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- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said the Government is managing current global fuel and supply pressures from a stronger economic position than the previous administration, with reserves of USD 7 billion. He assured farmers that there is no fertilizer shortage for the Yala season, said Government will purchase available fertilizer stocks directly and distribute them through farmer organizations, and warned against black-market purchases. He also outlined a simplified fuel distribution process for farmers and cited compensation payments and import controls as part of measures to strengthen agriculture and food security, adding that rice stocks and planned cultivation would prevent a shortage. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government for reversing its stance on QR code use and reiterated several Opposition proposals. He called for using excess Treasury balances for a tourism stimulus, providing tax relief and salary increases to reduce brain drain, renegotiating the IMF programme, and immediately implementing poverty relief measures. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that despite increased tourist arrivals, tourism revenue has declined compared to the previous year. He called for immediate tax relief and salary adjustments to address accelerating brain drain, urged renegotiation of the IMF framework, and demanded an urgent poverty eradication programme. He also called for the suspension of parate actions against MSMEs and measures to protect micro, small, and medium enterprises. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary The Hon. Kins Nelson raised a supplementary question on the continuing shortage of Keeri Samba and Samba rice despite guaranteed prices of Rs. 260 and Rs. 240, noting that black-market traders are allegedly buying at much higher prices. He questioned whether major paddy mills are holding stocks, asked where black-market supplies originate, and sought details of concrete measures by the Ministry to release hidden stocks and make rice available to consumers at concessionary prices. Oral Question: Consumer Affairs Authority Rice Raids (Q.640/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary In response to Question 640/2025, figures were provided on Consumer Affairs Authority rice-related raids: 4,266 in 2024, 4,850 in 2025, and 359 up to February 2026, with fines totaling Rs. 244.8 million. He stated that nationwide inspections are continuing and that approval has been obtained to recruit 120 Investigation Officers this year to strengthen investigations and raids. Oral Question: Consumer Affairs Authority Rice Raids (Q.640/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Food Security Committee and Cabinet had taken short-term measures to curb food price increases by normalizing transport and supply chains. He said discussions were held with importers, producers, distributors, and the Pettah Traders’ Association to assess stocks and logistics, with fuel shortages and transport continuity identified as key constraints. He noted that the President had directed priority fuel allocation for health and essential goods transport, and cited current market prices for sugar, lentils, onions, and rice as evidence of easing prices. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned how Government price relief through approximately 500 Sathosa outlets could benefit the wider population, noting that only a small share of Sri Lankans can access those outlets. He cited official monthly living cost figures for Colombo and Monaragala and asked how households would cope amid declining purchasing power and rising freight and insurance costs. He challenged the Government on its election promise to reduce prices. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary The Government stated that it has taken measures to address price and supply concerns by stocking essential goods through CWE, STC, and Lanka Sathosa for at least one month. It said goods are being procured in quantities above the requirement and sold through Sathosa below prevailing market prices to stabilize prices and ensure consumer access. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said price controls have been applied selectively where necessary to protect farmers and domestic producers, while imports remain restricted and rice imports have been suspended. He stated that Sri Lanka has a three-month surplus of the main rice varieties, contributing to lower market prices for Kekulu and Nadu rice below or near the maximum retail price. He also referred to a Lanka Sathosa campaign and noted that global shipping disruptions had affected supply conditions. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government on measures taken to protect consumers from rising prices, noting that 65% of essential goods are still imported and that insurance, freight, and exchange-rate pressures have increased costs. He asked what steps were being taken to ensure fair prices, while acknowledging earlier maximum retail price controls and the subsequent shift toward competition-based pricing. He also challenged the apparent discrepancy between the Central Bank’s claim that inflation has subsided and the continued high prices faced by consumers. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister provided a detailed statistical response on household and national consumption, production, imports, duties, prices, and cost factors for essential commodities including sugar, dhal, rice, wheat flour, milk powder, and coconut. He cited 2025 estimates and historical household consumption data from the Department of Census and Statistics and coconut data from the Coconut Development Authority, noting import values by HS code and domestic production figures. He stated that price and cost differences arise from input costs, exchange rates, weather impacts, logistics margins, and tariff or levy policies. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government has ensured priority fuel supplies for fishers, farmers and other essential activities, including kerosene and petrol during the fishing and paddy harvesting seasons. He argued that current fuel pressures stem from global war-related disruptions rather than domestic mismanagement, while contrasting this with the 2022 economic crisis, which he attributed to the previous rulers. He cited economic recovery indicators, including GDP growth, sectoral growth and increased fisheries earnings, and accused the Opposition of using the adjournment motion to revisit past issues rather than offer constructive proposals. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed the economic and security implications for Sri Lanka of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, particularly for Sri Lankans working in the Middle East, and urged national unity in responding to the crisis. He condemned the attacks on Iran, praised the President and Navy for assisting injured and deceased Iranian naval personnel near Sri Lankan waters, and criticized a neutral stance based on economic considerations. He called on the Government to issue clear diplomatic communications, urge world leaders to secure a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East, and identify those responsible for alleged war crimes. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper questioned why the Government had not condemned or expressed condolences over the alleged US–Israel killing of Iran’s elected President, contrasting it with Sri Lanka’s earlier condemnation of US action concerning Venezuela. He argued that the incident and Middle East escalation expose Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to oil supply shocks, and proposed government-backed conversion of three-wheelers and bicycles to electric models. He called for substantial subsidies, including a 50 per cent subsidy for electric three-wheelers, and for solar-powered daytime battery charging and swapping stations at public parks to reduce dependence on diesel during future crises. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas rejected Opposition claims that electricity generation is consuming most diesel imports, stating that current power-sector diesel use is about 500 metric tonnes per day, around 10 per cent of national daily diesel consumption. He said the coal procurement process had not breached procedures, noted penalties over a rejected first vessel, and explained that third-party testing in Australia is being used to assess whether Norochcholai’s reduced output is due to coal quality or plant factors. He assured Parliament there would be no power cuts during Ramadan and Sinhala Avurudu, citing hydropower availability, coal stocks, fuel tenders and planned battery storage. He also defended continued fuel QR restrictions as a stock-management measure amid Middle East uncertainty and urged public conservation, reduced night-time electricity use, daytime EV charging and avoidance of fuel hoarding. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne urged the public to respond responsibly to anticipated economic impacts, particularly in relation to fuel consumption. She called on both fuel station operators and citizens to use the QR code system properly, avoid panic, and conserve fuel during the crisis. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri disputed government claims that there was no crisis, citing fuel, tourism, price increases during the New Year period, and uncertainty affecting areas such as Ella. He urged relief measures for hoteliers and three-wheeler drivers with loans, and questioned whether current policies matched earlier promises on socialism, education privatization, state enterprises, the IMF, and relations with India. He also criticized the JVP and government members for alleged inconsistencies between their conduct in Opposition and their positions in government, stating that the public would judge these changes. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected claims that the Government was endorsing war, stating that Sri Lanka follows a non-aligned foreign policy and condemns attacks on countries and petroleum infrastructure. He argued that the current fuel pressures arise from a global conflict, not a nationwide crisis, contrasting it with the earlier economic collapse linked to dollar shortages and corruption. He outlined tourism-sector measures including 24/7 assistance, free visa extensions, a dedicated QR fuel system for registered tourism providers, arrangements for kerosene and fuel for safari and boat operations, and Litro’s support for hotel LPG supplies. He also said alarmist statements could worsen panic buying and black-market activity, and called for responsible management of fuel until global conditions stabilize. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the economic recovery effort was being strained by the previous year’s cyclone and the Middle East war-driven fuel crisis, and called for effective implementation of fuel distribution, including the QR system, for agriculture and fisheries in Batticaloa. He urged action against hoarding and artificial shortages of fertilizer and fuel, relief for affected businesses facing bank pressure, and long-term planning to reduce petroleum dependence through alternative and natural energy. He also raised concerns about the CID summoning of the Jaffna University Students’ Union President over a Black Day commemoration and requested regularized salary scales, grades, and promotions for long-serving Development Officers. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka rejected Opposition claims that Sri Lanka was in a broad national crisis, citing improved fiscal, foreign exchange, inflation, tourism, remittance, export and reserve indicators since 2022. He argued that current pressures, especially on fuel and energy, stem mainly from external shocks linked to Middle East conflicts rather than domestic policy failure or political instability. He said the Government would protect essential services and economic activity through fuel procurement, public service, distribution and social protection committees, temporary QR-based limits on non-essential consumption, and possible targeted relief including fuel tax reductions. He also proposed using the situation to promote Sri Lanka as a stable tourism destination and strengthen Colombo’s aviation and port transit roles. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →