumers expected reductions in 2026 but instead faced a proposed 11 per cent increase linked to IMF conditions, and asked for a specific date by which the Government would reduce electricity bills in line with pre-election promises. Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that CEB determines transformer requirements based on requested supply capacity, with customers required to bear transformer installation costs only when demand exceeds 100 kVA. For supplies up to 99 kVA, customers are charged PUCSL-approved standard construction costs and capacity charges, while any required transformer is installed at CEB expense. He added that estimates are prepared under PUCSL-approved rates and supply is provided after payment, and said part (b) was not applicable. Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena asked the Minister of Energy whether the Ceylon Electricity Board requires owners of apartments and shopping complexes to purchase new transformers when obtaining electricity connections. He questioned whether the Minister accepts that this imposes significant costs on entrepreneurs and residents, and requested details of measures to provide electricity to such premises without delay using CEB transformers. Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Asked what legal and administrative capacity exists to recover State properties around Yatiyantota town that are currently held on leases by private parties. He requested that such properties be taken back for Police or other State purposes and that action be taken against any parties misusing them. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa briefly raised a question regarding the protection of reserves. The intervention sought clarification on measures or responsibilities related to safeguarding such reserved areas. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa briefly raised a related question concerning the protection of reserves, seeking clarification on that matter. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the EPF and ETF have distinct legal purposes, with the EPF intended to provide retirement social security for private and semi-government sector workers. He said the Government is considering options to strengthen post-retirement income security, including pension- or annuity-like payments alongside existing lump-sum withdrawals. He noted that the ETF, administered under the Ministry of Finance, serves a different role by providing benefits and facilitation, including support for entrepreneurship. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked whether the Employees’ Provident Fund could introduce welfare-oriented benefits similar to those provided through the Employees’ Trust Fund, such as scholarships for high-performing students and assistance for cataract surgery and spectacles. The question noted that despite differing contribution levels, ETF appears to offer broader beneficiary services than EPF. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that EPF members may withdraw 30 per cent of their fund balance, including a second withdrawal after 10 years, and that members face difficulties in obtaining the second withdrawal. She requested details of measures taken to reduce those difficulties, or reasons if no such measures have been taken. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Read →