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. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB AI summary The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that the current Budget includes provisions to promote relevant courses and increase allocations to certain institutions. He acknowledged minor discrepancies at some centres, said steps are being taken to correct them, and indicated that course fees, payments, and allocations will be revised in the next Budget. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Training Centres in Tamil Medium (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel raised a supplementary question on training centres in Badulla, citing inadequate meal and facility allocations for students attending courses. She said the newly started course at the Bandarawela Neluwa Centre had only Rs. 300 per student allocated for meals, while some centres had no allocation, causing students to bear costs and leading to the course stalling. She asked whether funds could be allocated this year or next year to continue such courses with proper facilities. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Training Centres in Tamil Medium (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that EPF administration by the Department of Labour and fund management by the Central Bank currently operate as separate systems, limiting continuous real-time access to member information. He said a joint programme with the Central Bank’s EPF management unit is under way to integrate these systems into a single online data platform, enabling employees and employers to access contribution and benefit services without visiting offices in person. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha explained that the EPF has established procedures and downloadable forms for updating member information and nominating beneficiaries. He said beneficiary claims require verification because of possible third-party interests, so the process cannot be handled entirely online without risking disputes. He acknowledged low public awareness among employees and beneficiaries and stated that the Department of Labour would take steps to improve it. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga asked whether employees who initially nominate parents or siblings for benefits through the ABH form are required to submit a separate form after marriage or having children to update the nomination, or whether changes occur automatically. She highlighted disputes that arise after an employee’s death when spouses seek benefits and requested that the Ministry of Labour implement a clearer process to inform employees about updating nominations. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister stated that EPF members can currently access account information online and by SMS, but automatic messaging is limited because the Central Bank’s EPF Department does not hold members’ telephone numbers or addresses in its existing records. He said SMS updates are being introduced for pre-retirement and regular benefit applications, as well as for unresolved name, NIC and account amendments. He further said the Government is developing an integrated digital system linking the Central Bank and Department of Labour to enable unified EPF/ETF payments, online member services, automated notifications, complaint management, labour inspection monitoring, and KYC-based verification. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Labour whether Employees’ Provident Fund members can access their account balances and credited contributions online, and if not, what steps are being taken and when such a system will begin. She also sought clarification on whether the Department of Labour is considering auto-generated messages to members and, if so, the specific areas targeted by that service. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary An amendment to the 2026 Appropriation Bill was moved on behalf of the Minister of Finance to create a new Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation expenditure head. It reallocates recurrent and capital provisions from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Mass Transit and Civil Aviation and the Department of National Budget, in line with Extraordinary Gazette No. 2458/65 of 18 October 2025. The amendment sets out allocations for the new ministerial head and brings the Office of the Registrar of Merchant Shipping under the new Ministry. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 Mr. Presiding Member AI summary Parliament approved the allocations for Head 332, Department of National Community Water Supply, under Programme 01, Operational Activities. The agreed sums were Rs. 640 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 3 billion for capital expenditure, both of which were ordered to stand part of the Schedule. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to Opposition criticisms during the committee stage debate on the expenditure heads for housing, construction, water supply, transport, highways and urban development. He said labour disputes at the National Housing Development Authority stemmed from earlier recruitments and terminations and must await appellate court decisions, and argued that many past housing schemes were launched without proper planning, creating unfinished or unoccupied units now requiring substantial budgetary allocations. He outlined current allocations for low-income, Colombo-area, resettlement, landslide-risk and partially completed housing projects, emphasizing participatory construction and planned PPPs for middle-income housing, while also noting steps to regularize or retender car park management in Colombo housing schemes. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman criticised the low reported 2025 progress of the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, alleging that Budget proposals, housing projects, the UDA National Physical Plan, and waste management allocations had not been effectively implemented. He called for a comprehensive Pettah multi-modal transport hub instead of piecemeal upgrades, and urged action over alleged irregular alienation of National Housing Development Authority lands and misuse of residents’ parking areas in Maligawatta. He also raised concerns about RDA expenditure, engineer shortages and possible trade union action, requested urgent ministerial engagement with engineers, questioned delays in resurfacing Japan Friendship Road, and referred to the unresolved appointment of the Auditor-General. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said collection of the Embarkation Levy would resume after Finance Act-related legal steps, with companies already submitting and following payment plans. He outlined plans to expand Ratmalana Airport private operations by negotiating a reduced no-fly zone and adding an Instrument Landing System, rejected claims about paddy storage at Mattala, and said its challenges stem from location and feasibility issues. He said Colombo Port had a 2050 Master Plan and that accelerated work on the East Container Terminal had raised quay wall and yard progress, enabling two large vessels to berth, while interim truck-based operations would be used until straddle carriers arrive. He also said design work had begun for WCT 2 to support future regional port capacity. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said a new scoring system for driving licences has been designed and approved by the National Transport Commission Board, with Cabinet approval to be sought, while issues concerning Acting Station Masters and SLTB recruitment are being handled through the Management Services Department and a second round of interviews. He outlined ministry performance targets, stating that 2025 progress stood at 65.83 per cent by 31 October and is expected to reach 88 per cent by year-end, with improvements also targeted in foreign-funded programmes. He argued that Sri Lanka has historically overfunded highways relative to public transport and said the Government is gradually increasing the public transport share, including through the Lanka Metro Bus Company, upgraded bus stands, and cashless fare payments with no added cost to passengers. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake provided timelines for sections of the Central Expressway, stating that Kadawatha–Mirigama is targeted for 1 September 2028, Pothuhera–Rambukkana for March 2027 with an expectation of earlier completion, and the full project by 2029. He said funds for Dambulla land compensation had been allocated by the President while the funding source is being finalized. He also said advertising on roads should be considered with road safety as the priority, and urged media responsibility, warning against content that incites the public. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara conveyed condolences over the Lower Kadugannawa incident and said state intervention would be pursued to prevent similar tragedies. Speaking on the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, he outlined allocations and progress under the National Community Water Supply Department, including Rs. 2,701 million for 2025 and nearly Rs. 3,000 million for 2026. He highlighted severe drinking water shortages in upland areas of Kegalle District, particularly in the Aranayake electorate, and noted ongoing projects, feasibility studies, rehabilitation works, and planned completion of 146 projects in 2026 to expand and improve community water supply. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera criticized the Opposition for lacking constructive proposals and said the Government’s 2026 Budget addresses long-standing water supply problems, including low pressure, interruptions, and quality concerns in areas such as Homagama, Kaduwela, and Maharagama. He highlighted two planned projects: a Rs. 200 million Greater Colombo water and wastewater management initiative to reduce non-revenue water from about 50 per cent to 18 per cent, and a Rs. 3,995 million Ambatale energy conservation project to modernize pumping, pipelines, and automation systems. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged the Government to resume and complete housing projects halted after the Yahapalana period, citing 47,093 incomplete houses nationally and 5,798 in Hambantota District, with residents lacking roofs, water, and electricity. He questioned why only 35 per cent of the 2025 Housing Ministry allocation had been utilized and requested district-level reports and a funding estimate to be presented to Parliament. He proposed extending the current Rs. 1 million housing grant to these incomplete houses and writing off previous Rs. 600,000 housing loans for affected low-income families, with parliamentary support. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about the incomplete restoration of train services after rehabilitation of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line, specifically citing the non-resumption of the “Uttara Devi” service and the Mail Train to Talaimannar. He requested urgent action to address signalling and operational delays on the line, and called for better management of underutilized Railway Department lands. He also urged modernization of SLTB services, including the introduction of modern buses and CCTV in buses, to improve public transport quality and efficiency. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Housing Minister to maintain clear housing targets, citing past national housing programmes and the Mahaweli project, and requested funding to complete stalled housing projects in Anuradhapura without political discrimination. He asked that unresolved deeds in Ranaviru villages, including Ipalogama, be issued, and proposed an amnesty or legal process for service deserters to either rejoin or be discharged to reduce their involvement in crime. He also called for an inquiry into an allegation that the National Housing Development Authority Chairman summoned District Secretaries to Colombo against the Minister’s instruction, causing unnecessary public expenditure. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary The Minister responded to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition regarding pensions and allowances for disabled war veterans. He stated that disability allowances, permanent allowances, pensions, post-55 entitlements, and the “Mother-Father Protection Allowance” have not been suspended, and said a Cabinet paper has been submitted with discussions held with the Treasury to address these matters. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →