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 February 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the Government’s lack of action on promised constitutional reforms to reduce presidential powers and strengthen Parliament, despite its large majority. He criticized Ministers’ public statements on issues such as food shortages, agriculture and public welfare, alleging that they mislead the public rather than address problems, including delayed compensation for flood-affected farmers and late announcement of paddy prices. He urged the Government to stop blaming the Opposition, implement anti-corruption action fairly, and take credible steps to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the Easter Sunday attacks. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman briefly remarked that something had been given or supplied at a higher price. The excerpt is too fragmentary to determine the subject, context, or any specific proposal or demand. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concern that port or logistics congestion is contributing to cost-push inflation and affecting both shipping and export activity. Citing the December 2024 trade balance, he questioned how the Government intends to address congestion when imports are increasing while exports are not keeping pace. Oral Question: Export Growth and Economic Competitiveness (Q.292/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister, responding to Hon. T.K. Jayasundara, outlined the sectors supported by the President’s Fund under Act No. 7 of 1978, including poverty alleviation, education, religion, national service grants, and public welfare, with assistance such as medical aid, scholarships, and self-employment support. She provided annual beneficiary and expenditure figures for 2015–2024, noting the Fund’s main income sources are dividends and interest from the Development Lotteries Board. She stated that the Government plans to simplify access by enabling applications and payments through all 341 Divisional Secretariats, supported by officer training and a new online IT system for verification and approval. Oral Question: President's Fund Distribution (Q.288/2024) Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to issues raised in the debate on import and levy regulations, stating that any coconut imports should be limited to raw material for export industries due to reduced local harvests, while protecting jobs and foreign exchange. He said investigations were ongoing into bar permit allocations and defended the Government’s cost-cutting measures on ministerial vehicles, fuel and phone facilities. On rice, he rejected claims that one million metric tons of paddy were being hidden, citing national storage capacities and production figures, and said misinformation would be investigated. He also outlined recent rice import volumes, restrictions on using rice for animal feed, and broader food security pressures involving wheat, coconuts, potatoes and onions. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana supported regulations under import and export control laws, arguing they are necessary to manage essential goods and safeguard food security. He criticized the previous administration for policies and actions he said contributed to rice, fertilizer, and coconut supply problems, including the organic-only fertilizer policy, substandard fertilizer imports, and land-use decisions. He stated that the Government would ensure accurate statistics, protect both farmers and consumers in pricing and supply decisions, and take measures to guarantee food security. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka rejected Opposition criticism over rice shortages and prices, arguing that the new Government inherited a bankrupt country and a weakened Paddy Marketing Board with poor data on harvests and stocks. He said food security is a priority of the Government, and that after verifying unreliable official figures it identified a developing shortage requiring about 4,000 metric tons of rice per day. He stated that the Government decided to import rice to prevent shortages, with 167,000 metric tons already brought in and a further 8,000 metric tons arriving. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan spoke on regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, urging the Government to address continuing high prices and act on pledges to eliminate corruption and improve governance. He requested tax-free or reduced-cost import arrangements for dates during Ramadan through the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, citing increased duties and a shortfall after Saudi donations. He also called for the resumption of halted sports and education infrastructure projects in the Vanni, resolution of access issues on the Marichchukaddi road, and amendments to prevent Samurdhi Development Officers from engaging in political activity during elections. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal argued that Sri Lanka has failed for decades to harness its natural resources and export potential, citing raw ilmenite exports, salt production, tourism, and traditional exports such as tea, rubber and apparel. He said the NPP Government intends to build an export-led economy, protect public assets, reduce fraud and strengthen good governance. He also addressed the current rice shortage, noting recent imports and damage from heavy rains, and said the Government would procure paddy through the Paddy Marketing Board, rehabilitate storage facilities under “Clean Sri Lanka,” and prevent future shortages. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the import and export control regulations under debate, linking them to the Government’s response to rice supply issues and the need for proper paddy procurement, storage, and market release mechanisms. She stated that the Army had rehabilitated 30 paddy stores and that the Government intended to refurbish 209 abandoned stores, while criticizing past agricultural policy decisions, including the sudden shift to organic fertilizer. She also argued that recent shortages and media coverage were being politicized, and cited Prime Minister’s Office expenditure and vehicle cost reductions as evidence of Government efficiency and savings. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over delays at Sri Lanka Customs, stating that around 3,000 containers were stuck and that demurrage and port-related costs would be passed on to consumers, including for essential goods. He called for an investigation and suspensions over the reported release of 323 containers, particularly those allegedly requiring “red line” checks, and asked who authorized the releases. He also criticized rising rice and coconut prices, urged the Government to gazette a guaranteed paddy price, remove the Rs. 65 per kg levy on imported rice if it was inherited from the previous administration, and resolve contradictions over public servants’ vehicle permits. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that efforts to bring informal economic activity into the formal sector must protect livelihoods and future security. He said informal vendors or structures should not be removed overnight without providing alternative sites or means of income, and that any such action would be accompanied by plans to integrate affected persons into the formal economy. Oral Question: Olcott Mawatha Traders and Floating Market Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Dewananda Suraweera asked the Minister whether urgent relief measures could be taken for traders who were displaced overnight from long-running businesses due to “beautification” activities. He emphasized the severe impact on families and sought action beyond the future measures already outlined by the Minister. Oral Question: Olcott Mawatha Traders and Floating Market Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Prof. Anil Jayantha confirmed that an IMF official had commented on social spending and stated that Rs. 205 billion was allocated for 2024, of which Rs. 159.5 billion, or 77.5 per cent, had been spent. He said the allocation was part of broader welfare spending across more than 38 programmes, but acknowledged that fiscal limits and weaknesses in beneficiary identification, data collection, verification, and implementation of the Social Welfare Information System had delayed disbursement. He added that interim short-term measures would begin from 25 January 2025 to address eligible persons who had been left out. Oral Question: IMF-related Economic Measures and Vehicle Imports Policy Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development whether the Government was aware of the IMF Senior Mission Chief’s statement on 23 November 2024 that Sri Lanka had not met IMF social spending targets. She requested details on 2024 Budget allocations and actual spending for Aswesuma beneficiaries, the elderly, chronically ill persons and disabled citizens, including the percentage spent, the IMF-required social spending amount, and the reason adequate funds were not allocated. Oral Question: IMF-related Economic Measures and Vehicle Imports Policy Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara thanked the Prime Minister for prior answers and asked for clarification on the Government’s school shoe distribution programme. He specifically requested whether there is a defined mechanism to ensure rural poor schools, estate schools, and children in areas such as Haputale in Badulla District are covered. Oral Question: Educational Reforms and Student Welfare Programmes Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on import/export control regulations, a Strategic Development Projects Act notification, and a Ports and Airports Development Levy order. He noted action to resolve discrepancies between food import standards and Consumer Affairs Authority standards, and raised concerns about inconsistent paddy and rice production data used to justify rice import decisions, asking the Agriculture and Finance Ministries to examine the matter, including claims of missing or hoarded rice stocks. He also stated that the Committee approved measures under the Sri Lanka–Singapore FTA to phase down the Ports and Airports Development Levy over five years, in line with the Government’s stated position. Committee Report: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged the Government to use the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to address broader governance issues rather than limit it to activities such as drain cleaning or removing bus stickers. He defended his personal and family record in Hambantota and Tangalle local government service, rejecting allegations made against him in his absence and calling on the Government to focus on governing after being elected. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a timely initiative to address economic, social and cultural problems, while stressing the need for clearer communication and grassroots popularization through all institutions. He criticized Opposition responses as lacking constructive engagement and said the Government had a five-year mandate for systemic change. Citing waste management, preschool, tourism-area cleanliness and local development initiatives implemented in Tissamaharama, he argued that the Government has relevant experience and will proceed with necessary policy decisions to build an orderly and prosperous country. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB AI summary Hon. Sellaththamby Thilaganathan argued that the Vanni District’s resources, including forests and river sand, were exploited after 2009 under the guise of development, while key livelihoods such as agriculture, livestock and fishing were neglected. He called for grazing land to be allocated for livestock farmers, highlighted low milk producer prices, inadequate veterinary services in Mullaitivu, and the decline of animal husbandry’s contribution to national production. He also raised concerns about exam paper errors, the military occupation of the Co-operative Training School in Vavuniya, the continued closure of the Vavuniya Economic Centre, and the absence of Mahaweli water for the Vanni region, stating that the Government would address these issues. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →