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- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson queried the assistance being provided to families, specifically asking about support for children. He referred to payments of Rs. 150,000 for farmers and Rs. 20,000 for affected children, seeking clarification on those relief measures. Oral Question: Disaster Relief and Compensation (Q.7/726/2025) Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on establishing day-care and after-school support, arguing that changing family and economic conditions have left many children unsupervised before and after school. He proposed service-based centres attached to schools or run at community level through local authorities, provincial councils and education institutions, with pilot projects in low-income and dense housing areas using monitoring systems and possible international support, rather than relying primarily on a rigid legal mandate. He also raised an urgent matter regarding Hajj arrangements, noting approaching nusukmasar.com deadlines, the non-appointment or non-departure of group leaders, and issues at the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Jeddah, and requested Government action through the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. Adjournment Motion: Child Safety in Urban Housing Complexes Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Government to prioritize public transport investment, including procuring more SLTB buses and using funds earmarked for 1,600 cabs to operate short buses on underserved routes, especially after cyclone damage. He criticized education reforms that require parents to fund costly smart boards, arguing this would burden less affluent schools despite links to a US$300 million programme. He also called for immediate changes to Foreign Employment Bureau rules limiting applications for Israel jobs, saying bureaucratic restrictions reduce opportunities and remittances, and urged lowering legal arrack prices to curb deaths from illicit liquor. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Welcoming the Motor Traffic Act regulations, he raised several transport and infrastructure issues in Puttalam District, including stalled bridge works on the Jayabima–Susānabhūmi and Kalpitiya–Muhaththuvaram roads, damaged culverts on the Karamba–Udappuwa road, and delays in the Iginimitiya water supply project. He requested upgrades to the rural Ayurveda hospital in Puttalam, relief and support for flood-affected communities and local industries, and an extension of the vehicle registration period from three to six months for importers facing slow sales. He also asked for allowances for public officers who worked during the cyclone and floods, and for permanent appointments to key administrative posts in Kalpitiya, including the Divisional Secretary, Police OIC and principal of Nirmala Matha Sinhala school. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala supported regulations under the Motor Traffic Act targeting narcotics-related driving, arguing that immediate testing, strict enforcement, and protection for Police are necessary to reduce accidents involving alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and untrained drivers. He called for improved road infrastructure and traffic controls, including functioning traffic lights and visible stop signs, with action by road and local authorities. He also raised concerns about worsening poverty and post-cyclone relief, saying current assistance is insufficient and urging clear housing and resettlement plans, as well as an international aid conference to mobilize wider support. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition urged the Government to develop a national policy for preschool education, citing long-standing informality, commercialization, unregulated fees, and inadequate pay and job security for teachers and caretakers. He argued that early childhood education should receive centralized national intervention rather than fragmented provincial approaches, given the importance of brain development before age five. He also proposed free and equitable preschool education and a national preschool nutrition programme in coordination with health authorities to address malnutrition. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question by explaining that the 5 per cent inflation target was chosen to suit Sri Lanka’s status as a small open developing economy exposed to external shocks, supply disruptions and exchange rate volatility. He stated that historical inflation trends and quantitative analysis support a target around 5 per cent, while a lower target such as 2 per cent could require tight monetary conditions, reduce investment, slow recovery and increase unemployment. He added that, under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023 and the Flexible Inflation Targeting framework, monetary policy is guided by domestic price stability and wider macroeconomic conditions, with the exchange rate largely market-determined. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the Government is targeting sustained economic growth, noting recent quarter-on-quarter growth above 8 per cent and an increase in GDP per capita from about USD 3,000 to around USD 4,500. He said poverty and inequality remain concerns, citing a Gini coefficient above 0.45, and highlighted the Rs. 25 billion Prajashakthi Programme in 2026 for village development and empowerment. He clarified that the Rs. 500 billion supplementary allocation for cyclone “Ditta” is separate from the Rs. 1,480 billion foreign-funded capital expenditure programme, which he said has not been stopped, diverted, or reduced. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned how positive macroeconomic indicators translate into benefits for individuals, households, entrepreneurs and firms. He raised concerns that cyclone “Ditta” assistance was being funded by repurposing existing project allocations rather than through additional resources, and urged the Government to seek new partner funding. He also asked for clarification on measures to provide micro-level relief to stressed MSMEs facing litigation from banks and finance companies. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva addressed regulations waiving VAT, Cess, PAL and Customs Duty on donated imports for cyclone recovery, but argued that relief should also cover privately imported replacement machinery and inputs for affected businesses, subject to verification mechanisms. He called for clarity on a proposed donors’ conference, said the announced “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund does not formally exist, and urged establishment of the Disaster Fund under the Disaster Management Act with audited oversight. He highlighted severe MSME losses and debt pressures following the cyclone, and argued that recovery should not depend mainly on donations but should include spending prioritization and greater private investment in infrastructure through PPPs and concessions. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of failing to honour its manifesto commitments and urged it to assess the impact of its policies at grassroots level. He argued that macroeconomic indicators are insufficient without examining distributional effects, claiming Government policies are increasing inequality. He contrasted the Opposition’s approach with the Government’s, stating that while their stated ideologies may appear similar, the Opposition delivers in practice. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to respond more fully to Cyclone Ditwah by implementing pledged relief payments, seeking greater livelihood and industry support, convening an international donor conference, and renegotiating IMF conditions in light of the disaster. He raised concerns over MSME distress and bank profits, tabled a letter from the Ceylon Federation of MSMEs to the Central Bank Governor, and called for fairness for the sector. He also demanded that coercive transfers and allowance cuts affecting Civil Security Department personnel be stopped or replaced with fair voluntary retirement terms, and asked that vehicle import regulations be eased by reducing penalties and extending the registration grace period. He criticized the Government for continuing the Debt Sustainability Analysis and IMF conditions it had promised to change, arguing that its economic approach overlooks distributional impacts. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government for raising kerosene and diesel prices while claiming to support the fisheries sector, and questioned whether promised services such as SMS alerts on fish locations had been implemented. He also challenged the Government’s disaster-relief commitments after Cyclone “Dicha” and related floods and landslides, citing specific affected households in Passara and Rajanganaya and asking when promised compensation would be paid and whether eligibility would be applied fairly. He further alleged problems in education policy content and internal political motives within the governing side, before stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would form a competent team to rebuild the economy. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana argued that rising diesel and kerosene prices, high VMS-related charges, and maintenance fees are increasing the burden on fishers and called for VMS devices to be provided on easy-payment terms. He raised concerns about the poor condition of Beruwala harbour, declining new entrants to the fisheries sector, and the impact of three-month licence cancellations when vessels are suspected of crossing maritime boundaries. He supported the idea of a fishers’ pension scheme in principle but questioned how an uninterrupted pension could be delivered without EPF/ETF-type contribution structures. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s electricity and fuel pricing policy, stating that past failures to revise prices, service debts, and pay generators were now being addressed. He said the average electricity price had been reduced from Rs. 37 in July 2024 to Rs. 29, and argued that further reductions depend on lowering power purchase costs, including renewable energy purchase prices. On petroleum pricing, he said landed cost alone cannot determine prices because distribution and other costs must be included, and stated that the Government had recently absorbed losses rather than increasing fuel prices. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government for raising electricity tariffs without conducting an impact assessment on low- and middle-income households and small businesses. He argued that the increases in electricity and fuel prices contradicted election promises on tariff reductions, pricing formula changes, renewable energy, and IMF conditions. He urged the Government to renegotiate IMF conditions in light of Cyclone “Ditwah,” convene an international donors’ conference, and implement relief measures. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s proposed national electricity policy and alleged a divergence from election pledges to reduce bills and expand low-cost renewable generation. He asked whether the CEB had sought an 11.57% tariff increase for early 2026, whether impact assessments and technical or economic studies would be tabled, and whether public consultation should be extended due to disaster conditions. He also sought clarification on possible removal of cross-subsidies, introduction of time-of-use payments for renewable energy, changes to pricing for wind, small hydro and biomass, and compensation or curtailment arrangements for contracted generators. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government on electricity tariffs, particularly for apartment and shopping complex consumers being asked to purchase transformers and seek relief through the Public Utilities Commission. He argued that consumers expected reductions in 2026 but instead faced a proposed 11 per cent increase linked to IMF conditions, and asked for a specific date by which the Government would reduce electricity bills in line with pre-election promises. Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary W.H.M. Dharmasena stated that the matter under discussion would impose an undue cost on consumers. He then yielded his second supplementary question to Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri. Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Asked the Minister whether the CEB could accept reports from its own area electrical engineers for three-phase electricity connections instead of requiring applicants to obtain third-party chartered engineer reports costing over Rs. 15,000. He said the current requirement creates financial hardship and sought a change to reduce the burden on consumers. Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) Read →