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- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Welcoming the measure on salaries and service conditions for Bribery Commission staff, Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran linked Sri Lanka’s economic crisis to both corruption and poor policy decisions, and called for stronger economic planning amid global risks such as possible fuel shortages from Middle East conflict. He urged the Government to prioritize food security by increasing diesel allocations for agricultural machinery, especially in Ampara District, and by urgently importing fertilizer, pesticides and agrochemicals using available Treasury funds. He also requested adequate fuel supplies for fisherfolk, warning that failure to support farmers and fishers could reduce food and fish production and create wider instability. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne explained the reintroduction of the fuel QR code system as a precautionary measure to manage distribution amid global supply risks linked to the Middle East conflict, while stating that existing stocks remain sufficient for normal needs. He said the Government chose a rapid, phased rollout rather than advance notice or a temporary sales halt to avoid panic buying and economic disruption, with support mechanisms for vehicle ownership changes and mobile number issues. He reported that over 5.09 million users and 5.10 million vehicles were registered, including nearly 440,000 new vehicle registrations, and said the system was being supported by the same technical teams involved in 2023. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned whether a stated matter was a printing error before seeking clarification on the Government’s preparedness for escalating Iran-Israel-US tensions. He argued that strategic and scenario planning should have anticipated impacts on energy security, citing reduced Norochcholai output over several days and the resulting reliance on diesel generation amid possible global shortages. He referred to PUCSL warnings of power cuts in April, June and July, and demanded a clear, data-driven plan to prevent load-shedding and consumer price increases. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned what measures the Government was providing to support the tourism sector. He also asked whether, during the 30-day pause on sanctions relating to Russia, the Government pursued negotiations or forward purchase agreements for crude oil supplies from Russia, and whether it sought similar arrangements in light of the International Energy Agency’s planned release of 400 million barrels despite Sri Lanka’s limited storage capacity. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide current, accurate data on petroleum stocks and the number of days they would last, questioning recent price increases despite earlier assurances on fuel reserves. He called for the removal of all taxes on fuel in line with promised ex-wharf pricing, and requested details of any strategic reserve, contingency plans, and impact assessments for global oil price rises and Middle East supply disruptions. He also raised concerns over the reactivated QR-based fuel distribution system, including inadequate quotas, registration problems after vehicle transfers, and the need to revise allocations for transport, agriculture, fisheries, health, tourism, and other essential sectors. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns that exports appear to be declining, noting that a large share of exports to Europe relies on Middle East air freight carriers and that charges have doubled. He asked how the Government intends to support exporters’ competitiveness amid higher cargo costs and ongoing GSP-related issues, particularly for time-sensitive fish exports that risk being lost if not shipped promptly. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked supplementary questions on the impact of removing para-tariffs on canned fish imports and rising diesel-related costs for the fisheries sector. He said eight local canned fish producers revived from 2015 are now at risk of closure because imports have become more profitable, while can prices have risen from Rs. 155 to about Rs. 500. He asked the Deputy Minister what measures would protect fishers, consumers, and local producers, ensure fair competition, and sustain livelihoods. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake said the extension of emergency regulations introduced after Cyclone Ditwah should be the final one, arguing that promised compensation for affected households, students, and small and medium businesses had not yet been fully paid. Citing media reports and a UNDP survey, he said many displaced families remained in hardship and urged the Government to expedite relief payments. He linked disaster recovery to broader economic concerns, calling for reconstruction through grants and foreign direct investment rather than debt, stronger foreign exchange earnings from tourism, tea and investment, and measures to protect the rupee. He urged the Government to use regional instability in the Middle East as an opportunity to attract capital to Sri Lanka, including through Port City and energy-related investment. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that the Government has shifted from its earlier anti-Western positions while claiming non-alignment, and questioned what agreements had been reached with the United States and India and whether they affect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. He said Sri Lanka’s strategic location requires balanced relations with major powers, including India, without “signing away” autonomy. He also criticized the Government’s handling of Cyclone Ditwah relief, claiming promised assistance had not materialized adequately, and linked weak growth, business distress, and stalled investment to past opposition by the JVP/NPP to private-sector-led development and reforms. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj supported the extension of the Emergency, arguing that it is needed to respond to the aftermath of Cyclone “Ditwah”, floods, and wider global pressures including the Middle East conflict affecting Sri Lankan workers abroad. He distinguished the measure under the Public Security Ordinance from the PTA and said it was being used for relief, rehabilitation, and stability rather than repression. He also highlighted the role of public officers in disaster response, proposed enhanced allowances for their additional work, and cited government assistance to plantation workers and housing for landslide-affected families in Poonagala as examples of support to vulnerable communities. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa challenged the Government’s justification for the state of emergency, citing an alleged torpedo attack within Sri Lanka’s EEZ and questioning surveillance capability, maritime security readiness, and diplomatic action. He warned that closure of the Strait of Hormuz and war-risk surcharges could raise fuel, food, medicine, LNG/LPG, tourism, tea export, and remittance-related pressures, and called for immediate engagement with India and Russia to secure fuel supplies. He also demanded plans to address possible marine environmental damage, protect Sri Lankan migrant workers in the Middle East, and clarify the type of submarine involved, while alleging that low-grade coal procurement and electricity tariff increases were undermining energy security under emergency cover. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on paddy procurement, alleging that farmers are unable to obtain the promised Rs. 120 per kg guaranteed price and are selling to middlemen at Rs. 70–80 per kg. He sought details on 2025 Yala purchases, expenditure, storage, stock release, losses, and the procurement target and storage arrangements for the 2025/2026 Maha season. He also asked how the guaranteed price was calculated amid rising input costs and crop losses, whether small and medium millers are being involved, and whether the Government plans rice imports in 2026 due to possible production shortfalls. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministry Statements Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked what immediate relief the Ministry can provide to SMEs facing rising overheads, including electricity tariffs and taxes, despite higher turnover and weak consumer demand. He questioned the operation of SMILE credit lines, asking whether loans require a Minister’s letter and what support is actually available, including for businesses affected by Cyclone Diththa that received limited compensation despite major losses. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the proposal to formulate a National Care Policy for women, highlighting increased women’s representation in Parliament, local authorities and community bodies. She argued that women bore the heaviest burdens during the recent economic and social crisis, and cited Government measures including school and preschool nutrition programmes, sanitary pads for schoolgirls, housing assistance, wage increases and efforts to reduce household hardship. She also referred to export growth, the planned Sri Lanka Expo 2026 and village-level women’s entrepreneurship initiatives as evidence of women’s expanding role in the national economy. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s approach to women’s policy as based on imported feminist ideas that, he argued, do not reflect Sri Lankan social realities centred on motherhood and the family. He urged the Government to focus on practical economic empowerment for women, including self-employment, entrepreneurship, skills, creativity and access to capital, and to deliver on its promises amid economic hardship. He also warned that Sri Lanka needs a coherent foreign policy and regional geostrategic strategy to safeguard national security. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa supported the proposed National Care Policy but argued that its effectiveness depends on practical implementation and an independent National Women’s Commission. He questioned whether current economic conditions, including high prices and utility costs, protect women’s dignity, and cited low female labour force participation and high female unemployment as requiring concrete action plans. He also called for safeguards against exploitative microfinance and online lending, a national programme on maternal and child nutrition, better data for poverty-related policymaking, support for women-headed households, and protections for women and children in digital environments. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna seconded the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus Adjournment Motion for International Women’s Day, emphasizing the need to recognize and value women’s unpaid care work in the home and its contribution to the economy. She proposed incorporating household labour into GDP calculations, providing state support for full-time carers, establishing childcare and eldercare centres, and making paternity leave mandatory. She also raised concerns about violence against women, exploitation of junior professional women, and the burdens placed on women by nutrition, health, and cost-of-living crises. Referring to her visit to Dumbara Prison, she noted that some women are detained due to family-related circumstances or procedural delays and called for attention to their situation. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns that many people affected by the ‘Ditva’ cyclone and floods, particularly in Trincomalee District and Muttur DS Division, had not received compensation announced by the President for housing damage, cleaning, lost household goods, school items, and rental support. He cited official figures from Muttur, questioned why only part of the verified beneficiary lists had been forwarded or paid, and asked whether local officials were being pressured to alter beneficiary numbers. He also sought details on compensation for those who lost houses and land, alternative land allocation, and rental payments, while urging action for continuing flood impacts in Arachchikattuwa, Vanathavilluwa, and damage in Rammalakka village in the Udunuwara electorate. Adjournment: Questions on Cyclone Relief and Tourism Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB AI summary Jagath Manuwarna supported the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that regulation is necessary because thousands of unregistered lenders operate in villages while only a few are Central Bank-registered. He said poor borrowers, especially women, plantation communities, farmers, and war-affected people in the North and East, have faced severe distress, harassment, and suicides linked to abusive microfinance practices. He assured that voluntary village societies such as death-benefit societies and farmer organizations would not be targeted, and said the Bill aims to formalize the sector and protect both borrowers and legitimate lenders. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri supported the Bill to establish the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority, arguing that regulation is needed to address exploitative lending, excessive interest rates, and the social harm caused by unregulated microfinance and moneylending schemes in rural areas. He said such loans had deepened poverty, contributed to family conflicts and suicides, and required urgent state intervention to protect borrowers and bring order to the sector. He also responded to Opposition criticisms on delays, coal allegations, paddy guaranteed prices, and concerns about village organizations, stating that implementation issues could be discussed while the Bill should be passed without delay. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →