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 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Prime Minister, under Standing Order 27(2), for a detailed assessment of the 2023 IMF Extended Fund Facility following approval of the fifth and sixth reviews and a further US$695 million tranche. He sought information on whether the programme has met its economic, fiscal and social objectives, including effects on living standards, growth, employment, investment, exports, MSMEs, wage earners and vulnerable groups. He also questioned whether Sri Lanka can proceed without another IMF arrangement, whether further engagement with the IMF beyond 2027 is being discussed, and what alternative strategy exists if not. He requested disclosure to Parliament of the total repayment cost of the IMF facility and the annual external debt service schedule from 2028 to 2048. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera outlined recent fiscal allocations for relief and economic support, including Rs. 67 billion for “Ditva” cyclone-affected persons in 2025, Rs. 500 billion in 2026, Rs. 100 billion in concessional credit for MSMEs, and Rs. 100 billion for sectoral relief linked to the Middle East war’s impact. He stated that the Ministry of Finance has met the conditions for the macro-linked bond and IMF targets, while maintaining coordination with the Central Bank, despite tax relief measures expected to reduce revenue by about Rs. 100 billion. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that people across multiple sectors, including farmers, fishers, workers, industrialists, MSMEs, the self-employed, salaried employees, and entrepreneurs, are facing hardships and expect practical solutions. He called for Government intervention to address their difficulties. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, outlined the roles of fiscal and monetary policy and the respective responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. He said IMF, World Bank and ADB support contributes to stabilization and reforms, including the 2023 IMF Extended Fund Facility, Aswasuma social protection allocations, debt restructuring, governance reforms and public sector transparency measures, while national policy decisions remain with the Government. He noted coordination under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, and identified risks including high public debt, geopolitical and trade uncertainties, inflationary pressures, SOE-related fiscal burdens and social protection needs. Government responses cited included strengthening tax administration, rationalizing exemptions, improving expenditure management, debt and SOE reforms, expanding social protection and digitalization, anti-corruption measures, and promoting exports and foreign exchange earnings. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) on the Government’s economic policy framework, focusing on the coordination of fiscal and monetary policy within the IMF programme and related agreements with international institutions. He asked for details on policy instruments, targets, responsible institutions, risks, and assessments of impacts on inflation, interest rates, the rupee, investment, employment and cost of living. He also sought clarification on reported differences between the Treasury and Central Bank, including the alleged missing US$25 million, and requested that the Treasury’s report on the matter be tabled in Parliament. He further asked what measures are being taken to ease economic pressures on middle-income groups, professionals, MSMEs, farmers, fishers and low-income households, and to strengthen parliamentary oversight and public accountability. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over rising gold-loan indebtedness, noting Rs. 3,514.5 million in gold loans over 15 months and an average household burden of about Rs. 168,000, much of it through rural banks. He warned that the relevant authorization had lapsed in 2024, potentially creating legal issues, and questioned the impact on farmers who pawned gold to fund cultivation amid an upcoming harvest, reported rice imports of 157,000 metric tons, and the stated rice price band. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that the agreement reached on worker payments does not impose additional burdens, higher leaf quotas, or new conditions on workers. He said the Government and companies will each contribute Rs. 200 as an incentive, and assured that the Government will intervene if reports emerge of companies imposing new burdens, emphasizing that the aim is to improve living standards. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said he hoped the Minister’s assurance on exchange-rate stabilization would materialize, but urged more targeted economic measures given the link between fuel imports, subsidies and currency pressures. He proposed retargeting diesel relief toward essential sectors such as public transport instead of blanket subsidies, or temporarily restricting certain luxury imports, while noting revenue concerns from reduced vehicle imports and excess letters of credit. He also called for progress on a proposed Sri Lanka Development Fund requiring at least US$ 200 million initially, and for tourism strategies to attract visitors, particularly from India, amid regional tensions. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Fuel prices for the next month are based on the previous month’s costs, with CPC dollar outflows expected to exceed US$ 500 million by end-May compared with the usual US$ 100–150 million. Dr. Anil Jayantha said recent fuel price increases of over 50 per cent are now affecting domestic prices, but noted that declines in crude and refined diesel prices and additional supply from reserve releases may ease pressures. He stated that any future price adjustments will depend on market movements and that no further immediate change has been decided. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that his earlier question on fuel prices had not received a clear answer. He asked the Minister to provide a brief clarification on the matter. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said the rupee’s depreciation was driven primarily by external geopolitical pressures, higher oil prices and a stronger US dollar, rather than domestic macroeconomic or fiscal policy. He outlined impacts on fuel imports, inflation, trade, tourism and consumption, and said the Government and Central Bank were responding through measured, data-based actions within the flexible inflation-targeting framework. He detailed an additional Rs. 100 billion relief package for fuel, Aswesuma beneficiaries, electricity users, agriculture, fisheries and other affected sectors. He also referred to BOI and Port City investment plans and said the IMF’s fifth and sixth reviews, worth about US$ 700 million, were expected to be considered on 27 May following stronger-than-expected programme performance. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Finance Minister on the rupee’s depreciation, rising volatility, inflation, fuel and electricity price increases, and the resulting impact on low- and middle-income households. He asked what measures the Government would take, including possible expansion of Aswesuma, transport subsidies, temporary VAT relief, management of rupee volatility, steps to attract FDI in 2026, and whether an assessment of cost-of-living impacts under the IMF programme would be tabled in Parliament. He also sought clarification on whether fuel retailers were being required to absorb losses due to implied subsidies on diesel and petrol, and whether any compensation would be funded through the Budget or another mechanism. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof asked for clarity on Government plans to provide pipe-borne water to underserved villages in the Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat Division, noting that supply reaches Erakkandi Bridge and Pulmoddai but bypasses several intervening villages. He stated that over 10,000 families remain dependent on well water and linked the issue to renal and kidney-related health concerns in nearby areas. He requested specific details on proposed projects, including their start and completion timelines, noting that previous representations had not produced the desired results. Oral Question: Provision of drinking water in Trincomalee District (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported the Adjournment Motion on the rights and conditions of Malaiyagam Tamils, stating that his party recognizes them as a national community and will support their struggles. He highlighted landlessness, poverty, and the continuing “line room” housing system, including related problems faced by Malaiyagam Tamils serving as home guards in northern and eastern border areas. He urged the Government to give special attention to ending line-room living, resolving land issues, and improving basic rights and living conditions for the community. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan moved an Adjournment Motion highlighting deprivation in plantation regions and rising living costs, and argued that earlier initiatives on housing, land ownership, local administration, education, health, and a Hill Country Authority had sought to integrate hill country plantation communities into the national mainstream. He alleged that these programmes had not been continued under the present Government and that estate management intimidation, demolitions, violence, and displacement after Cyclone “Didwa” remained unresolved. He urged immediate Government intervention to stop intimidation and violence in plantation areas and prioritized granting suitable land ownership for housing to plantation families. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Several regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were presented for approval, including limited Kiri Samba imports, tyres for SriLankan Airlines, and HS code changes. The Deputy Minister argued that the economy stabilized in 2025 with improved fiscal and growth indicators, but said 2026 pressures arose from Middle East-related import cost increases and a surge in vehicle imports that raised dollar demand and temporarily weakened the rupee. He said stabilization would come through Central Bank action, Government policy measures, expected IMF and multilateral inflows, public restraint on non-essential imports, and better communication, while cautioning importers against panic-driven over-importing. He stated that recent additional duties were aimed mainly at slowing luxury vehicle imports, excluding development-related vehicles such as those used for agriculture and public transport. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara urged the Government to address pension recalculation concerns for war veterans recalled after retirement, linking the issue to the commemoration of those who served in the war. He criticized claims about economic stability and warned against irresponsible governance amid reports of rupee depreciation. He argued that fertilizer subsidies and paddy price claims do not reflect conditions faced by farmers, stating that fertilizer prices have risen sharply, few farmers have received subsidies, and many are selling paddy at lower market prices, and called for practical relief for farmers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran defended the Government’s economic management, arguing that current pressures stem from global conditions rather than Government policy, and contrasted them with the 2022–2023 crisis, which he attributed to the previous administration. He cited comparative fuel prices, tax revenue growth from 2023 to 2025, and rising export earnings as evidence of stability and recovery, while stating that development projects have continued. He also highlighted planned support for rebuilding cyclone-damaged houses in Mullaitivu, water projects in the Northern Province, and funding for the renovation of the Vavuniya District Secretariat, and urged the Opposition to offer constructive policy proposals. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof stated that closures and a roadblock have disrupted fishing and agriculture in Muthunagar, depriving residents of their livelihoods. He requested Government relief for affected people and called for the roadblock to be removed so fishermen can access the sea. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Rathna Gamage said the import and export control regulations were based on recommendations from the Food Policy and Security Committee and oversight by the Committee on Public Finance, particularly in relation to food security and essential commodities. He argued that the Government is pursuing a production-based economy and cited increased tourism earnings and workers’ remittances, while noting that the 2026 cyclone and Middle East conflict had placed pressure on the rupee in line with regional currency depreciation. He said the Government had responded by absorbing the initial shock through reduced state fuel quotas and cuts to political privileges, and framed the regulations as measures to support production, safeguard food security and stabilize the economy. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →