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- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s support for farmers, arguing that assured prices have not been provided for crops including onions, potatoes, pumpkin and paddy despite references to cold storage and Economic Centres. He said fertilizer subsidy payments were delayed in the previous season and, with the Maha season underway, asked how the Government would ensure timely fertilizer support within the production cycle. He urged the Government to implement a more effective guaranteed price mechanism and provide a clear response to farmers. Oral Question: Vavuniya Dedicated Economic Centre (Question No. 1) Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said CPC’s financial position had been mischaracterised, distinguishing debt from LC/indemnity instruments and noting an estimated Rs. 32 billion profit by October. He outlined progress on the India HVDC interconnection, Trincomalee oil tank farm, and major North-East transmission projects, while stressing that import/export pricing and transmission costs must be carefully assessed. He said the Government rejected the Adani wind proposal because the quoted USD 8.26 cents per kWh excluded unresolved transmission costs and was above competitive benchmarks, and that renewable and grid projects are being accelerated to reduce generation costs. He detailed recent electricity tariff reductions for domestic consumers, said about 70 per cent of customers under 90 units are supplied below cost through cross-subsidy, and argued that Sri Lanka’s household and industrial electricity prices have become comparatively competitive in the region. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas outlined the Government’s policy to develop a competitive, consumer-focused and renewable-oriented power sector, arguing that affordable tariffs require competitive generation procurement, grid upgrades and storage rather than higher renewable tariffs. He said transmission projects and battery storage tenders are underway, including major 400 kV and 220 kV lines, and that EV charging infrastructure, smart metering, time-of-use tariffs and rooftop solar integration will be expanded from 2026. He stated that the Government aims to reduce electricity bills by 30 per cent over three years through sustainable cost reductions, while also planning Mannar basin hydrocarbon exploration tenders in early 2026 with international partners. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Government’s fuel pricing and revenue management, stating that CPC-related figures had fallen from Rs. 27 billion in the first six months of 2024 to Rs. 17 billion in the same period of 2025 while pump prices had not reflected larger declines in international fuel indices. He alleged a lack of transparency in the monthly fuel pricing formula, windfall gains to connected parties, and irregular lubricant sales causing losses, and requested investigations into these matters. Citing the Auditor General’s 2023 report, he said recoveries had not been made for delayed deliveries, off-specification stocks, and shipping short-landings, including alleged dues of US$ 4.39 million and US$ 27 million to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan asked what immediate action the CEB is taking to provide delayed service connections for consumers who have already paid, and urged that paper electricity bills be resumed in rural areas such as Wanni and Mullaitivu until digital access and literacy improve. He welcomed the suspension of the Mannar wind protest following assurances and a Gazette decision against siting wind projects within Mannar town limits, and requested that wind farms not be placed in urban or peri-urban Mannar, proposing instead utility-scale solar on barren lands. He also called for measures to reduce outages caused by salt deposition, installment plans or subsidies for unaffordable connection fees, and defended the role of clergy in raising civic concerns on behalf of communities. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government’s energy sector management, alleging contradictions in the appointment of the Energy Minister and irregularities in wind power and battery-plus-solar tenders, including claims that procurement conditions favoured Chinese interests and excluded local consortia. He argued that promised reductions in electricity and fuel prices had not materialised and demanded that the Minister state when and by how much those prices would be reduced. He also raised a procedural concern as a COPE member, saying the summoning of a private entity without an Auditor-General’s report was contrary to Standing Orders and that any suspected wrongdoing should instead be referred to law enforcement or anti-corruption authorities. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva questioned whether the 2025 amendments to the Electricity Act had reversed the intended unbundling of the CEB and weakened prospects for private investment, governance reform, and tariff reduction. He asked for clarity on the restructuring master plan, expert input, due diligence, timelines, and accountability, citing opposition from engineers and concerns over entities such as LTL Holdings. He argued that Budget allocations for transmission and sector development fall far short of the stated USD 5 billion investment need, and questioned the cost implications of high-interest external borrowing. He proposed using part of additional fuel tax revenue to create a dedicated fund to subsidize solar PV storage batteries. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake criticized government micromanagement of private-sector competition, arguing that forcing CPC to take Rs. 8.5 million in shares would deter companies seeking to retain control. He warned against inconsistent policy signals and said such an approach could leave the Trade Minister attempting to import rice without funds. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to work constructively with the private sector to reduce energy costs, arguing that lowering unit prices to around Rs. 18–20 would improve industrial competitiveness. He also called for coordination with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the IMF to allow investment while providing targeted relief. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to use energy-sector connectivity and supply expansion to help avert electricity and fuel crises and reduce tariffs, citing the promised 33 per cent electricity bill reduction. He proposed revisiting Trincomalee energy hub plans, including the oil tank farm, pipeline connectivity with India, bunkering and refinery options, while questioning the need for a third refinery if pipeline-based fuel supply could lower costs and improve reserves. He also raised objections to the installation of 14 wind turbines in Mannar despite local opposition, and requested action on barriers to household solar connections in Batticaloa where residents are being asked to fund long-distance power line extensions. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of undermining renewable energy entrepreneurs, particularly in solar power, despite pledging to promote renewables, and alleged that it was serving fuel and electricity interests. He criticised the Government for continuing with the previous debt restructuring and IMF approach, arguing that macro-linked bonds could increase the debt burden as GDP grows and that domestic debt restructuring unfairly affected EPF and ETF holders while protecting banks and primary dealers. He called on the Government to strengthen renewables, reduce electricity tariffs by 33 per cent, and provide fuel at landed cost as previously promised. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned why the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is reportedly incurring losses despite higher fuel prices, no credit sales, halted commissions, and State-controlled distribution. He cited media reports of a 26 percent drop in CPC revenue and asked for an explanation in the context of broader energy-sector concerns, including slow progress on solar power. Oral Question No. 2 (Q.812/2025): Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery Expansion and Modernization Project Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa proposed that Parliament issue a public statement advising citizens not to repay loans obtained from illegal online lenders charging exorbitant interest rates, and sought agreement from all Members on this position. He also urged the Government to address the welfare issues of disabled war veterans based on documents he had tabled. Referring to a temple-related incident in Trincomalee, he called for a national programme and a National Integration Committee to prevent similar incidents. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB AI summary Upali Samarasingha stated that the main issue is the lack of a clear national policy and system governing prices and standards. He said discussions are under way with relevant regulatory bodies to create mechanisms ensuring fair pricing and quality for domestic products and fair market prices for imports, and that this work has already begun. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns that prices vary significantly between shops for the same branded goods, including imported items and agro-chemicals. He proposed that action be taken to ensure more uniform pricing for identical brands in response to public complaints. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha — Deputy Minister of Co‑operative Development AI summary Deputy Minister Upali Samarasingha said the Ministry, through the Consumer Affairs Authority, is taking measures under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, to protect consumers and traders by regulating unfair practices, standards, labelling and prices. He outlined enforcement actions including raids, legal action against substandard goods, public awareness programmes, Gazette notifications on product standards and packaging, and maximum price controls for selected essential goods such as rice, canned fish and bottled water. He also noted a regulatory gap regarding cosmetics such as skin whitening and hair creams, with the CAA coordinating with the Ministry of Health where necessary. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan asked the Minister whether he is aware that the same commodities are being sold at varying prices and that substandard food and consumer goods are available in shops. He requested details on whether a programme exists to prevent unfit food and goods from entering the market, and, if not, the reasons for the absence of such measures. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government for, in his view, undermining Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural traditions, particularly in relation to the treatment of monks and remarks about practices such as statue and snake veneration. He argued that such practices form part of Buddhist, Hindu and wider cultural heritage and warned that the public would oppose perceived attacks on them. He also accused the Government and leftist parties of abandoning past anti-imperialist and pro-poor positions, citing alleged agreements with the United States and the imposition of VAT on small traders. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna said he voted against the Budget’s Second Reading because the Government had failed to fulfil pledges on releasing political prisoners and repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He raised grievances relating to the Northern Province, including unemployed graduates, fishermen’s difficulties, Provincial Council politics, halted excavations, and the non-release of civilian lands in Palaly despite airport expansion plans. He also criticised the proposed Rs. 200 wage increase for estate workers as inadequate in light of living costs, and said Hill Country workers had long been neglected by their representatives. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government had failed to implement election pledges, including permanent appointments for teacher instructors, changes to the IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis, graduate employment commitments, and justice for the Easter Sunday attacks. He called for urgent action on distressed MSMEs, citing high closures, non-performing loans, parate executions, inadequate restructuring mechanisms, weak use of ADB credit support, and the impact of lowering the VAT registration threshold. He also urged a coherent national pension programme, restoration of promised senior citizens’ savings benefits, settlement of pension anomalies and arrears for retirees, and resolution of unresolved salary and pension issues affecting retired teachers and principals. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →