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- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister noted that the debate concerned amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, while also referring to forthcoming import and export control regulations, including on rice imports. He outlined Government action on paddy procurement and rice market supply, stating that the Paddy Marketing Board holds about 135,000 MT, with stocks being milled through CWE and released via Sathosa, cooperatives and private channels, and further Cabinet approval sought to mill an additional 45,000 MT before the next harvest in key regions. He also referred to war commemoration events, housing allocations for war-displaced people in the North and East, and said the Government is pursuing anti-corruption measures and improved tax compliance, claiming revenue rose significantly by end-2025 without new taxes. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Inland Revenue Act amendments as a measure to strengthen direct taxation, improve tax compliance, and ensure that all legally liable taxpayers contribute fairly rather than relying mainly on VAT and other indirect taxes. She argued that low revenue contributed to the 2022 economic crisis, while higher revenue had enabled relief measures, and cited recent Government actions such as increasing the PAYE threshold and removing VAT on infant nutrition. She rejected claims that the amendments are draconian, stating that the IRD would issue notices, allow time for compliance, and pursue legal action only after due process. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran criticized the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill on the grounds that higher taxes would increase prices and disproportionately burden poor households, small industries and SMEs. He urged the Government to focus instead on domestic production, investment promotion, export expansion and foreign exchange earnings as sustainable economic measures. He also called for further wage increases, protection against rising fuel and commodity prices, and support for farmers and fisherfolk, including affordable fertilizer and a guaranteed price for paddy. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake criticized the delay in presenting the matter to Parliament, arguing that earlier action could have reduced losses. He questioned the economic benefit of receiving the fifth IMF tranche, stating that rupee depreciation increases the local value and carrying cost of Sri Lanka’s external debt by more than the expected IMF disbursement. He also challenged the rationale for raising electricity and fuel prices while allowing the rupee to depreciate, and asked who is accountable for the Central Bank’s handling of exchange rate movements. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha explained that maintaining a primary surplus is central to Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability programme, as it reduces the need for new borrowing to meet large interest obligations. He said government debt had fallen from about 104 percent to 96.8 percent of GDP, with a target of 86 percent by 2030, while targeted relief would continue through additional revenues and social protection allocations. He noted that 2025 revenue collections exceeded targets due to improved compliance and administration, that multilateral funds are tied to specified programmes, and that a temporary vehicle import surcharge was introduced to conserve foreign exchange amid external pressures. He also clarified that the poverty line is a statistical minimum-needs measure, not a standard for comfortable living, and said rural poverty requires longer-term structural measures. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned why the Government would consider further fuel price increases and maintain high electricity tariffs despite claims of strong Treasury balances, primary surpluses, increased revenue, and multilateral inflows under the IMF, ADB, and World Bank. He also asked when the Government would fulfil its promise that the public could buy a Vitz car for Rs. 1.2 million. He challenged the official poverty line figures and requested that the Department of Census and Statistics explain whether people in all 25 districts can live for a month on the stated amounts. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said the rupee’s 2026 depreciation was driven by external pressures including Middle East tensions, higher oil prices, tourism disruptions, capital outflows, and foreign exchange market expectations, while stressing that the Central Bank maintains a flexible exchange rate and sees no disorderly volatility. He outlined expected IMF, ADB, World Bank and other multilateral inflows, continued QR-based fuel allocation, and a temporary surcharge on certain private vehicle imports to conserve foreign exchange. He said the Government does not accept that most citizens face an unbearable burden, citing expanded relief through Aswasuma, fuel, electricity, agriculture, tea, fisheries and other targeted support amounting to about Rs. 100 billion. He also acknowledged rural household and micro-entrepreneur indebtedness linked to unregulated microfinance and low financial literacy, particularly among women, and said measures had been initiated to address it. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on its economic management amid rupee depreciation, rising living costs, income inequality and pressure on living standards. He sought explanations on the causes of currency depreciation and the Government’s short-, medium- and long-term plans for exchange-rate stability, as well as programmes to ease public hardship and household indebtedness. He also asked what measures would expand contributions from agriculture, services and industry to GDP, and whether district-wise poverty lines issued by the Department of Census and Statistics are realistic indicators given current market conditions. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage supported the Motion on strengthening vocational education, arguing that Sri Lanka’s development depends heavily on improving human resources. He said the Government had allocated Rs. 8,000 million for vocational education facilities and recruitment, and was moving from a linear education pathway to multiple vocational and higher education options. He outlined a village-level outreach programme through 14,000 GN Division committees to identify youth suitable for vocational training, inform families about institutions, jobs, grants and loans, and ensure poverty does not prevent children from continuing education. He also referred to ongoing awareness, equipment upgrades, staffing measures and forthcoming improvements at the University of Vocational Technology. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Government’s continued extension of emergency measures after the Ditha cyclone, arguing that affected families still lacked housing, land, rental support, and repaired access roads in areas including Mawathagama, Hiriyala, Mirissala, and Bambarakanda. He questioned official claims of rehabilitation progress and demanded justice and relief for cyclone victims six months after the disaster. He also alleged broader Government mismanagement, citing coal procurement losses, rising fuel, electricity and gas costs, increased poverty, and irregularities involving a USD 2.5 million Treasury incident, Postal Department payments, and relief overpayments in Kurunegala and Kegalle. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the proposed Regulations under the National Transport Commission Act and Motor Traffic Act, noting that premium charges for forward vehicle numbers could increase non-tax revenue and that a legal framework for inter-provincial bus route permits could address longstanding issues. He then criticized the Government’s broader performance, citing high fuel prices, unmet promises on electricity bills, fertilizer delays, and the rising cost of living. He argued that the public expects practical relief and effective governance rather than repeated announcements and political slogans. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage responded that district-wise poverty data had not been surveyed between 2019 and 2024, but the Household Income and Expenditure Survey was conducted in 2025 and the Department of Census and Statistics is due to publish results in October 2026. He said the Official Poverty Line is published monthly and is currently Rs. 16,690 per person per month nationally, with district variations such as Colombo at Rs. 18,000 and Monaragala at Rs. 15,958. He also cited World Bank estimates indicating poverty declined from 24.8 per cent in 2024 to 20.1 per cent in April 2026, and said these data guide poverty alleviation programmes. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition requested the Minister to design a structured poverty alleviation programme. He proposed that it should incorporate consumption, investment, savings, production, and exports. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s basis for calculating the Official Poverty Line for March 2026 while the 2025 Household Income and Expenditure Survey results were not expected until October 2026. He argued that both the previous and current Governments had relied on outdated 2019 data despite major crises and called for the HIES to be conducted at least every two years to ensure poverty alleviation policies are based on current food and non-food expenditure data. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister responded to the Opposition Leader’s SO 27(2) question by outlining official poverty measurement, noting that the latest district estimates are from 2019, the 2025 HIES results are due in October 2026, and the Welfare Benefits Board identified 1,695,843 poor beneficiary households as at March 2026. He stated that poverty is defined through the Official Poverty Line, Rs. 16,690 per person per month nationally in March 2026, supplemented by multidimensional poverty indicators covering education, health and living standards. He described economic and social impacts of poverty and listed current Government responses, including Aswesuma cash transfers, programmes for persons with disabilities and older persons, a contributory pension scheme for informal workers, and livelihood and empowerment initiatives under Samurdhi. He highlighted the National Social Protection Policy, the 2025–2035 strategic plan, and the Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” poverty eradication programme focused on community-level empowerment, food security, human capital, supply chains, care services and productive economic development. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that, according to available data, the only recorded cancellation in April 2026 was due to Verrington UAE, and that there was no evidence of a supplier violating a term tender and later supplying through a spot tender unless a specific case is provided for verification. He said the Government is not fully passing Middle East war-related fuel price increases to consumers, noting that diesel would be about Rs. 750 under the formula but is sold at Rs. 410, with the Treasury bearing about Rs. 100 per litre on diesel and Rs. 20 per litre on petrol. He added that fuel sector companies are expected to manage monthly profits and losses over the year while sharing the burden with the Government. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Minister on whether any supplier that failed to honour a long-term fuel tender was later awarded an emergency spot tender, asking for a clear response. He said public anxiety over fuel, fertilizer and LPG prices stemmed from global supply risks linked to the Middle East situation and the Strait of Hormuz, not political statements. He also pressed the Government on why its election pledge to provide fuel at landed cost by removing taxes and other charges was not being implemented during the current period of pressure on consumers. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill seeks to address business and personal insolvency arising from the economic crisis, high interest rates, COVID-related disruption, and bank seizures, particularly affecting SMEs and tourism enterprises. He said the Bill would establish an Insolvency Regulatory Authority, require full disclosure of liabilities and circumstances of distress, and provide an orderly mechanism to restructure, revive, bring in partners, or transfer businesses while minimizing losses. He argued that the framework goes beyond existing Companies Act provisions, reassesses processes such as parate execution, and is intended to strengthen investor and entrepreneur confidence by providing a lawful “second chance.” Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad urged the Government not to hinder or harass businesspeople through arbitrary actions while businesses are struggling to rebuild. He argued that such conduct would undermine the purpose of business-enabling laws and discourage entrepreneurs, and requested government attention to the issue. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad raised concerns about alleged irregularities in overseas money transfers, saying the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Government should accept responsibility rather than placing blame solely on public officials, as such incidents could undermine investor confidence. He also cited complaints from crab sellers in Negombo that local authorities are attempting to relocate or evict stalls employing around 1,500 people, and urged that any relocation of small businesses be planned, suitable, and non-arbitrary. He further alleged that some Ministers and local authority heads are using State influence to demand money from businesses for Vesak zones, including from airport hire-car drivers who fear obstruction if they do not pay. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →