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 July 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Opposition Leader’s Standing Order 27(2) question reached the Ministry only the previous afternoon and that several assertions required verification. He outlined available figures on rice consumption, Maha and Yala production, stockholding agencies, and recent imports, including 178,000 MT of rice, a proposed 40,000 MT for Keeri Samba, and 278,000 MT of maize for livestock and related industries. He also noted reported demand for rice by breweries and sake production, and stated that comprehensive written answers would be provided after confirming data with the relevant institutions. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Paddy Purchase, Rice Import, Horticultural Crops; Question of Privilege Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a Private Notice Question on paddy procurement and rice import policy, asking for data on national rice requirements, Government-held stocks, expected Yala harvest by district, production costs, guaranteed prices, procurement targets, budget allocations, imports, and crop insurance. He argued that despite reported rice surpluses and a stated guaranteed price of Rs. 120 per kilogram of paddy, farmers are being forced to sell at Rs. 85-90 during harvest while rice imports continue. He questioned whether imports and weak distribution mechanisms, including alleged diversion of rice and market manipulation, are undermining fair prices for farmers and requested structured Government responses. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Paddy Purchase, Rice Import, Horticultural Crops; Question of Privilege Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe requested the Prime Minister’s intervention to address students’ difficulties with Transport Board season tickets and small stipends. He urged measures to create a more supportive and attractive environment for students. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 8 July 2025 Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB AI summary Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara rejected Opposition allegations about high salt prices, arguing that recent increases were mainly due to severe weather affecting solar salt production and that retail prices were lower than claimed. He said past attempts to reform Lanka Salt Ltd. and expand production had been obstructed under the previous government, and accused the Opposition of using issues such as salt, rice, coconuts and container releases for political purposes after local authority setbacks. He proposed, sarcastically, that the Minister consider a concessional salt ration for Opposition members, while stating that the Government was advancing local development, reducing corruption in imports, and strengthening village-level administration. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Chathura Galappaththi criticized the Government’s handling of successive shortages in rice, coconut and salt, arguing that import decisions have been reactive and lacked foresight. Citing RTI-obtained data, he said imported salt cost about Rs. 75 per kilogram when released to private distributors, yet retailed at Rs. 200–400, and questioned why the Government and Consumer Affairs Authority had not imposed price controls or acted against excessive profiteering. He also rejected claims linking the Samagi Jana Balawegaya to privatization of Lanka Salt Ltd., and said production at Hambantota had nearly doubled after 2015 due to expansion of salt pan areas, urging swift action to address the current shortage. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella criticized the Government’s authorization, under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act regulations, to import bulk salt without licences or quantitative limits from 19 May 2025. She argued that this contradicted the NPP’s stated policy of building a production economy, citing increased imports of rice, coconut products, milk powder and salt despite earlier opposition to such imports. She questioned why Sri Lanka, as an island nation, continued to face a prolonged salt shortage and asked why the Consumer Affairs Authority had not acted against high retail prices, noting a large gap between estimated import-related costs and market prices. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana criticized the handling of salt imports, arguing that delayed action and later permission for unlimited imports by selected companies led to excess stocks and large trader profits while retail prices remained high. He also opposed rice imports during the harvest season, saying they undermine farmers’ ability to sell paddy. He alleged unfair political conduct in local authority formations in Kalutara and questioned the Government’s alliances with controversial political figures, urging it not to abuse its parliamentary mandate. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 Hon. Ranna Gamaga AI summary Hon. Ranna Gamaga said heavy rainfall in Hambantota had disrupted the Bundala salt pans, reducing production and requiring planned salt imports, which he argued prevented a wider shortage and helped bring prices back down. He stated that the Government had correctly implemented the relevant regulations and was also working to restart the Elephant Pass Salt Factory as part of a broader production-economy strategy. He further highlighted Government efforts in tourism and fisheries, including district-level Fisheries Coordinating Committees and coordination with local authorities to address practical sectoral problems. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s decision to import salt after 16 years, arguing that poor planning and mismanagement allowed domestic production to fall and prices to rise sharply despite existing State and private saltern capacity. He questioned the handling of container releases, Presidential pardons, and alleged passport fraud, accusing the Government of shifting blame to officials. He also opposed the 18% VAT on digital services from 1 October, saying it would affect youth earning online, and urged the Government to regularize rather than remove small tourism-related operators at Galle Face and Weligama while protecting domestic entrepreneurs and livelihoods. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the temporary exemption of edible salt imports from licensing requirements to address shortages, while attributing the crisis to inadequate planning, climate-related disruptions and lack of contingency measures. He urged a national salt production and storage strategy, investment in harvesting infrastructure, climate-adaptive methods, stronger quality control, price oversight and support for local producers. He also called for transparent, regularly reviewed import-export regulations that balance consumer needs, domestic industry protection, SME stability and Sri Lanka’s broader shift toward industry-led exports. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition objected to the planned 18 percent VAT on digital services from 10 October, citing the Gazette’s coverage of services such as cloud computing, e-commerce, digital marketing, software, cybersecurity, streaming and social media platforms. He argued that the measure, which he described as an IMF condition, would affect youth, rural and middle-income livelihoods, and called for its immediate withdrawal. He also raised the case of the injured elephant “Bhatia” in Nikaweratiya and urged the Government to develop a structured short-, medium- and long-term wildlife emergency response programme, with international assistance where needed, rather than relying on ad hoc interventions. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika argued that the current government has restored economic and political stability after inheriting a bankrupt country under IMF constraints, citing first-quarter growth of 4.8 percent, higher industry and services output, a Rs. 167 billion primary surplus increase, and rising tourism and remittances. He said these improvements were the result of a deliberate programme rather than accidental outcomes, and contrasted the government’s approach with previous reliance on tax increases and burdens on ordinary people. He rejected Opposition criticism as ad hoc, stating that the government is pursuing an orderly, long-term plan under the President’s policy framework while also seeking to strengthen social protection and living standards. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 as a basis for medium-term planning but urged both Government and Opposition to use data and pursue continuity in economic policy, citing malnutrition, rising welfare dependency, household costs, and increased public debt. He argued that growth should focus on enterprises, especially SMEs, and proposed a one to one-and-a-half-year moratorium and a Private Members’ Bill to provide extraordinary relief and alternative repayment arrangements for vulnerable borrowers affected during 2020-2024. He called for a stronger restructuring model for SriLankan Airlines, protection for exporters and deemed exporters if SVAT is withdrawn, targeted SME lending at 8-10 per cent, and greater accountability of the Central Bank while preserving its independence. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar said the Fiscal Strategy Statement is a statutory requirement under the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, but argued that it lacks clear methods, targets and timelines for achieving its stated objectives. He asked the Government to provide time-bound plans on poverty reduction, rising household expenditure, job losses among business operators, SME relief with the reactivation of parate law, debt reduction, urban cost-of-living pressures, electricity tariff policy, and IMF exit targets. He also questioned the alleged USD 1 million penalty over delays relating to the FAO research vessel, future borrowing needs to bridge the budget deficit, expected revenue and investment targets, and whether senior citizens would receive the promised additional 3 per cent interest on fixed deposits from 1 July. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka said the special sitting should have produced clear Government plans for 2026–2030, but instead heard attacks on the Opposition, while Sri Lanka remains constrained by the IMF programme and vulnerable to another economic setback. He urged coordination between the President and the Finance Ministry, and called for contingency plans on external shocks, including Middle East conflict risks to tea exports and migrant workers, alternative markets, and US tariff issues. He criticised broken promises and policy outcomes on electricity tariffs, food prices, “Clean Sri Lanka,” the “Monkey Census,” apparel factory distress, and low priority for agriculture despite food insecurity. He said the Opposition supports economic recovery but expects the Government to continue the IMF path while providing relief and strengthening food security and economic resilience. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement, noting that it is being presented for the first time under the State Financial Management Act and focuses on revenue structuring, risk mitigation, and growth pathways. He argued that the NPP Government inherited a severely weakened economy and has prioritized stabilization, confidence-building, and disciplined fiscal management. He cited early 2025 improvements in export earnings and revenue collection above targets by the Inland Revenue Department, Excise Department, and Customs as evidence of progress toward strengthening public finance, production, and the external sector. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s revenue and import-control measures, arguing that they should be assessed within the broader macroeconomic stabilization programme rather than in isolation. He cited 2025 revenue targets and collection performance by Customs, Inland Revenue and Excise, rejected Opposition claims about vehicle-related tax revenue and investor flight, and said over USD 650 million in FDI had arrived since the Government took office. He said the stamp duty increase applies only to immovable property, restores an earlier rate, and will support Provincial Councils, while stressing that salary payments are separately provided for. He also referred to IMF, Central Bank and Government assessments of economic stabilization, recent growth figures, and the intention to move toward higher growth while eventually concluding the IMF extended facility. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, stating that resumed imports of winter clothing would benefit low-income hill country residents and that permitted imports of tourism-related sports equipment would support areas such as Ella and Haputale. She also linked increased stamp duty revenue to local authority development and defended the NPP’s formation of administrations in local councils as necessary for service delivery. She rejected Opposition criticism, arguing that the Government’s actions, including import relaxations and local authority control, were intended to provide practical benefits to the public. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Government’s economic direction, arguing that legitimate businesses are stable, prices are easing, incomes are rising, and illicit trade is being curtailed. He supported the Stamp Duty Order increasing the duty from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per Rs. 1,000 after two decades, stating it would assist Provincial Councils and fund local services, and backed regulated reopening of previously restricted imports including vehicles, spare parts, used clothing and electric vehicles. He also referenced past allegations over contaminated paediatric medicines under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and rejected claims of political deals, asserting that National People’s Power-led local administrations would proceed on principle. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said investor confidence had improved since the 2022 protests, citing Sri Lanka’s hosting of cross-border listing and actuarial conferences with foreign participation. He attributed progress to anti-corruption efforts, digitization, administrative efficiency, reduced political interference in public institutions, and faster implementation. He also referred to strengthened social protection, higher elders’ allowances, additional support for schoolchildren, and assistance to farmers and fishing communities, stating that delivery would continue to be strengthened. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →