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- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Government’s delay in implementing promised electricity tariff reductions, noting earlier public assurances of substantial bill reductions. He referred to repeated extensions granted to the CEB by the PUCSL, the rejection of proposed reductions, and indications that only a minimal reduction may be possible, despite high hydro generation. He asked why relief has been postponed until June and highlighted the impact of high electricity costs on small industries. Oral Questions Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage raised concern over the impact of Rs. 50,000 fines on ordinary river miners, stating that they face hardship and lack alternative livelihoods. He requested the Minister to provide relief or address the issue for affected miners. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the Government’s handling of rice imports, price controls, and fertilizer subsidies, arguing that delayed imports, high duties, poor quality rice, and ineffective market management had worsened consumer prices while farmers had not received promised support. He questioned why key economic officials had been retained and said the Government had reversed its earlier opposition to trade agreements such as the Singapore–Sri Lanka FTA and ETCA, which he said his side had consistently supported. He welcomed the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme in principle but urged it to address appointments and alleged misconduct in public institutions, citing the Merchant Shipping Secretariat and diplomatic appointments, and briefly referred to the Bingiriya incident involving an MP. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about police enforcement affecting private buses and three-wheelers, including removal of bus decorations and Buddha statues, and urged that any safety-related removals be directed through the Motor Traffic Authority. He argued that private bus operators face unequal treatment compared with SLTB buses, high operating costs, and unresolved regulatory issues, including restrictions on ownership transfers under existing regulations and lack of practical EPF/ETF enforcement. He proposed regularizing bus ownership and operations, allowing medically fit drivers over 60 to renew licences annually, and convening authorities and industry representatives to develop practical solutions for the sector. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda supported the continuation of food-related regulations and orders prepared by the previous Government where they serve public welfare. She highlighted concerns over food safety, including genetically modified foods, chemical additives, expired products, Thriposha ingredients, milk powder and coconut oil, and linked these to malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and Sri Lanka’s low rankings in food security and healthcare indices. She said the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” objective includes ensuring citizens’ access to toxin-free, quality food through stronger standards for production, imports, distribution and retail. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Government’s first 100 days, arguing that it had failed to deliver promised VAT reductions on essentials, medicines, fertilizer and school supplies, or to reduce fuel taxes and food prices. He contrasted this with measures taken during the first 100 days of the Good Governance administration, including salary increases, price reductions and independent commissions, and alleged that current parliamentary practices were weakening democratic participation. He questioned delays in fertilizer subsidy payments, reductions in senior citizens’ effective deposit interest, and targeted school assistance, while urging the Government to implement its “Clean Sri Lanka” and anti-corruption commitments, saying the Opposition would support genuine anti-corruption action. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the approval of regulations and orders made through six Gazettes, while arguing that decades of post-Independence governance and subordinate legislation had failed to improve living standards, unite the country, or prevent war and economic collapse. He said the 2024 victories of the National People’s Power represented a public mandate to replace the old political culture with reforms under the policy framework “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” He outlined planned priorities including “Clean Sri Lanka,” digitalization, and rural poverty eradication, describing them as efforts to reform state institutions, end corruption and indiscipline, and mobilize public participation in national transformation. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera AI summary Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera defended the Government’s position on the Peradeniya University Vice-Chancellor incident, stating that the National People’s Power Government would protect student movement rights and freedom of expression. He rejected opposition criticism over rice and coconut prices, arguing that past governments and former Kegalle representatives had left large areas of paddy, estate, coconut, and cinnamon land abandoned. He said the Government’s 2025 plan for Kegalle includes restoring fallow lands, developing estates, improving urban facilities such as the Mawanella bus stand, and addressing living conditions and education needs of estate communities, including Tamil-speaking residents. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. V. S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary V. S. Radhakrishnan argued that attracting foreign investment requires peace, stability, and action against corruption and violent crime, while calling for facilitation of major projects such as Port City. He urged the Government to reduce prices of raw rice and coconuts ahead of Pongal, and to implement the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme in a way that does not harm bus, three-wheeler, or small vendor livelihoods. He requested that Glengow Hospital in Hatton be taken under central government control and upgraded following a recent fatal accident, citing staffing shortages and the possibility of further Indian assistance. He also proposed considering a Sri Lanka–India bridge across the Palk Strait to strengthen bilateral relations, tourism, and economic activity. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Roshan Akmeemana said the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative seeks to mobilize citizens, particularly youth, for a collective economic and social effort beyond government action alone. He called for national unity and intergenerational sacrifice to support shared development and a common national purpose. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the objectives of the President’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative but questioned its implementation, particularly enforcement actions affecting private buses and three-wheelers. He urged the Government to consult Provincial Transport Authorities, the NTC and operators before removing bus accessories such as roof-rack ladders, and proposed regulating vehicle modifications through the Motor Traffic Act with an annual levy applied fairly to all vehicle categories. He also called for attention to CTB buses, railways and public littering, warned against insensitive enforcement involving religious or cultural displays in three-wheelers, and briefly criticised the Government’s rice import decision as failing to satisfy consumers. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe supported the regulations and orders under debate, arguing that they reflect a more people-centred legal approach and can advance investment, public welfare and consumer protection. She endorsed measures under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act to vest management of common property in the Commission, saying this would help attract investment, support construction, create jobs and increase foreign exchange inflows. She also supported new import control regulations bringing items such as whole red lentils, cosmetics, soaps, plastic bottles, lamps and toys under SLS certification, enabling testing, rejection and re-export of substandard goods to protect health and consumer rights. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Government’s first 100 days had not delivered the “system change” promised to voters, particularly on reducing living costs, addressing food insecurity, reforming debt-related burdens, and tackling corruption. He compared current prices with reductions achieved under the 2015 Yahapalana 100-day programme, citing high rice and coconut prices and recent WFP/FAO findings on rising food insecurity. He alleged that large rice millers and related business and financial networks continue to benefit while farmers and consumers remain disadvantaged, and demanded a clear Government plan to dismantle such monopolies and ensure fair prices. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to concerns about a “rice mafia” and explained that the Sathosa rice tender, now in its fourth round, is being evaluated under standard government procurement criteria. He said rice import restrictions were relaxed from 21 December and extended until 10 January 2025, with about 40,000 metric tons expected to arrive, so there was no general rice shortage, though red raw rice remained tight. He attributed the red rice tightness partly to pre-election rice distribution and stated that the Paddy Marketing Board, Sathosa, and co-operatives would buy Maha season stocks sufficient for about one and a half months to stabilize supply and protect consumers. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa sought clarification from the Prime Minister on whether the fertilizer-related support for paddy farmers was Rs. 25,000 or Rs. 15,000, noting that harvesting was imminent and delayed fertilizer use would be ineffective. He questioned how the Government would provide funds given reported statements by the Deputy Minister of Finance about a lack of money, and asked whether payments would continue after harvest. He also warned of a possible rice shortage and alleged an emerging problem in the rice supply chain affecting consumers, asking for the Government’s plan to address it. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha argued that past economic policies produced unequal outcomes, with gains captured by a minority while economic downturns and debt burdens were borne by the wider public. Citing per capita GDP figures and the Gini coefficient in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, he said headline fiscal or growth indicators masked worsening inequality and widespread poverty. He rejected the view that IMF engagement alone could restore or develop the economy, stating that while fiscal stabilization and debt restructuring may be necessary, the Government would pursue a broader policy approach based on domestic and global economic conditions. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of rice imports, alleging that a Rs. 65 per kg import tax kept prices high and benefited large millers while burdening consumers and small traders. He called for clarification and prompt payment of fertilizer support, questioning whether farmers were receiving the previously approved Rs. 25,000 per hectare or only Rs. 15,000. He demanded a clear mechanism for paddy purchasing ahead of the harvest, including a fair controlled price around Rs. 130 per kg, and warned of farmer mobilization if the Government failed to act. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed, in his maiden speech, highlighted post-war land, agricultural, and public health issues in the Vanni District, particularly alleging that Forest Department demarcations have prevented displaced owners from accessing private lands. He called for the Pampaimadu garbage dump in Vavuniya, which he said affects nearby residents, university students, farmers, and groundwater, to be relocated and secured, and urged rehabilitation of 235 unrestored village tanks to support cultivation. He also requested that local government elections avoid clashing with G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations and Ramadan, and asked for additional Sathosa outlets in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar to address high prices and limited relief access. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha argued that welfare and relief programmes must be better targeted to poor households, citing cases in Godakawela where wage labourers were excluded from Aswasuma while wealthier households received benefits. He proposed that future Aswasuma selection be conducted transparently at GN division level by a committee of six state officers ranking households for graded payments of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000. He also requested an increase in the Rs. 110 per-child school meal allocation, action on high retail kekulu rice prices and shortages in Sabaragamuwa and the South, and lawful, traditional procedures for appointing the Basnayake Nilame of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya following protests. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake, speaking on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 under the State Finance Management Act, argued that Sri Lanka’s crisis resulted from poor economic management, excessive high-interest borrowing, weak policy continuity, and IMF-driven fiscal adjustments that increased taxation and reduced welfare. He cited social impacts including food insecurity, child malnutrition, declining births, and professional migration, while crediting public finance officials for improvements in the primary balance. He said the Government intends to exceed growth targets by 2030 through tax relief for professionals, stronger social protection including Aswasuma-related benefits, support for schoolchildren, fertilizer and dairy sector relief, VAT relief on milk products, and extended Parate law moratoria for MSMEs. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →