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- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad criticized the Government’s education performance, questioning unmet commitments on allocating 6 percent of GDP to education and citing low spending progress on school modernization and foreign university scholarship allocations. He raised concerns over teacher vacancies, teacher and principal salaries, anti-ragging measures, Deputy Vice Chancellor appointments, university intake expansion, proposed new universities, and the future of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination. He also questioned higher cutoff marks for popular schools despite only a small rise in qualifying students and argued that the exam favours higher-income families unless rural schools, facilities, and university places are expanded. He further criticized VAT-related impacts on local educational publications and book sales, saying the policy disadvantages local publishers and small producers. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana said education reform is central to shaping Sri Lanka’s future and called for Opposition cooperation in modernizing an outdated system, with strategic reforms to accelerate in 2026 after economic stabilization in 2025. He argued that achieving the long-term goal of allocating 6 percent of GDP to education requires higher government revenue, noting revenue had fallen to about 8.3 percent of GDP and that education spending has been raised to 2.04 percent as an initial step. Responding to concerns over VAT on school supplies, he said fiscal constraints prevented its removal but direct assistance had been provided to low-income families, small-school students, adolescent girls and children with disabilities. He also stated that court delays had held up teacher recruitment, but around 25,000 teachers could be recruited by early next year to address roughly 30,000 vacancies. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the proposed education reforms but urged that they be implemented with equitable distribution of resources, particularly for war-affected schools in the Eastern Province and Batticaloa District. He highlighted severe teacher shortages in the Kalkudah Education Zone, especially in mathematics, inadequate provincial school funding, shortages of furniture and facilities, and specific infrastructure needs at Pattiruppu Maha Vidyalaya, Vaalaichenai Hindu College, and St. Michael’s College. He also called for expedited graduate teacher recruitment, expansion of vocational education to NVQ Level 7 with more trainers, and improvements at Eastern University including hostel facilities and regularization of Deans for specific faculties. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika argued that Sri Lanka’s education policy shifted after 1977 away from welfare and access, and said the Government is now progressively increasing education investment toward the 6 per cent of GDP principle. He cited increased capital allocations for education, including funds to complete medical faculty buildings at Sabaragamuwa, Moratuwa, Uva Wellassa, Eastern and North Western universities. He also highlighted welfare measures such as school supply vouchers, transport support, midday meals, Grade 5 bursaries, and increased Mahapola allowances, and urged the Opposition to engage constructively rather than challenge such measures through litigation or commissions. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education allocations in Budget 2026, highlighting increased national funding and specific provisions for Vavuniya University, technical colleges, the Vavuniya National College of Education, special needs students, principals, school materials and Mahapola scholarships. He welcomed the introduction of vocational education from Grade 9 to address poor outcomes for students leaving school after 13 years. He urged district-based teacher recruitment, locally appropriate appointments and a revised transfer policy for Northern teachers, including conditional inter-district transfers and removal of restrictions on transfers for supernumerary principals. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage argued that the Government has prioritised education in the 2026 Budget despite inheriting longstanding problems such as teacher shortages, inadequate facilities, and closed schools. He cited official figures to state that education allocations have risen from Rs. 534 billion in 2024 to Rs. 704 billion in 2026, and that education spending as a share of GDP is being increased gradually towards the stated 6% target. He rejected Opposition criticism by comparing past governments’ lower GDP allocations and underutilisation of capital funds, asserting that current policy is focused on improving human capital as a basis for economic development. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam urged urgent action to fill all 329 non-academic staff vacancies at the University of Jaffna and revise its outdated cadre, noting expanded faculties and reliance on costly private services. He called for education to be prioritized through higher budget allocations and teacher salary revisions in line with the Subodhini Commission, citing specific shortfalls in proposed pay increases. He also questioned whether education reforms opposed under the previous Government were now being pursued to secure ADB funding without stakeholder consultation. He requested reconsideration of extended school hours or provision of food, revision of criteria for difficult schools in the North and East, and an increase in inadequate difficult-area teacher allowances. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the former North Colombo Private Medical College was integrated into the state university system as the Ragama Medical Faculty, before addressing education sector reforms and Budget support for 2026. He argued that Sri Lanka’s education system is exam-centred, unevenly resourced, insufficiently aligned with employability, innovation and lifelong learning, and constrained by limited access to advanced secondary education, STEM facilities and university entry. He said the tuition problem cannot be solved by law alone, and that reforms must combine curriculum change with teacher development, professionalization, infrastructure, administration, assessment reform and public awareness. He outlined proposed changes for Grades 6–11, including entrepreneurship and financial literacy, transversal skills, Grade 9 proficiency assessments, and advanced pathway modules in senior secondary education. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim questioned why the Government, despite promises to break “mafias” and monopolies, has not addressed or regulated the tuition industry, which he said earns about Rs. 160 billion annually and places heavy financial pressure on poor parents and children. He asked whether the Government would introduce regulations, tax enforcement, or reforms to protect free education, and criticized the absence of such measures in two Budgets. He cited provincial circulars restricting teachers from conducting tuition, including one allegedly annulled by a State Minister, as evidence of inconsistent policy and urged action against the sector’s influence. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Hon. Upali Pannilage said the Government’s education policy treats education as a social welfare investment and prioritizes equitable access, with the 2026 Budget allocating about Rs. 708 billion, the highest allocation to date, though the 6 per cent of GDP target would be reached progressively. He outlined measures on higher education quality, international scholarships, hostel development, research funding, increased Mahapola and bursary payments, expanded access and allowances for students with disabilities, and school support for low-income children. He also noted ongoing recruitment to fill university academic vacancies and said broader reforms aim to develop human capital and prepare society for the 21st century. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda acknowledged past and current welfare measures in education, including textbooks, uniforms, scholarships, meals and the Rs. 6,000 allowance for low-income students, but argued that the Budget does not adequately invest in skills-based education or early childhood development. He questioned the lack of progress on pledges to establish early childhood centres and quality primary schools within specified distances, and suggested reviving cluster school models and improving preschool teacher training and remuneration. He also raised concerns over limited progress on the National Education Plan despite expenditure, the absence of a clear commitment to allocating 6% of GDP to education, and the failure to remove VAT from school supplies or address high sports equipment costs. He requested a more accurate mechanism for identifying low-income students so that assistance reaches those most in need. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne outlined Budget allocations for education under the theme “Quality, Equity and Excellence in Education,” highlighting Rs. 704 billion for the sector and planned expansion of teacher deployment and training. She focused on National Colleges of Education, noting the operationalization of the Korean-supported Kuliyapitiya facility, increased trainee admissions and allowances, curriculum revision, trainer recruitment, and higher allocations for infrastructure. She also cited funding for in-service teacher training, education digitalization, and measures to expedite examination results and scheduling. She called for stakeholder support for education reforms aimed at addressing inequality, learning outcomes, workforce readiness, and youth delays. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Progression rules under the 1994 Constitution were cited as 75 per cent by competitive examination and 25 per cent by competency assessment, and the “Subodhini” report was tabled for reference on qualifications and career pathways. Mahinda Jayasinghe said a sub-committee and a Ministry Expert Committee report are being used to establish an Education Council to professionalize teaching, set career levels, standardization, quality assurance and accreditation, and address salary anomalies through Cabinet decisions and legislation next year. He also acknowledged issues faced by teachers and principals, including administrative burdens and hardship allowances, and said discussions are underway on distance-based difficult area allowances. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the 2026 education allocation, stating it is the highest recent share of GDP at 2.04 per cent and has risen from Rs. 619 billion to Rs. 704 billion, with a commitment to increase it further in 2027. He outlined recruitment measures, including appointments to the Education Administrative Service and Teacher Educators’ Service, planned teacher and principal recruitments, and forthcoming gazettes to fill remaining vacancies. He addressed graduate teacher recruitment litigation, stating that court cases—not the Government—delayed the exam, and said two exams will be held next year for Development Officers and other graduates. He also said reforms are planned on principals’ recruitment and salary issues, and noted allowance increases for College of Education students, teachers in difficult areas, principals, and public-sector festival advances. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that education reforms should preserve the teaching of history and national heritage while prioritizing English proficiency in the public education system. He said past language-based political decisions had disadvantaged millions of children and proposed that the new Constitution’s Fundamental Rights chapter include broad guarantees such as free education, free health, social welfare, economic sectors, and good governance. He called for modernization of free education in line with global labour market needs, expanded opportunities for self-education through libraries, and drew on India’s IIT and IIM model as an example for building a more educated middle class. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s handling of education reforms, arguing that changes are being introduced without a coherent plan and that issues across pre-school, school, university and vocational sectors remain unresolved. He questioned delays in implementing the remaining “Subodhini” salary proposals, addressing teacher, principal, teacher educator, teacher advisor, non-academic and university staff salary anomalies, and filling shortages including principals, sports coaches and school support staff. He also demanded implementation of a court settlement for 16,600 Development Officers serving as trainee teachers and accused the Government of failing to honour manifesto pledges to provide 35,000 graduate jobs, including teaching and public-sector posts. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said education reform must be driven by coherent policy, strong institutions, adequate funding, and evidence-based planning, noting that past failures in these areas had undermined implementation despite the continued service of teachers, principals and officials. She outlined the Ministry’s four priorities—equity, quality, governance and evidence—and tabled a committee report on Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine as an example of institutional decision-making failures affecting quality and students’ rights. She stated that the 2026 education allocation of Rs. 704,308 million, or 2.04 percent of GDP, is the highest to date, while rejecting claims that the Government promised 6 percent of GDP in its first year, and said expenditure progress for 2025 had reached 69 percent including committed work. She also said the Ministry aims to improve responsiveness, reduce disparities including for children with disabilities, and operationalize curriculum reforms from 2026 with clearer targets and monitoring. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction to the relevant expenditure heads and criticised the Government for failing to meet its longstanding “6 percent of GDP for education” pledge, noting that allocations remain around 2 percent and that capital expenditure in 2025 has been poorly utilized. She argued that the current education reform process lacks clear authorship, targets, funding clarity, and adequate focus on equity, social justice, free education, nutrition and health safeguards. She asked the Minister to state which earlier reform committee recommendations have been incorporated and warned against proceeding without a scientific process, comparing the approach to the former Government’s organic farming policy. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer on the waste of palmyrah toddy and the proposed reactivation of the Thikkam Distillery, noting that it has not operated since 2012 and would require a minimum daily input of 30,000 litres from Northern Province districts. He said a 25-year lease had been signed in 2022 with Royal Cast (Pvt.) Ltd. to renovate and operate the facility, but protests by toddy-supplying co-operatives have delayed operations, with discussions ongoing to reach agreement. The answer also detailed previous budget allocations and construction works, returned funds, expected benefits of modernization, and broader Palmyrah Development Board projects for cultivation, value addition, marketing, training and co-operative strengthening. Oral Question: Palmyrah Toddy Waste and Thikkam Distillery Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake responded that the bridge renovation contract, begun by the Road Development Authority on 31 August 2023, was extended from 456 to 699 days, with completion now due on 30 July 2025. He said traffic has been limited to pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and three-wheelers to reduce risk and inconvenience, while flooding of the Kelani River affected pier construction but should have been anticipated. He stated that contractor underperformance is a major cause of delay, with some stronger companies already blacklisted, and that the RDA is expediting work through a temporary bridge, deck replacement preparations and fortnightly progress review meetings. Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) Read →