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. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined the Government’s disaster relief response, noting payments of the Rs. 25,000 grant, dry rations, and planned schoolchildren’s grants, while acknowledging that some delays and omissions are possible given the scale of the disaster affecting over 1.7 million people. He detailed impacts including 643 deaths, 183 missing persons, and extensive damage to housing and infrastructure, and said assessments including a World Bank report were pending. He supported the Supplementary Estimate providing Rs. 500 billion for housing and public infrastructure restoration, explaining that exceeding the primary expenditure ceiling is permitted under Section 16(4) of the State Finance Management Act due to the calamity, and that the allocation can be managed within the already approved borrowing limit. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka addressed the response to the recent cyclone and floods, stating that the Government prioritized rescue, relocation, and provision of essentials within the first 24 hours with national and international support. He outlined early recovery measures, including payments of Rs. 25,000 for cleaning homes, Rs. 50,000 for basic repairs, and Rs. 15,000 for schoolchildren, funded through a Rs. 50 billion supplementary allocation approved by Parliament. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Minister moved a motion seeking parliamentary approval to allocate up to Rs. 500 billion from the Consolidated Fund, other government funds, or loan proceeds for the 2026 financial year. The allocation is under Head 240, Department of National Budget, for Development Programme expenditure, comprising Rs. 150 billion in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 350 billion in capital expenditure, with Cabinet approval obtained. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government is pursuing cost control in the electricity sector through lower purchase prices and competitive tenders, while planning to review exchange rate-related conditions early next year to prevent losses or windfalls. He said rooftop solar tariff formulas are being corrected to reflect faster capital recovery, and that battery energy storage tenders have extended guarantees from 10 to 15 years while balancing investor returns, consumer interests and grid stability. He also noted that the CEB bore significant emergency restoration costs after Cyclone “Ditwah” and deployed crews rapidly without external assistance. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the rationale for raising electricity tariffs again after earlier reductions, arguing that the focus appeared to be on increasing revenue rather than reducing costs. He asked why battery energy storage system projects were limited to 10 or 15 years when a 20-year lifecycle funded by the private sector was feasible, and urged the use of clawback mechanisms to return more benefits to consumers from debt settlements. He also sought details on the impact of Cyclone “Ditwah” on CEB transmission and generation, and asked whether the Government accepted the need for firm generation through battery storage to reduce exposure to fossil fuel costs. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the CEB recorded an adjusted operating profit of Rs. 106,601 million in 2024, of which Rs. 96,264 million was used for debt servicing, including bank interest and principal payments. He stated that electricity tariff decisions are made independently by the PUCSL, noting a 20.08% tariff reduction in January 2025 through a clawback, a subsequent 15% increase in June 2025 following CEB losses, and PUCSL’s later decision to maintain prevailing tariffs for July–December 2025. He said renewable energy capacity has exceeded targets under the 2025–2044 generation plan and outlined the quarterly tariff-setting method for NCRE projects and recent changes to Battery Energy Storage System terms, including a 15-year operating cycle and import duty waiver for qualifying systems. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna tabled, on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, the Committee’s report on Supplementary Estimate No. 1 of 2026 under Head 240, Programme 02 of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The estimate relates to the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2026 and was ordered to lie upon the Table. Committee Report: Supplementary Estimate No. 1 of 2026 Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson argued that the Government failed to convene the disaster management mechanisms required under the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act when the cyclone threat was developing, noting that the relevant committee met only after the calamity. He said Polonnaruwa’s agriculture had suffered severe damage, with over 4,000 hectares of paddy destroyed, and argued that the proposed Rs. 150,000 per hectare compensation was inadequate given farmers’ actual cultivation costs and damage from sand, rocks and debris. He also urged faster and fuller payment of household relief, citing shortfalls in allocations for eligible homes in Polonnaruwa, and called on the Government to honour the President’s stated commitment of Rs. 75,000 per affected household rather than limiting the additional Rs. 50,000 by a later circular. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon stated that the Government, together with the President, has the capacity and commitment to rebuild the country’s economy and society. He pledged maximum intervention by the Government and expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones and property. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath said the Government had managed the recent crisis in a way that minimized harm to the public and protected major irrigation infrastructure, including the Mahaweli system. He acknowledged some damage to minor irrigation systems in Anuradhapura, attributing it to issues such as the absence of spill gates, and stated that the Government’s decisions over 669 days had aimed to steer the country in the right direction and improve public living conditions. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan highlighted post-flood damage in several areas, calling for proper rehabilitation of the Anaikattiyaveli–Samulaiyadi road, reconstruction of the collapsed Magilavettuvan bridge, and repairs and protection for Chettipalayam District Hospital, which was flooded and faces nearby elephant movement. He raised concerns about delays and alleged unfairness in grassroots relief assessments, including denial of the Rs. 25,000 relief to some affected households, and urged accurate site-based verification by officials. He supported anti-narcotics, anti-crime and anti-corruption efforts under “Prajashakti” initiatives but cautioned against giving authority to defeated election candidates over elected local bodies, and requested relief for all affected groups including farmers, fishermen, daily wage earners and three-wheeler drivers. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concerns that disaster relief promised by the President may be limited by subsequent circulars and implementation conditions. He requested that the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant and the proposed Rs. 50,000 assistance cover not only flood-affected homes but also houses damaged by landslides and strong winds, with fewer documentation barriers for estate communities and mobile disbursement where possible. He also urged reassessment and protective works for high-risk schools in Yatiyantota, including Malalpola Vidyalaya, so relocated students can continue education safely. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe described the impact of the recent cyclone and floods, citing deaths, missing persons, housing damage and severe effects in parts of Kandy District, and noted volunteer and local authority assistance mobilized from the Eastern Province. He urged comprehensive disaster preparedness, including permanent safe resettlement lands for vulnerable hill-country communities, and said delayed relief payments of Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 had been raised with the President. He also called for implementation of standing disaster response plans and priority irrigation and drainage works in the Eastern Province, including repairs and schemes related to Mavil Aru, Senanayake Samudraya, Sammanturai–Periyakalappu and Kalmunai–Karavakulam, to reduce recurring flood damage to residents, lands and fishermen. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister reported extensive disruption to water services following Cyclone “Dicha”, with 156 National Water Supply and Drainage Board treatment plants and 622 community water schemes affected, leaving about 600,000 connections without supply. He said most systems were stabilized within five to seven days through coordinated work by water sector staff, other agencies, the armed forces, volunteers, and local communities, including emergency bowser supply to major hospitals. He cited preliminary damage estimates of Rs. 5.6 billion for NWSDB infrastructure and Rs. 600 million for community schemes, and stated that short-, medium-, and long-term resilience programmes would follow immediate restoration efforts. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran urged the Government to provide prompt and adequate disaster relief and compensation to affected communities in Ampara District, including farmers, fishermen, daily wage earners, and livestock breeders who have lost livelihoods. He said relief such as the Rs. 25,000 household payment was not reaching all affected groups fairly and criticized officials for demanding photographic proof of flooding before granting assistance. He also called for urgent coastal protection works in Thirukkovil, Karaithivu, and Pottuvil to protect temples, homes, roads, gardens, and paddy lands from erosion. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said the Government was focusing on disaster response and recovery after severe flooding, while accusing parts of the Opposition of politicizing relief efforts rather than engaging constructively. He detailed impacts in Colombo District, especially Kolonnawa, including over 86,000 affected families, more than 55,000 damaged houses in Kolonnawa, deployment of about 70 boats, and ongoing garbage clearance said to be over 82 per cent complete. He stated that the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant would be paid following official assessments, with additional staff assigned to complete payments, and outlined plans under the Prime Minister for Kelani basin flood control, removal of unauthorized structures, and humane resettlement of more than 5,000 households. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns over the death of a 23-year-old woman after receiving Ondansetron from a batch he said had already been banned by the NMRA, questioning whether the hospital received the directive and what action is being taken regarding the large number of vials reportedly already used. He linked the incident to broader concerns about drug safety, procurement, alleged contamination, and past medicine-related controversies, and called for accountability and assistance to the family. He also referred to recent natural disaster relief efforts, describing assistance provided by him and local volunteers, and offered remaining relief goods to Members who can arrange transport for affected constituents. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister described the regional impact of the “Dicha” cyclone and stated that Sri Lanka had comparatively reduced fatalities, established shelters quickly, and restored normalcy in a short period. He linked such disasters to environmental degradation and reported damage to ecosystems, protected wildlife, endemic freshwater fish, national parks, and botanical gardens. He said assessments are underway and that a special committee was appointed on 11 December to evaluate ecosystem damage and guide restoration measures. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said over 30 Opposition MPs had requested a Special Committee with Opposition investigatory powers to examine alleged shortcomings in the Government’s management of the recent disaster. He argued that relief measures announced by the President were delayed or inadequately implemented, citing unpaid or reduced grants for house-cleaning and schoolchildren, insufficient household and SME compensation, unclear circulars, and reported politicization of aid distribution. He urged faster delivery of benefits and stated that the Opposition would support the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for disaster relief. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had managed the “Dicha” cyclone disaster while also dealing with the economic crisis, citing 1,702,719 affected people, 643 deaths, and 183 missing persons. He detailed restoration work in Badulla and surrounding areas, including drinking water, electricity, hospitals, roads, bridges, railways, and irrigation infrastructure, and thanked public officials, local authorities, defence forces, Indian assistance teams, and volunteers. He said Rs. 25,000 house-cleaning payments had been made to 257,479 families and Rs. 1,535 million in crop compensation to 26,072 farmers, while arguing that the State response had largely stabilized essential services and community life within 22 days. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →