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- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government inherited a debt-defaulting and dysfunctional economy, with impaired banking, import, construction and capital project activity, and argued that it has since restored a measure of stability. He rejected Opposition criticism, linking it to accountability efforts over past corruption and mismanagement. He highlighted the continuing poverty and underdevelopment in the North after the war and the long-term marginalization of the plantation community, stating that the Government would prioritize economic stabilization, targeted subsidies, relief, livelihood improvements and development programmes for these communities. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Government’s increased revenue, including a 28 percent rise in the first half of the year due to higher VAT, has been achieved by burdening ordinary people. He criticized the prioritization of tax incentives for foreign investors while small and medium enterprises, which he said have collapsed, have not received necessary support. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the President’s claims of economic growth and stability, arguing that if revenues have improved the Government should provide promised relief, including reductions in electricity tariffs and removal of VAT on children’s books and essentials. He raised concerns over alleged illegal release of 300 containers and urged action against those responsible, while also disputing claims about rupee stability in the context of wider currency movements. He focused extensively on the sugar industry, stating that imports, taxes on local production, lack of fertilizer, unsold stocks, depressed ethanol prices, and failing machinery are undermining domestic producers in areas such as Moneragala, and called for tax reductions and measures to protect local cane farmers and mills. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s economic narrative, arguing that official statistics obscure the hardships faced by the poor, particularly through indirect taxation such as VAT on items including schoolbooks. He questioned the low execution of the capital budget, saying only Rs. 337 billion of Rs. 1.410 trillion had been spent so far, and linked this to GDP performance. He also called for clarity on IMF-related policy commitments and whether duty-free imports of US vehicles are permitted, while urging the Government to move beyond anti-corruption rhetoric and past-blaming. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara - Deputy Chairperson of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara argued that the Government has moved Sri Lanka from bankruptcy toward economic stability through policy measures, citing GDP growth above IMF targets, reduced inflation, higher tax revenue, export growth, increased remittances, and new BOI-linked investment. She said recent tariff negotiations, wage increases for public and private sector workers, expanded Aswesuma benefits, and the “Artha” and “Praja Shakthi” programmes show a people-centred and inclusive recovery agenda. She urged the Opposition to stop spreading alleged falsehoods and support the Government’s economic programme in the public interest. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan outlined Sri Lanka’s recovery from the 2022 economic crisis, citing improved exports, remittances, reserves, inflation, debt levels, employment and GDP growth in 2023-2025 under reform and IMF-supported stabilization measures. He warned that trade deficits, domestic imbalances, possible US tariffs on apparel, skill shortages and brain drain could threaten the recovery. He called for stronger export contributions from the Northern and Eastern Provinces, export diversification, reduced reliance on narrow markets, restructuring of loss-making SOEs, promotion of PPPs, and stronger social protection. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka disputed comments attributed to Harsha de Silva regarding tax increases and their economic impact, arguing that such statements could create unnecessary uncertainty. He said vehicle imports had been reopened and cited US$ 1,268 million in letters of credit already opened, with expectations of US$ 1.5–1.8 billion by December, while noting the need to secure dollars to manage pressure on the rupee. He stated that the country could be stabilized and that the next Budget would focus on remaining gaps in daily life, including the economy, food, education, health, roads, and services. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized past and present political alignments, alleging that those responsible for corruption and economic collapse were protected and that current promises to resolve the crisis have not been made practical. Addressing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake upon his entry to the Chamber, he demanded a concrete programme for delivering promised relief, including support for workers, schoolchildren, and access to medicines. He called for clarity on how state revenue would be distributed to meet public needs and warned against a return to political deals, stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would oppose such practices. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake moved an Adjournment Motion on the country’s current economic status, arguing that the Government has restored macroeconomic stability after the recent crisis and is now seeking faster growth and reform. He cited improved GDP growth, private credit expansion, investor confidence, FDI approvals, export diversification, tourism recovery, and management of US reciprocal tariffs through diplomatic engagement. He urged Parliament, including the Opposition, to support the Government’s economic programme and use the House’s financial powers to consolidate recovery and deliver benefits to the public. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Participating in the debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, Hon. M.A.M. Thahir argued that CEB restructuring and wider economic reforms have not provided relief to poor households, public servants, or small businesses. He highlighted electricity and water disconnections, including during the crisis period, and questioned the absence of measures such as lower tariffs, subsidized new connections, or assistance for Samurdhi and Aswesuma beneficiaries. He called for reforms that improve services while addressing the cost-of-living burden on ordinary consumers. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva opposed the proposed amendments to the electricity law, arguing that they reverse the investment and competition framework established by the 2024 Act, which he said was intended to reduce tariffs, improve efficiency, and support private participation where appropriate. He stated that multilateral agencies including ADB, IFC and JICA, as well as business and sector stakeholders, had warned the Government against the changes, and he tabled related correspondence. He questioned the feasibility of financing major transmission investments through public borrowing, citing concerns over CEB debt risk and borrowing costs, and argued that higher costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers and industry. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB AI summary Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara asked the Prime Minister for details on the Government’s “Praja Shakthi” Programme, presented as an integrated, multi-pronged poverty eradication initiative. He sought information on its objectives, implementation framework, differences from earlier poverty alleviation schemes, reasons those schemes failed, and targets for 2030 and beyond. Oral Question: Poverty Eradication Programmes (Q.59/2025) Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan, speaking during the debate on regulations under the Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Act, urged the Government to ensure that any new levies do not further burden small producers who already lack fair market access. He highlighted unfair pricing by intermediaries, inadequate rural market infrastructure, the impact of monkey and elephant damage on farming, rising fuel costs for fishers, and the need to support war-affected farmers, fishers, women-headed households, and palmyrah-based small industries in the North and Vanni. He requested local market facilities, measures to secure fair prices, export support for palmyrah handicrafts, and solutions to the Mannar wind power dispute through ongoing discussions with Ministers and local representatives. Debate: Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Regulations Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on red onions, potatoes, and onion imports, stating that the Government has imposed a Rs. 50 per kilogram Special Commodity Levy on imported red onions to protect local farmers amid reduced domestic production. He said insured farmers affected by rainfall can receive compensation through the insurance mechanism, but there is no compensation system for uninsured farmers. He added that Jaffna potato cultivation is mainly privately funded, with arrangements to provide suitable seed at a 50% subsidy by November 2025, and that imported big onions are tested by health authorities for human consumption while local onions use approved pesticides. Ministerial Statements: Trade and Commerce Issues in Jaffna District Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the rules governing fees on card and QR payments, stating that merchants generally cannot pass Merchant Discount Rate charges to consumers except for limited fees on fuel purchases and certain government services. He said consumers can complain through their issuing financial institution or QR account bank if unlawful surcharges are imposed, and noted that the Central Bank has issued notices and guidance on the matter. He also said digital payment adoption is growing but is constrained by low public awareness, uneven internet and digital infrastructure, and a continued preference for cash, while the Central Bank is studying possible fee reductions and other measures to promote digital payments. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera asked the Minister of Finance about additional charges imposed by merchants on consumers using credit cards, debit cards or QR payments. He sought clarification on whether such charges are permitted, what remedies consumers have, and what barriers are limiting wider digital and QR-based transactions in Sri Lanka. He also asked whether the Government is considering reimbursing a flat per-transaction fee to promote digital payments and what progress has been made on that proposal. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary CBSL’s autonomy was defended as operating within a statutory framework that includes accountability through mandated, data-based reporting. The Minister said deviations from targets can be questioned through established report streams, and that the 5 per cent inflation target is based on the 20-year average and current conditions. He noted that inflation had fallen from crisis levels of around 70 per cent to near zero at times, and argued that the resulting price and financial stability should now be used to support growth and development. Standing Order 27(2): Central Bank Accountability and Medicine Procurement Delays Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana said the Government’s priorities are economic stabilization and growth, alongside action against fraud and corruption. He linked the Companies Act amendment to the earlier Proceeds of Crime Act, stating that it would close loopholes allowing illicit funds to be laundered through companies by requiring disclosure of beneficial ownership and real interests. He also cited economic indicators, including increased government revenue, higher remittances, and targets to reduce poverty by 2027 and eradicate extreme poverty by 2030. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over imported vehicles held at Hambantota Port, stating that importers are incurring demurrage and need a clear decision to either release the vehicles or return them. He questioned current vehicle pricing and Customs’ reclassification of certain hybrid vehicles, such as WagonR units, as petrol vehicles, which he said has increased duties from about Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 4 million. He urged the Minister to urgently engage with importers and provide a resolution. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to reconsider the handling of the SVAT system, arguing that manual intervention and VAT cash-flow burdens could undermine exporters’ profitability and competitiveness. He warned that without appropriate tax relief, especially for SMEs, businesses may be weakened or relocate overseas, and asked the Minister to address these concerns. He also defended continuation of the IMF-supported open economic policy framework, crediting earlier reforms and recent economic stabilization efforts for enabling current operations. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →