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- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticized the Government over delays and inconsistencies relating to the appointment of the IGP and references to the Governor, and questioned its handling of earlier rice distribution. She argued that current relief measures, including 5 kg of rice, are insufficient amid high prices for rice and coconuts, and called for greater assistance to low-income households and measures to revive the economy. She also urged the Government to fulfil promises made to the public and public servants, including teachers, and to recognize existing teacher qualifications. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified the contents of a government relief commodity bag, listing essential food items such as rice, meat, onions, potatoes, lentils, canned fish, sugar, flour, tea, and Suposha. He responded to concerns about suppliers, stating that while representatives of major companies may have been involved, contracts were awarded through tenders and not unfairly to affiliated entities. He added that two state institutions had been selected and that Suposha was procured from the company producing Triposha. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe rejected claims about the Government’s New Year relief goods pack, saying misinformation from social media had been repeated in Parliament. He clarified that the pack includes state-produced Suposha, not Samaposha, procured at about Rs. 135 per 200g packet, and said supplies, brown sugar from Pelawatte, and STC rice were being sourced with quality checks. He stated the objective is to provide a Rs. 5,000 pack for Rs. 2,500 to 807,000 Aswesuma registrants who did not receive benefits in the second round, and urged Members to verify concerns with the relevant authorities before raising them. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the 2025 Budget is intended as the first step in implementing the Government’s mandate for social, political and economic transformation, with priorities including economic stabilization, poverty reduction, digitalization, investment promotion and regional development. He cited positive growth in late 2024, the Public Financial Management and Public Debt Management Acts, strengthened Aswesuma benefits, support for SMEs and capital markets, transport and technology infrastructure, and agriculture, health and education allocations as key measures. He defended the Government’s debt management and public sector salary reforms, stating that basic salaries and increments would rise substantially and that phased payments would be reflected in payslips without salary cuts. He also emphasized reducing Western Province-centered development by expanding industry, infrastructure and foreign investment to rural areas while using Sri Lanka’s location as a maritime hub without aligning with geopolitical conflicts. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued that the 2025 Budget had not delivered key election promises, including major reductions in fuel prices, electricity bills, VAT on essential goods, and affordable vehicle imports. He questioned the vehicle tax structure, the feasibility of collateral-free youth business loans, and the failure to attract promised diaspora remittances, while criticizing the Government for focusing on issues such as Batalanda, President’s Fund disclosures, and the residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa instead of cost-of-living relief. He also raised concerns about revenue collection by Customs, Inland Revenue and Excise, alleging widespread illicit liquor sales that reduce Treasury income and endanger public health. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the stock market reference should be to the Price-to-Earnings ratio, noting that Sri Lanka’s P/E of about 9.28 implies an earnings yield broadly aligned with domestic interest rates and should not be compared internationally without accounting for interest rate differences. He also stated that liquor taxation adjustments are not hidden measures, but part of inflation- and rate-linked revisions affecting categories such as alcohol and electronics to support fiscal consolidation during economic recovery. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister supported amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, focusing on PAYE reforms intended to improve fairness in personal income taxation following concerns raised by professionals during the 2023 IMF-linked revenue measures. He argued that taxpayers had sought fair taxation, transparency and efficient public spending, and said the proposed relief would reduce or moderate PAYE liabilities despite salary increases. He illustrated the impact with salary and tax examples for university academics, stating that similar relief would apply across professions paying personal income tax. Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister said the 2025 Budget must be understood as a response to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, citing long-term trade deficits, past policy failures, depleted reserves, weak investor confidence, and high debt servicing obligations. He argued that despite fiscal constraints, the Budget supports a production-based recovery, public welfare, and fair distribution, with allocations for health, education materials, fertilizer subsidies, MSMEs, energy, industry, fisheries, agriculture, and reactivating abandoned factories and agro-industries. He also defended engagement with the IMF as arising from debt pressures and prior wastage, and described the Budget as appropriate to the country’s bankrupt conditions. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. Radhakrishnan emphasized that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, with Rs. 714.2 billion allocated and responsibility for key revenue institutions, must ensure disciplined fiscal management, policy consistency, monitoring, and avoidance of waste. He welcomed anti-corruption commitments and urged decisive action in revenue-collecting bodies such as Inland Revenue, Customs, Excise, and import/export control agencies to increase national revenue. He called for a people-friendly Budget that reduces burdens on low-income groups, promotes equitable regional development, and allocates funds fairly to both Government and Opposition MPs, including for plantation-area roads, childcare centres, schools, temples, and multipurpose development work. He also proposed establishing more industrial estates and cottage industries in the hill country, using available land and closed factories to provide employment for local youth. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi defended the Ministry of Finance expenditure proposals, arguing that past UNP, SLFP, SLPP and Yahapalana administrations were responsible for long-term economic mismanagement and bankruptcy. He said the National People’s Power Government under President Anura Dissanayake is pursuing short-, medium- and long-term plans to stabilize the economy, reduce regional disparities, eradicate rural poverty, strengthen welfare, and restore dignity to the armed forces. He also cited public sector salary and increment increases as measures to improve purchasing power and support the Budget’s goals on production and exports. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Ministry of Finance expenditure head, arguing that past economic mismanagement, excessive borrowing, and inequitable taxation led to the crisis and poverty, and that the current Budget sets out a corrective economic roadmap. He said the Budget aims to expand the economy by directing funds to rural roads, industries, jobs, education and health, while ensuring any borrowing is used for productive investment rather than burdening future generations. He highlighted proposed allocations for education and health, plans to revive paper and sugar factories and use Eppawala phosphate, and cited a US$3.7 billion Chinese investment for an oil refinery as evidence of the Government’s development approach. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government has violated commitments in its policy document “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” regarding economic management. He said the promised new Debt Sustainability Agreement had not materialized and criticized the Government for continuing the previous administration’s IMF, bilateral, and bondholder arrangements, which he claimed place excessive burdens on ordinary people. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Asked whether the Government will simplify procedures for reclaiming withholding tax, including on children’s savings accounts, and clarify whether such deposits are exempt. He urged the reintroduction of a 15 per cent interest rate for senior citizens’ deposits up to Rs. 2 million, as provided under previous governments, arguing that the proposed effective rate of 10.5 per cent is insufficient. He also sought a mechanism for senior citizens to obtain medicines at concessional prices from state pharmacies and, if possible, private pharmacies. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns under Standing Order 27(2) about the impact of reduced deposit interest rates and taxation on ordinary senior citizens who depend on interest income for basic needs such as healthcare and nutrition. He asked the Government to clarify the current withholding tax rate on deposit interest, whether the Budget proposes an increase, whether all senior citizens’ deposits are subject to the tax or threshold exemptions apply, and what mechanism exists for seniors to reclaim withheld tax, noting practical difficulties faced by many elderly depositors. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on VAT and other taxes affecting domestic products, stating that the Government is considering these issues. He said the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment would be strengthened through supplier and government-to-government commercial agreements, including with India, Vietnam, and Thailand, to ensure continuous supply and forward procurement. He added that the Ministry aims to re-enter wholesale trade and oversee wholesale markets such as Peliyagoda and Polonnaruwa to provide goods at affordable prices. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the institution responsible for supplying goods to Sathosa had previously been closed and is now being restarted. He announced plans to establish three wholesale trading centres in Colombo, Matara and Kurunegala within the year. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that prices of 40 essential items sold through Sathosa have been reduced by 20 per cent compared with the previous six months, and that a related document was tabled. He said the Government intends to continue reducing prices to provide relief, while noting that procurement has been constrained because the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment had been inactive and its lorry fleet had previously been sold as scrap. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Asked the Minister what measures the Government intends to take to reduce the prices of goods. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi defended the Government against Opposition claims based on 2019-2024 data, arguing that many problems in Sathosa and related institutions were inherited from previous administrations. He cited alleged past irregularities in leases, expenditure, and management, and said the Government had reversed a decision to close the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment, while planning wholesale hubs in Colombo, Matara and Kurunegala and enabling Sathosa and cooperatives to import directly. He outlined plans to buy 100,000 MT of paddy, revive mills and Sathosa services, relocate loss-making outlets, open about 150 new outlets, and digitize trade and asset systems using Budget allocations. He concluded that these reforms aim to make Sathosa and cooperative institutions competitive and profitable while supporting consumer price stability. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over tax treatment and pricing disparities between imported white sugar and local brown sugar, urging the Government to promote brown sugar through Sathosa, reduce sugar imports, and use molasses rather than maize for spirit production to avoid shortages affecting poultry feed and Thriposha. He called for coordinated action by relevant Ministries to legally import coconut husk/fibre to support coconut-based exports, criticizing inconsistent production data from the Coconut Research Institute and warning that export targets may be undermined. He also questioned shortages and alleged political interference in Sathosa management, staff transfers and appointments, and requested ministerial intervention. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →