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 February 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran warned that the CEB’s proposed 13.56 per cent tariff increase and losses linked to coal procurement would place a further burden on low-income consumers, and called for a proper mechanism for coal imports and electricity generation. He urged the Government to protect the jobs of about 23,000 CEB employees amid unbundling, remove dangerous electricity poles in Ampara and Batticaloa, and expedite delayed new electricity connections. He also requested paddy drying facilities, concessionary electricity, and fair procurement prices for farmers affected by heavy rains in those districts. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman asked the Government to table in Parliament the MoU signed on the plantation wages issue, noting public requests for its release. He also raised concerns that affected communities in Hanguranketa, including Hope, Rockwood, Hewaheta and Loolkandura, had not received assistance despite deaths, including 11 in Loolkandura, and requested a Government response. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Welcoming the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill under “Clean Sri Lanka,” Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to show measurable results by the following year. On the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, he highlighted prison overcrowding and criticized the absence of customary Christmas inmate releases as a sign of administrative inefficiency. He also warned of a serious gas supply risk, arguing that the selected supplier lacks sufficient logistics and shipping capacity despite only a small price advantage, and urged the Government to ensure stable supply, assess technical capacity, and consider bringing Litro Gas Lanka fully under state operation. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, arguing that drug trafficking and dependence had expanded through political protection, weakened rule of law, and organized networks. He cited increased arrests and raids in 2025 compared with 2019, and said the Government is pursuing a whole-of-nation anti-drug effort through district and local operations councils involving security forces, police, officials, and political authorities. He linked the drug problem to poverty and said programmes such as Aswesuma, the “Praja Shakthi” national mission, Clean Sri Lanka, digitization, and “Rata Ma Ekata” are intended to support poverty eradication, rehabilitation, and institutional reform. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said there was no overall gas shortage, stating that Litro’s tendered supplies were arriving as scheduled, with 24,000 metric tons delivered in January and further February shipments due on the 22nd, 26th and 28th. He attributed temporary market tightness to disruptions at Laugfs, which led consumers to shift to Litro, and said Litro would raise daily releases from 1,100–1,200 metric tons to 1,500 metric tons for three days. He said the Consumer Affairs Authority had summoned Laugfs, was instructed to ensure supplies to its customers, and would take legal action if necessary, while the Government would intervene to protect consumers if the private supplier failed to cooperate. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake requested additional time and asserted that he and the Leader of the Opposition were not responsible for the queues being discussed. He urged the House to acknowledge the existence of a shortage and rejected the suggestion that they were engaging in media-oriented theatrics. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the recent LPG market tightness was due to Laugfs being unavailable while Litro continued supply, prompting consumers to rush to purchase gas. He said Litro would release 1,500 metric tons per day for three days to cover the shortfall and that directions had been issued to the relevant company, with further decisions to be taken if it failed to comply. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he raised reports of shortages, including information obtained through social media, in order to seek a solution rather than to provoke unrest. He acknowledged that official supply schedules may be in place but said shortages were occurring in some areas, and urged the Minister to address the issue on behalf of consumers without turning it into a debate. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to concerns about gas queues, stating that the issue was caused by Laugfs halting distribution for two to three weeks, prompting its customers to seek Litro gas and creating a temporary demand surge. He said Litro, which supplies over 80 percent of the market, would increase daily releases from about 1,200 to 1,500 metric tons for several days, had buffer stocks, and had scheduled incoming shipments. He added that Laugfs had been instructed in writing and summoned by the Consumer Affairs Authority to resume supply, with a Laugfs shipment expected on the 25th. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over a continuing gas shortage, stating that consumers were facing long queues and hardship, including mothers, elders, and children. He urged the Government to acknowledge the shortage and take immediate action to resolve it, arguing that such deprivation affects the public’s rights. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa tabled a written answer on Consumer Affairs Authority enforcement, confirming that the Authority conducted 23,089 raids islandwide in 2025, averaging about 1,924 per month. He outlined penalties under the Consumer Affairs Authority (Amendment) Act, No. 20 of 2021, including fines and possible imprisonment for individuals and substantial fines for companies, with enhanced penalties pursued through courts for repeat offenders. Oral Question: Consumer Price Controls and Raids (Q.10-1834/2026) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi, asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development about enforcement of government-imposed maximum retail prices for consumer goods. He sought confirmation that some traders sell above those prices, and requested details on the responsible enforcement agency, monthly raid numbers, penalties imposed, and action taken against repeat offenders. Oral Question: Consumer Price Controls and Raids (Q.10-1834/2026) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara briefly urged the Minister to agree to a proposed relief measure, stating that it would benefit many people awaiting assistance, especially in Anuradhapura. Oral Question: Drug Varieties Manufactured by SPMC (Q.) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Several Opposition criticisms of the Special Commodity Levy regulations were rejected, with the Minister stating that the gazettes adjusted or extended existing levy structures rather than imposing new taxes. He said changes to citrus imports under the Pakistan–Sri Lanka FTA, extensions for potatoes and onions, relief exemptions after Cyclone “Ditva,” and concessions for fish and pharmaceutical salt were handled through institutional review, Cabinet approval and parliamentary tabling. He also argued that import data showed no abnormal stockpiling and that the Government’s approach reflected due process and price-stability objectives. He linked these measures to broader economic stabilization, citing improved growth, lower inflation, continued budget discipline and reforms aimed at higher inclusive growth. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the use of Special Commodity Levy regulations to manage imports and encourage local production of items such as onions and potatoes, but argued that levies alone cannot achieve self-sufficiency. He called for broader farmer support, including fertilizer subsidies, timely paddy procurement payments, effective crop insurance, and action on human–wildlife conflict. He also urged the Government to use the Indian grant for developing Kankesanthurai Port to reduce transport costs and improve the northern economy. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka criticised the Special Commodity Levy regime, arguing that the Rs. 80 per kg levy on imported potatoes has failed to protect domestic farmers amid a sharp fall in production and alleged profiteering in imports. He questioned how levy revenue is used to develop local potato cultivation and claimed similar problems affect paddy farmers, citing low purchase prices in Polonnaruwa and continued benefits to large millers and traders. He also called for reductions in rice prices when miller margins rise and urged the Government to pay overdue disability and elderly allowances. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the regulations and orders before Parliament, arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy and created conditions to reduce prices of essential goods. He cited wage increases for public, private, and estate workers, expanded social assistance, anti-corruption and asset recovery measures, removal of MPs’ pensions, lower inflation, higher growth, improved revenue collection, increased remittances, export growth, and stock market gains as evidence of recovery. He stated that savings and improved fiscal performance are being directed toward public relief, including support for schoolchildren and easing commodity prices. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera urged approval of regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a motion under the Customs Ordinance, and orders under the Motor Traffic Act, stating that the tax relief measures were designed to support economic stability, market competition, domestic production, and price management. He contrasted them with the 2020 commodity tax concessions, alleging they reduced Treasury revenue without benefiting consumers, and cited improved Customs revenue and IMF recognition of stronger growth, low inflation, and adequate reserves. He also explained that levy exemptions for donated essential goods after the “Ditva” cyclone enabled the distribution of about LKR 3.1 billion in foreign and organizational assistance through disaster relief authorities and District Secretaries. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan, speaking on regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, said food and essential goods in the Vanni region are often sold above controlled prices and raised concerns about hygiene, bribery, weak enforcement, medicine price disparities, and private traders exploiting farmers. He called for stronger action by the Consumer Affairs Authority and district officials against overpricing, comparable to government action against drugs and corruption. Referring to Motor Traffic Act-related matters, he requested that the Mannar train departure be changed from 1.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. to improve public usability. He also objected to what he described as a “shadow” provincial administration under the Northern Province Governor and urged the President to hold Provincial Council elections. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government for failing to reduce VAT or essential goods prices while, according to him, increasing official privileges and foreign travel. He cited reports on rising food insecurity, weak cyclone reconstruction funding, and Sri Lanka’s position in corruption perception rankings to argue that economic hardship and governance concerns persist. He contrasted current growth figures with those under the previous administration, claiming growth is driven mainly by vehicle imports and taxation rather than investment, and accused the JVP-led Government of reversing earlier positions on strikes, India, and the United States. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →