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- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), challenged the Government’s adherence to IMF-related economic policies despite its election pledges to renegotiate a stronger programme. He sought detailed answers on possible electricity tariff increases, the abolition of SVAT and its impact on exporters and SMEs, taxation of foreign digital service providers, and whether these measures stem from IMF conditions. He also asked about protections for vulnerable consumers, senior citizens’ deposit interest rates, withholding tax on children’s accounts, and the process for issuing TINs to those over 18. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns about the impact of tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Sri Lankan exports. He asked the Deputy Minister to clarify whom he engaged with on Sri Lanka’s behalf in related discussions, whether direct talks had occurred with U.S. leaders, and what steps were being taken to secure an agreement or solution to protect Sri Lanka’s export interests. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody said the Government’s objective is to supply electricity to households and industries at the lowest possible cost, but tariff reductions depend on lowering procurement costs. He noted that the CEB has not yet submitted finalized calculations and that any tariff decision will follow PUCSL procedures, likely by early next month. He said the Government is seeking cost reductions, expects the coming wet season may help avoid an increase, and aims to reduce or at least maintain current tariffs despite legacy debts and arrears. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised concerns that high electricity tariffs are burdening consumers, increasing the cost of living, and putting pressure on industries. He questioned whether a further tariff increase was being driven by IMF agreement conditions, asking whether the Government retains control over tariff policy and how it intends to restore such control while protecting national sovereignty. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake submitted a question seeking detailed information on rice supply, including Maha paddy production figures, regional yields, rice import volumes and costs, remaining stocks, storage locations, and carrying costs. He asked the Government to clarify current rice consumption trends, projected shortages, the role of major mill operators in any market distortion, and the criteria for deciding further imports. He also requested assurances on safeguards for local paddy farmers if imports continue, and on longer-term measures for food security, farm gate prices, and maximum retail rice prices. Procedural: Adjournment Motions Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer stating that no acute rice shortage has been reported and that adequate stocks are available, though large-scale millers account for a major share of market activity. The response outlined Government measures to stabilize supply and prices, including Food Policy and Security Committee monitoring, possible future rice imports if needed, gazetted maximum wholesale and retail prices, Consumer Affairs Authority enforcement, collection of stock and market data, and sales through Lanka Sathosa and the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions (Tabled) Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna on behalf of the Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri AI summary Asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development to state whether there is a current rice shortage, identify its causes, and confirm whether sufficient rice stocks exist for national consumption. The question also sought an admission on whether major rice mill owners maintain a monopoly and requested measures to release rice stocks to the market in a manner that benefits both paddy farmers and consumers. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions (Tabled) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake warned that without timely energy-sector measures, Sri Lanka could face renewed power cuts. He urged the Government to deploy battery energy storage systems to stabilize renewable power, reflect lower fuel costs accurately in pricing, and use targeted safety nets rather than ad hoc tariff changes. He also noted that under the IMF agreement the Government is required to move toward cost-reflective electricity tariffs. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to correct past tax measures that burdened workers and low-income households, including taxes affecting employer-provided meals and transport, and VAT on milk and yoghurt. He argued that the Government’s policy is to provide relief to the public while improving collection from wealthy individuals and large businesses that have evaded taxes, including arrears already identified. He also said the Bill addresses distortions in areas such as insurance commissions and forms part of a broader move toward digital transactions by 2027-2028 to reduce tax leakage, fraud and corruption. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka should protect Labour GSP, noting that it was restored under the good governance government and supported key export sectors such as apparel and free trade zones. He questioned the feasibility of requiring the private sector to pay a Rs. 12,500 wage increase within one year while the Government pays public servants Rs. 15,000 over three years. He also called for reform of welfare targeting, citing reports that many eligible households are excluded while some ineligible recipients receive benefits, and urged a clean-up of subsidy delivery to better reduce poverty. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to avoid partisan rhetoric and acknowledge past revenue reforms, citing increases in the tax-to-GDP ratio under previous administrations and after 2022. He proposed restoring the VAT registration threshold to Rs. 20 million, removing VAT effects on eggs, implementing point-of-sale systems for wider VAT digitization, and maintaining SVAT protections for exporters and deemed exporters until a real-time refund system is operational. He also called for consistent policy on parate execution, stronger relief for SMEs affected by high interest rates after the bankruptcy declaration, and a stable, credible investment climate supported by local professional expertise alongside IMF engagement. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, outlining the history of VAT rate increases and stating that the 2024 increase to 18 per cent was made by the previous administration. He said the amendments aim to address gaps in the VAT regime, raise revenue toward a 2025 target of 15.1 per cent of GDP, and align with the Government’s policy framework. He highlighted exemptions for employer-provided meals and transport, and for domestically produced liquid milk and yoghurt from 1 April 2025, arguing these would support worker welfare, reduce prices, strengthen local dairy production, reduce imports, and assist nutrition. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Kaushalya Ariyarathne disputed claims that her side opposed discussion of the Singapore FTA at the Committee on Public Finance, saying they only requested more time and later agreed to proceed. She clarified tax and welfare issues, stating that WHT on interest would not apply below Rs. 1.8 million annual interest income upon filing with banks, denied rumours about taxes on remittances and small deposits, said VAT was not increased on eggs, and urged dairy producers to pass on VAT removals for milk and yoghurt. She also said Aswesuma coverage is budgeted to expand to 1.7 million families, with the Welfare Benefits Board reviewing exclusions and new applications. On the PTA, she said the Government opposes its misuse, intends to repeal and replace it with new legislation, but is currently using existing law for investigations pending that framework. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi said the VAT (Amendment) Bill corrects deficiencies and technical issues arising from the 01.01.2024 Gazette while aligning VAT policy with the Government’s policy statement and Budget. He highlighted exemptions or corrections relating to employee welfare benefits such as subsidized meals and transport, stamp face value, reinsurance-related commissions and settlements, agricultural products, and electricity generation inputs, while regularizing VAT on aircraft spare parts to secure revenue. He argued that the amendments are intended to make VAT fairer, reduce burdens passed on to workers and policyholders, and improve revenue administration. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary On the VAT (Amendment) Bill, Sajith Premadasa supported the continued operation of the Simplified VAT scheme for exporters until the export sector recovers from current difficulties. He warned that proposed 44 per cent US retaliatory tariffs from 9 April could seriously affect Sri Lankan exports and questioned the Government on whether a promised delegation had been sent, who was included, whom it met, and what outcomes were achieved. He also complained that Opposition attempts to raise proposals and concerns in Parliament were being interrupted. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined amendments to the VAT Act and related Inland Revenue Act provisions to correct issues arising from VAT changes introduced on 1 January 2024, align measures with the Government’s programme, and make clarificatory drafting changes. He said the Bill removes or clarifies VAT treatment for employer-provided meals and transport, unused stamps, certain reinsurance transactions, aircraft engines and parts, agricultural product definitions including eggs, and chemical naphtha used by the CEB. He also stated that VAT relief has been secured for domestic liquid milk and yoghurt, urged producers to pass on the benefit to consumers, proposed VAT for non-resident digital service suppliers to ensure parity, and described plans to digitize and risk-manage the SVAT system with time-bound exporter refunds. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva stated that he had invited all MPs to a symposium on poverty assistance, but no Government members attended. He emphasized that the event was conducted by recognized academics and was intended to address the non-partisan need to ensure assistance reaches the poor. He said he requested that the presentation be printed and sent to the Speaker for circulation to all MPs, noting that the Committee on Public Finance holds such discussions to support national policy work rather than for political purposes. Committee Report: Committee on Public Finance (VAT and Aswesuma) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the Opposition does not object to the allowance increases in the Gazette, given the rising cost of living. He questioned why the number eligible for the disability allowance is reduced from 410,000 in the 2024 document to 310,000 under the Gazette, and asked the Government to explain its plan for the remaining 100,000 beneficiaries by the next day. Procedural: Welfare Benefits Gazette Discussion and Clarifications Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the NPP Government inherited improved macroeconomic conditions compared with the 2022 crisis, but that these gains were achieved through severe sacrifices by the poor, lower middle classes, SMEs and the private sector. He questioned whether the Budget delivers the promised “system change,” and criticised the Government for accepting the previous debt restructuring framework without seeking better terms. Citing projected 2025 external payments of about USD 3.3 billion against usable reserves of about USD 5.1 billion, he warned of reserve pressure, especially with vehicle import allocations, and asked for a clear plan to increase exports and dollar inflows before repayments intensify from 2028. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to Opposition allegations about rice imported by the State Trading Corporation, citing a Sri Lanka Standards Institution certification dated 30 December 2024. He stated that tests for arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury were within permitted limits and urged members not to create public concern without evidence. He tabled the SLSI report, which was placed in the Library. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →