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 October 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan said the Government’s policy statement on a “Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life” should be assessed by whether it has laid foundations for fair access to food, housing and clothing, while noting that long-standing communal and extremist politics since Independence have hindered such progress. He welcomed action against drugs, underworld gangs and corruption, including recent narcotics-related arrests, but argued that investigations must reach the masterminds, including those behind the Easter attacks and any “black state” networks. He also called for action against corrupt officials who remain in positions of influence and for the implementation of inquiry report recommendations without protection or delay. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Government and Opposition Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad seconded the Motion alleging failure to fulfill government promises, questioning the absence of audited reports and recovery action on alleged corruption, fraud and waste in key ministries. He argued that Provincial Council Elections, promised within a year, were being delayed through renewed discussions on delimitation and electoral systems, and urged the Government to revert to the previous system and hold elections promptly. He also questioned unmet commitments on fuel price reductions, tax removal, rice price stabilization through SATHOSA, and concrete measures to reduce electricity tariffs. Adjournment Motion: Implementation of Manifesto "A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life" - Opening Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha moved an adjournment motion alleging that the Government has failed to implement key pledges in the National People’s Power manifesto, including tax relief, VAT removal, salary increases, constitutional reform, Provincial Council Elections, and a strengthened production economy. He argued that the Government instead implemented IMF conditions that increased taxes and burdens on households, citing World Bank poverty figures, rising malnutrition, unresolved public sector salary issues, and increased debt servicing through a supplementary estimate. He also criticized electricity tariff increases, lack of new investment zones, and weak industrial and investment activity, and called on the Government to implement its manifesto commitments. Adjournment Motion: Implementation of Manifesto "A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life" - Opening Speeches Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala cited World Bank data indicating that poverty had increased further from 24.986 per cent in 2024 and argued that poverty reduction must be a priority for national prosperity. He said the Government, having expanded from three MPs in 2022 to a large parliamentary mandate, should use that mandate to deliver livelihood programmes alongside anti-corruption efforts. He also referred to recent cooperative election results as an indication of changing public sentiment and urged the Government to focus on meeting the expectations of voters. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the anti-doping Bill but said the Government delayed responding to WADA’s non-compliance finding, risking Sri Lanka’s participation under the national flag and access to international sports support. He called for athlete and coach education on prohibited substances, tax relief on sports equipment, and free access to district sports facilities to support grassroots athletes. He also urged stronger support for smallholder tea growers and staffing in the Smallholder Tea Development Authority, requested the tabling of the report on the release of 323 containers linked to drug allegations, sought clarification on the future of Sathosa, and called for adequate security for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the fuel subsidy has been discontinued, but other assistance schemes remain in place. He said many eligible persons had not received previous support due to incorrect bank account or address details, and invited them to resubmit accurate information to officials so the assistance can be provided. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had reintroduced fuel subsidies for fishing communities after taking office, including monthly support for diesel and kerosene-powered boats over a six-month period, amounting to more than Rs. 2 billion. He noted that fuel prices are adjusted under the IMF cost-reflective pricing framework and invited Members to participate in a forthcoming parliamentary discussion on kerosene subsidies led by the Minister of Power and Energy. He also outlined fisheries development measures in the North and East, including distribution of Chinese-donated nets, installation of container homes, upgrades to Point Pedro and Myliddy harbours, restarting the Karainagar boatyard facility, and recruitment to address official shortages in the Eastern Province. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Fisheries on fuel distribution for fishermen, emphasizing that unavailable or unaffordable fuel is undermining livelihoods, particularly among recovering small-scale fishing communities in the Vanni. He cited related issues of debt, inadequate infrastructure, climate impacts, and uneven access to existing kerosene subsidies. He urged an immediate fair fuel distribution mechanism, cooperative-based subsidized fuel purchasing, debt relief and financial assistance, and modernization of coastal infrastructure in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Jaffna. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about drug trafficking and alleged weapons entering the country through containers, calling for truth, accountability, and equal enforcement of the law. He linked these concerns to broader issues of public health, child protection, and policy consistency, referencing Sri Lanka’s promotion as an inclusive destination for LGBTIQ persons by the Tourism Development Authority. He also urged Members of Parliament to focus on legislation, oversight, national policy, and asset transparency rather than ceremonial involvement in minor local works, while noting continued public hardship over fuel, vehicle costs, and living expenses. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Government to take concrete action on the visa issue, noting that continued inaction could fuel suspicions over the allegations being raised. He also alleged that a tender relating to government paddy stocks had been structured to exclude small and medium rice millers and benefit selected large millers, contrary to the Government’s manifesto commitment to protect small and medium entrepreneurs. He called on the Government to revise its approach and ensure such millers are not displaced from the sector. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake said the Government should address problems faced by sugar industry farmers while ensuring fair prices for consumers. He argued that policy decisions must consider the cost difference between importing sugar at about USD 490 million and producing it domestically at about USD 575 million plus VAT, given the impact on affected farmers. Question by Private Notice: Sugar Industry Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s policy direction on the sugar industry, citing a perceived shift from earlier claims that Sri Lanka could achieve self-sufficiency and export sugar to the position that the State should not run businesses. He highlighted 2024 figures showing domestic production of about 81,000 metric tons against demand of 664,000 metric tons, with imports costing around USD 290–300 million, and argued that farmers face arrears, low prices, high input costs and policy disadvantages. He asked the Minister to clarify whether the new approach is official Government policy, provide data supporting earlier export claims, outline plans for sugar mills, ensure fair prices and timely payments to cane farmers, review tax treatment of imports and domestic production, and present a white paper on the industry’s future. Question by Private Notice: Sugar Industry Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Urban commuters face inadequate public transport and high taxi costs due to weaknesses in SLTB operations and depot management. District-level officials and Police OICs have been asked to intervene to improve depot performance, with some successful coordination between private and SLTB services, such as on the Kalutara–Colombo route. In response to concerns about Route 155, it was stated that 20 trips had operated the previous day and that specific lapses should be reported for inquiry. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported Hon. Kabir Hashim’s Motion and criticized the Government for not fulfilling its promise to reduce electricity tariffs by 30 per cent. He said poor households face disconnections, interest on arrears, and high reconnection fees for small unpaid bills, and urged that these practices be stopped. He also questioned restrictions on rooftop solar capacity and argued that with available hydro generation and previous pledges to curb fuel and coal-related commissions, tariffs should be reduced to assist households and small producers. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion and criticised the Government for allegedly breaking its promise to reduce electricity bills by 30 per cent. He argued that tariff increases were being justified through claimed CEB losses and IMF-related cost-reflective pricing, while insufficient attention was being given to inefficiency, coal dependence, and renewable energy options such as rooftop solar. He urged the Government to follow the PUCSL framework, review the pricing formula through due process, and avoid further tariff increases that would burden households and small industries. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the current power sector restructuring, stating that the proposed companies would remain 100 per cent state-owned under the Treasury Secretary and did not amount to CEB privatization. He argued that restructuring is needed to lower electricity tariffs by reducing generation, transmission and distribution costs, while addressing under-investment in the network and expanding renewable energy toward the 70 per cent target by 2030. He also said electricity and other prices had been stabilized or reduced under the Government, citing lower bills for low-consumption households, and stated that IMF-related measures were being negotiated in a manner suited to Sri Lanka. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Ceylon Electricity Board is profitable when recent earnings and clawback provisions are considered, and that further tariff increases after the June 2025 increase are unjustified. He said the proposed increase is driven by a Cabinet decision linked to IMF EFF Third Review conditions to pass legacy debt to consumers, rather than by operating costs, and questioned whether the tariff formula legally permits this. He also asked whether IMF-flagged accounting and data issues at CEB had been corrected and sought details on when and how the promised 30% reduction in electricity bills would be delivered. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim moved a motion opposing the Ceylon Electricity Board’s proposed 6.8 per cent electricity tariff increase for October–December 2025, citing PUCSL concerns about the regulatory basis for the pricing tables and questioning whether the claimed losses were justified. He argued that repeated tariff increases contradicted the NPP’s pledges on fair pricing and reducing electricity bills, and urged that the proposed revision not be implemented and bills be reduced by at least 15 per cent. He further challenged the Minister’s loss figures by referring to CEB monthly accounts showing reported surpluses from April to July and a projected profit in August, and tabled those reports in the Library. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage supported the extension of regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, stating that limited vehicle imports were intended to assist tourism recovery after the economic crisis. He argued that the crisis stemmed from past borrowing, particularly International Sovereign Bonds issued during 2015–2019, and said this debt did not generate sustained growth. He outlined the Government’s tourism targets and cited recent indicators on GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, and interest rates as evidence of stabilization before moving toward broader economic growth. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that the reported exit of HSBC and possible departure of Standard Chartered indicated serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s investment climate. He questioned the Government over unchecked containers leaving the port despite a UNODC warning, including whether they could have contained drugs, weapons, or explosives. He called on the Government to stop attributing blame, identify any politicians allegedly linked to the Middeniya container issue, and enforce the law while delivering on its election promises. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →