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- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara moved a Private Member’s Motion urging the Government to establish and maintain a public rice reserve to counter monopoly control in the rice market, stabilize prices, and reduce reliance on imports. He argued that farmer protection and consumer affordability must be balanced through a fair guaranteed paddy price, improved seed quality, regulation of agro-input prices and standards, and removal of taxes and duties on agricultural inputs and machinery. He proposed using revenue collected from rice import duties to create a Rs. 100 billion fund, managed jointly with institutions such as the Paddy Marketing Board, farmer organizations, SANASA, and the Consumer Affairs Authority, to finance paddy purchasing, storage, and market intervention on a continuous basis. Private Members' Motion 3: Making Arrangements for Maintaining a Rice Reserve Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the motion for a proper procurement programme for co-operatives, arguing that the co-op sector historically strengthened rural livelihoods and supplied quality essentials before declining after the 1977 open economy. He said procurement malpractice and corruption had weakened public trust, and criticized previous governments for failing to revive the sector. He stated that the Government intends to use co-operatives, including through the Clean Sri Lanka programme and Sathosa stores in Polonnaruwa, to support paddy purchasing, reduce rural poverty, and provide quality essentials at fair prices. Private Members' Motion 2: Proper Procurement Programme for Co-operatives Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara supported the motion on strengthening the co-operative network, arguing that politicization and lack of capital have weakened many societies despite their grassroots reach and potential to provide goods and services at lower prices. He proposed integrating co-operatives with Sathosa for bulk procurement and imports, digitizing operations, and ensuring accountable divisional-level oversight. Citing Horowpothana in Anuradhapura, he requested ministerial support for capital and facilities, and suggested piloting a programme in Anuradhapura to enable co-operatives to purchase paddy directly, manage drying and storage, revive co-operative rice mills, and supply affordable rice to villages. Private Members' Motion 2: Proper Procurement Programme for Co-operatives Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government on its election pledge to provide a 15% interest rate on senior citizens’ deposits. He asked why the National Savings Bank is not paying that rate, noting that current rates are around 3% to 8%, and pressed the Deputy Minister to explain why the promise has not been implemented now that the Government is in office. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning stated that the spread between lending and deposit interest rates is expected to narrow further as economic stabilization under the current administration continues. He noted that the figures cited were largely historical, with 2024 data provisional, and said the Government aims to encourage savings by maximizing deposit rates while reducing lending rates through the National Savings Bank. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Namal Karunaratne stated that the Government would purchase paddy from farmers at the stipulated fair price and avoid practices he alleged occurred under the previous Government, such as selling state-held paddy as animal feed. He said all purchased paddy would be milled and released as Government-branded rice to consumers at prices below prevailing market rates. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka stated that drinking water coverage varies across the named areas, with Kakkachchiwattai about 60 per cent covered, Vilanthottam under 40 per cent, and no facilities in Tharmapuram–Kirankulam. He outlined planned measures including an additional transmission main from the Vadayantalawa storage tank, a new storage tank and pump house at Vellaveli under the Mandur Water Supply Scheme, and distribution extensions for higher-elevation areas. He added that a 2.5 km pipeline extension for Tharmapuram–Kirankulam has been included in the 2025 CEDE budget, and that the National Community Water Supply Department will not initiate separate projects where NWS&DB coverage applies. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan urged the new government to address long-standing grievances of Indian-origin estate workers, citing historical statelessness, lagging education and employment, and current cost-of-living pressures. He called for the promised daily wage increase to Rs. 2,000, land rights with 10 perches per family, and individual housing rather than high-rise schemes in hill-country areas prone to landslides. Referring to the April 2024 parliamentary debate on hill-country issues and the government’s mandate, he asked the relevant plantation and community infrastructure ministers to implement solutions within a reasonable timeframe, and also requested relief for farmers in estate areas, including yam cultivators. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation on flood damage to paddy cultivation during 2024/2025, particularly affecting smallholder farmers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. He asked for national and regional figures on damaged paddy lands and affected farmers, and details of insurance, compensation, or relief schemes. He also urged immediate issuance of compensation application forms in Kilinochchi, noting that harvesting had largely begun or ended before the guaranteed paddy price was announced and that yields had fallen sharply due to flooding. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Minister’s claim on rice availability at maximum retail prices, saying many retail shops were not selling at those prices and citing uneven distribution of red Kakulu rice to co-operatives in Matara that caused queues and market distortions. He also questioned the Ministry’s handling of co-operatives, alleging that after Opposition victories in co-operative elections, Governors were appointing additional members under Section 60(a), and asked whether corrective action would be taken. Oral Question: Price Control of Rice Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said traders had exploited a perceived rice shortage to sell above the maximum retail price, and noted that the Consumer Affairs Authority had conducted raids in several districts and would prosecute violations. He explained that the Government’s paddy purchasing price of Rs. 120 per kilogram was based on Hector Kobbekaduwa Institute costings, fertilizer subsidies, and an added component to cover farmers’ overheads. He argued that, considering milling conversion costs and by-product income, rice could be maintained at an MRP of Rs. 230 per kilogram, with Government intervention and Sathosa tenders aimed at protecting consumers while ensuring fair returns to farmers. Oral Question: Price Control of Rice Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Minister’s response on rice prices, citing Central Bank and market figures showing retail prices above the stated maximum retail prices for Samba, Nadu and Kakulu rice. He argued that the Government’s paddy purchasing prices are below farmers’ costs, with farmers demanding at least Rs. 140 per kilogramme, and questioned the refusal to buy wet paddy. He asked whether the Government would revise the rice MRP in line with actual costs or strictly enforce the existing MRP through the Consumer Affairs Authority, including action against retailers. Oral Question: Price Control of Rice Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that maximum retail and wholesale prices for local and imported rice had been imposed by the Consumer Affairs Authority following an artificial price increase, with compliance monitored by the CAA. He said the Government had allowed public and private rice imports and directed Lanka Sathosa to release rice to cooperatives and the open market after discussions with millers chaired by the President. He also said the Paddy Marketing Board, with Sathosa and relevant ministries, had begun purchasing the 2024–2025 Maha season paddy harvest to build a Government buffer stock, with storage facilities being prepared and repaired. Oral Question: Price Control of Rice Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development for current market prices of Nadu and Samba rice and whether the Government would take steps, including price controls, to reduce rice prices. He also sought information on Government-maintained rice reserves, their quantities, and the policy or actions being taken regarding rice imports to ensure consumers receive rice without shortages. Oral Question: Price Control of Rice Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that the concerns raised would be noted and that special interventions would be undertaken, particularly in areas where conditions are worsening. The remark was made in the context of a discussion on rice price control and related details. Oral Question: Price Control of Rice Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that Rs. 187 million had been stolen in relation to rice under the Government, stating that he had first raised the matter in Parliament and that further revelations would follow. He challenged the Government to provide answers on rice-related issues and requested additional speaking time due to interruptions. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara criticized the Government’s handling of rice procurement and distribution, alleging that unresolved tender issues had prevented rice from reaching the public. He urged the relevant Ministry to manage the matter properly and ensure rice is provided to people in need. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara referred to the Government’s inability to provide rice and mentioned that there had been four rice tenders. Part of his remarks was expunged on the order of the Chair. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said the foreign exchange, vehicle import, and rice import regulations were part of a cautious approach following economic stabilization after a period of depleted reserves and import constraints. He argued that vehicle imports must be phased to avoid exchange rate, inflation, credit, and interest rate pressures, while prioritizing public transport and tourism-related needs. He linked the measures to broader policies on fiscal relief, support for farmers, fishers, SMEs, domestic value addition, customs capacity improvements, and efforts to reduce costs such as electricity and energy. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the vehicle import regulations, explaining that imports are being reopened in limited categories after restrictions imposed during the foreign exchange crisis and debt default. She argued that controls and taxes are necessary to protect reserves, avoid rupee depreciation, and prevent renewed shortages of essentials as Sri Lanka resumes foreign debt servicing after restructuring. She also stated that the Government is prioritizing improvements to public transport and denied media reports that vehicles would be imported for MPs. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →