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- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella raised a supplementary question on severe water shortages affecting Senkadagala, Deltota, Galaha and Kolabissa, noting that some residents walk about two kilometres twice a week to obtain water. She asked the Minister when stalled water projects at Moragolla, Ankilipitiya and Pananwela would be completed and when affected communities would receive a proper solution. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said potato farmers in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla-Bandarawela are facing downward price pressure during the harvesting season, while Lanka Sathosa is already buying local potatoes at about Rs. 235 and the Rs. 80 duty on imported potatoes remains in place. He stated that the Ministry would meet with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, and Lanka Sathosa to establish a purchasing mechanism, including a fixed farmer price, and would also engage private retail networks. He added that the Government plans to purchase more than 100 metric tons of local potatoes per day to support farmers. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Farmers in the central highlands, particularly in Nuwara Eliya, are currently harvesting potatoes and facing price issues in some areas. The Member asked whether a mechanism exists to purchase potatoes at a fair price. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera raised concern that Government figures, including the President, had referred publicly to court judgments and timelines at May Day rallies, arguing that this pressured the judiciary and placed the Minister of Justice in a difficult position. He criticized the use of State power and political rhetoric to intimidate the Opposition, while also questioning the Government’s handling of mysterious deaths of State officers. He argued that the Government was focusing on taxation and a primary surplus without addressing economic contraction, rupee depreciation, rising electricity costs, and the impact on private investment and industry. He urged the Government to move away from intimidation politics and present practical plans to prepare the public and economy for current global and domestic shocks. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to reassess the paddy cost-of-production formula with state institutions and experts, arguing that the stated Rs. 95 per kilogramme was unrealistic given higher fuel, machinery, seed, and fertilizer costs. He called on the Government to fulfill its promise to pay and legislate a Rs. 150 per kilogramme price, relax the 14 per cent moisture standard where necessary, and expand procurement support for farmers during the Yala season amid continuing fertilizer shortages. Procedural and Main Business: Adjournment Motion Request and Agriculture Statement Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Energy, Nalinda Jayatissa provided annual Ceylon Electricity Board profit and loss figures from 2015 to 2025, showing major losses in most years, profits in 2023 and 2024, and a loss again in 2025. He stated that the main reason for accumulated losses was the absence of tariff revisions from 2014 to 2022 despite changes in fuel prices and exchange rates, and said a detailed report had been tabled in the Library. He added that the CEB is not currently making a profit, but any future profit would be passed to consumers through tariff revisions; questions on payments to unspecified “companies” could not be answered. Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly raised a concern about a petrol-related issue. No further details, proposals, or demands were provided in the excerpt. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva cited IMF and National System Operator documents to argue that losses linked to substandard coal shipments contributed to Ceylon Electricity Board losses and therefore to electricity tariff increases under IMF-mandated cost-reflective pricing. He said reduced coal-based generation from April to June would require more expensive diesel generation, estimating an additional cost of about Rs. 19 billion, or 57 per cent of the Rs. 33 billion tariff increase sought. He tabled the relevant IMF and NSO documents and asked the Government to provide counter-data if it disputed the figures. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Responding on behalf of the Finance Minister, the Deputy Minister said the next Aswesuma web and printed publications are targeted for 30 October and 30 December 2026, respectively. He reported that an expert committee is reviewing beneficiary selection criteria, with a final draft to follow field testing, Cabinet approval and submission to Parliament. He provided beneficiary figures for disability, chronic kidney disease, elderly and centenarian allowances, noted appeals and objections pending before the Welfare Benefits Board, and placed district-wise annexes in the Library. He also outlined April Aswesuma top-up payments, related relief for fisheries, fertilizer and electricity, and said recertification assessments to address inclusion gaps would be finalized by 30 June. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Rasamanickam questioned the adequacy of the Aswesuma welfare targeting system in the absence of an updated domestic poverty survey since the 2019 HIES, noting post-crisis poverty increases cited by the World Bank. He asked the Finance Minister whether a post-2019 national poverty estimate exists, when the 2025 HIES will be published, and whether Aswesuma eligibility criteria will be revised before the next phase. He also requested district-level data on beneficiaries and appeals, and asked what further measures and delivery mechanisms would protect households affected by cost-of-living pressures linked to the Middle East crisis. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake criticized the Government for focusing on cosmetic improvements to the Colombo bus terminal while failing to repair the damaged up-country railway line and restore services. During the debate on extending the State of Emergency, he urged protection of local entrepreneurs and industries, citing the police shoe procurement issue, delays and alleged irregularities in SVAT refunds, and concerns over removing cess on 2,600 imported items under HS codes. He also questioned delays in issuing passports, identity cards and vehicle number plates, warned that import liberalization could undermine domestic production and drain foreign exchange, and raised concerns about factory closures and irregularities at the Foreign Employment Bureau. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran condemned the GMOA strike, saying it was denying medical care to poor and long-distance patients, and urged the Government and Health Ministry to resolve the dispute, including by bringing proposals to Parliament if necessary. He requested urgent repair of the broken radiotherapy machine at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital and opposed any proposed 53 per cent electricity tariff increase, attributing the issue to CEB mismanagement. He also commended strong A/L results from Akkaraipattu–Ramakrishna Mission College and the Thirukkovil Educational Zone despite limited facilities. Speaking in the context of the Public Security Ordinance resolution and Army Act regulations, he opposed continuing Emergency Law, criticizing the Government for extending measures it had previously opposed. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported extending the Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance and related service regulations, arguing they remain necessary for post-cyclone relief, essential services, and retaining skilled women personnel in the armed forces by aligning service age limits with men. He said the Government is continuing “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” after Cyclone “Dicha,” including grants, sectoral support, safe centres, land identification with NBRI input, and Rs. 5 million for each fully damaged house, with initial payments underway. He also stated that global fuel and energy price pressures are being cushioned through subsidies and relief allocations, citing Rs. 500 billion for cyclone relief and Rs. 100 billion for vulnerable groups. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha responded to questions on debt restructuring and CESS, stating that prior answers and annexures would be tabled and that borrowers who engaged with banks received available relief. He said the phasing out of para-tariffs, including CESS changes, was not an IMF condition but part of tax streamlining and fiscal consolidation based on an HS-code framework developed with stakeholder consultation. He added that MSMEs currently contribute less than 10% of export earnings and that the Government plans to present a strategy to raise this to 25%. Ministerial Statements on Economic Policy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya defended the Government’s relief measures, stating that social protection is a core responsibility while maintaining policy stability and fiscal discipline. She said Rs. 50 billion had been allocated for the Ditsa natural disaster and that additional measures announced in response to the war were targeted at affected sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, transport and electricity costs, without printing money, increasing unsustainable debt, selling assets, or altering foreign policy. She argued that the Government was continuing development and public services while monitoring conditions, taking expert advice, and adjusting measures such as fuel-use controls and public holidays according to changing needs. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Adjournment Debate was intended to inform the public about the Government’s response to an external global war-related shock, including the President’s Rs. 100 billion relief package. He argued that the crisis was not domestically created and that the Government had to manage impacts on fuel, exports, banking, fertilizer imports, the Yala season and other sectors. He stated that from 28 February the President held discussions with exporters, banks, the Central Bank and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, followed by measures such as a moderate fuel price increase on 9 March, introduction of the QR code system on 15 March to reduce consumption, and the appointment of Cabinet committees. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha criticised the Government for failing to provide adequate relief ahead of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year despite what he described as available Treasury funds. He said increases in fuel, electricity, gas, food, fertilizer, and construction material prices had worsened hardship for public servants, daily wage earners, farmers, construction workers, and three-wheeler drivers. He also called for effective relief and resettlement programmes for people affected by the “Ditsa” cyclone and long-standing landslides in areas such as Rakwana, Madampe, Suriya Kanda, and Aluthkaella. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the Middle East conflict had worsened fuel, electricity and commodity price pressures in Sri Lanka, and while welcoming some government relief, urged similar support for farmers as given to fishermen, including measures to address fuel costs and fair paddy prices. He called for practical, non-partisan programmes to reduce the burden on citizens and affected sectors. He also raised concerns about alleged unequal and delayed decisions by the Department of Archaeology in relation to minority religious and cultural sites, citing Nediyakal Malai and Thirukoneswaram in Trincomalee, and urged the Government to ensure lawful, evidence-based and equal treatment of all communities. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep said the Government was rebuilding the economy after the 2024 change of administration by reducing corruption, removing privileges for former office-holders, and expanding public relief amid the “Ditva” cyclone and global economic pressures. He highlighted Cabinet-approved Rs. 5 million housing assistance for cyclone-affected hill-country families, housing schemes for plantation communities, wage increases, Aswesuma allowance increases, fertilizer support for tea smallholders, and fuel relief for fishers. He also urged Tamil youth to apply for 7,500 police vacancies to improve Tamil-language public service delivery, and said the Government would continue development and relief measures despite Opposition criticism. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan welcomed the President’s relief measures and praised commitments to address land-release issues in Mullikulam and Silavathurai, as well as the Puttalam–Ilavankulam–Marichchukkaddi road matter. He urged further subsidies for industrial fuel and electricity costs, stronger monitoring of New Year commodity prices, intervention in rice pricing, and restoration of fuel prices in line with falling global crude prices. He also called for de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East and urged the Government to act firmly against attempts to reignite communal tensions linked to the Easter Sunday attacks. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →