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- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law (on behalf of the Hon. Thilina Samarakoon) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to provide details on the procurement of tyres and tubes for Sri Lanka Transport Board buses, including suppliers, supply capacity, tender periods, standards, and quality adequacy. He also sought clarification on foreign exchange expenditure for current purchases and whether locally manufactured tyres and tubes could be used instead, asking for reasons if this is not possible. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage tabled a written response on staffing and disciplinary matters in Samurdhi-related offices in Vavuniya, giving approved cadre, in-position numbers and vacancies for the District Secretariat and divisional offices. He stated that recruitment to fill vacancies has been referred to the Committee on Public Service Staff Review at the Prime Minister’s Office and will proceed after approval, and that transfers may be granted according to service needs and officers’ requests. He also reported that, since the Department of Samurdhi Development was established in 2014, recruitment had occurred only in 2017 through a competitive examination. On alleged misuse of funds and fraudulent withdrawals linked to community-based banks, he tabled details of charge sheets, pending appeals, and ongoing or planned inquiries against named officers. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti supported the Adjournment Motion on the salt shortage affecting Kinniya’s fisheries sector and said suitable areas for local salt production, including Vilveli and Kachchakoditheevu, had been identified. He proposed technical support through National Salt Limited, better laboratory, storage and worker facilities, organization of producer associations, and concessional loans of up to Rs. 25 million at about 7 percent interest for private salterns and related livelihoods. He asked local representatives to identify further sites and potential entrepreneurs through district coordination mechanisms, and suggested starting a model salt production unit in Vilveli to meet local demand. Adjournment Motion: Improvement of Facilities for Salt Production in Kinniya DS Division Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported the Adjournment Motion on salt production in Kinniya, noting the area’s dense population and potential to expand local production. He argued that promoting salt production in Kinniya and other suitable districts could create employment, support regional development, reduce imports, and improve foreign exchange outcomes. He requested the Minister to send a study team, prepare work plans, provide training and loan facilities, and allocate funds in the next Budget to support salt producers. Adjournment Motion: Improvement of Facilities for Salt Production in Kinniya DS Division Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof moved an Adjournment Motion calling for government support to regularize and develop small-scale salt production in the Kinniya Divisional Secretariat area of Trincomalee District. He said around 300 families work across about 60 acres but face inadequate technical knowledge, storage, machinery, infrastructure, finance and market access, despite the area’s suitability for salt production. He requested site identification, training, laboratory facilities for iodization and grading, storage and road infrastructure, sluice gates, lighting, easier bank loans, youth engagement and Salt Corporation supervision to raise production to national market standards. Adjournment Motion: Improvement of Facilities for Salt Production in Kinniya DS Division Read →
- 21 November 2025 Hon. Members AI summary Parliament agreed to an amendment to Head 149, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, increasing the capital allocation for Programme 02 by Rs. 1.5 billion to Rs. 7,243.7 million, using provisions under Budget Proposals Nos. 10 and 11. The recurrent allocation of Rs. 3,655.2 million for the same programme was also approved. Allocations for Head 303, Department of Textile Industries, were then agreed to, with Rs. 391 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 80.6 million for capital expenditure under Programme 02. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 Mr. Presiding Member AI summary The Chair put and secured agreement to insert amended allocations under Head 124, Programme 02, into the Schedule, covering recurrent expenditure of Rs. 1,746.2 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 29,774 million. The Committee then approved allocations for the Department of Social Services under Head 216 and the Department of Samurdhi Development under Head 331, including their operational and development recurrent and capital expenditures. The proceedings then moved to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with stated allocations of Rs. 5,500 million recurrent and Rs. 6,000 million capital expenditure. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 Hon. Members AI summary Parliament agreed to amendments increasing the Schedule by Rs. 27,488.5 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 34,203 million for capital expenditure. It then approved allocations under Head 124, including Programme 01 recurrent expenditure of Rs. 280.7 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 25.5 million, with Programme 02 allocations noted at Rs. 1,657.7 million recurrent and Rs. 6,771 million capital expenditure. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026, the Minister moved an amendment on behalf of the Minister of Finance relating to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment. The amendment proposed revising the relevant expenditure allocations to Rs. 27,488,500,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 34,203,000,000 for capital expenditure. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti replied to the debate on the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, outlining its 2026 allocation of Rs. 7.329 billion and an additional Rs. 80 billion concessional credit facility for start-ups and enterprise expansion. He detailed planned public-private partnerships and investor calls for salt, graphite, Paranthan chemicals, Eppawela phosphate and mineral sands, while emphasizing value addition, productivity, and export-oriented industrial development. He reported reduced administrative costs, 78 per cent physical progress by September, upgrades to industrial estates, expanded artisan training and craft promotion, and plans to coordinate NEDA, SEDD and IDB under a single authority for greater efficiency. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Dr. Upali Pannilage defended the “Praja Shakthi” National Movement to Eradicate Rural Poverty, describing it as an integrated community-led development mechanism rather than a fund distribution scheme. He outlined its national and village-level structure, including Community Development Councils in all 14,008 active Grama Niladhari divisions, and said it transfers local development decision-making to communities with social audit mechanisms. He noted that Rs. 25,000 million has been allocated for 2026 and said welfare policy will combine assistance with empowerment, supported by government funds and World Bank and ADB assistance. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Minister to expedite the Millaniya Green Industry and Technology Zone in Raigama, Kalutara, noting that although basic infrastructure has resumed and been completed, the access road and factory construction have not begun despite an earlier target of January 2026. He said only 25 of the developable 60 acres have been developed, with further uncultivable land identified at Niuchatalwatta, and requested prompt, cross-party action to select investors and start construction to support employment. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to expedite the proposed integration of institutions such as the IDB and NEDA, improve coordination among industrial estates, and address shortcomings in estates under the Ministry and IDB. He highlighted delays and alleged administrative obstacles faced by exporters, particularly GI wire producers, and proposed delegated approval mechanisms and regular Exporters’ Forums to resolve issues quickly. He called for work to begin on the Kondachchy industrial estate in Mannar using existing land and funds, and advocated public-private partnerships, incubator programmes linked to universities, and stronger support for SMEs and export-oriented ventures. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Wasantha Piyathissa defended the Praja Shakthi programme as a lawful, grassroots development mechanism and rejected Opposition criticism by attributing administrative delays and economic collapse to shortcomings of previous governments. He said the Government had intervened in the Hingurana Sugar Factory dispute between Gal Oya Plantation Company and cane farmers, including discussions on temporary paddy cultivation for interim farmer income, though the Board had not approved the proposal. Outlining his Ministry’s welfare work, he cited increased elderly allowances for 800,000 low-income beneficiaries, disability allowances for 162,588 persons, skills training for youth with disabilities, and new service-access systems for persons with speech impairments. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna criticised the Budget for, in his view, providing no meaningful allocation for the Northern Province, despite earlier announcements of Rs. 5,000 million for Northern development and allocations for roads in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu that he said remained largely unspent. He urged Ministers to visit the North, address roads, hospitals, markets, passport services and other basic needs, and ensure that new allocations, including Rs. 150 million for grounds, are actually utilised. He also said he speaks for Muslim communities in Puttalam and estate communities because their concerns are not being adequately represented, and referred to threats made against him and to past Tamil administration structures while arguing for development support for the North and East. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga supported the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy, reduced the budget deficit, and is pursuing an entrepreneurial and export-oriented development strategy. She cited the National Export Development Plan, Rs. 1,799 million for export promotion, a five-year export target of USD 36 billion, the current year target of USD 18 billion, and reported progress including USD 13 billion in exports by mid-year and 482 new exporters in 10 months. She also highlighted measures such as assigning export targets to ambassadors, setting targets through district and divisional administrations, introducing a VAT refund system for tourists, and convening the Export Development Council of Ministers under the President. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Clarifying the elderly allowance, Dr. Upali Pannilage stated that the Central Government pays Rs. 5,000 per month, increased from Rs. 3,000, and does not provide a Rs. 500 payment. He suggested that the Rs. 500 referred to by another Member may be a Provincial Council payment. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Industry Minister to move beyond blaming past governments and implement decisive economic and industrial reforms, including reducing the overall tax burden, lowering SME interest rates to 5–6 percent, and creating one million young entrepreneurs. He questioned aspects of debt management, the declaration of bankruptcy, EPF disclosure under IMF-related public debt management, and the impact of exchange rate depreciation on the debt burden. He called for a strategic approach to para-tariffs, sugar sector reform, faster industrial land allocation, stronger BOI and IDB coordination, updated industrial laws, wider market access, and targeted investment incentives linked to agriculture and import substitution. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that MSMEs, which he said contribute about 52 percent of GDP, remain severely affected by COVID-19, the economic crisis, high interest rates, and parate enforcement, and called for stronger relief measures including attention to concerns raised by MSME chambers. He criticized the proposed reduction of the VAT registration threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million, saying it would burden small producers and raise prices, and tabled documents outlining ten key issues faced by the sector. On rural development and social protection, he called for time-bound pathways to lift beneficiaries out of poverty, contrasting Janasaviya’s graduation model with the later Samurdhi programme, and also urged attention to the declining economic position of middle-class public servants. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe raised concerns over 83 employees of the Pulmoddai Plant of Lanka Mineral Sands Company who have not received salaries for 15 months despite protests and appeals, and urged the Minister of Industries to settle both arrears and current salaries. He contrasted this with 17 temporary appointees from Galle District who are receiving pay and facilities, and requested discussions with the affected workers. He also asked that Ampara and Trincomalee Districts be included in the Ministry’s national programme to create 1,000 young entrepreneurs, particularly through provisions in the 2026 Budget. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →