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- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy urged modernization of the Sea-Nor boat and gear facilities in Karainagar and Gurunagar, with Government and foreign partner funding, and called for fish processing and value-addition factories in the North to improve fishermen’s incomes. He highlighted the damage caused by illegal Indian bottom trawling in northern waters, citing large daily and annual losses to local fishers, environmental destruction, and reduced fish stocks, and asked for action to protect livelihoods and increase fish production. He also raised concerns about malnutrition and multidimensional vulnerability in the North, linking improved fisheries to better protein intake, GDP, and foreign exchange. On social security, he noted vulnerable groups affected by war, poverty, disability, addiction, and female-headed households, called for fairer “Aswesuma” beneficiary selection, and requested stronger social protection, infrastructure, and support for small entrepreneurs. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman raised concerns about estate communities affected by fires, citing the Shannon Estate incident where 26 houses burned and over 100 people were displaced, and asked the Government to classify such cases as disaster-affected and prevent exclusion by estate managers in housing or land allocation. He warned that plantation companies are using revenue-sharing arrangements to deny workers daily wages, EPF/ETF contributions, and other protections, and called for government intervention to ensure fair wages and social security. He also said estate workers are being excluded from Aswesuma benefits due to registration criteria, highlighted poor health access and rising poverty in the hill country, and urged correction of delimitation and Grama Niladhari boundaries so public services can reach plantation communities properly. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged corrections to Aswesuma beneficiary selection, including Divisional Secretariat-level grievance redress, use and modernization of Samurdhi banks, promotions for long-serving Samurdhi officers, and wider coverage after the economic crisis. He called for stronger action against Indian trawlers, support for inland fisheries and the proposed Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Mannar, and urgent coastal protection for Vankalai. He also requested redesign of Oluvil Harbour to benefit Eastern Province multi-day boat owners, targeted modernization support for IMUL vessels, and revocation or clarification of the Kalpitiya/Chilaw night-diving ban following NARA’s findings. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha said the Budget allocation for the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment is intended to support inclusive development, with particular emphasis on psychological and social empowerment alongside economic measures. She outlined plans to address shortages of counsellors in Divisional Secretariats, conduct regular community mental health awareness programmes, develop gender-sensitive and youth-friendly services, and establish community day centres linked to mental health support. She noted that Rs. 707.15 million has been allocated in Budget 2025 for related institutions and programmes, including services for elders, counselling units, and social security. She also proposed improved data systems for counselling, reintegration pathways, reduced stigma, and pension avenues for informal sector workers, especially women. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan supported the Budget allocation for the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources, arguing that the new Government should be given time to address long-standing problems in the sector. He cited the scale of Sri Lanka’s maritime zone and fisheries employment, and said high fuel, gear and operating costs, institutional debt, and neglected bodies such as NAQDA, North Sea Ltd. and Cey-Nor had weakened the industry. He stated that the Government plans rule-based management, revival of aquaculture, inland fisheries, prawn farming and related institutions, with technology-enabled progress expected within a year. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana urged the Government to implement its fisheries-related election commitments, particularly reducing diesel by the promised Rs. 160 per litre and paying overdue kerosene subsidies for fishermen in areas such as Beruwala. He raised concerns about high fish prices, fuel and gear costs, salt shortages affecting dry-fish production, and imports of fish products that he said depress local fishermen’s incomes. He also called for introducing satellite-based fish-location technology, expanding cold storage capacity, allowing competitive importation of approved VMS devices, and supporting mechanization for net-mending and related activities. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Pannilage defended the President’s use of poverty data in the Budget, arguing that multidimensional poverty must be assessed through living standards, education and health rather than a single indicator. He said the Ministry’s priorities are rural development and social security, including preparation of development plans for all 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions through a new Rural Development Agency, supported by Rs. 1,012 million and reallocated Grama Shakthi funds. He stated that Rs. 749 billion has been earmarked for social protection, including a new disability registry, an increase in the disability allowance from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000, and expanded coverage from about 139,000 to 410,000 beneficiaries. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi said fuel subsidy payments to his fishing boats had been received for November but not for the subsequent four months, citing bank statements as evidence. He rejected insinuations against fishers, asked what had happened to the promised Rs. 150 per litre support, and questioned who was receiving the alleged Rs. 60 commission under previous arrangements. He urged the authorities to stop making false claims and ensure the subsidy is delivered properly. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi said the promised fuel relief for fishers had not been fully paid, with some areas receiving only the first tranche and no payments for four months. He argued that the relief originated under Ranil Wickremesinghe and called for the Government to provide the promised Rs. 150 per litre diesel subsidy by removing the specified harbour and bank-related components. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that poverty eradication and community empowerment require accurate, consistent data, including a clear poverty definition, reliable household income and expenditure indicators, and targeting down to Divisional Secretariat and Grama Niladhari levels. He criticized the Government’s reliance on cash transfers without a broader programme for savings, investment, production and exports, and called for lessons from Samurdhi and Aswesuma to address exclusion and ineligible beneficiaries. He also demanded action on promised graduate employment and fuel relief for fishers and other vulnerable groups, supported stronger farmer and fisher pension and insurance schemes, and urged development of the blue economy within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone under a sustainable model. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Consumer Affairs Authority has detected substandard coconut oil unfit for consumption, citing adulteration, poor production and storage practices, unsafe reuse of containers, inadequate labelling, and reprocessing of used oil as common problems. He said the Government has issued Gazette notifications under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, is working with the Coconut Development Authority and Ministry of Health, and conducts raids and sample testing to address quality and traceability issues. He also outlined challenges faced by small and medium oil mill owners, including raw material shortages, price volatility, rising costs, limited credit access, environmental compliance burdens, low innovation, and competition from imported oil sold as local, adding that policy and regulatory measures are being pursued through relevant ministries. Oral Question: Substandard Coconut Oil (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Plans are under way to identify 100 tourist attractions and allocate about Rs. 10 million per site to provide basic facilities and develop them as tourism products. Under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, rest centres for tourists are proposed, while social welfare measures for tourism sector workers, including a contributory pension scheme, are planned for the year. Oral Question: Madunagala Tourist Project (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah urged the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to resolve long-standing administrative boundary issues in Batticaloa District, particularly the undefined boundaries of the Koralaipattu Central Divisional Secretariat and other DS divisions affected by war-related administrative complications. He requested implementation of relevant Panambalana Commission recommendations and the appointment of a special committee to find a permanent solution. He also asked the Minister to address a gap in Budget 2025 pension revision proposals by considering relief for pensioners who retired between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2025, citing cost-of-living pressures and a submission from the Oddamavadi Pensioners’ Association. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister outlined labour force figures and sectoral employment patterns while focusing on proposed wage increases in the public, private, plantation and pension sectors. He said the Government would amend the Minimum Wages Act to consolidate allowances and raise the private sector basic minimum wage to Rs. 30,000 by January next year, while plantation wage arrangements were being negotiated around a daily minimum and kilo-rate options. He detailed increases to public sector salaries, including for clerical/support grades, drivers, development officers, police, nurses and doctors, and stated that overtime and daily-rate calculations would increase rather than reduce payments. He said the Budget allocates about Rs. 325 billion over three years for public sector salary increases and about Rs. 40 billion for pension enhancements, and rejected claims that health-sector allowances or rates had been cut. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 4 March 2025 Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala called for major reforms in public administration institutions, from Grama Niladhari offices to District Secretariats, to improve efficiency and service delivery. He urged the Government to hold local authority elections and then proceed promptly to Provincial Council elections, arguing that unelected administrators cannot meet public expectations. He disputed claims about unprecedented public sector salary increases, citing the 2015-2020 period, and said current pay rises are insufficient against rising living costs and pensioner hardship. He said the Opposition would support constructive reforms, including restructuring the enlarged public sector, while criticizing hostile responses to Members raising public issues. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said he had already outlined the Government’s plan to achieve 2,000 MW of renewable energy within two years, including the projects and regions involved, and criticized repeated Opposition questions on the matter. He argued that the Opposition’s calls to avoid reducing renewable energy tariffs while also demanding lower electricity bills were inconsistent. He also cited fuel price reductions made in 2024, listing decreases across petrol, diesel, super diesel and kerosene, and stated that the Government had acted within its first few months of office under a five-year mandate. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the Ministry of Power and Energy should prioritize public welfare and economic stability, and urged the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to restore or negotiate the long-standing 3 per cent dealer commission rather than reduce it amid rising operating costs. He commended the Ceylon Electricity Board but called for urgent supplies of meters and connectors to reduce delays in new and solar connections, including solar systems for places of worship in Batticaloa under the Indian Credit Line. Citing national renewable energy targets and PUCSL/CEB correspondence, he argued that solar power remains under-implemented and cheaper than diesel generation, and asked the Ministry to remove restrictions and give priority to solar expansion, particularly in the Northern, Eastern and other under-served provinces. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s failure to remove the Rs. 50 fuel levy and reduce fuel-related taxes despite earlier promises, noting that prices had not fallen after three months. He also referred to rice import duties and alleged past corruption at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, stating support for genuine government-to-government measures to curb corruption while criticizing inconsistencies over the Trincomalee oil tanks and regional export hub policy. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar criticised the Government for not reducing electricity, water and essential costs as promised, citing electricity bills for 200 and 300 units as substantially higher than regional averages. He alleged that the Government had used the “76-year curse” narrative and social media messaging to win votes, but had not delivered tax or tariff relief after five months. He questioned whether current power-sector decisions remain influenced by a “mafia,” referring to COPE discussions, repeated extensions of a private power plant agreement, and high generation costs. He also asked about the status of rooftop solar expansion, claiming solar installations are being restricted while coal and diesel generation continue to be favoured. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that Sri Lanka inherited a strong electricity system built over successive administrations and questioned the Government’s plans for expanding generation, transmission and distribution under IMF-related constraints. He raised concerns over shutting down small hydro and solar plants on Sundays despite PPAs, delays and alleged irregularities in renewable tenders including the Mannar wind project, VAT and pricing issues affecting electricity and fuel costs, and the reduction of petroleum distributor margins without passing savings to consumers. He also urged dialogue with petroleum distributors instead of criminal investigations, sought clarity on LNG terminal and supply plans for plants designed for LNG, and called for retention of experienced engineers at Norochcholai. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →