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- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala cited improvements in public finance, stating that government revenue increased from 13.6 to 16.7 per cent of GDP, the budget deficit narrowed from 6.8 to 2.3 per cent, and the primary balance rose from 2.2 to 5.4 per cent in 2025. He argued that these results reflected a disciplined recovery programme and warned that obstructing continued economic progress would harm future generations. He also criticized the absence of Opposition Members during the debate. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala argued that Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis must be understood in the context of institutional politicization, policy failures, debt distress, and shocks such as the Easter attacks and COVID-19, which he said led to bankruptcy and shortages of essential imports. He said the Government’s post-crisis programme prioritized stabilization through the Central Bank and Treasury, restoration of public and international confidence, and a strategic growth plan. Citing the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review, he highlighted growth in agriculture, industry, and services, and pointed to measures such as the “Urumaya” land rights programme and support for SMEs as contributing to food security, productivity, and industrial recovery. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara JJB AI summary The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara supported the CBSL Annual Economic Review 2025, arguing that it reflected economic recovery under stable and transparent policy management rather than a political narrative. He cited sustained GDP growth of about 5 per cent, improved inflation management toward the 5 per cent target, stable food and energy prices despite external pressures, and lower interest rates that expanded private sector credit. He also noted the relaxation of vehicle import restrictions as part of efforts to revive commerce and market activity. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Responding to media reports, the Deputy Minister rejected claims that the Government was seeking to weaken the Right to Information framework, stating that discussions with civil society concerned strengthening the RTI Commission through staffing, digitization, improved allowances, premises, proactive disclosure, and possible legal amendments. She also defended the Government’s approach to media freedom and questioned opposition to a proposed National Media Policy. Turning to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s 2025 report, she highlighted growth, improved labour force participation, falling unemployment, and sectoral expansion, arguing that economic gains were driven by workers and supported by public spending on health, education, and transport. She called on the Opposition to engage constructively and avoid spreading inaccurate claims. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri defended the Government’s response to the Middle East war-related crisis, citing a Rs. 100 billion relief package and increases to Aswesuma, fertilizer subsidies, and fuel and vessel support for fishers. He rejected opposition claims regarding unpaid allowances, lack of cyclone assistance, and non-payment of fertilizer subsidies in Polonnaruwa, providing figures on payments and fertilizer distribution. He argued that the Government inherited a bankrupt and halted economy in 2024, but has since improved economic conditions and public confidence, while criticizing the opposition’s conduct and asserting the Government’s commitment to village-level development. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, speaking during the debate on the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review, questioned the consistency and credibility of official economic data, including claims on growth, reserves, remittances, revenue, debt and Central Bank profits, and asked how much of the reported Rs. 193 billion profit was remitted to the Government. He cited recent alleged frauds and cyber-related incidents across banks and public institutions, and argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen safeguards while preparing for external shocks. He criticized reliance on IMF-linked measures such as fuel and electricity price increases and rupee depreciation, arguing that devaluation had increased the debt burden and interest costs, and called for more localized growth-oriented solutions, stronger revenue collection, broader tax compliance and greater urgency on exports, trade and investment. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith Agalakada JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Agalakada said the Central Bank report for the first full year after the Government assumed office showed significant improvements in revenue, fiscal deficit, primary balance, per capita income, remittances, tourism, and growth following an inherited economic crisis. He argued that the Government reduced the deficit from 6.8 to 2.3 per cent of GDP, exceeded the IMF primary balance target, and increased state revenue to 16.7 per cent of GDP through disciplined, collective, and data-based governance. He contrasted these results with past economic mismanagement and said allocations were now made fairly across districts based on need rather than political influence. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. R. M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Central Bank report for 2025 shows broad improvement in economic indicators compared with 2024, while also identifying sectoral setbacks, including declines after the November natural disaster that affected tourism, construction, and development work. He rejected opposition criticism as not grounded in the report and said the Government had stabilized the economy while managing debt-service obligations and increasing scholarships, child benefits, public-sector salaries, and pensions. He cited Northern development initiatives including the Northern Coconut Triangle, fisheries harbour development, and over Rs. 5,000 million for road projects, and said the Government was preparing for 2026 by addressing disaster impacts and external energy shocks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam welcomed reported economic recovery in the Central Bank’s 2025 review but argued that stronger growth requires reducing regional disparities, particularly by increasing the North and East’s contribution to national output. He called for a special government plan for industrialization, investment, infrastructure, ports and airports, and development of livestock, agriculture and fisheries in those provinces. He also raised an allegation that about 40 acres of reserved forest in Vavuniya near the University had been cleared with possible Forest Department involvement, while local farmers and cattle herders face restrictions. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir argued that official economic figures should be tested against living costs faced by people, citing increases in fertilizer, milk powder, fuel, and the dollar rate, and questioned whether vehicle import LCs had contributed to exchange-rate pressure. He urged the Government and Opposition to move beyond blame over past administrations and work collectively to rebuild the economy. Representing Puttalam, he called for urgent action on severe flooding, including proper canals and drainage, noting damage to salt pans, prawn farms, public buildings, and livelihoods, and asked the Government to provide immediate relief and long-term flood-management solutions. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s economic record by citing the Central Bank report, arguing that GDP, per capita income, reserves, tourism, exports and employment indicators improved in 2024, while rejecting Opposition claims about debt growth and vehicle prices as false. He contrasted these figures with the records of previous UNP and SLPP-led administrations, alleging that past growth was accompanied by excessive debt, currency depreciation and weak fiscal outcomes. He also highlighted changes to political practices, including a smaller Cabinet, reduced benefits for MPs and limits on vehicle permits, and outlined disaster-relief payments provided after the 2024 floods and landslides. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that current economic improvements are not sufficiently visible at village level and credited growth and infrastructure foundations to the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration, citing per capita income, GDP, growth rates, and projects such as expressways, ports, Norochcholai, Port City and Uma Oya. He said the opposition would support genuine economic strengthening, but raised concern over Victory Day commemorations in the North, alleging separatist symbols and rhetoric and urging government action against such activities. He also requested that Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd. workers who had served unpaid be absorbed into the approved 102 vacancies, rather than being displaced through open recruitment, citing a prior ministerial assurance. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila defended the government’s handling of the 2025 economy during the debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review, rejecting Opposition claims of economic collapse and instability in the exchange rate. He cited public sector salary increases, estate worker wage increases, grassroots programmes such as Praja Shakthi, and May Day participation as evidence of public support and policy delivery. He outlined plans to strengthen village economies, agriculture, dairy production, and livestock, including raising daily milk output from about 1 million to 3 million litres and bringing fallow fields back into cultivation. He also emphasized national reconciliation among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities as part of economic recovery. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticised the Government’s economic management, arguing that the rupee depreciation, rising cost of living, inflationary pressure and increased borrowing show that the country is returning to crisis conditions similar to 2021-2022. She questioned the effectiveness of the Central Bank and its Governor, alleging that political leadership lacks the capacity to respond to economic risks and that public confidence in the Government’s ability to manage the economy is declining. She also raised district-level concerns in Matale, citing unresolved resettlement and relief issues after Cyclone “Dittha” and tabling data on relief payments and deaths, while referring to a District Secretariat circular showing limited progress in housing assistance for high-risk beneficiaries. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera defended the Government’s 2025 economic programme, arguing that reserves in the previous period were built through debt non-servicing, import controls, and stalled development, while the current administration used reserves to resume debt servicing, lift restrictions, restart development projects, and expand employment. He said the Government had chosen a people-centred path different from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s approach, citing higher-than-expected growth and improvements in governance indicators, including the Corruption Perceptions Index. He also rejected Opposition claims on fertilizer support and housing, asserting that agriculture inputs had been provided through official systems and criticizing unfinished housing projects from the Opposition Leader’s tenure. He urged the Opposition to act responsibly in the current global and domestic economic context. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri argued that the Government is claiming credit for economic indicators, such as reserves, remittances, the balance of payments and the primary balance, which he said were largely achieved under the previous administration before the current President and Parliament took office. He accused the Government of failing to fulfil election promises on matters including fuel and electricity prices, public sector salaries, prosecutions, Easter attacks investigations and compensation pledges, while cost-of-living pressures remain severe. He also said policies previously criticised by the NPP, such as Sajith Premadasa’s sanitary pad initiative and smart education tools, had since been adopted or left unaddressed, and called for “true intellectuals” to join in building an alternative economic, political and social programme. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy reflected on May remembrance events in the North and East, recalling civilian suffering and disappearances during the final stages of the war and welcoming the absence of obstruction to commemorations on 18 May. He said the Government and President had committed to preventing another war and to pursuing truth and justice for victims, including Tamil communities. Supporting the Adjournment Motion on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review for 2025, he argued that Sri Lanka had moved from the 2022 economic collapse toward stability through structural reforms, citing improved reserves, single-digit inflation, GDP exceeding USD 100 billion, and per capita income above USD 5,000, while noting continuing external risks and the need to unlock regional economic potential. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Government’s presentation of the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review, arguing that claimed economic improvements are not felt by the public amid rupee depreciation, higher taxes, and rising prices of essentials. He compared the situation to the Gotabaya Rajapaksa period, questioned the Government’s record on production, reserves, and completed development projects, and said farmers are facing higher fertilizer costs, shortages, and inadequate crop prices. He further alleged politicization of public administration, underutilization of capital allocations, rising poverty, and policy uncertainty, while warning that agricultural output may decline. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage argued that the Government’s economic management had restored growth from the 2022 contraction to about 5 per cent in 2025, exceeded revenue expectations, and raised per capita GDP above USD 5,000. He said fiscal gains had been directed to public relief, citing public sector salary increases up to 2027, higher Mahapola scholarships, increased estate worker wages, and the resumption of stalled construction and development projects. He rejected Opposition criticisms, stating that the Government had maintained stability despite external pressures through measured interventions, including import controls. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala, during the debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, argued that the weakening rupee and rising dollar rate were increasing import costs, inflation, and hardship for households, and questioned the Government’s claim that the economy had stabilized. He said tourism arrival figures should be judged by actual foreign exchange earnings, comparing them unfavourably with pre-Easter attack levels. He also raised concerns about public officials being reluctant to take decisions following a remittance error involving USD 2.5 million, and criticized delays in post-“Ditva” cyclone housing and land allocation, urging the Government to focus on delivery rather than blaming the Opposition. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →