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- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the rescue of Iranian sailors but focused on shortages of fertilizer, petrol and diesel in Nuwara Eliya, warning that these would disrupt agriculture, transport and the April tourism season. He requested additional fuel supplies for Nuwara Eliya during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period and relief or grace periods for three-wheeler drivers unable to meet vehicle loan repayments due to fuel shortages. He also urged the Prime Minister to reconsider teacher appointment procedures and allocate a separate quota of 3,000 to 4,000 graduate teachers for plantation schools, citing longstanding educational disadvantages in estate areas. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem seconded the Motion and urged that Mondays be designated as sitting days to compensate for the Wednesday fuel-conservation holiday, arguing that Parliament should maintain four sitting days during national crises and that the decision lies with parliamentary authorities rather than the President. He criticized the Government’s foreign policy response to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, alleging silence and mixed signals, including over the reported torpedoing of an Iranian frigate near Sri Lankan waters. He warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea could threaten global oil supplies and called for clearer preparation and a more forthright Government position. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman moved an Adjournment Motion calling on the Government to present a roadmap to maintain normal life amid global conflict-related economic pressures affecting fuel, tourism, exports and remittances, especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period. He criticized the Government’s delayed response to emerging Middle East tensions and fuel supply risks, alleged that fuel stocks bought at old prices were being sold at higher prices, and urged immediate pump-price relief and a fuel availability app. He also questioned foreign policy handling, warned against blaming future power cuts on the war, and demanded accountability over alleged coal procurement losses, including that the relevant Minister step aside pending investigations. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda criticized the Government for relying on QR and odd-even fuel management systems it had previously opposed, and said implementation remained inadequate despite an existing template. He called for improved fuel allocations for three-wheelers, agriculture, logistics, tourism, fisheries and generators, and urged delivery of the promised April 2025 goods basket if funds are available. He condemned an incident involving a German national berating nurses at Karapitiya and requested diplomatic action, while also raising concerns about reported Army-linked commercial activities and accounts allegedly removed from Auditor General scrutiny, calling for oversight and rectification. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra said the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act should be considered in the context of global instability caused by conflict in the Middle East and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, which could affect oil and food supply chains. She supported temporary conservation measures such as the Wednesday holiday, QR system, and a 25 percent reduction in government fuel use, while acknowledging the burden on workers. She argued that Sri Lanka’s political neutrality, fiscal stability, and energy-security planning should be used to attract long-term investment and strengthen the country’s position as a stable destination. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka used the debate on regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act to criticize the Government’s loss of public trust over assurances on fuel, gas, electricity tariffs and essential supplies. He urged practical measures to allocate fuel for farmers, fisheries, tourism transport, logistics, three-wheel operators and heavy machinery, and asked that anomalies affecting vehicle registration and QR fuel access be resolved. He also raised concerns over the effects of international conflict on exports such as tea, fertilizer availability, and reduced advances to smallholders ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. He called for the Government to reduce fuel-related tax burdens by at least 50 percent and provide Treasury relief to prevent further increases in electricity bills. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa disputed the Government’s claim that there is no crisis, citing reduced generation at the Norochcholai coal power plant and alleging that substandard coal has increased ash output, caused repeated breakdowns, and threatens power supply reliability. He warned of environmental and health risks from excess fly ash, especially during the New Year closure of cement companies that normally purchase it, and referred to possible power cuts noted by the Public Utilities Commission. He argued that the resulting fuel and electricity pressures are affecting farmers, fishers, industries, transport workers and SMEs, and called for a relief programme using Treasury resources for vulnerable households and economic sectors. He also questioned whether investment and FDI can be attracted amid electricity instability and an ineffective QR fuel system. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns about rising poverty and income inequality amid economic pressures and cost-of-living increases, including effects attributed to Middle East conflict-related fuel and price rises. He requested updated district-level poverty data, definitions and indicators used for the National Poverty Line and multidimensional poverty, and information on impacts on sectors such as manufacturing, self-employment, MSMEs, and the wider economy. He asked the Government to detail current social protection and income-support programmes, assess the adequacy of Aswesuma, and clarify whether a National Poverty Alleviation Policy exists with timelines and components. He also sought data and targeted measures for vulnerable groups, including children, mothers, persons with disabilities, the elderly and youth, and asked for short-, medium- and long-term policies to address multidimensional poverty, job losses and factory closures. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake clarified that the fuel QR system was introduced as a preventive measure to manage consumption, avoid stockpiling, and protect supplies for essential services, rather than due to an immediate shortage. He explained technical issues affecting users with changed vehicle ownership or phone numbers, said 2.7 million problematic entries had been deleted, and outlined the revised registration process through fuelpass.gov.lk, with misuse subject to computer crime laws. He added that abnormal sales in some districts and logistical limits had contributed to pressure, but said the QR system should ease the situation, while vehicles without number plates could obtain fuel using alternative documents bearing the vehicle number. Oral Question: Department of Motor Traffic: Registration of Vehicles (Q.1822/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara raised a supplementary question on difficulties faced by vehicle owners in obtaining or updating fuel QR codes, citing problems caused by prior owners not cancelling registrations and changed mobile numbers. He also referred to an allegation that a filling station in Thimbirigasyaya demanded an extra Rs. 3,000 to issue fuel without a QR code, and asked how the Ministry would resolve pending QR code issues. Oral Question: Department of Motor Traffic: Registration of Vehicles (Q.1822/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha requested that fertilizer subsidies available to paddy farmers be extended to banana cultivators, citing the high cost of banana cultivation. He also raised concerns that shortages of petrol, diesel, and kerosene are affecting irrigation through agri-wells and disrupting transport and market access, with lorries not arriving from distant areas. He urged urgent measures to address these issues, particularly before the New Year. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is prioritizing fuel and energy allocation for essential sectors including agriculture, transport, industry, tourism and fisheries, with specific quotas for paddy harvesting, ploughing and threshing. He said supply-chain disruptions caused by external geopolitical pressures, rather than lack of Treasury funds, are the main challenge, and noted measures such as fuel support for distribution networks and a QR-linked app to assist tourist transport without queuing. He also stated that LPG demand had risen due to precautionary refilling, and outlined current and scheduled Litro imports intended to meet monthly requirements and secure future supply. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister supported avoiding Pradeshiya and District Development Committee meetings on parliamentary sitting days except in emergencies with Members’ consent. He said the Government was strengthening CIABOC under the Anti-Corruption Act by addressing staff, premises, court capacity and risk allowance needs, and noted that older corruption complaints were now progressing. He also justified the temporary holiday and suspension of one sitting day as fuel-conservation measures amid the Iran conflict and possible disruption to global oil supplies, stating that urgent procurement of fuel, gas and coal had been authorized with Procurement Commission approval. He said the Government would prioritize fuel for agriculture, essential services and food production during the external shock. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna rejected claims that his concerns about fuel shortages were personal, stating that he was raising the difficulties faced by tourist vehicle operators, three-wheeler drivers, and farmers, particularly in the North, who cannot manage travel or agricultural work with limited monthly fuel allocations. He questioned how farmers could function with 40 litres a month and urged the Government to address the practical impact of fuel distribution. He also asked what action had been taken on six corruption complaints he had filed, including allegations involving Rs. 30 million at Tellippalai Hospital and Rs. 17 million at Chavakachcheri Hospital, and called for investigations rather than only parliamentary discussion. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath said the Government is strengthening CIABOC by improving officers’ salaries, allowances and facilities to ensure independent action against bribery and corruption. He argued that the economic collapse resulted from past corruption and misuse of public funds, and rejected Opposition criticism that the Government had failed to manage recent crises, citing the response to the Ditcha cyclone and current global fuel pressures. He said measures had been taken to address farmers’ fuel needs and prevent fertilizer profiteering, including agreed urea prices of Rs. 9,500 per 50 kg bag through private firms and Rs. 9,000 through the State fertilizer company. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Government faces a public trust deficit over its handling of the fuel and energy situation amid the Middle East crisis, and called for clear disclosure of fuel stock figures by type and monthly requirements. He criticized the absence of strategic reserves, inadequate preparation for energy-security risks, and insufficient attention to renewable energy and contingency planning. He also questioned the decision to ask the private sector to close on Wednesday, saying it harms daily-wage earners and small businesses, and urged alternatives such as work-from-home. He further accused the Government of lacking an independent foreign policy and said poor engagement with BRICS had reduced Sri Lanka’s access to strategic support. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Opposition supports anti-corruption action and the Anti-Corruption Act, but argued that CIABOC must act independently on both past and current allegations, including complaints concerning the Speaker and officials. He alleged that the Government was protecting “new thieves,” particularly in relation to coal procurement, and questioned why a Minister facing allegations remained in office. He linked coal and fuel management failures to higher electricity tariffs, diesel use, fuel price increases, and problems with the QR system, while demanding tax reductions and relief for the public. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that LPG and fuel shortages resulted from failures in procurement, storage management, and contingency planning rather than solely from global conditions. He cited non-compliance by an LPG supplier, failure to maintain buffer stocks or collect penalties, underutilized fuel storage, and declining CPC fuel reserves, warning of risks to power generation and fuel supply after April 23 if no firm plan is implemented. He also called on the Government to take responsibility and act on unresolved allegations against National Transport Commission directors following the Priyasath Dep inquiry. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Samaraweera supported the determination of remuneration and service conditions for CIABOC officers under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, stating that strengthening anti-corruption institutions is necessary to address bribery, corruption, waste, theft, and fraud. He rejected Opposition claims about LPG and fuel shortages, arguing that Sri Lanka has adequate LPG stocks for March, that current supply issues stem partly from a private importer failing to bring in its share, and that the tender-based change of supplier followed proper procedure. He also said fuel queue management was introduced as a technical, temporary response to global tensions, with over 5 million users registered, and accused the Opposition of spreading public anxiety while the Government manages inherited debt obligations. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake supported the motion to strengthen the Bribery or Corruption Commission through staffing and pension measures, but urged that it act independently and apply the law equally, citing differences in how cases are handled. He raised operational concerns about the QR fuel system, LPG shortages linked to supplier changes, petroleum procurement amid global disruptions, and delays in Army pensions, while also calling for action on senior citizens’ interest benefits, allowances, transfers of disabled police and intelligence officers, and other administrative issues. He asked the Government to address shortages of fuel, gas, food and essentials, and to respond practically to matters raised in Parliament. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →