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- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna said Government paddy purchasing in the Yala season is not yet ideal, but attributed constraints to an inherited weak treasury and Paddy Marketing Board capacity, citing over 45,000 MT purchased despite limited usable stores and staffing shortages. He highlighted Rs. 78,000 million allocated for irrigation, resumed canal and tank rehabilitation, planned provision of dryers, and phased measures on human-elephant conflict. He also stated that the Government aims to reduce production costs through land-use rationalization, technology and labour-saving practices, while allocating about Rs. 20,000 million for Maha fertilizer support and moving toward timely supply of quality fertilizers. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned whether the Paddy Marketing Board had received adequate paddy under the Yala guaranteed prices, noting that only about 3,667 MT had reached PMB depots in Polonnaruwa and alleging that farmers were effectively forced to sell to private buyers. He argued that current production costs in Polonnaruwa are far above official estimates and that a fair procurement price for paddy would be around Rs. 170 per kilogram, citing increases in harvesting, fuel, and other costs despite lower urea prices. He called for timely inputs and water, special state bank credit to reduce farmers’ dependence on moneylenders, and measures to restore farmer confidence ahead of the Maha purchase, while also highlighting the added burden of human-elephant conflict. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that the Government failed to secure fair paddy prices and that the Paddy Marketing Board’s procurement and milling plan did not deliver the promised low-priced rice supply, leaving stocks insufficient for national needs. He urged an immediate assessment of rice varieties and the importation of Samba to prevent further price increases, while criticizing the allocation of PMB milling work to a politically connected large operator instead of small and medium millers. He also called for an urgent mechanism to purchase and process burnt sugarcane at Sevanagala, saying farmers should be protected while any arsonists are investigated and punished. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that farmers have become poorer as agriculture’s GDP share has fallen and production costs have risen, and urged timely payment of fertilizer support funds to farmers’ bank accounts. He said technology adoption and yields remain weak, and highlighted onion production shortfalls, noting large import costs. He requested that traditional chena cultivation lands in Monaragala, including areas such as Kotiyagala, Ethimale and Buttala, be restored to local farmers rather than diverted to a solar project or cattle use, while emphasizing that he was not seeking new forest land. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne outlined government action on paddy purchasing, fertilizer support, and farmer compensation, stating that minimum paddy prices were set on a cost-plus basis and that state stores had been reopened, receiving 59,000 MT in the last Maha and 43,891 MT so far in the current Yala. He said cultivation support had increased from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per two hectares, with additional support for intercrops on fallow land, and that these payments were excluded from cost calculations to avoid lowering farmers’ minimum prices. He reported that arrears in compensation had been cleared and payments completed for 70,548 farmers affected in the last Maha, while criticizing previous unpaid dues for onion seed and potato purchases. He said the Government is restoring the Paddy Marketing Board, expanding soil testing, seed production, research, technology use, and livestock development to stabilize food supply, improve market access, reduce food imports, and support exports. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan raised farmers’ issues in the North and East, especially Batticaloa, highlighting delays in government price-setting and paddy procurement that leave farmers vulnerable to low private-sector prices. He called for rehabilitation of storage facilities such as the former PMB warehouse at Theavapuram, more drying yards and functional warehouses, timely delivery of fertilizer and inputs, and faster compensation for flood-related crop losses. He also urged action on human–elephant conflict in Batticaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee, citing inadequate wildlife sub-offices and staff and stating that electric fences alone are insufficient. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara moved an Adjournment Motion urging the Government to ensure a fair guaranteed price for paddy, arguing that the controlled price and current purchasing arrangements are not reaching farmers in practice. He cited delayed fertiliser subsidies, higher input costs, inadequate crop-damage compensation, moisture and drying problems after combine harvesting, lack of storage access, and farmers being forced to sell at lower field prices. He proposed a more practical State purchasing mechanism, including field-level purchasing, advance payments, drying support, and timely intervention to balance farmer incomes with consumer rice prices. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the Bill to remove additional benefits and perks granted to former Presidents, arguing that elected representatives should return to ordinary citizenship after leaving office. He linked the measure to the NPP’s electoral mandate to change what he described as an anti-people political culture, while saying lawful entitlements would remain. He urged all Members to vote for the Bill, stating that taxpayers facing economic hardship should not fund expanded privileges obtained through previous Cabinets. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper asked the Minister to clarify whether banks, particularly state banks such as the Bank of Ceylon, have discretion to refuse the borrower relief referred to in the Central Bank media release of 20 December 2024. He said certain wording in the release is being used to deny consumers the 35% interest relief when they seek to settle loans, and requested the Government’s policy position on whether such refusals are permitted. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the current Special Commodity Levy decision was based on 2025 import volumes and domestic production, not on historical data from 2007 onward, which would require inputs from multiple ministries. He stated that the proposal was considered through the Food Policy and Security Committee, a subcommittee, the Tariff Policy Committee, and Cabinet before implementation, and that the Rs. 40 levy was intended to balance farmer protection, food security, and consumer interests. He also said there were no leaks before Cabinet approval, citing August import volumes as evidence that imports had not spiked to exploit the levy change. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on potato and big onion cultivation, stating that domestic production in 2024 met about 20% of potato demand and 3% of big onion demand, while imports in January-August 2025 totalled 128,898 MT of potatoes and 217,736 MT of big onions. He said Special Commodity Levy adjustments during harvest periods are used to protect farm-gate prices from import surges and that detailed import, levy and revenue data will be tabled after obtaining information from Inland Revenue and Customs. He outlined the approval process under the National Tariff Policy and Cabinet decisions in August 2025, and said the Government intends to introduce seasonal taxation for selected food items to balance farmer protection with consumer prices during off-harvest periods. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government’s decision, by Gazette of 25 August 2025, to raise the Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions and potatoes, arguing that it increases costs for consumers while its benefit to local farmers remains unclear. He asked for data on the number of onion and potato farmers, harvesting seasons, 2024 production volumes, and the share of domestic demand met locally. He also requested details of relief provided through the levy, whether it adequately protects farmers, and historical data since 2007 on imports, duties, Gazette notifications, and revenue, including figures for August 2025. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake responded to the Adjournment Motion on human rights by citing the 12 August UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report as evidence of a shift toward a more inclusive national identity and of early government action on economic and social rights. He highlighted the inherited economic crisis, including food insecurity and child malnutrition, and pointed to measures such as tax threshold increases, VAT removals on some foods, higher health and education allocations, increased Aswesuma funding, and meeting the IMF social safety net target. He also cited the Proceeds of Crime Act, the National Anti-Corruption Plan, and recent corruption convictions and investigations as signs of action against corruption, arguing that human rights concerns must be considered alongside economic recovery and accountability efforts. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake argued that voters, including estate Tamil communities, graduates, farmers and workers, placed significant trust in the Government at the recent election but are now facing unresolved problems. He said estate workers still receive only Rs. 1,300 a day and continue to live in line rooms, calling for more housing and meaningful wage improvements. He also cited Mahiyanganaya farmers and ongoing public sector strikes, stating that the Opposition was not organizing these protests and warning against attempts to suppress or intimidate striking workers. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath argued that current vehicle prices should be compared with 2019 levels rather than crisis-period peaks. He stated that the Government’s objective is to provide maximum relief within available fiscal space and said the proposed amendments are intended to meet public needs, contrasting this with what he described as the Opposition’s lack of data. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported revenue and reform measures in principle but questioned whether increased taxation and Customs revenue were improving public services or reducing living costs. He raised concerns over remittances linked to Sri Lankans in the Russia–Ukraine war, tourist driving permits affecting local employment, Customs delays increasing consumer costs, and proposed CEB engineering recruitment despite internal candidates. He also called for redeploying staff from downsized state entities to services such as the Postal Department, adjusting teacher transfer timing and benefits to avoid disruption, and considering leadership capacity, not only qualifications, in appointments to major schools such as Bandaranaike College, Gampaha. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Arguing during debate on Finance Ministry orders and vehicle taxation, J.C. Alawathuwala said recent Customs revenue increases are largely driven by high vehicle and consumption taxes after years of import restrictions, making vehicles unaffordable for most Sri Lankans. He criticized taxes on essentials, higher electricity tariffs, forthcoming VAT on digital services, and increased stamp duty, citing UN data on food insecurity, poverty and malnutrition to argue that indirect taxation is burdening low-income households. He urged the Government to correct vehicle import and EV regulatory issues through consultation rather than re-exporting imported vehicles, and also called for clarity on allegedly unchecked container releases and equal enforcement of court orders and anti-corruption investigations involving ministers. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka criticised the Government’s vehicle import tax policy, arguing that the reopening of imports was offset by a new 60 per cent luxury tax and that vehicle taxation had increased beyond previous levels. He disputed Government claims of economic revival, citing lower GDP growth, negative agricultural growth, rupee depreciation, money printing, and questioned statements about a Rs. 1 trillion Central Bank reserve. He also alleged insufficient action on corruption complaints and raised specific concerns over coal procurement, claiming tender timelines were shortened in breach of fair international bidding standards and that the process appeared structured to benefit a preferred supplier. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka addressed the Customs Ordinance Resolution, welcoming the reopening of vehicle imports but criticizing high vehicle taxation and arguing that promised relief for public servants and middle-income earners had not materialized. He questioned the government’s claim of improved cash reserves, saying revenue growth relied mainly on indirect taxes that burden low-income households, and asked why promised relief measures, including a Rs. 5,000 goods pack for poor families, were not implemented after the election. He also raised concerns about farmers’ difficulties in selling paddy, debt burdens, price-setting decisions, and the government’s handling of negotiations with large millers, urging the government to honour its commitments. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the current vehicle import duty structure, saying small cars have become unaffordable for lower middle-income workers despite prior political promises, and urged tax reforms to make vehicles accessible. He called for a more flexible response to postal workers’ trade union action and highlighted salary and retention problems at the Road Development Authority, proposing legal empowerment for the RDA to generate revenue. He also alleged failures in the Government’s paddy procurement programme, citing low Paddy Marketing Board purchases and a wide gap between farmgate paddy prices and controlled rice prices that benefits large millers. Additionally, he questioned the proposed use of BOI land in Mirigama for cannabis cultivation, arguing such scarce industrial land near Colombo should be reserved for export processing and investment activities. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →