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 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Government’s fuel pricing and revenue management, stating that CPC-related figures had fallen from Rs. 27 billion in the first six months of 2024 to Rs. 17 billion in the same period of 2025 while pump prices had not reflected larger declines in international fuel indices. He alleged a lack of transparency in the monthly fuel pricing formula, windfall gains to connected parties, and irregular lubricant sales causing losses, and requested investigations into these matters. Citing the Auditor General’s 2023 report, he said recoveries had not been made for delayed deliveries, off-specification stocks, and shipping short-landings, including alleged dues of US$ 4.39 million and US$ 27 million to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged irregularities in a tender process, noting that while most companies quoted with tax, one quoted without tax on the same day a Gazette was issued, suggesting prior knowledge of the tax change. He called on the President, as Minister of Finance, to investigate who was responsible if the Government is committed to opposing theft and fraud. He also referred to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation earning Rs. 27 billion in the first six months of 2024. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that past opposition to energy infrastructure, power plants and CEB restructuring contributed to current electricity sector problems. He questioned the costs of the Sobadanavi and Sahasdanavi projects, citing figures he said showed high capacity and unit charges, and asked for clear timelines on converting diesel-based thermal plants to LNG. He also raised concerns over a battery energy storage tender, alleging that one bidder’s tax-excluded bid appeared to anticipate a tax exemption gazette issued around the tender opening, and called for scrutiny of possible insider information. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody outlined Sri Lanka’s energy resource potential, including hydropower, wind, solar, storage materials, and possible offshore gas, while arguing that past governments failed to anticipate global energy and climate trends and mismanaged power planning. He said Budget 2026 would initiate hydrogen-related work and prioritize grid-scale battery storage, including proposed private participation for about 160 MW/640 MWh, to manage evening peak demand and support renewable integration. He also noted that gas indications in the Cauvery Basin require transparent assessment of economic viability. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna urged the Government to release Tamil political prisoners, citing the death of Anandhasuthakaran and the hardship faced by affected families. During the Power and Energy Ministry Vote, he tabled documents alleging corruption in a 2024 solar power project in Kilinochchi and Poonakary, including claims of facilitation payments, land misuse, and the creation of a new company after legal issues over EPF/ETF payments. He also raised concerns about public statements on road development, called for Puttalam Hospital to be made at least a Teaching Hospital, and challenged the President to act on the corruption dossier he had submitted. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake said energy policy should ensure affordable, reliable and quality supply, supported by a publicly centred institutional structure. He stated that the Government revised an earlier draft law by restructuring the sector into four core State-owned entities for generation, transmission, distribution and system operation, while emphasizing the need for stronger transmission and distribution investment, particularly to integrate renewables and improve rural service. He argued for cost-reflective utility management with transparent Treasury-funded targeted subsidies, and outlined priorities including renewable expansion, grid-scale storage, green hydrogen and power-to-X technologies. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary During the Budget debate on the Ministry of Power and Energy Vote, Mrs. Geetha Herath outlined reforms under the amended Electricity Act, including the unbundling of Ceylon Electricity Board functions into four fully state-owned entities for generation, transmission, distribution, and system operation, while assuring protection of employee rights and consumer interests. She said the Government is promoting renewable energy and competitive electricity markets within a state-owned framework, alongside investment in energy security measures such as refinery expansion, development of the Trincomalee tank farm, EV charging stations, fuel storage expansion, and modernization of the Colombo Port–Kolonnawa pipeline. She also noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has returned to profitability and that the Ministry’s initiatives are aimed at reliable supply, reduced import dependence, and economic development. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran said the Government had improved power and fuel infrastructure in the Northern Province, including establishing oil storage at Kankesanthurai, preparing rail-based fuel transport, and setting up a fuel station in Neduntivu through the local Co-operative Society. He outlined renewable energy measures for island communities, including wind and solar installations in Nainativu, Analaitivu and Neduntivu, and said further wind farm approvals around Mannar would be restricted following public protests, with future projects directed to less populated areas such as Poonakary. He also referred to studies on electric fishing craft and the rollout of EV charging points, stating that these initiatives were part of the Government’s development approach for the North. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government’s energy sector management, alleging contradictions in the appointment of the Energy Minister and irregularities in wind power and battery-plus-solar tenders, including claims that procurement conditions favoured Chinese interests and excluded local consortia. He argued that promised reductions in electricity and fuel prices had not materialised and demanded that the Minister state when and by how much those prices would be reduced. He also raised a procedural concern as a COPE member, saying the summoning of a private entity without an Auditor-General’s report was contrary to Standing Orders and that any suspected wrongdoing should instead be referred to law enforcement or anti-corruption authorities. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government’s energy policy prioritizes energy security by expanding domestic renewable sources, particularly solar, wind and biomass, while managing the economic burden of petroleum imports and rising electricity demand. He outlined measures including EV charging infrastructure, modernization of the Sapugaskanda refinery, rehabilitation of the Trincomalee tank farm, and fuel price reductions linked to global prices and institutional efficiency. He criticized past petroleum and electricity sector management, stating that new solar and wind procurement has reduced unit costs, with about 700 MW of solar added to the grid and 150 MW of wind tendered. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar criticised the Government’s energy policy, alleging that electricity and fuel pricing decisions overstate losses, protect institutional profits, and pass costs to consumers despite CEB profits and the legal role of the PUCSL in tariff adjustments. He raised concerns over electricity sector reform appointments, blackout follow-up measures, LNG and battery tenders, solar buyback policy, and alleged irregularities in a Trincomalee solar project linked to ministerial influence. He called for lower electricity and fuel costs, grace periods before power disconnections, progress on the Trincomalee oil tanks, transparency in anti-drug operations, and fulfilment of Government promises on taxes, fuel, food, education and health. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva questioned whether the 2025 amendments to the Electricity Act had reversed the intended unbundling of the CEB and weakened prospects for private investment, governance reform, and tariff reduction. He asked for clarity on the restructuring master plan, expert input, due diligence, timelines, and accountability, citing opposition from engineers and concerns over entities such as LTL Holdings. He argued that Budget allocations for transmission and sector development fall far short of the stated USD 5 billion investment need, and questioned the cost implications of high-interest external borrowing. He proposed using part of additional fuel tax revenue to create a dedicated fund to subsidize solar PV storage batteries. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. D. V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D. V. Chanaka rejected allegations relating to a 2018 wedding, stating that any security lighting for presidential protection was generator-powered and paid for, and noting that he only became a Deputy Minister in September 2022. He argued that the previous administration took office amid severe power cuts and fuel queues and later returned state institutions to profitability, and defended the President’s use of the term “papisi.” Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary During the Energy Ministry estimates debate, R. M. Gamini Rathnayake criticized a former Deputy Minister over an alleged unpaid CEB electricity bill linked to a 2019 event. He said the Government had abandoned previous plans to restructure the CEB into 12 companies and instead, through the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Act, would operate it under four state companies while protecting employees, noting voluntary retirement applications and secured jobs. He argued that future energy policy would shift away from costly fossil fuels toward renewables, targeting 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and addressing projected demand growth through more transparent procurement and long-term planning. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. D. V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D. V. Chanaka argued that the halting of major power projects, including the Sampur coal plant and the fourth stage of Norochcholai, caused large financial losses and higher electricity costs, contributing to Sri Lanka’s energy and foreign exchange crises. He said rooftop and ground-mounted solar with battery storage should now be expanded, noting he had proposed such measures earlier, and defended a vocational training project linked to the Reggie Ranatunga Foundation as privately funded and provided free to the State. He questioned the proposed import of 1,700 diesel cabs for the public sector in light of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy and carbon-neutral commitments, and urged the Government to develop offshore wind potential in the Mannar basin to reduce electricity bills. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka argued that recent renewable energy projects being claimed by the Government, including the 50 MW Mannar project and Siyambalanduwa solar project, were largely initiated, tendered, evaluated, or signed under the previous administration. He said the Government’s role was limited in these cases and cautioned against taking credit for prior groundwork or for private sector investments. He also criticized the JVP’s past opposition to hydropower projects such as Uma Oya, claiming it harmed the power sector by obstructing low-cost electricity generation. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody contrasted past and current electricity procurement prices, stating that a previous 50 MW project was secured at just over 4 cents while two 50 MW units are now at just over 3 cents. He emphasized the lower current pricing as a point of comparison in the debate. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake criticized government micromanagement of private-sector competition, arguing that forcing CPC to take Rs. 8.5 million in shares would deter companies seeking to retain control. He warned against inconsistent policy signals and said such an approach could leave the Trade Minister attempting to import rice without funds. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody clarified issues raised on LECO vehicle purchases and the LTL Holdings IPO. He said LECO’s vehicle allocation was reduced from Rs. 622 million to Rs. 466 million for 17 vehicles, but procurement had been initiated by officials without the Chairman’s knowledge and would be cancelled after review. He also stated that LTL Holdings had withdrawn its IPO in writing because it no longer required funds. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to work constructively with the private sector to reduce energy costs, arguing that lowering unit prices to around Rs. 18–20 would improve industrial competitiveness. He also called for coordination with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the IMF to allow investment while providing targeted relief. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →