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- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Iran-Israel-USA conflict had disrupted global fuel logistics and raised insurance and shipping costs, affecting Sri Lanka’s crude and refined fuel supplies. He stated that the Government had prioritised uninterrupted supply over price, using the QR and odd-even systems to curb hoarding and reduce queues, with consumption returning close to normal levels. He reported current stocks and scheduled cargo arrivals, saying diesel, petrol, kerosene, Jet A-1 and industrial fuel supplies had been secured through early June, with further tenders pending. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra stated that the Government is seeking to sustain economic growth and livelihoods by cushioning fuel price increases, with the Treasury absorbing Rs. 20 per litre on petrol and Rs. 100 per litre on diesel. She argued that such relief is a governmental duty given fuel’s wider impact on the economy, and referred to the effects of the Easter Sunday attacks and the pandemic on tourism and other sectors. She also challenged the Opposition to state what relief measures it had provided while in office. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra said subsidies for farmers and fishers are intended not only to support incomes but also to control food prices and safeguard future food security. She stated that, in response to the current crisis and rising fuel and electricity costs, Aswesuma payments for April have been increased across beneficiary categories, including from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000. She contrasted this with the Government’s handling of earlier crises such as the Easter Sunday attacks and COVID-19, citing negative economic growth figures in 2019 and 2020. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns over rising essential food prices, particularly the lack of effective price control for Keeri Samba rice, and urged the Government and Consumer Affairs Authority to ensure fair prices for both consumers and paddy farmers. He called for a permanent, non-discriminatory solution to the long-standing garbage dumping issue at Salambaikulum in Vavuniya, warning against racializing the matter and asking local politicians to support alternative arrangements within one month. He also commented on international developments involving the United States, Iran, Israel and Palestine, expressing hope for fair talks and criticizing actions he said had worsened regional tensions. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook argued that the Government has managed economic pressures, disaster relief, and the fuel supply more effectively than previous administrations, citing the country’s prior bankruptcy, fuel queues, and lack of reserves. He listed relief payments provided after the “Ditva” cyclone and said the Government is absorbing losses on fuel while allocating Treasury funds to support sectors such as fisheries and agriculture. He also noted ongoing development projects in Kandy District, including the Katugastota-Ketambe flyover and Mahaiyawa tunnel, and stated that fuel prices would be reduced if the Middle East ceasefire holds. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government over the coal procurement controversy, citing the Auditor’s Report and alleging sham tendering, unlicensed certification, and major financial loss, while arguing that responsibility extends beyond the Minister to the President. He disputed government claims that there were no power cuts, referring to a system report indicating manual load shedding due to inadequate generation, and questioned the Government’s strategy for addressing economic collapse across the private sector, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and industry. He called for an innovation-driven, enterprise-based economy with domestic strategies on energy, food security, and sovereignty, and alleged that the Executive was attempting to interfere with the judiciary by extending the Chief Justice’s retirement. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka criticized the Government’s announced relief package, arguing that living costs have risen sharply despite its claim to represent oppressed people. He cited high prices and shortages of essential goods such as keeri samba rice, mung beans, dhal, transport, school supplies and food items ahead of Sinhala New Year, and said the burden on low-income households has increased under the current administration. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government’s priority since taking office in 2024 had been restoring macroeconomic stability after the 2022 default and responding to subsequent shocks, including the “Didwa” disaster and the Middle East conflict. He stated that affected fishers and inland aquaculture farmers received support through NAQDA and the Department of Fisheries, including Rs. 238.8 million for boats, canoes and nets and Rs. 139.9 million for repairs. Referring to fuel price increases, he said kerosene and fuel subsidies had helped revive fishing activity, and proposed further assistance of 25 litres per day for small boats and Rs. 150,000 per trip for multi-day boats, with a willingness to adjust the scheme after further consultations. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi argued that recent fuel price increases have severely affected livelihoods, particularly the fisheries sector, and said the Government’s announced Rs. 150,000 relief per trip for multi-day vessels is inadequate compared with the additional diesel cost incurred after the price hike. He requested that multi-day fishing vessels also receive Rs. 50 per litre fuel support, as proposed for small boats, and asked the Fisheries Minister to raise the matter with the President. He also alleged political interference in Hambantota District, including the blocking of New Year promotional activities in Tangalle despite payments by the Traders’ Association, and claimed there was coercion around public meetings and commemorative events. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva defended the Government’s relief measures, citing a Rs. 10 billion package for low-income and Aswesuma beneficiaries, inflation control, and previous disaster relief payments. He said the Government had strengthened supply chains through engagement with Russia, India and China amid global fuel concerns, and welcomed the reopening of the refurbished Pettah Central Bus Stand with accessibility features under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. He called for a passenger-centric transport system, expansion and protection of low-floor buses and SLTB’s Metro unit, and enforcement of EPF/ETF obligations for private bus workers while criticizing opposition to public transport subsidies and worker support payments. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition alleged that the Government was planning a 53 percent electricity tariff increase in May, following an 11 percent increase in April, to recover costs linked to diesel generation after substandard coal purchases, and demanded that the proposed hike be withdrawn. He also called for relief for LPG consumers, lower fuel prices following a reported ceasefire and reduced oil prices, and urgent action on shortages of fertilizer and essential supplies. He criticized the Government’s handling of paddy prices, farmer relief, health services, medical transfers and difficult-service hospital classifications, while proposing grievance officers or ombudsmen at Divisional Secretariat level to address public complaints such as excessive electricity bills. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa briefly alleged that while ordinary people are facing economic hardship and heavy tax burdens, government ministers and officials are accumulating privileges and social standing. He framed the issue as a contrast between public hardship and perceived advantages enjoyed by those in government. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s economic and trade policies, alleging that duty and tax reductions on imports, including rice, were undermining local producers, small businesses and farmers while promised relief was delayed beyond the Sinhala–Hindu New Year. He questioned the Government’s handling of the Middle East-related fuel risk, power cuts and dependence on diesel power, and alleged serious irregularities in a coal procurement process, citing audit findings on an unregistered supplier and questionable laboratory reports. He demanded that the President stop protecting implicated companies and asked whether the Government would raise public-sector salaries, provide relief to private-sector workers, and address rising fuel, electricity and living costs. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief measures, including New Year goods packs and compensation after cyclone damage, and questioned whether newly announced relief would reach beneficiaries. He argued that current tax policies, including the removal of CESS and increased indirect taxation, harm small producers, farmers, fishers and SMEs while benefiting large conglomerates. He also accused the Government of inconsistency on rice imports and urged it to acknowledge rural hardship and change its policy direction. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s economic and welfare record during the debate on the current political and economic situation, arguing that it inherited a collapsed economy with import restrictions, recruitment freezes, halted salary increases and reduced welfare. He cited Budget measures including public sector salary increases, expanded welfare payments, higher fertilizer and Mahapola subsidies, school and health-related assistance, and increased housing and resettlement grants. He also outlined relief after the “Ditcha” cyclone, including housing reconstruction payments and support for small industries and fishers, and said further assistance would continue amid global economic pressures. He rejected Opposition criticism, contrasting the Government’s relief to low-income and affected communities with previous policies he said benefited large businesses. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake called for a clearer government economic policy focused on investment, job creation, SME growth, and productive credit, while questioning reliance on IMF and other international prescriptions alongside high domestic interest rates. He raised concerns over cost-of-living relief, rice imports, unpaid or delayed Mahapola stipends, and the need for consistency on privatization or commercialization of state enterprises. He proposed expanding private higher education to address limited university places and retain foreign exchange, and urged stronger Central Bank supervision and internal controls over large financial flows, citing NDB accounts and Section 80(2) of the Monetary Law. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government had stabilized public finances after the 2022 bankruptcy by widening tax compliance, controlling expenditure and reducing the budget deficit without introducing new taxes. He argued that this fiscal management enabled major relief allocations, including Rs. 270 billion in 2025, Rs. 500 billion in 2026 for cyclone-affected people, and a Rs. 100 billion economic package for fishers, Aswesuma beneficiaries and low-electricity users. He rejected Opposition claims that compensation and relief had not been provided, stating that most payments had been made and that remaining cases were due to administrative issues. He framed these measures in the context of recent cyclones and the economic risks from the Middle East conflict and disrupted supply chains. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan said the international conflict-driven energy crisis was affecting agriculture, transport, electricity, education, health, and household costs, and urged relief for farmers and vulnerable families, action against hoarding of fuel, fertilizer and pesticides, and better crisis management. He raised concerns over human-elephant conflict in Batticaloa, drug trafficking reports in Navatkuda, and the need to allow remaining displaced families from Kanagar village to resettle. He congratulated high-performing students and districts in the GCE (A/L) results, particularly minority districts and island rank holders. He also called for renewed efforts to establish the full truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks, questioning whether the principal masterminds had been identified and arrested. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary The member stated that festive-season relief payments would be increased for vulnerable groups, including raising assistance for the extremely poor from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000 and increasing other poor and transitional benefits to Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 7,500 respectively. He also said relief would be provided on electricity bills for consumers using under 90 units, and support would be given to fisherfolk and farmers affected by the fuel situation. He noted a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East and said the Government hoped for normalization while preparing for adverse outcomes. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the debate focused on the Government’s response to the effects on Sri Lanka of the recent Middle East conflict over the preceding six weeks. He emphasized the need to minimize the impact of that situation on the daily lives of the public. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →