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 January 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government’s performance after taking office, arguing that it had failed to deliver promised relief on rice, essential goods, electricity prices and taxation. He alleged continued rice shortages and benefits to large millers despite import measures, and contrasted current policies with positions taken by Government figures when in Opposition, including on the IMF programme and PAYE tax. He also raised concerns about the CID inquiry involving Parliament staff over a medal issue and accused the Government of pressuring the media for recalling its previous pledges. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah expressed support for economic rebuilding during the debate on the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position while highlighting infrastructure gaps affecting tourism development in the Eastern Province. He requested urgent measures for Arugam Bay, including gazetting it as a tourism zone, providing beach-cleaning equipment, repairing the seaplane landing dock, and establishing fire services to enable hotel development. He also called for terminal upgrades and ICAO certification for Batticaloa International Airport, a Passport Office in Batticaloa, and gazetting Trincomalee Harbour as a tourist harbour with suitable terminal facilities. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that complaints are being pursued not for political retaliation but to address wrongdoing and protect the public interest. He emphasized efforts to provide essential goods at affordable prices, citing salmon at Rs. 380 and eggs at Rs. 32, and said the objective is to dismantle market “mafias” and prevent past exploitative practices. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to allegations about rice imports and pricing, saying previous election-period distribution of red raw rice had distorted the market and caused supply issues. He said Cabinet had approved importing 70,000 MT through Sathosa and the State Trading Corporation, outlined the status of Sathosa and STC tenders, and stated that 116,000 MT had been imported by 6 January with further consignments arriving. He asked D.V. Chanaka to table the report underlying claims of excess costs and said imported rice was being distributed through Sathosa and cooperatives at Rs. 220 per kilo. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that the Government had failed to control the rice market, particularly red raw rice, which he said was unavailable in some markets and being sold above the controlled price. Citing Central Bank price data, he argued that prices rose after the new Government took office and claimed consumers were overcharged by billions of rupees in December. He further alleged irregularities in rice imports through Sathosa, saying imported rice was sold above the controlled price, and called on the Public Security Minister to investigate where the alleged commissions and excess earnings went. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna argued that the NPP cannot absolve itself of responsibility for Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy, noting that many of its Members supported the election of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose ad hoc decisions he identified as a principal cause. He said current economic “progress” has come through higher fuel prices, electricity tariffs, taxes and living costs, and accused the Government of continuing the same policies followed under Ranil Wickremesinghe. He questioned the increase of Withholding Tax on fixed deposit interest from 5 to 10 per cent and the failure to remove VAT on specified education, agriculture and food items, and demanded that the Government honour campaign promises to reduce fuel prices, abolish the fuel pricing formula, cut electricity bills by one-third, and provide immediate cost-of-living relief. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government for failing to fulfil election pledges on rice prices, essential goods, tax reductions, utility bills, and senior citizens’ deposits, arguing that controlled prices and import decisions contradicted earlier promises. He questioned the Government’s debt and reserve management, stating that only part of sovereign bond principal is under standstill and asking what new revenue streams or investments had been secured to maintain debt sustainability. While saying the Opposition would not sabotage the Government and would support beneficial measures, he urged the Government to admit past campaign claims were false and to use the forthcoming Budget to provide relief, reduce taxes and bills, and implement its promises. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Report, arguing that increased revenues from taxes, electricity, fuel and water charges had not improved living conditions, nutrition, education or incomes. He questioned why CEB’s reported Rs. 139 billion surplus was not used to reduce electricity tariffs for low-consumption households and said election promises on reducing fuel prices and electricity bills had not been implemented. He also alleged that the Government had departed from pledges on the PAYE tax threshold and senior citizens’ fixed-deposit interest and withholding tax, placing additional pressure on workers and retirees. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath discussed the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report presented under the State Finance Management Act, outlining its coverage of revenue, expenditure, state enterprises, foreign financing and debt. She argued that the previous Government’s stabilization was achieved largely through tax burdens on ordinary people, particularly affecting women and low-income households, while corruption, waste and poor policy choices contributed to the economic crisis. She stated that the National People’s Power Government is managing expenditure more responsibly within IMF and debt constraints, citing the increased tax-free threshold, expanded Aswasuma benefits, rising tourism, remittances, investor interest and improved ratings as signs of stabilization. She called for support for the Clean Sri Lanka and nation-building programmes. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon discussed the mid-year fiscal report under the State Finance Management Act, noting improved 2024 indicators such as higher revenue, a reduced budget deficit, positive growth, increased reserves, and progress under the IMF programme. He said much of the revenue increase came from higher taxation, including PAYE and VAT changes, which created hardship and contributed to professional migration, but argued that tax thresholds and the wider tax mix are being adjusted. He emphasized plans to reduce public debt, improve the balance of payments, attract investment, strengthen state-owned enterprise management, and asked the Opposition to support the Government’s economic stabilization efforts. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif called for cross-party support for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s long-term economic programme, arguing that all former governing parties share responsibility for the country’s current difficulties and should unite to rebuild it. He highlighted local infrastructure and livelihood issues in Kandy District, including the lack of public toilets and parking in Gampola, agricultural and fertilizer-related problems, and recurring flooding in Akkaraipattu. He also referred to Government welfare measures, including Rs. 6,000 per child for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families, an increased Rs. 3,000 allowance, and raising the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000, while stating the aim of making Sri Lanka prosperous by 2028–2029. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif attributed Sri Lanka’s current economic hardships to past governments, corruption, and divisive politics, and urged all parties to support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s development efforts. He called for national unity across ethnic and religious lines and highlighted Government relief measures, including Rs. 6,000 for school stationery for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families. Speaking as a Kandy District representative, he requested priority development for Gampola, citing the lack of public toilets and parking facilities. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned whether continuing the existing IMF programme without a new debt sustainability analysis reflected the public mandate, and demanded relief measures including the promised fertilizer subsidy increase, electricity tariff reductions, fuel relief, and redress for EPF/ETF losses after domestic debt restructuring. He urged stronger support for MSMEs beyond the Parate moratorium, criticized the unresolved passport shortage and changes to the 1990 Suwaseriya board, and argued that economic “stability” must be assessed against poverty, unemployment, malnutrition, and business closures. He also called on the Government not to deport Rohingya refugees who arrived in Mullaitivu, citing non-refoulement and urging consultation with UNHCR. He said national recovery should involve Government, Opposition, civil society, business, donors, and international institutions while protecting sovereignty. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi said the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report shows some positive economic indicators, while attributing the crisis to past borrowing, weak production sectors, inadequate social protection and corruption that led to IMF-related constraints. He argued that the NPP Government has a mandate to pursue macroeconomic stabilization alongside social protection, citing measures such as fertilizer support, enhanced Aswasuma benefits, VAT reductions on dairy products, fuel subsidies for fishers, school allowances for low-income children and allowances for pensioners. He said the forthcoming Budget would implement the Government’s programme over five years, with attention to exchange-rate stability, investor confidence, remittances, stalled projects and improved relations with countries including India and China. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika moved an Adjournment Motion on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, arguing that Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic collapse resulted from decades of poor political and economic decision-making, governance failures and corruption, rather than unavoidable circumstances. He cited the report’s mid-2024 indicators, including improved growth, higher revenue and a reduced deficit, as evidence of early macroeconomic stabilization, while stressing that the social costs of the crisis included unemployment, poverty, migration, medicine shortages and school dropouts. He called for Government and Opposition support for long-term, inclusive economic planning to ensure sustainable growth and a dignified life for citizens. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that economic recovery requires a clear government policy to support SMEs, which he said make up about 70 per cent of the economy and cannot recover under 13–15 per cent interest rates. He asked how the Government would reduce rates to 8–9 per cent, address the mismatch faced by borrowers whose rates rose from 10–12 per cent to about 30 per cent, and strengthen SMEs to mobilize Rs. 3.3 trillion and achieve 15 per cent growth. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government was addressing rice shortages through immediate imports, noting that over 7,000 metric tons had already arrived and that more than 100,000 metric tons were expected, with further decisions to be reviewed if supplies remained insufficient. He stated that importers were being consulted on volumes and that the Government would use the cooperative movement, the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation, and Sathosa to purchase paddy and help control prices. He also referred to available storage capacity, inspections of stores, and the need for proper drying and moisture control to preserve paddy stocks. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe explained the basis for setting rice prices, stating that a Rs. 5 retail margin over the Rs. 215 wholesale price was fixed after Consumer Affairs Authority calculations and evidence from traders, given the low margins on rice and costs such as transport, storage, interest and stockholding. He reported that Nadu stocks stood at 40,795 metric tons as of 17 December, with CAA monitoring mills and daily supplies being sent to Sathosa, which was selling about 300 metric tons of locally procured rice per day. He said Sri Lanka produces enough rice in normal conditions but shortages arise due to stock management issues, animal feed use and disaster-related crop damage, and assured that, barring emergencies or natural disasters, the current round would be the last rice importation. He added that a Cabinet-appointed food security committee and government paddy purchasing would support domestic rice management while protecting both farmers and consumers. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad sought clarification from the Minister on the specific parameters used by the Consumer Affairs Authority, distinguishing the request from the views of the Minister or the Government. The intervention was framed as a procedural question about the basis on which the Authority acts or makes determinations. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said the immediate priority was ensuring the availability of essential goods, noting that retailers at least retained a Rs. 5 margin despite concerns over transport and packaging costs. He stated that prices were determined by the Consumer Affairs Authority based on surveys and evidence, not arbitrarily by the Government. Adjournment Questions Read →