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- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath defended the NPP Government’s maiden Budget, arguing that it is consistent with the party’s manifesto, the President’s policy statement, and the Budget Speech, and is aimed at poverty eradication, “Clean Sri Lanka,” and building a digital economy. He highlighted major allocations for health, education, transport, agriculture and nutrition, environmental protection, justice, national security, public service reform, and social protection. He said the Government had inherited economic and social decline from previous administrations and urged the Opposition to engage constructively rather than criticise without an alternative vision. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana criticized the Budget for lacking the VAT relief and fertilizer-cost reductions promised by the Government, arguing that rising prices and the absence of clear revenue measures leave the country’s direction unclear. He called for expedited justice mechanisms, including a special court and mandatory death penalty where murder is proven, citing delays in cases involving underworld violence and contract killings. He urged faster digitization linking Divisional Secretariats and banks to target welfare to genuinely needy recipients, while also raising concerns about practical facilities, insurance, and vehicle access for MPs and public servants. He welcomed private sector investment in luxury buses and requested relief for farmers, especially tea growers in Kalutara District, through fertilizer subsidies and price reductions. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the 2025 Budget, arguing that the NPP Government has abandoned its earlier socialist and anti-capitalist positions and is continuing economic policies similar to previous Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa administrations, including further borrowing to finance the deficit. He questioned the Government’s plans on rice procurement and price relief ahead of the April New Year, saying the Paddy Marketing Board had not secured adequate stocks. He also challenged the presentation of public-sector salary increases, claiming the cost-of-living allowance was being reclassified as basic salary and that promised increases spread to 2027 may not materialize. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar supported the National People’s Power Government’s Budget, presenting it as a mandate for national recovery after the economic and political crisis and the 2022 bankruptcy declaration. He said the Government had received significant support across communities and regions, including in the North and East, and emphasized his responsibility as Fisheries Minister and Jaffna District Coordinating Committee Chairman to improve conditions for fisherfolk. He highlighted poverty reduction as a central objective, noting high poverty levels in the Northern Province, especially Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi, and said Budget allocations would prioritize village-level infrastructure such as schools, roads, tanks, and related development. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that the Government’s inaugural Budget fails to provide the immediate relief promised during the election campaign, particularly on VAT for essentials, fuel, electricity, school stationery, and public sector salaries. He questioned the credibility of financing a large deficit and warned that unmet revenue plans could lead to further taxation. Focusing on plantation areas, he doubted the proposed estate wage increase, said the estate housing allocation was inadequate, and proposed allocating land to estate families. He also urged targeted support for small tea-holders, including fertilizer assistance similar to that given to paddy farmers, citing their role in tea exports and foreign exchange earnings. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. Krishnan Kalaichelvi supported the budget, stating that it was the first national budget to explicitly recognize the hill-country Tamil community and address long-standing estate-sector issues. She highlighted allocations for estate housing and infrastructure, vocational training and livelihoods, smart classrooms in hill-country schools, and the proposed Rs. 1,700 daily wage for plantation workers. She criticized previous governments and hill-country representatives for failing to secure rights and basic services, and said the National People’s Power Government would deliver solutions incrementally through national policy. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake supported the Budget as a structural and inclusive programme intended to change political culture, reduce waste, and integrate all regions, including the North, into the economy. He argued that the Government had already delivered relief measures such as increased fertilizer support, school supplies, and a Rs. 3,000 pension increase before the Budget. He outlined priorities including rural poverty reduction, digitalized public services, reduced bureaucracy, improved social protection and transport, the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, and basic public facilities. He also stated that the Government would not sell national assets, citing enterprises such as Milco, and would instead pursue a production-based economy. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Budget’s public-sector salary increases, stating that Rs. 5,000 would be added to basic salaries in 2025 with further 35 per cent tranches through the 2026 and 2027 Budgets, while also improving pensions, loan eligibility and allowances. He argued that the Budget reduces privileges for political office-holders and redirects resources to citizens, with major allocations for education and health and an increased PAYE threshold of Rs. 150,000. He contrasted these measures with past expenditure he characterized as wasteful and said the Government’s approach aims to protect real incomes through price stability and investment in rural communities and industries. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara supported the 2025 Budget as a response to Sri Lanka’s economic collapse and argued that it provides a path to recovery while protecting democracy and prioritizing ordinary citizens. Focusing on education, he said the Budget reflects the State’s duty to guarantee every child’s right to education and addresses disparities between under-resourced rural schools and well-equipped popular schools. He highlighted allocations including over Rs. 619 billion for education, increased Mahapola and bursary payments, Rs. 135 billion for university quality and research, and funding for sports schools and libraries, while rejecting Opposition criticism and presenting the measures as genuine “system change.” Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran seconded the motion and urged the Government to cancel liquor shop permits, particularly the bar established in Periya Nilavanai, where residents are protesting. He argued that the President has the executive authority to revoke newly issued permits through Gazette notices and said liquor outlets should not be located in poor residential areas, citing social, family, and student-related harms. He called for all unnecessarily granted liquor shop permits in both Tamil and Sinhala areas to be cancelled, noting the Government’s parliamentary majority. Adjournment: Liquor Shop Permits and Licensing Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha argued that the 2025 Budget, framed within the IMF programme, does not deliver the direct consumer relief or development commitments expected from the NPP manifesto, citing rising prices of rice, coconuts, salt and other essentials despite welfare increases. He called for specific support for three-wheeler operators, whose vehicles are ageing and whose livelihoods have been affected by import restrictions and high replacement costs. He also urged greater attention to Ratnapura District, including assistance for estate and export crop farmers, action against clove re-export practices affecting local producers, and legal reforms to support gem mining livelihoods. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget against Opposition claims that it was an IMF or capitalist Budget, arguing that it begins a programme of economic democracy and social justice through allocations for health, education, housing, agriculture, and environmental initiatives. He highlighted measures including fuel price reductions, school supply assistance, pension increases, a higher fertilizer subsidy, and a guaranteed paddy price of Rs. 120 per kilogram with a consumer rice price ceiling of Rs. 230 per kilogram. He also referred to action on rice pricing, rehabilitation of electric fences to address human-elephant conflict, plans to expand big onion cultivation to reduce imports, and proposals for youth and cooperative farmer villages. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka supported the Second Reading of the Government’s maiden Budget, arguing that it differs from previous Budgets by prioritizing concessions and relief for ordinary people rather than political interests. He said the Budget reflects proposals developed through public engagement and is part of a broader programme to rebuild the economy, link education with growth, and ensure citizens share in economic benefits. Responding to Opposition criticism, he asked for time for the new administration to implement its programme and said the Government would work to make the Budget’s proposals a reality. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson argued that the Budget should be assessed against the Government’s election promises, including public sector salary increases and a guaranteed paddy price of Rs. 154 per kilogram. He questioned the absence of relief on consumer prices and taxes affecting food items, citing the State’s constitutional duty to ensure basic needs. He urged cooperation between Government and Opposition MPs, proposed a post-Budget parliamentary workshop to improve coordination, and called for farmers to receive quality fertilizer at an affordable price, lower agrochemical costs, and a fair paddy price rather than politically driven free-fertilizer promises. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan said the Opposition would support beneficial Budget measures while offering constructive criticism, welcoming welfare programmes for low-income groups, rural children, pregnant mothers and plantation communities, particularly to address malnutrition. He urged stronger support for SMEs and farmers, lower interest rates, expert economic management, and conditions to attract foreign investment while continuing action against bribery and corruption. He called on the Government to ensure implementation of the proposed Rs. 1,700 basic daily wage for plantation workers by pressuring both private plantation companies and state entities, noting earlier promises of a Rs. 2,000 wage and rising cost-of-living pressures. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara urged the authorities to ensure fair treatment for farmers in paddy procurement. He specifically objected to requiring farmers to bear additional transport costs to deliver paddy to cleaned warehouses. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the 2025 Budget for relying heavily on taxation, large borrowing, and optimistic revenue projections, and questioned whether allocations for fisheries, women entrepreneurs, micro-industries, tourism, foreign employment, and poverty reduction were practical or equitably distributed. He raised concerns about vehicle import policy and affordability, arguing that restrictions on older used vehicles would increase prices despite earlier government promises. He also demanded accountability over public security following the shooting of a suspect inside the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court, calling on the relevant ministers to answer or resign. He urged the Government to move beyond blaming the past, present realistic revenue and implementation plans, cooperate with the Opposition on tax evasion and smuggling, and demonstrate measurable results rather than describing the Budget as “historic.” Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara defended the 2025 Budget, rejecting Opposition claims that it continued previous privatization policies, lowered the PAYE threshold to Rs. 50,000, or cut research funding. He cited allocations for R&D, Triposha, estate housing and infrastructure, plantation youth training, orphaned children, disaster compensation, student stipends, and health benefits, with particular reference to projects in Badulla and Haputale. He also stated that elections would not be postponed, criticized communal politics and misinformation, and said the Government was reducing official expenditure through more restrained practices by the President and Ministers. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage supported the Budget as a historic and fiscally disciplined measure, highlighting increased Mahapola, student, and TVET allowances and allocations for plantation youth vocational training, youth agri-entrepreneurs, and the Clean Sri Lanka programme. Drawing on his own experience in agriculture, he emphasized the need for transparent land and finance procedures, efficient implementation by public officials, and use of decentralized funds in Gampaha for agri-industrial development and flood management. He also welcomed salary increases and planned recruitment in the public service, arguing these should create merit-based opportunities for youth, and called on the Opposition to offer constructive scrutiny rather than focus on issues such as the removal of vehicle permits. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that the Budget marks a major shift from the JVP’s past policy positions and largely continues the former Government’s IMF-aligned economic path. He questioned how the Rs. 2,200 billion deficit and non-tax revenue targets would be financed, warning that many proposals may remain unimplemented as in previous years. He said public sector salary and welfare increases are inadequate given rising living costs, and welcomed higher education expansion involving the private sector while criticizing earlier opposition to domestic private education options. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →