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- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen thanked voters in the Vanni district and said his party would support the Government if the President’s policy statement is implemented sincerely, while urging Parliament to focus on the economic crisis rather than campaign rhetoric. He called for weekly monitoring and control of prices of essential goods, equal treatment of all communities, stronger relations with India and Middle Eastern countries, improved investor facilitation, tourism development, education and technology reform, and value addition to mineral resources. He also urged a full investigation into the Easter attacks, the release of detainees held without proof in connection with those attacks or alleged LTTE links, and the restoration of halted funds for resettled Jaffna Muslims and roads in Puttalam. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Snr. Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Snr. Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara thanked voters for the National People’s Power victory and urged Parliament to focus on the President’s national policy statement rather than past political divisions. He argued that the mandate reflects public demand to move beyond the traditional political cycle and invited both Government and Opposition to work together on national rebuilding. He highlighted poverty and deprivation in rural areas, especially Anuradhapura and Rajarata, and said state policy must prioritise dignity, basic rights, and cultural development, including strengthening cultural institutions to create a more humane and culturally engaged society. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe outlined government measures to address rice shortages, stating that official production data indicated a surplus but market shortages reflected gaps in data, competing uses of paddy byproducts, banking constraints on millers, and flood damage to cultivated land. He said import restrictions on all rice varieties had been lifted until 21 December, with expected imports through private channels, Sathosa and the State Trading Corporation, and that millers had agreed to supply rice to Sathosa at Rs. 220 per kilo. He also announced measures to ease coconut shortages by directing state plantation companies to supply Sathosa, enabling sales at Rs. 130 per coconut and distributing one million coconuts over two weeks. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara urged the Government not to revive communal tensions and criticized its use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act despite previously opposing it, citing court rulings and the need to protect freedom of speech and rights. He asked that people in the North and East be allowed to commemorate their dead, and called for the CEB’s reported profits to be passed on to consumers through the promised 30 percent electricity tariff reduction. He also said the Government had changed its position on past issues but had not apologized for the damage caused. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the Government’s decision to import 70,000 metric tons of rice, citing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s earlier pledge not to import rice in order to protect farmers. He also called for a reduction in fuel prices, arguing that lower crude oil prices, a stronger rupee, and profits in the petroleum sector should be passed on to consumers. He specifically challenged the continuation of high fuel taxes, including excise duty and VAT, in light of prior pledges to reduce the cost of living. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of protests, saying police action against Education Service graduates was ignored while injuries to police officers were highlighted. He questioned the Government’s policies on attracting foreign investment, restructuring or addressing loss-making SOEs such as SriLankan Airlines, and disclosing the contents of the IMF Staff-Level Agreement. He also raised concern over rising rice prices and alleged hoarding, urging the Government to use legal powers to release available paddy and rice stocks if negotiations with mill owners fail. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, speaking on the President’s policy statement, said rural communities remain heavily indebted and underserved, requiring an agriculture-centred policy to improve livelihoods. He proposed increasing paddy yields through technology, expanding cultivation of import-dependent crops such as chilli, onions and pulses, and ensuring affordable quality seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals and mechanization for farmers. He also called for livestock development, pasture lands, a national land-use plan, modernized irrigation, agro-based industries and export crop promotion to raise rural incomes and reduce dependence on imports. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to begin the relevant post-election processes within the next month, noting that the administration is still new and would receive support for progressive action. He also indicated that concerns over fuel and electricity prices would be raised later, while expressing conditional support for constructive government measures. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the NPP’s mandate reflects public demand for economic reform after mismanagement, exclusion of citizens from economic activity, and failures in state enterprises such as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He argued that tourism can help rebuild the economy by using Sri Lanka’s coastline, wildlife, forests, and cultural heritage while linking village craftsmen, farmers, and other ordinary citizens to the tourism value chain. Referring to Thailand’s long-term planning and Sri Lanka’s slower progress, he criticized past patronage and corrupt practices in the sector and stated that the Government has prepared a National Tourism Policy to guide future development. Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha thanked voters in Kurunegala and Bingiriya and said the new government, despite arising from a working-class political movement, had failed to acknowledge Rohana Wijeweera in the President’s Throne Speech. He questioned whether the Government’s call for parliamentary discipline was consistent with its removal of powers from the University of Ruhuna Vice Chancellor, who he said had acted against ragging and indiscipline. He also challenged the Government to clarify its position on the IMF programme and possible public service reductions, arguing that it had sought a mandate on promises to resist or change IMF conditions but was now continuing the previous agreement unchanged. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe raised concerns about unpaid arrears of Rs. 13.8 million, stating that this prevented flood-affected people in parts of Ampara District from obtaining dry rations on credit, and requested payment of the arrears and relief for Akkaraipattu, Addalaichenai, Lahugala and Pottuvil. He also discussed national politics, arguing that past leaders failed to resolve the ethnic question despite different mandates, and urged the current Government, which came to power promising change, to act beyond old political divisions and address longstanding issues. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government’s “Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life” policy aims to address debt, poverty, and multidimensional deprivation through education, health, rural development, and community empowerment. He argued that Sri Lanka must reduce rural and estate poverty by raising agricultural productivity, particularly paddy yields, while using temporary rice imports only to stabilize supply after disruptions such as floods. He outlined plans to improve exports, including doubling tea foreign exchange earnings through value addition and productivity, and said the new Ministry would focus on empowerment rather than welfare alone. He also announced proposed increases in allowances for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and patients with chronic illnesses in the next Budget. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa supported the Government’s policy statement, arguing that the NPP received a mandate to change the political culture and economic direction after 76 years of governance. He said poverty levels, including the number of families receiving Aswesuma assistance and claims that 41 per cent of the population earns less than two US dollars a day, show the need for short-, medium- and long-term reforms. He called for an end to corruption and misuse of public assets, and said investigations and punishment were needed for illicitly acquired wealth while welcoming constructive criticism and proposals. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella SJB AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella thanked the voters of Kandy for electing her as a first-time MP and said she would continue the public service of her father, Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, with particular emphasis on women’s issues. She welcomed the increased number of women in the 10th Parliament and noted women’s representation in senior offices, while observing that Sri Lanka remains low in global rankings for female parliamentary representation. Referring to the President’s statement on the IMF programme, she recalled the NPP’s earlier opposition to the agreement and urged the Government, in its forthcoming Budget, to provide relief to families, especially mothers struggling to feed their children nutritiously. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake thanked the people of Matale and endorsed the policy statement as a practical programme focused on ending rural poverty. He highlighted rural deprivation in health, nutrition, education, housing and access to national wealth, especially in the hill country, and said the Government would pursue food security, quality education, mental health support and new rural economic opportunities. He also proposed involving industrialists, entrepreneurs and businesses to revive rural industries, particularly agro-industry, while stating that issues affecting development officers and public servants would be addressed responsibly. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna congratulated the new Government and thanked Gampaha voters, while arguing that the JVP had long influenced past governments despite portraying the current mandate as a major break from the past. He criticized the Government’s response to recent floods, saying political direction to officials was inadequate and urging urgent compensation and relief for affected farmers. He also questioned unresolved rice shortages, continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the failure to deliver promised reductions in fuel prices, calling on the Government to implement its election commitments. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri thanked voters in Badulla and said the Opposition would support parliamentary reform and proper procedure while cautioning against omissions or alterations that could undermine public intent in law-making. He urged the Government to turn the President’s Address into practical outcomes, engage professionals through dialogue, and address rising prices and shortages of essentials such as rice and coconuts. He questioned the credibility of relying on imports and an interim budget that shows expenditure without revenue, warning that promises on tax reductions and economic relief must be grounded in realistic plans. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Government’s stated commitment to racial harmony and said constitutional reforms, including any changes related to the 13th Amendment, should address both North-East issues and the long-standing concerns of the Up-Country Tamil community while maintaining a prudent relationship with India. He urged the Government to manage economic reforms, including any IMF-related measures, in a way that protects public confidence and allows stability over its term. He requested compensation for farmers affected by recent disasters in Nuwara Eliya and other districts, proper housing for estate families currently in temporary line rooms, and action to resolve legal obstacles to recruiting 2,500 graduate teacher assistants for Up-Country schools. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage, in his maiden speech, thanked the Matara District electorate for supporting the National People’s Power and electing six NPP Members, saying voters had rejected the previous political order. He endorsed President Anura Dissanayake’s policy statement as the Government’s roadmap and highlighted rural poverty and past governance failures in Matara. He argued that the Government must prioritize village-level programmes and support the rural production economy to deliver justice and improve living conditions. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayathissa supported the President’s Policy Statement and emphasized that the NPP’s electoral mandate should be respected in parliamentary conduct, criticizing Opposition actions that he said disrupted agreed debate time. He outlined Government responses to recent disasters, economic difficulties, rice supply shortages, and production support for farmers and fishers, including rice imports through state channels and broader import facilitation. He detailed social protection measures, including extended Aswesuma allowances, increased benefits for poor and extremely poor households, proposed increases for elders, kidney patients and persons with disabilities, and Rs. 6,000 grants for vulnerable schoolchildren. He also said the Government would review Development Officer recruitments and would not permit a return to ethnic or religious extremism. Debate: President's Policy Statement Read →