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- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana welcomed the Supplementary Estimate on education but argued that support for children’s schooling must be linked to broader family welfare. He urged the Government to present the 2025 Budget early and address public expectations, including salary increases for public and private sector workers, removal of PAYE tax, reductions in electricity bills, and VAT relief on educational items and essential foods. Referring to the resignation of the former Speaker and the role of “Viyath Maga,” he said academic qualifications should be balanced with social connection and public experience, citing the COVID-19 forced cremation policy as a lesson. He stated that the Opposition would support measures that benefit education. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 SUPPLEMENTARY SUM: STATIONERY ALLOWANCE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN OF ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES — The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Moved a Supplementary Estimate seeking up to Rs. 6,500 million for recurrent expenditure under the 2024 financial year to fund a stationery allowance for economically disadvantaged schoolchildren. The Prime Minister cited survey data showing the economic crisis has affected 55% of schoolchildren’s education, particularly in rural and estate areas, with many reducing or reusing stationery. The proposal provides Rs. 6,000 per child to about 825,000 Aswesuma-recipient children aged 5–18, with plans to extend support to an estimated 250,000 additional non-Aswesuma children facing hardship. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka raised concern over the reduction of preferential fixed deposit interest rates for senior citizens, noting that many retired private-sector workers depend on EPF/ETF savings interest for living expenses. He contrasted the former 15% rate with the current 7.5% and cited the Government’s policy statement promising an additional 5% above normal bank rates for senior citizens’ deposits. He asked the Leader of the House to clarify why the rate was reduced and when the promised increase would be implemented, including whether it would be addressed in the next Budget. Procedural: Ministerial Statement and Points of Order Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe tabled a written answer stating that, as of 25 October 2024 and based on a 5 November 2024 report, the Consumer Affairs Authority had inspected rice mills in 20 districts and collected data on stocks of Nadu, Samba, Keeri Samba and other paddy varieties, with details provided in annexes and a CD. He further stated that Gazettes No. 2414/02 and 2414/04 of 9 December 2024 fixed the Maximum Retail Price for rice, and that raids were continuing against outlets selling above the MRP. Oral Questions: Paddy Stocks, Fuel Price Revisions, and Teacher Scarcity (Q.11, Q.12, Q.10/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the handling of stocks released from the Port to Sathosa, arguing that the gap between Sathosa’s fixed price and the market price indicated possible embezzlement or theft. He asked why those allegedly identified in relevant files had not been promptly arrested and illustrated his concern with an example of imported rice being bought at a lower cost and sold at a much higher maximum retail price. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha thanked voters in the Ratnapura District and outlined his political background with the UNP and SJB, expressing support for Hon. Sajith Premadasa’s service programmes such as Sakwala, Husma and Janasuwaya. He rejected any blanket accusation that the entire Opposition was responsible for the country’s bankruptcy, attributing the crisis to corruption and waste, and said many responsible persons had been rejected by voters. He highlighted rural infrastructure problems, including poor roads affecting patient transport, and urged the Agriculture Ministry to include support for banana farmers in the forthcoming Budget, specifically proposing fertilizer subsidies in response to falling banana prices. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Mohamed Sali Naleem used his maiden speech to thank family, party leaders, supporters and voters, and congratulated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the governing party, urging them to fulfil pledges on corruption-free governance. He pledged to share any parliamentary allowances with his constituents, citing his past practice as Eravur Urban Council Chairman of not taking official perks for personal use. He requested Government relief for all families affected by recent floods in Batticaloa, including those who stayed with relatives rather than camps. He also sought action on shortages and land needs at Eravur Base Hospital, release of land for Aligarh National School, and resolution of long-pending land tenure issues for residents of Meerakeani, Meesnagar and Aiyankeni. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody thanked voters in Gampaha and Minuwangoda and said the National People’s Power mandate reflected a public demand for “system change” after decades of governance he linked to corruption, racism and economic hardship. He argued that the Government had already begun a political-cultural transformation by avoiding post-election violence and gaining support across ethnic and regional lines, including in the North, hill country and Minuwangoda. He said the Government’s “Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life” policy would address cost-of-living pressures, with concrete measures to be presented in the upcoming Budget, and invited the Opposition to support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s programme. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka criticized the Government’s handling of rice stocks and prices, citing the President’s statements on known stocks, discussions with mill owners, and possible imports despite earlier pledges not to import rice. He argued that essential foods have become unaffordable and questioned why the Government, with a strong mandate, has not acted on controlled prices. He urged immediate action on rice, fuel prices and electricity tariffs, while noting that longer-term promises such as bank loan relief and VAT reductions may take more time. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka questioned the Government’s failure to deliver promised electricity tariff reductions, citing large CEB profits and around one million disconnected consumers. He argued that, under the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 35 of 2002, tariff reductions could be made when profits exceed Rs. 15 billion, and asked why reductions had not been implemented while bonuses were being considered for CEB employees. He also criticised the Government’s handling of rice supply and prices, comparing its promises on ending the “rice mafia” with earlier election pledges on rice. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka acknowledged the Government’s large mandate but urged it to act immediately on key cost-of-living promises made before the election, particularly on fuel and electricity. He questioned why the Government retained the pricing formula, import arrangements and high taxes it had previously criticized, noting that fuel prices had not been reduced as promised and that kerosene had increased, affecting low-income groups, estate workers, fishermen and farmers. He also cited past investments in refining, hydropower and the Mahaweli scheme to challenge the Government’s characterization of the previous 76 years as a “curse.” Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana thanked the people of Kalutara for electing him in his maiden speech and said he was elected with support across Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities. He stated that the Opposition would support government measures that reduce public expenditure, including repurposing official residences, but said he would not join a coalition government with the JVP. He urged the Government to respond to Hon. Sajith Premadasa’s proposal to renegotiate IMF-related debt terms, arguing that the country’s bankruptcy and economic recovery should be treated as the common priority. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. Dammika Patabendige JJB AI summary Hon. Dammika Patabendige said the National People’s Power Government had already begun implementing its mandate despite Parliament being convened less than a month earlier. He said the Ministry of Environment’s initial step was to consolidate previously fragmented institutions under one system, and cited the Government’s policy programme, “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life,” particularly its environmental commitments. He stated that digitalization and the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme are directly linked to environmental restoration, including protection of seas, water, soil, wildlife and the atmosphere. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne used her maiden speech during the 16 Days of Activism to highlight women’s role in Sri Lanka’s economy, particularly migrant domestic work, plantations and apparel, arguing that these sectors generate major foreign exchange while workers face low wages, abuse, insecurity and inadequate state support. She cited data on domestic violence, rape, gender inequality, poverty, microfinance debt and the long-delayed reform of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, framing women’s issues as linked to broader economic and social inequalities. She said the Government would pursue reforms including removal of VAT on essential goods in the next Budget, stronger legal protections, criminal law amendments, an expanded fundamental rights chapter in a new Constitution, and policies centred on women’s economic empowerment. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that the rice shortage and price issue cannot be resolved through Gazettes, enforcement, or imports alone, which he said provide only temporary relief and disadvantage small millers while benefiting larger market players. He cited the 2018-2019 “Shakthi Sahal” cooperative model, involving SME millers and farmers, as having helped stabilise rice prices and increase competition. He requested the Government to relaunch the initiative, or a similar programme under another name, and offered support through a committee to address the issue collaboratively. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Imports have been opened until 20 December, with discussions held with importers to bring in the maximum feasible quantity. Due to flood damage in the Eastern Province requiring over 70,000 acres to be replanted, only about 50,000 tons may be imported immediately, while a tender for 52,000 tons has been floated. The aim is to secure enough supply to stabilize the market while avoiding harm to farmers. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned whether the Government would implement its stated tax commitments in the 2025 Budget, including zero tax for monthly incomes between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 200,000, no VAT on food, and positions on digital services, IT services, vehicle import levies, and fuel and electricity pricing formulas. He said the Opposition would give the Government time but sought a specific response on rice, noting public expectations from the new Parliament’s mandate. He highlighted rising rice prices above gazetted controlled prices, shortages in retail outlets, and the Government’s shift from pledging not to import rice to gazetting permission for imports until 20 December, reportedly up to about 300,000 metric tons. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe alleged that certain rice millers, including Ratna Rice Mill, had obtained large public-bank loans but were withholding rice from the market, contributing to higher prices. He warned that future bank financing would be reconsidered for those not supplying rice, and said the Government would act against “mafias” in rice, coconuts, and other essential goods to stabilize prices ahead of the festive season. He also described the Vote on Account as an interim measure before a full Budget aimed at workers, producers, industries, and the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said discussions had been held with both large and small rice millers, noting that small millers lacked stocks while large millers held bank-financed stocks. He stated that supplies had begun to Sathosa, with 100,000 kg delivered the previous day and 50,000 kg that day, to be distributed at around Rs. 220. He said millers had also been instructed to release rice to the open market under maximum retail prices of Rs. 220 for Nadu, Rs. 210 for Kekulu, and Rs. 230 for Samba, with priority given to Sathosa to ensure monitoring of stocks. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticised the Government’s handling of rice stocks held by large millers, arguing that public expectations require firm action rather than requests. He urged the authorities to use their powers to locate and release the rice stocks to the market immediately. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →