Topic
Cost of Living
1,181 speeches · 246 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. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 83 |
| 2 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 78 |
| 3 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 42 |
| 4 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 27 |
| 5 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 27 |
| 6 | Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage, M.P. JJB | 24 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 24 |
| 8 | Hon. S.M. Marikkar, M.P. SJB | 21 |
| 9 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 20 |
| 10 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 18 |
Speeches
1,181 on this topic- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported discussion on regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act concerning repatriation of export foreign earnings. He warned that rising inflation, dollar appreciation, and monetary pressures, compounded by the Middle East conflict, require Government planning to stabilize the economy. He urged action to prevent a recurrence of the shortages and queues experienced in 2022. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy rejected allegations about misuse of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” funds, saying they risk deterring diaspora contributions, and linked current economic policy to the need to bring export-earned foreign exchange through the formal banking system after legitimate business expenses. He argued that artistic expressions such as those linked to the arrest of Kilinochchi rap artist Sangeethsan should be understood in the context of unresolved Tamil grievances, including land, disappearances, power-sharing, development, education and employment, rather than treated as a return to militancy. He affirmed the NPP Government’s position against any return to war or ethnic violence and called for inclusive governance, avoidance of provocations, and policies that ensure economic benefits and equality for all communities. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Easter Sunday attacks should not be used for political advantage and called for an independent, impartial process to identify and prosecute those responsible, with the law applied equally to all. He criticized the JVP/NPP for past support to the Rajapaksas and questioned attempts to shift blame for their governance failures. He said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund should be legally regularized and asked why donations for disaster victims had not been used while people remained in camps. He also argued that the Government’s economic difficulties predated the Middle East conflict, citing depreciation, weaker exports, slowing tourism, higher import costs and rising living costs, and urged a credible economic plan. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government for relying on emergency powers amid economic hardship and questioned the adequacy of its current and future economic plans in the context of regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act. He argued that exporters, businesses, fisheries, agriculture, and health services require targeted support, including consideration of exporters’ dollar needs, an immediate fuel subsidy for fishers, timely fertilizer subsidies, and action on medicine shortages. He also questioned resignations at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and called for scrutiny of the NMRA Chairman, saying relevant documents would be submitted to Parliament. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported the Central Bank regulations on safeguarding export income and converting dollar earnings into rupees, arguing they are proactive measures to protect reserves and prevent future crises. He said the Government inherited economic, administrative, legal, and social challenges, and cited efforts over the past 18 months to rebuild the economy, strengthen law and order, recruit to the public service, and allocate Rs. 25,000 million through the rural development and social security ministry. He criticized the Opposition’s response to current difficulties, linking recent pressures to floods, the 2025 cyclone, and the Middle East conflict, and said the Government’s duty is to increase, safeguard, and prudently use national income. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that the Government’s economic management had led to factory closures, job losses, rising inflation, increased poverty, and a weakening rupee. He cited the closure of MAS Holdings in Thulhiriya, Hirdaramani in Nivitigala, and other small and medium factories, and questioned whether the Acting Labour Minister was aware of the scale of job losses. Referring to Rules under the Central Bank Act, he warned that tighter controls on exporters’ foreign exchange earnings resembled measures seen in 2002 and during the end of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, indicating further economic strain. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s economic management, arguing that revenue and primary balance gains have been achieved mainly through higher taxation while poverty, job losses, business closures and cost-of-living pressures have worsened. He questioned why cigarette taxation had declined relative to WHO benchmarks while other taxes increased, claiming this had caused Rs. 17.3 billion in annual revenue loss that could fund relief measures. He also called for action against Sri Lanka becoming a “cyber-fraud hub” due to regulatory relaxations, and urged the restoration of the higher interest rate previously provided to senior citizens’ deposits. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha supported the Rules under the Central Bank Act requiring residual export proceeds to be converted by the 10th of the following month, arguing they would help stabilize the exchange rate and strengthen the economy amid external shocks. She cited improved Government revenue and primary balance figures for early 2026, and said price reductions at Lanka Sathosa and support for farmers, fishers, SMEs, and flood-affected Kolonnawa residents showed that fiscal gains were being passed on to the public. She also stated that compensation payments to Kolonnawa flood victims were ongoing, with Rs. 4,028 million already disbursed out of Rs. 9,836 million due. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government was managing external economic pressures while restoring growth, reserves, relief measures, and agricultural support. He rejected claims that fertilizer payments were being withheld, stating that subsidies are paid only for cultivated land and that 571,025 farmers had been credited, with the two-hectare subsidy doubled from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000. He outlined fertilizer procurement and distribution at subsidized prices through Agrarian Service Centres and said the Government was reimbursing eligible purchases and extending assistance to intercropping on paddy lands. He also defended the Government’s paddy pricing policy, citing guaranteed prices based on production cost plus 30 percent, and said preparations were underway for possible El Niño/La Niña-related food security risks. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s disaster relief payments in Kolonnawa, alleging that many flood-affected households have not received rent assistance, and criticized delays in filling key public posts. He challenged Government claims on the exchange rate, inflation, fuel costs, IMF targets, reserves, growth, and tourism, citing figures on reserve sales, rising inflation, fuel imports, and weaker-than-targeted reserve and growth projections. He argued that many state-owned enterprises appear profitable only because of monopolies or budgetary support, with losses in entities such as SriLankan Airlines, the CEB, and the Water Board, and called for the Government to focus on regulation, revenue improvement, and fast-tracking investment rather than engaging in commercial activities. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that Social Services Officers under Provincial Councils and the central Government play an important role, and that allowance administration is being streamlined through digitization, including use of the Aswesuma data system. He said remaining data are being entered to improve efficiency, while acknowledging that field officers’ travel and office allowances are insufficient. He noted that proposals to increase these allowances have been submitted and action will follow once approval is granted. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has begun improving data collection to better target support for schoolchildren, while continuing interventions despite current data gaps. She said ongoing programmes include providing shoes, nutritious meals, uniforms, books, sanitary pads for girls, and stationery allowances for low-income children, including through Aswesuma beneficiary households and small schools. She acknowledged that coverage is not yet fully accurate and said the aim is to obtain reliable data this year to improve delivery. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi raised concern that reliable data on out-of-school children are not maintained despite Sri Lanka’s free education system. He asked whether the Ministry of Education would introduce a targeted welfare mechanism for children who leave school due to economic hardship, noting problems in the administration of the Aswasuma welfare programme. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the measures under discussion aim to gradually reduce electricity tariffs through planned changes in the energy sector. She said earlier plans had not been adequately implemented, noting that renewable energy capacity rose from 1,400 MW before the Government assumed office to 2,800 MW after a further 1,400 MW was added in the past one and a half years. She emphasized that energy sector reform requires target-driven, long-term implementation rather than overnight change. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported extending the emergency regulations after Cyclone “Ditva”, stating that they provide the legal basis for the Essential Services Commissioner-General to deliver relief, housing and rehabilitation to displaced persons. She challenged Opposition claims on poverty figures, asked for sources to be tabled, and said the Government’s Praja Shakthi programme and fiscal measures were aimed at reducing poverty and providing relief. She also said the Government would protect investigators and pursue justice in relation to crimes, corruption and the Easter Sunday attacks, while accusing the Opposition of spreading misinformation on welfare, prices and public finances. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that Sri Lanka is approaching a serious economic crisis, saying official indicators such as the primary surplus do not reflect weaknesses in the real economy, including agriculture, tea, manufacturing, SMEs and industry. He compared Sri Lanka’s low usable reserves with India’s and said tourism policy should focus on increasing revenue per visitor, claiming this could generate an additional USD 2–3 billion. He also denied allegations of interfering in investigations relating to Major General Suresh Sallay, stating that he had only participated in a Bodhi Pooja for Sallay’s health and objecting to his continued detention. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of the economy, citing increased poverty, high fertilizer and fuel costs, import policies affecting farmers and fishers, electricity and coal issues, and alleged port irregularities. He questioned the lack of progress on graduate employment, education scheduling, and post-Cyclone Ditta relief and reconstruction, including the use of announced Indian grant and loan support. He also raised concerns over selective use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, contrasting an arrest over a rap song with alleged LTTE-related campaign material used by government-linked figures, and urged that investigations not be politicized. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued that rising fuel prices, taxes, electricity and water bills are worsening the cost of living despite public expectations of relief after the 2024 election. He said high costs are affecting households, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and businesses, and urged the Government to use available funds to support people and keep enterprises afloat. He questioned the Government’s plan to meet IMF reserve targets, manage upcoming debt and import costs, and sustain the economy after IMF support ends. He also called for faster relief and housing reconstruction for people affected by Cyclone Ditta. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan discussed Orders under the Stamp Duty, Ports and Airports Development Levy, Excise, and VAT laws, noting exemptions for disaster relief payments, new levies on plastic water pipes and consumer durables, and the imposition of 18 per cent VAT on certain textile imports. He raised concerns that VAT on imported textiles would strain apparel exporters’ cash flow, that broader consumption taxes would burden low- and middle-income households, and that a lower VAT registration threshold could pressure SMEs. He recommended expedited VAT refunds for apparel exporters and greater reliance on direct taxation while reducing consumption taxes on essential household items. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister provided the Government’s response to a question on the economic impact of the “Ditva” cyclone, outlining compensation mechanisms issued through Finance Ministry circulars and Disaster Relief Service Guidelines, with sector-specific payments for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and MSMEs. She detailed a concessional working capital loan scheme for affected enterprises, allocating Rs. 10,000 million through 15 banks, with Rs. 3,812.48 million disbursed to 2,980 enterprises by 28 April 2026, alongside banking moratoria and fee waivers under Central Bank directions. She also stated that disaster management institutions and relevant line ministries have prepared recovery and future risk-reduction plans, with annexed documents placed in the Library. Ministerial Statements Read →