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- 18 November 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that SMEs are unable to access proposed bank-based relief because of CRIB-related restrictions. He urged the Government not to proceed with the planned vehicle allocations and requested that at least half of the Rs. 12.5 billion allocated for cabs and departmental vehicles be redirected as relief for SMEs. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that estate plantation companies, rather than public funds, should bear wage increases for workers, given their profits from state and public assets including the “Ceylon Tea” brand and estate infrastructure. He requested minimum security for leaders of constituent parties in the SJB, citing long-standing political risks, and urged resolution of delayed Police Sergeant promotions to Sub Inspector, which he said have remained unresolved for over a decade. He also proposed reallocating Rs. 7.5 billion from the Rs. 12.5 billion machinery and vehicle allocation, including MPs’ vehicles, to expand relief loans for SMEs affected by parate execution, noting that many are unable to access bank support due to CRIB listings. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that profitable plantation companies should fund the Government-mandated wage increase for estate workers from their own profits, rather than receiving part of the Rs. 5 billion Government allocation. He proposed that the saved funds be used to further increase workers’ wages, while Government support should be limited to loss-making private and state-owned plantations to ensure the increment is paid. He also emphasized that estate land and the “Ceylon Tea” brand belong to the state and the people, not to plantation companies. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns over public and national security, alleging irregularities in police conduct, promotions, disciplinary processes, and the functioning of the Police Commission, including delays affecting retired officers’ pensions. He questioned expenditure on overseas investigations related to Ranil Wickremesinghe and warned that police staffing shortages, long duty hours, and upcoming mass retirements could undermine policing capacity. He proposed recruiting 10,000 unemployed graduates for office duties to release trained officers for field work, while also urging the Minister to address alleged misconduct, avoid association with dubious private operators, and protect temple land in Trincomalee. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga said the Government is expanding local and foreign training for service personnel, facilitating UN peacekeeping participation, and extending the 2026 Budget public service salary increases to the tri-forces. He rejected calls to reduce military presence in the North and East, citing 2025 military-supported community services such as assistance to religious sites, schools, housing, drinking water projects, medical equipment, and religious festivals. He argued that the tri-forces’ presence benefits local communities and stated that the Defence and Public Security Ministries have stabilized national security. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Hon. Prageeth Madhuranga defended the Government’s handling of security-related investigations and criticised the Opposition for its attacks on security officials and ministers. Speaking during the debate on the Budget Heads of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, he outlined the Defence Ministry’s mandate, its 25 institutions, and the 2026 allocations, including Rs. 455 billion overall and specific allocations for the Navy, Army and Air Force. He said the Government is strengthening surveillance and monitoring capacity to secure Sri Lanka’s large maritime zones and maintained that the armed forces are now deployed only for national and urgent needs, unlike under previous administrations. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. Rathwaththe supported the Appropriation Bill expenditure heads for the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, outlining the latter ministry’s mandate under Gazette No. 2412/08, including policing, immigration, drug control, NGO oversight, organized crime, and protection of women and children. She detailed measures for the Sri Lanka Police, including 4,447 promotions in 2025, planned recruitment, procurement of vehicles through Indian assistance, construction of 189 official quarters, increased uniform and footwear allowances, and expanded training. She also defended the Government’s “Rata Ma Ekaṭa” anti-narcotics operation and criticized the Opposition’s past and present responses to drug trafficking. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the Ministry of Public Security’s institutions and defended its 2025 expenditure, stating that most allocations for the Ministry, Police, STF, NGO Secretariat, Police Training College and related programmes had either been spent or committed, with targets of around 80–95 per cent utilization by year-end. He said the Police had been depoliticized through the National Police Commission and thanked police personnel, while describing investments in quarters, vehicles, hospital facilities, emergency 119 capacity, training, and allowances. He also noted recent administrative changes bringing the Civil Security Department and Rehabilitation Department under the Ministry and referred to structural reforms such as establishing police criminal investigation divisions. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction under the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026 for the relevant expenditure heads, including Defence. He argued that national security is closely linked to the economy and warned against weakening defence considerations in pursuit of election promises. Referring to the post-war context and strategic areas such as Elephant Pass, Pooneryn and Mullaitivu, he urged that land decisions in the North and East prioritize national security, with alternative land or compensation offered instead of releasing lands considered vital for defence. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana — Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled data on rice imports, stating that 263,878 metric tonnes were imported between 18 November 2024 and 13 November 2025, with Special Commodity Levy revenue of Rs. 14,686 million for specified HS codes from 25 November 2024 to 31 October 2025. He also provided the applicable import tax categories and the current maximum retail prices for rice varieties under Gazette No. 2459/12 of 21 October 2025. The answer stated that further imports are not presently expected except for specialty types such as Basmati, and that imports are considered only during market shortfalls so no adverse impact on local paddy farmers is anticipated. It outlined Agriculture Ministry measures to improve domestic production, including new high-quality varieties, strengthened seed systems, fertilizer efficiency, mechanization, drone technology, and a Paddy Production Cluster Programme targeting higher yields from the 2025/26 Maha season through 2028. Oral Question No. 1063/2025: Import of Rice under Present Government Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana) SJB AI summary A question was raised seeking details on rice imports since the current Government took office, including imported quantities, varieties, taxes per kilogramme, tax revenue, and any price ceiling. It also asked whether further imports are planned, what impact imports have on local paddy farmers, and what national measures are proposed to reduce reliance on rice imports. Oral Question No. 1063/2025: Import of Rice under Present Government Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB AI summary Upali Samarasingha stated that the main issue is the lack of a clear national policy and system governing prices and standards. He said discussions are under way with relevant regulatory bodies to create mechanisms ensuring fair pricing and quality for domestic products and fair market prices for imports, and that this work has already begun. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns that prices vary significantly between shops for the same branded goods, including imported items and agro-chemicals. He proposed that action be taken to ensure more uniform pricing for identical brands in response to public complaints. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB AI summary Upali Samarasingha said Sri Lanka lacks a comprehensive, harmonized national policy on food and related products across ministries, contributing to the entry of substandard medicines, contaminated foods, and unsafe preservation practices. He noted concerns over unhygienic meat display and said PHIs and Health Ministry guidelines are used, while the Health and Trade Ministries are working on an updated national policy and enforcement mechanism. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha — Deputy Minister of Co‑operative Development AI summary Deputy Minister Upali Samarasingha said the Ministry, through the Consumer Affairs Authority, is taking measures under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, to protect consumers and traders by regulating unfair practices, standards, labelling and prices. He outlined enforcement actions including raids, legal action against substandard goods, public awareness programmes, Gazette notifications on product standards and packaging, and maximum price controls for selected essential goods such as rice, canned fish and bottled water. He also noted a regulatory gap regarding cosmetics such as skin whitening and hair creams, with the CAA coordinating with the Ministry of Health where necessary. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa — Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Supplementary Estimates Nos. 04 and 05 of 2025 were tabled. A motion was moved to refer them to the Committee on Public Finance, and the House agreed. Opening: Amendment to Committee Stage Programme and Supplementary Estimates Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Moved a Committee Stage amendment under Head 110, Programme 01, to revise the Ministry of Justice and National Integration’s operational allocations to Rs. 4,500,710,000 recurrent and Rs. 5,681,000,000 capital. The amendment reflects the transfer of allocations related to the Office for Reparations, under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2458/65 of 18 October 2025, amounting to Rs. 879,590,000 recurrent and Rs. 343,000,000 capital, to Head 189 under the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that foreign employment and tourism are critical foreign-exchange sectors and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take a more active, structured role in managing them. He questioned whether the 2025 target of sending 350,000 workers abroad is achievable, calling for stronger regulation of employment agents, engagement with stakeholders, worker and family welfare programmes, and implementation of a migrant worker pension scheme first proposed in 2015. On tourism, he noted that arrivals may recover to 2018 levels but revenue remains significantly lower, and called for analysis of tourist markets, higher-yield strategies, and better support for operators. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →
- 17 November 2025 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised concerns about the composition of Supreme Court Benches hearing leave to proceed in fundamental rights applications and asked the Government to examine whether any pattern was affecting access to fundamental rights litigation. He urged the Minister of Justice to expand capacity, staffing, technology, and management at the Government Analyst’s Department, citing a backlog of about 30,000 samples and delays affecting criminal proceedings and detainees. He also called for urgent amendment of Section 9(a) of the Civil Procedure Code, saying its current form has concentrated money recovery and other cases in the Colombo District Court and enabled forum-related harassment. He further noted concern over unimplemented policy and law reform commitments, particularly constitutional reform and abolition of the Executive Presidency. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said the Government had restored macroeconomic stability with support from migrant remittances and tourism, and argued that current tourism performance and visitor spending should be assessed in light of exchange rate depreciation and regional comparisons. He stated that the main constraint on further tourist growth was airport capacity, not promotion, citing cancelled charter flight requests and announcing plans to commence Terminal 2 expansion next year. He also said the Government was enforcing the law against tourist harassment, regularizing beach and surf-related tourism activities, expanding tourism projects in the North and East, and using Tourism Fund allocations for training low-income youth for employment in the sector. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →