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- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Supplementary Allocation for disaster relief, emphasizing the role of temples, monks, other religious clergy, public officials, the tri-forces, volunteers, and organizations in the initial response. He said the Ministry had identified 1,087 affected religious sites, archaeological sites, and cultural centres, deployed teams to verify needs, and established a rebuilding fund that had raised over Rs. 300 million. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding political interference in Matale and inefficiency by officials, citing a reported 92.88% disbursement of the Rs. 25,000 grant and stating that the Government would continue relief and reconstruction efforts. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe addressed the impact of Cyclone “Ditva,” stating that 643 people had died and 183 were missing, and outlined the Government’s relief and reconstruction response. He reported that Rs. 25,000 grants had been paid to most affected families in Gampaha and detailed increased compensation schemes for damaged houses, crops, livestock, businesses, fishing boats, school equipment, rental support, and livelihood loss. He criticized Opposition claims and conduct as politically motivated while saying the Government would accept constructive proposals, support public servants and security forces, and proceed with short-term relief followed by temporary and permanent reconstruction. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa supported the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate for disaster recovery, citing UNDP data on the scale of the cyclone-related damage, including 2.3 million people affected, extensive flooding, and major losses to paddy fields and buildings. He said the Government had mobilized state institutions, security forces, local committees, and volunteers for relief work, with grants and compensation for cleaning, equipment, housing reconstruction, and land purchase already being disbursed. He rejected Opposition criticism of the response and argued that recovery funding would come through reallocating existing Treasury funds rather than borrowing, money printing, or new taxes. He also called for scientifically planned rebuilding and long-term measures to reduce risks from floods and landslides, linking the disaster to unscientific development in vulnerable areas. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Supplementary Estimate for disaster relief and restoration, describing widespread impacts across multiple districts, including flooding and landslide risks in Kurunegala and continued displacement in safe centres. He said the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is focusing on affected women and children, including damaged Early Childhood Development centres, and is coordinating with other ministries and international organizations on relief and restoration. He announced plans for a medium-term national psychosocial support programme, with training for counsellors and field officers beginning on 22 and 24 December, to address trauma among children and women. He also responded to concerns about the Gommunaawa landslide, stating that quarrying permits and related decisions dated back to 2015–2016. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government was preparing for both post-flood recovery and a possible dry season, noting a forecast 15 per cent rainfall reduction, the need for crop insurance, disease prevention, resettlement, road clearance, tank repairs and food security. He rejected Opposition allegations that relief had not been provided, saying the Government had mounted a major operation within about 20 days after unprecedented nationwide flooding that caused nearly 700 deaths and left many missing. He emphasized the cultural and economic importance of village tanks, citing more than 630 breaches in Anuradhapura and the use of over 150,000 sandbags to repair 65 tanks, while thanking farmers, villagers, the tri-forces, Police and Civil Security personnel for supporting repairs during the Maha cultivation season. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following Cyclone “Dicha,” stating that the allocation specifies how funds will be used to compensate affected communities and rebuild damaged areas. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government had prior knowledge of the threat and failed to act, arguing that seasonal rainfall risks had been discussed through official channels, including the Food Policy and Security Committee on 23 November and briefings by the Meteorological Department at the start of the Maha season. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Roshan Akmeemana described the impact of Cyclone “Dicha” and subsequent flooding in Trincomalee, noting that all 11 Divisional Secretariat divisions were affected, with Seruvila, Verugal, Muttur and Kinniya worst hit and about 30,000 people impacted. He said the flooding was mainly caused by floodwaters from the Central Highlands entering through the Mahaweli system, worsened by multiple breaches in the Mawil Aru bund and Mahaweli flood-protection embankments, but that prior evacuations prevented any casualties. He thanked the armed forces, police, civil defence, religious institutions and local communities for relief efforts, and said the supplementary estimate was intended to support recovery, restore confidence and demonstrate that the Government had a plan for rebuilding. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Foreign disaster relief supplies are being managed through a formal system by the National Disaster Relief Services Centre and the Ministry of Defence, with storage at warehouses in Orugodawatta. The Deputy Minister said items are transported from the airport to the warehouse and then distributed to beneficiaries through Grama Niladharis, and offered to provide details or facilitate a visit to the warehouses in response to concerns raised by Hon. Hector Appuhamy. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following Cyclone “Dicha,” arguing that state agencies issued evolving warnings and that the Government mobilized essential services, the armed forces, provincial resources and volunteers for emergency response. He said the National Council for Disaster Management had been reconvened after years of inactivity and outlined proposed compensation increases across 15 sectors, including housing, agriculture, livestock, employment and infrastructure. He also rejected Opposition allegations that warnings were ignored or that emergency access repairs were ineffective, characterizing the work as necessary temporary relief measures. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following a national tragedy, while urging the Government to implement the President’s promised relief package quickly, transparently, and without political interference, deductions, or conditions. He emphasized that cash grants, including the pledged compensation for damaged roofing, should go directly to affected families who lost lives, homes, livelihoods, crops, and school materials. He commended public, private, religious, media, and Opposition-led relief efforts, and said the Opposition would support the allocation while continuing to scrutinize any shortcomings. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara said the Government’s supplementary estimate was being presented while continuing cyclone “Dicha” relief work, and commended state officials, security forces, volunteers, and local communities involved in rescue, road clearing, irrigation repair, and school restoration efforts. He argued that in Badulla the Government prioritized saving lives, restoring access, and enabling cultivation, including completing urgent Uma Oya canal works within 12 days while planning longer-term engineering solutions. He criticized the Opposition’s attendance and response to the crisis, urged them to contribute practically to the estimated 1,300 damaged irrigation works, and contrasted the current response with past disaster management failures. He also stated that economic stabilization had continued despite the disaster, citing worker remittances, tourism, foreign reserves, rupee liquidity buffers, and lower exchange-rate volatility as evidence of public and investor confidence. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Welcoming the Rs. 500 billion supplementary allocation for disaster relief, Hector Appuhamy said all five electorates in Puttalam were affected by floods and urged the Government to develop a structured recovery plan for damaged industries, exporters, and workers facing loan, leasing, and livelihood pressures. He highlighted severe impacts on coconut, coir, prawn, salt, and horticulture sectors, including prolonged inundation in Kalpitiya that could leave labourers without income during the Christmas and New Year period. He also requested a special mechanism to manage, audit, and fairly distribute overseas donations, citing a 5,876 kg consignment from Alberta, Canada that remained in warehouses, and called for investigation into reported irregularities in relief distribution. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock AI summary The Deputy Minister described the severe human, environmental and agricultural damage caused by recent flooding, noting losses of life, homes, wildlife, trees and farmland. He commended public officials, representatives and volunteers for working under difficult conditions to restore normalcy, despite limited staffing in the Agriculture Ministry. Referring to a visit to Mannar, he said breached tanks and destroyed bunds had turned fields into waterways, and stated that the Government had intervened quickly to assist recovery. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya outlined the Government’s response three weeks after Cyclone “BOO,” citing rescue and relief work by state institutions, security forces, citizens, the international community and others, and noting continuing risks such as landslides that led to the closure of all schools in the Central Province. She said the Supplementary Estimate would support recovery and rebuilding through 2026, with Rs. 75 billion set aside in 2025 and Rs. 500 billion in 2026 while maintaining macroeconomic targets. On education, she reported that 1,382 government schools and several universities, technical colleges and vocational training centres had been affected, announced support of Rs. 25,000 for each affected student, and emphasized psychosocial wellbeing, scientific relocation and standards-based rebuilding. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem acknowledged cross-party and community assistance following the recent disaster, particularly in Kandy District, while stating that relief delivery and administrative response had been slow. He called for urgent relocation and recovery measures for affected institutions including Al-Hikma School, Rambukwella School, Wattegama Hospital, and around 140 impacted schools in Kandy, based on rapid needs assessments and community consultation. He urged revival of climate-resilient infrastructure programmes, a donor conference with involvement from former leaders and neighbouring countries, urban regeneration and drainage plans for Gampola and nearby areas, coordinated identification of river buffer zones, and regulatory oversight to ensure insurers honour flood and cyclone claims. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala defended the Government’s disaster response, stating that warnings, evacuations, rescue operations, circulars, and funding were initiated promptly, and rejected Opposition claims that action was delayed. He outlined ongoing relief measures, including restoration of public infrastructure, assessment of damaged homes, Rs. 25,000 cleaning grants, Rs. 50,000 household equipment payments, crop and livelihood compensation mechanisms, and concessional loans for affected businesses. He said relief centres would be closed as quickly as possible, with relocation or resettlement for those unable to return safely, and paid tribute to security forces, public officers, and others who died or served during the disaster response. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam expressed condolences for disaster victims and argued that Sri Lanka’s disaster governance has failed to function as required under the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, particularly because the National Council for Disaster Management has not met quarterly as mandated. He said weaknesses in mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—such as inadequate planning, lack of drills, staff shortages at the Disaster Management Centre, and insufficient divisional officers—have worsened recurring disaster impacts. He welcomed proposals to amend the 2005 Act but urged a policy of relocating repeatedly affected communities, including in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar, to safer areas rather than resettling them in unsafe locations. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake expressed condolences to victims of the natural disaster and praised public servants, the Armed Forces, volunteers, and affected communities for emergency response efforts, including in the Central Province where access, communications, power, and water systems were severely disrupted. He defended the parliamentary scheduling of the debate, citing staff needs, and criticized Opposition conduct during visits to affected areas, saying some members did not reflect ground realities and politicized relief efforts. He said the Government would use existing fiscal space, including an additional Rs. 500 billion and 2026 Budget allocations, to restore livelihoods and infrastructure without extra borrowing or disrupting fiscal plans. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the Opposition would support the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate due to the scale of loss, but criticized the Government’s disaster preparedness and response, alleging that warnings from meteorological and irrigation authorities were not acted on in time. He argued that the concentration of Disaster Management and other ministries under the President weakened accountability, questioned delays in declaring an emergency and issuing relief instructions, and said assistance so far had been inadequate and inconsistent. He also claimed that previous disaster insurance arrangements had been abandoned, increasing reliance on public funds, and urged the Government to prevent political interference in relief distribution and to use proper mechanisms under the Disaster Management Act. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition AI summary Sajith Premadasa expressed the Opposition’s full support for the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate to assist people affected by the “BOO” cyclone. He requested that the scheduled half-hour lunch break be used to continue the debate, arguing that Members should be given more time to speak on behalf of those who lost lives, homes, and livelihoods. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →