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- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Ministry of Labour, framing them as aligned with modernizing the public service and supporting workers. He defended the National People’s Power’s authority in the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, arguing that recent steps to constitute the council reflected the local election mandate and legal process. He raised concerns about Public Service Commission decisions to increase the pass mark for efficiency barrier examinations from 40 to 50 and reduce attempts from six to three, asking whether the Ministry, Minister and officials had been consulted. He urged authorities to avoid creating conflict with public servants and trade unions or curtailing existing rights, and noted that the Sectoral Oversight Committee had already directed the Ministry Secretary to intervene. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha – Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development AI summary Upali Samarasingha noted that the 2026 Budget allocates substantial funds to Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and highlighted continuing post-war development gaps in the Northern Province, particularly in the Vanni District. He requested the Minister’s special attention to shortages of heavy machinery in local authorities and significant staff vacancies in Northern provincial ministries and departments, arguing these must be addressed for local bodies to function effectively. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara sought clarifications from the Minister on whether the Budget includes a programme to resolve pending pension issues for those who retired between 2020 and 2024. He also asked whether steps would be taken to fill over 5,000 Management Assistant vacancies by appointing candidates selected through limited competitive examinations. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan raised concerns about inadequate staffing, buildings, and service coverage in Divisional Secretariats, Pradeshiya Sabhas, and Grama Niladhari divisions in Nuwara Eliya District, particularly Norwood, Talawakelle, Walapane, Hanguranketha, and Kothmale. He requested the creation of additional DSDs and local authorities, recruitment of more GNs and Management Assistants, salary improvements, and appointment of unemployed graduates to fill service gaps. He also called for plantation communities to receive public services directly through GNs and DSDs without dependence on estate management, and requested fire engines for local bodies and a resolution to salary liabilities arising from the Ambagamuwa PS split. He further urged the Government to retain Provincial Councils, make any necessary legal amendments, and hold Provincial Council elections without delay. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha defended the Government’s references to past economic mismanagement and said the debt default of April 2022 made it necessary to examine the preceding 76 years. He stated that Provincial Council and Local Government elections would be held, with funds available and new legislation to correct flaws in the electoral framework, and denied allegations of buying councillors. He highlighted Budget measures for public servants, including restoration and adjustment of pension benefits, phased salary increases totaling Rs. 330 billion, recruitment of 76,782 officers, regularisation of about 9,800 staff, higher allowances, disaster loan allocations, and subsidised housing loans. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam called for corrections to administrative arrangements in the North, including a dedicated Pradeshiya Sabha for Manal Aar and separate Pradeshiya Sabhas for areas where one council covers multiple DSDs, citing service delivery problems and revenue constraints. He raised concerns over Mahaweli “L” Zone resettlement, land and irrigation disputes, the Triwaitku Lake claim, and the Kivul Oya project, requesting an inter-ethnic committee to ensure equitable benefits and protect ancestral lands. He also urged appointments to address staff shortages in local authorities, better assessment and tax collection systems, heavy machinery for war-affected resettlement areas, and full implementation of Provincial Council provisions alongside the allocated funding for elections. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister AI summary The Minister said any complaint to the Bribery Commission could be corrected or withdrawn and urged that a consistent position be taken on the matter. He stated that the Government was acting to ensure estate workers receive what is due to them, including through a reimbursement mechanism, and called for support for the initiative. He also asserted that the Government had fulfilled commitments to workers, State employees and pensioners. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe defended current vehicle imports as necessary to restore basic operations in local authorities and government offices, citing shortages and unusable equipment such as gully bowsers, loaders, bulldozers, tractors and official vehicles. He said the next batch would include 100 gully bowsers, 175 tractors, 100 water bowsers, 160 tippers, 75 motor graders and other vehicles, with allocations made to all local authorities regardless of political control. He argued that maintaining about 4,000 old vehicles under the Ministry of Local Government costs around Rs. 3,350 million annually and that replacing unusable vehicles is more practical than repeated repairs. He rejected claims that the vehicles were being imported for political supporters, stating that MPs and officials would receive only operational vehicles where needed, including cabs to be returned after five years. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development AI summary The Minister responded to Opposition concerns about procuring vehicles, stating that many existing State vehicles have been auctioned or are unsuitable for official use due to high fuel consumption and maintenance costs. He said the procurement process is proceeding with Procurement Committee approval, seven bidders have responded, and any alleged violation could be challenged legally. He added that questions on LECO vehicles and an alleged Benz purchase should be taken up during the Power Ministry Vote. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over pensioners, particularly those who retired between 2020 and 2024, and proposed a non-partisan committee, interim allowances, payment of arrears, and fulfilment of the pledged 15 per cent senior citizens’ interest scheme. He requested improved allowances and recognition for registrars, implementation of the Grama Niladhari service minute and related allowances, restoration of fuel support, and action against alleged politicization of welfare programmes. He also urged adequate benefits under Agrahara insurance, warned that proposed recurrent expenditure limits could weaken local authorities, and called for consultations with local council chairs. Referring to the Trincomalee incident and media allegations of narcotics links, he called for stronger action to preserve religious harmony, a National Cohesion Committee, proper law enforcement, and a survey and redeployment of surplus vehicles before any new vehicle procurement. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna – Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary The Minister said Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha and similar hung local authorities show the need for dialogue on local government electoral reform, noting that limited amendments were previously made to allow elections following a Supreme Court direction and with party leaders’ agreement. He outlined public service measures since 2025, including Cabinet-approved recruitment of about 76,982 officers, graduate and teacher appointments, intakes to island-wide services, Management Service Officers, ICT, translators, librarians, drivers, technical officers, Grama Niladharis and registrars. He also said the 2025 Budget salary and allowance increases were implemented from April 2025 under circular 10/2025, with Rs. 330 billion allocated over 2025-2027, and referenced expanded training for public officers under an MoU with India’s NCGG. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala moved the standard Cut-off Motion for the Committee Stage heads of expenditure and emphasized the wide administrative scope of the relevant Ministry, including Provincial Councils, local authorities, Divisional Secretariats and Grama Niladhari divisions. He criticized Government claims about the state of the economy when it assumed office, citing GDP and per capita income figures to argue that the crisis predated the current administration and that recent nominal growth reflected exchange rate effects. He raised concerns over delays and alleged irregularities in constituting local authorities after the Local Government elections, including defeated budgets and disputes in bodies such as Seethawaka, Anamaduwa and Mawathagama. He also urged the Government to proceed with Provincial Council elections, noting past errors under the Yahapalana administration and referring to the Attorney General’s view that a return to the previous electoral system could be enabled through Parliament. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Upali Samarasingha tabled an answer on an inquiry into a co-operative society under Section 46(1) of the Central Province Co-operative Societies Statute. The answer stated that a special audit had found unauthorized distribution of goods worth Rs. 885,703 to 91 General Assembly delegates, that surcharge certificates had been issued against former directors, and that related proceedings were subject to a Court of Appeal writ application. It also set out possible recovery and disciplinary actions, including arbitration, High Court recovery, surcharge proceedings, removal of directors, and action against employees if wrongdoing is established. Oral Question: Rangiri Dambulla Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited Frauds (Q.5/2025 - Second Round) Read →
- 18 November 2025 Hon. Members AI summary Parliament agreed without division to insert the allocated sums for Head 320, Programme 01, Operational Activities, into the Schedule. The approved amounts were Rs. 24,487,000,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 78,000,000 for capital expenditure. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, to insert provisions under Head 320, Department of Civil Security, Programme 01 for operational activities. It seeks to transfer Rs. 24,487,000,000 in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 78,000,000 in capital expenditure to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, following Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2458/65 dated 18 October 2025. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, Ananda Wijepala moved an amendment to Head 189 to revise the allocation for Programme 01, Operational Activities, to Rs. 19,640,090,000 recurrent and Rs. 3,178,000,000 capital. The amendment reflects transfers required under Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2458/65 of 18.10.2025, moving provisions for the Office of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation and the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations from Head 189 to the relevant ministries. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 Hon. Members AI summary Parliament agreed to insert the increased sums for recurrent expenditure of Rs. 200,278,090,000 and capital expenditure of Rs. 18,418,000,000 into the Schedule, and both amended expenditure items were ordered to stand part of the Schedule. The Committee then proceeded to Head 189, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, noting Programme 01 operational activities with Rs. 18,849,000,000 in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 2,838,000,000 in capital expenditure. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 Mr. Chairman AI summary The Chair proceeded through the Committee Stage votes for defence-related expenditure heads, stating that objections would be recorded. The allocations for Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force operational activities—covering both recurrent and capital expenditure—were put to the Committee and agreed to, and each item was ordered to stand part of the Schedule. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 Hon. Members AI summary Parliament agreed to amend the Schedule under Head 103, Programme 02 of the Ministry of Defence by setting recurrent expenditure at Rs. 7,303,000,000 and increasing capital expenditure to Rs. 11,958,000,000. The capital allocation was increased by Rs. 2,000,000,000 in line with Budget Proposal No. 30, and both the recurrent and amended capital provisions were ordered to stand part of the Schedule. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 Hon. Members AI summary Parliament agreed to amend the Schedule for Head 103, Ministry of Defence, inserting a decreased recurrent expenditure allocation of Rs. 370.513 billion and an increased capital expenditure allocation of Rs. 61.922 billion. Both the amended recurrent and capital expenditure provisions were ordered to stand part of the Schedule. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →