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. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that import controls and temporary rice imports were needed to stabilize food supply and prices while moving toward a production-based, self-reliant economy. He said limited imports of Ponni Samba similar to Keeri Samba were permitted under licence to address shortages, while the Government had increased support for paddy farmers, moderated price volatility, and reduced retail prices of some rice and food items. He also cited measures in Matara District to restore uncultivated land affected by salinity in the Nilwala River area, including canal clearing, salinity barriers, and Rs. 1,200 million in compensation to farmers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concern over the rapid depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee and its impact on fuel, bus fares, and essential commodity prices, arguing that any claimed Treasury surplus should be used to ease living costs. He questioned the Government’s cost-of-living estimates, saying Rs. 16,690 per month was unrealistic, and cited reported financial and cybersecurity-related losses at People’s Bank, the Treasury, and SriLankan Airlines as operational failures requiring attention. He also argued that the Government’s rhetoric was insufficient in the face of economic hardship and called for Provincial Council elections to test public support. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to begin immediate negotiations for a successor IMF programme to take effect after the current Extended Fund Facility ends in March 2027, citing reserve shortfalls, rupee depreciation, rising fuel prices, weaker tourism earnings, and future debt service pressures from 2028. He argued that Sri Lanka’s usable reserves are well below the IMF target and that risks from oil prices, remittance dependence, and balance of payments pressures require extended timelines, stronger buffers, and a social safety net. He also referred to recent financial fraud incidents and mixed official signals as factors affecting investor confidence, and called for a comprehensive stakeholder review. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Debating regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, the Minister said the Government had inherited an economy with suspended debt servicing and major import restrictions, but had since resumed debt service, reopened imports in phases, and stabilized conditions. He argued that recent exchange rate pressure was driven by external factors such as higher fuel import costs and did not by itself indicate an economic crisis, citing lower unemployment, higher GDP per capita, and continued business activity. He said Sri Lanka nevertheless faced an external-sector challenge and called for structural reforms, including export diversification, market expansion, and upgrading the export product base. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman challenged the Government’s claim that there was no economic crisis, citing a widening gap between official and street dollar rates, bank rate volatility, dollar shortages, and rising import and essential-goods prices including milk powder. He alleged that vehicle importers with advance knowledge benefited from the 16 May levy regulation through large numbers of LCs opened just before its imposition, and called for equal application of rules to all importers. He also disputed the Government’s cost-of-living figures, arguing they reflect an extreme poverty food line rather than actual household needs, and sought clarity on promised diaspora dollar inflows and related allegations. He urged the Government to acknowledge worsening conditions and take decisive action to address exchange-rate pressure and rising living costs. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Moved approval of three sets of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and tabled related Excise Ordinance resolutions, explaining that the measures refine HS and national sub-code classifications, clarify import licensing requirements, and set licence periods for specified rice imports. He said the changes are intended to facilitate imports, improve Customs administration, strengthen valuation and duty collection, and reduce evasion, with examples including separate codes for SriLankan Airlines tyres, Ayurvedic-use thippili, salt and printing machinery. He also outlined new Customs technology systems for cargo scheduling, e-settlement of vessel charges and remittance reconciliation, and reported that Customs had collected Rs. 1,020.5 billion by 18 May 2026, 46.2 per cent of the annual target. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Minister rejected the claim that the Government is constrained by the IMF and said renewable energy curtailment is carried out only for technical system-stability reasons, affecting ground-mounted solar farms rather than rooftop solar. He stated that any tariff impact from exchange rate movements or Middle East tensions would mainly affect consumers using over 180 units, with Rs. 15 billion allocated to the National System Operator to cushion other users. He added that the Government does not expect to request a PUCSL-approved tariff increase before September. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought clarification on whether, from June, BESS pricing would be determined by the Public Utilities Commission rather than the CEB. He raised concerns that renewable energy curtailments, particularly regular weekend curtailments since February 2025, were undermining bankability. He also questioned whether IMF cost-reflective pricing conditions tied to an expected US$350 million tranche would lead to further electricity tariff increases, citing rupee depreciation and urging protection of consumers. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister stated that outstanding payments to renewable energy developers total Rs. 8.06 billion, affecting 386 developers, and said Rs. 2 billion had been paid on 19 May 2026 with a further Rs. 1 billion due the following week, with the balance expected to be settled by end-June. He rejected the claim that thermal suppliers were prioritized, saying cash flow decisions were made to maintain fuel availability, grid stability and continuous supply during high demand, high fuel prices and low hydro conditions. He provided comparative unit cost figures for thermal and renewable generation, explained that renewable curtailment occurs only for technical stability reasons, and outlined battery energy storage procurements including 160 MW contracted, a 300 MW tender planned and 100 MW for frequency control ongoing. He also said Cabinet had approved the National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy, including a renewable energy roadmap covering tariffs, storage, grid integration and consumer safeguards. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on setbacks in the renewable energy sector, citing curtailment, policy uncertainty, weak storage incentives, non-competitive tariffs and payment arrears reportedly exceeding Rs. 15 billion since December 2025. He asked the Government to provide details on outstanding payments, cost comparisons between thermal and renewable generation, reasons for prioritising thermal payments, and the basis for curtailing renewables during low-demand periods. He also sought information on affected developers, projects, employment and banking exposure, and requested immediate measures to clear arrears and a comprehensive renewable energy roadmap covering tariffs, payment guarantees, storage, grid integration and long-term energy security. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said rural poverty eradication remains a government priority and noted that the 2025 Rural Development Bureau, initially funded with Rs. 1 billion, has been expanded into the “Praja Shakthi” National Movement. He stated that the programme aims to avoid weaknesses of earlier initiatives while adopting their strengths, using a participatory approach to reduce dependency and empower rural communities. He also said Rs. 25,000 million has been allocated for rural development this year, with implementation to be coordinated across ministries, Provincial Councils and local authorities. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that development activities in the Muruththanai GN Division of Batticaloa District are being carried out through three departments or agencies under his Ministry. He listed completed or ongoing works including a mobile service for 273 beneficiary families, water supply schemes, sanitation facilities, housing for persons with disabilities, health centre rehabilitation, rural road and causeway improvements, and housing development, with total expenditure of Rs. 51,677,296.34 and most works reported as fully completed. He added that part (b) of the question was not applicable. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Galle New Court Complex at Beligaha has not yet commenced operations because the State Engineering Corporation, the contractor, has delayed completion of electrical and mechanical works due to financial difficulties, and courts cannot be relocated in stages. He said completion and handover to the Judiciary are expected by the first week of June 2026. He also explained that the existing Galle Fort court buildings are not owned by the Ministry and, following Cabinet approval, are to be vested in the UDA for proposed development projects, including tourism, while no rental or maintenance loss has arisen to the Government from the delay. Oral Question: Beligaha Court Complex (Minister of Justice) Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy asked whether the Computer Crime Act, No. 24 of 2007, and the Payment Devices Frauds Act, No. 30 of 2006, remain adequate for addressing modern digital fraud, including AI-driven schemes, crypto scams, and international phishing networks targeting Sri Lankan bank customers. He sought clarification on whether the Government would review these laws and introduce updated legislation. Oral Question Q.1013/2025: Financial Cybercrime Details Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised concerns about increasing digital banking fraud, unauthorized data breaches, and delays in responding to public complaints of funds being siphoned through banks and other institutions. He asked whether real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms exist or will be established among the CID’s Computer Crime Division, Sri Lanka CERT, and the Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit to enable immediate freezing of stolen or fraudulently transferred funds. Oral Question Q.1013/2025: Financial Cybercrime Details Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna called for urgent relief to disabled and retired military personnel facing economic hardship, referring to a Cabinet paper intended to address their concerns. She asked how soon arrears of salary and allowances withheld from some medically retired personnel, and fixed allowances withheld from certain widows of soldiers who died before age 55, would be resolved and what steps would be taken to expedite payment. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised a supplementary question during war heroes’ commemorations regarding disabled veterans from the three-decade war. She asked what immediate steps would be taken to pay the fixed allowance owed to disabled war heroes over age 55 who appeared before Medical Boards but have not received it due to delays in disability pension payments. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that dependents of military personnel who died due to terrorist causes receive salary and allowances until the deceased’s notional age of 55, after which a fixed lifelong allowance equivalent to the salary at that age is paid under MoD Circular No. MOD/01/2021. He said approval has been granted to amend the Armed Forces Widows’ and Orphans’ Pensions provisions to extend eligibility to spouses and children of certain medically retired personnel who marry after retirement. For personnel missing in action, he noted that death certificates may be issued under the Registration of Deaths (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 19 of 2010, and that applicable allowances are paid from the date the missing person would have reached 55, so no injustice arises. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that, due to delays in the renovation of the John de Silva Theatre, Cabinet approval was obtained to reallocate funds from that project to complete renovations at the National Art Gallery. He said meetings and inspections had been held with Moratuwa University consultants, the contractor, the Sri Lanka Navy and others, and that officials expect the National Art Gallery to reopen before December 2026. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha reviewed 2025 economic performance, citing 5 percent growth, per capita GDP above USD 5,000, lower lending rates, stronger exports, tourism and remittances, and a record current account surplus of USD 1.73 billion. He said fiscal management reduced the budget deficit, increased public wages and capital expenditure, supported private sector credit growth, and enabled a Rs. 500 billion response to the Ditva cyclone amid global shocks. Responding to Opposition claims, he rejected assertions of a Rs. 5 trillion debt increase, citing official debt figures showing total debt rising from Rs. 29.8 trillion at end-2024 to Rs. 31 trillion at end-2025 and falling to Rs. 30.82 trillion by April 2026, with external debt also declining by April 2026. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →