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- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister sought approval for regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a Customs Ordinance resolution, and Motor Traffic Act orders, explaining changes to levies on imported mandarins to comply with the Pakistan–Sri Lanka trade agreement, maintain protections for potatoes and onions, provide cyclone-related food relief, extend levies on 62 commodity categories, and reduce the levy on donated dates during Ramadan. He cited 2025 economic indicators including export, tourism, remittance, FDI and current account figures, and said the Government’s tax policy was aimed at reform and efficiency rather than general tax reduction. He also stated that revenue agencies had exceeded targets and rejected claims of inadequate “Dittha” cyclone relief funding, saying payments and a supplementary allocation were in place subject to verification. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena argued that Sri Lanka must overcome long-standing “arrears” in human and physical development caused by racism and poor governance, and said the Government would not allow renewed communal divisions. Responding in the context of regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, the Customs Ordinance, and the Motor Traffic Act, he said the Government had delivered political reforms within its first year, including reducing executive and ministerial privileges and abolishing MPs’ pensions, while allowing independent anti-corruption institutions to function. He cited improvements in the Corruption Perceptions Index and record or high figures for the 2025 current account surplus, remittances, exports, FDI, tourism receipts, and state revenue collections as evidence of economic stabilization under the NPP Government. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s reduction of import duties on food items, arguing it undermines local farmers and fishers while benefiting import traders, and questioned whether promised funds for paddy purchases and disaster compensation are actually available. He demanded timely fertilizer support, fair crop purchasing, and delivery of promised compensation and housing assistance for those affected by the “Ditwah” cyclone. He also raised concerns over foreign employment schemes, alleging that a Government quota for jobs in Israel was being diverted to private agencies while 750 trained applicants remained waiting, and asked that similar issues with Korean employment be addressed. He further questioned the Government’s claims on national security, citing recent murders near Akuregoda and contrasting them with references to cricket-related security arrangements. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva criticised the Government’s continued use of Special Commodity Levies on 62 essential foods, arguing that they should apply only during harvest periods and that current policy raises consumer prices contrary to election pledges on VAT and tax relief. He questioned the Government’s consistency on agricultural support, citing stalled cold storage facilities, taxes on agricultural equipment, and wider para-tariffs affecting housing materials. He also demanded action on governance commitments linked to the IMF programme, including a clear position on the IVS–VFS e-visa issue and the delayed Procurement Law, while alleging unequal enforcement in corruption-related cases. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised a supplementary question regarding fishers affected by the November 2025 disaster, citing a shore seine fisher from Jalaldeen Square who reported losses of boats and fishing gear valued at about Rs. 3.56 million. He asked whether the Government would provide prompt compensation to enable the fisher, and around 30 dependent families, to resume fishing, and tabled supporting documents. Oral Question: Fishery Buildings and Shore Seine Fishing in Pottuvil (1750/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that internal estate roads are owned by estate companies and are not vested in local authorities or state bodies, with companies historically responsible for maintaining roads and line rooms. He said that, due to poor maintenance and resident communities’ needs, the Government also has a responsibility to provide basic infrastructure, and that about Rs. 100 million has been allocated through the Ministry to improve estate and estate-adjacent roads while engaging companies on maintenance. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to hold Provincial Council elections without delay if it claims to retain public support. He defended pensions for MPs as a measure of social security and anti-corruption, while questioning the Government’s handling of state pensioners, including unresolved teacher-principal pension anomalies and exclusions from recent pay adjustments. He also criticized the cancellation of senior citizens’ higher savings interest, the proposed electricity tariff increase despite prior reduction promises, and the relocation of disabled war veterans from Boossa to Panagoda. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody said the Rs. 10 billion required for the CEB voluntary retirement scheme would be paid by the Treasury and not included in electricity tariffs, and that other costs such as cyclone losses and coal-related losses were also not in the CEB’s tariff note from 1 April. He rejected claims of an impending 20 per cent tariff increase, stating that the PUCSL would determine any adjustment, and argued that the Government was acting to avoid burdening consumers. He also said the Government was addressing alleged vested interests in the energy sector and had awarded 160 MW of battery energy storage systems, with a further 300 MW planned for the year. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Energy Minister on the rollout of renewable energy, alleging resistance from vested interests and warning that electricity tariff increases of 13.56 per cent could be followed by a further 20 per cent increase due to coal imports. He asked how CEB cashflows would cover cyclone-related expenditure, how major transmission investment gaps would be bridged, and how coal quality, procurement, and load port certification issues at Norochcholai would be addressed. He urged the Minister not to permit an additional tariff hike and raised concerns that fuel oil generation was being used to cover an 80 MW shortfall, creating further losses for consumers. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Health stated that the legal framework has been finalized to impose ceiling prices on medicines and surgical devices, with maximum retail prices to be set based on CIF values for imports. He also said that costly disability-related devices, including hearing aids, can be provided through the Ministry’s named-patient prescription mechanism after specialist confirmation and procurement via the Medical Supplies Division. Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha opposed extending the emergency, arguing that disaster-related regulations and compensation are already in place and that the measure is being used to suppress public dissent rather than address post-disaster needs. He criticised delays in restoring flood- and landslide-damaged railway and infrastructure links, questioned the Government’s capacity to manage reconstruction, and suggested seeking capable foreign assistance where necessary. He also alleged economic stagnation, pressure on SMEs, weak post-Cyclone Ditva recovery measures, and low public-sector morale, while calling for the dignity and independence of Parliament’s offices and staff to be protected. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya supported extending the emergency regulations following Cyclone “Ditwah,” citing severe damage to roads, bridges, schools and housing, increased landslide risk, and the need to maintain essential services through an Essential Services Commissioner General. She said a task force chaired by her, with subcommittees and a foreign aid coordination mechanism, had been established to manage recovery and allocate resources. She rejected Opposition claims that the emergency had been used to suppress media, protests, or make certain arrests, and asked for specific evidence. She also stated that education reforms were continuing, with only the Grade 6 subject stream rollout deferred to 2027, and provided progress figures on relief payments to affected children, families of the deceased, and other beneficiaries. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara opposed extending the Emergency Regulations, arguing that normal laws are sufficient for cyclone relief and that the Gazette provisions appear aimed at restricting publications, communications, protests, and dissent. He cited arrests of monks in Trincomalee, protests by professional and sectoral groups, and alleged media suppression as examples of misuse, and requested investigations into the treatment of the remanded monks. He also demanded detailed reporting and faster action on Cyclone “Ditwah” deaths, missing persons, compensation, housing, rent support, agricultural losses, and alleged politicization of relief distribution. He further rejected Government claims that the Opposition obstructed Grade 6 education reforms, saying the Government itself had acknowledged implementation problems and deferred the reforms. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s claim of economic stability, arguing that MSMEs are under severe pressure from NPL classifications, restructuring fees, penalty interest, unpaid State dues, and rising input costs. He requested detailed data on MSME contributions to GDP and exports, business closures and job losses, loan relief and grant disbursements, rejection rates, and the level of MSME loans classified as NPLs. He also asked whether the Government would address banking and legal barriers, set timelines for State payments to MSME suppliers, reduce import-related taxes and regulations, assist firms affected by Cyclone Ditwah, and suspend or restrict Parate Law asset seizures until genuine debt restructuring is carried out. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned how Grade 1 students in low-income Provincial schools within and around the Colombo Municipal Council area will access the new education reform materials, including QR-code-based modules requiring Internet access, before promised devices are provided from March. He argued that National schools and better-funded schools can rely on parental support for smart boards and connectivity, while poorer schools face an immediate inequity, and asked the Deputy Minister to state the interim arrangements. Oral Question: Schools in Colombo Municipal Council Area (Q.74/2025) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel said the Government is initiating mini-government service centres and programmes to improve livelihoods and provide dignified work for Hill Country communities, including recognizing rubber tapping as a profession. She stated that tourism and industrial development programmes would be used to raise living standards and that national programmes are treating Hill Country people equally. She argued that these measures represent meaningful freedom for the community and would create pathways for greater political representation at all levels. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of imposing burdens on poor and middle-income people, electricity consumers, and professional valuers through the Bills under debate, specifically alleging interference with the Institute of Valuers’ role in pricing and appraisal. He questioned the Government’s handling of trade policy, noting that Sri Lanka’s claimed 20 per cent US tariff advantage had been undercut by India’s 18 per cent rate, and asked whether negotiations were underway to secure better terms if Bangladesh also received similar treatment. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition accused the Government of reducing benefits for pensioners, elders, war heroes and disabled personnel, including the previous 15 percent senior citizens’ deposit interest concession. He questioned the impact of US–India tariff arrangements on Sri Lankan export competitiveness, especially apparel, and demanded an urgent Government response. He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in coal procurement, the shifting of streetlamp electricity costs to the public, and the status of the next IMF tranche and electricity tariff conditions, while criticising the Government’s approach to Buddhism and inter-religious harmony. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that parliamentary scheduling would return to normal to avoid clashes with religious observances. She said all children of Aswesuma beneficiaries receive stationery allowances, and that a pilot programme to provide locally manufactured shoes would run in two provinces in 2026, with possible expansion if successful and cost-effective. She added that Grade 5 Scholarship beneficiaries would be eligible for shoe vouchers from 2026, with the Government aiming to better identify and expand support for children in need. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake objected that he had been prevented from raising a question on power generation aimed at reducing electricity bills for 600,000 consumers. He contrasted this with time being allowed for discussion of an allegedly irrelevant fertilizer supplementary matter, and said Members were seeking answers to urgent public issues rather than questioning the Chair. Oral Question: STD and AIDS Testing and Treatment Clinics (Q.6/2025) Read →