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 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns over recent increases in fuel and LPG prices, citing rises of around 24–30 per cent for petrol, diesel and kerosene and about 19–23 per cent for domestic gas. He argued that consumers had not been given relief despite relief measures in other countries, and asked when the Government would fulfil its promise to sell fuel to consumers at port-landing price. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody provided detailed figures on fuel costs, taxes, operating charges, CPC volumes, imports, refinery output, and current procurement orders in response to a question on fuel pricing and supply. He stated that pricing is based on cost and tax components, with no tax on kerosene, and noted that at the March price revision the Government absorbed about Rs. 100 per litre on diesel and Rs. 20 per litre on Octane 92 as relief. He also explained that Sapugaskanda refinery utilization is below design capacity because it now uses Murban crude instead of Iranian Light crude due to sanctions, reduced high-sulphur fuel oil demand, and sulphur reduction requirements for the West Coast Power Plant. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary In the context of global conflict and potential fuel supply disruptions, Sajith Premadasa sought detailed information from the Minister of Energy on Sri Lanka’s fuel costs, taxes, pricing formula, consumption, imports, storage, refinery output, and procurement premiums. He requested that the Government table reports covering per-litre costs from import to retail, shipment-wise import data for January to March 2026, the Sapugaskanda refinery’s capacity and utilization, and current fuel orders and premiums. He also questioned why the Government had not implemented its earlier commitment to pass port-landing prices to consumers and asked whether Treasury balances could be used to reduce fuel prices for the public, particularly low- and middle-income groups. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Lal Premanath raised concerns about continuing implementation issues with the Aswesuma welfare programme at ground level. He asked what steps the Ministry has taken to support poor households awaiting relief, particularly in light of the current global conflict situation. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Deputy Minister provided figures on Aswesuma appeals and objections, stating that 57,770 reviewed cases had been sent for Welfare Benefits Board approval and that payments would begin once beneficiaries opened bank accounts. He said a scientific selection method and integrated digital welfare management system were in use, legal action had been initiated over relevant irregularities, and recovered amounts could not yet be stated because proceedings were ongoing. He added that no further allowance increase was currently proposed, but empowerment programmes were being implemented through Samurdhi, with specified domestic and foreign allocations for 2026. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath posed a question to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on the Aswesuma welfare programme, seeking figures on appeals and objections, their resolution, reinstated benefits, and the expected completion timeline. He asked whether a scientific data system would be introduced to select beneficiaries, what new data would be verified, and whether false claims had been identified, with recovery of funds and legal action. He also requested information on proposed cost-of-living-based benefit adjustments, empowerment programmes for beneficiary families, and related local or foreign funding allocations. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the President would provide details on measures responding to the sudden fuel price increase, including additional fuel subsidies for fishermen and a special April allowance for fishermen who are Samurdhi beneficiaries. He noted that subsidies would distinguish between large and small boats and be linked to travel distance using navigation tracking, bills, and a proposed QR code system for 32,000–38,000 registered small boats. He said these safeguards are intended to ensure accountability in the use of public funds and encourage savings and integration with the formal financial system. Oral Question: Fishermen in Puttalam District - Fuel Subsidy (Q.749/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy said fishermen previously relied on direct fuel delivery, sometimes on credit, making bill submission difficult, and noted that a past six-month subsidy had not been extended. He highlighted rising fuel and fishing gear costs and broader livelihood pressures, including the need for pensions and support. He asked whether the Government plans a new relief scheme for fishermen and how it would be implemented. Oral Question: Fishermen in Puttalam District - Fuel Subsidy (Q.749/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources for details on the fuel subsidy for fishermen in the Puttalam District. He sought figures on the number of fishermen engaged in the industry, how many currently receive the subsidy, the funds allocated for it, and the measures taken to ensure timely distribution. Oral Question: Fishermen in Puttalam District - Fuel Subsidy (Q.749/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka said that, ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, sharp increases in the prices of essentials, fuel, gas, electricity, rice, and other goods were placing significant hardship on the public. He requested the Government to prioritize relief measures and act in the public interest during this period. Oral Question: Prices of Essential Goods and Economic Relief Package Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera said the Middle East conflict and disruption to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz posed serious risks to Sri Lanka’s economy, energy security and essential services. He defended the Government’s neutral foreign policy and its handling of the Iranian naval vessel incidents, including rescue and repatriation efforts and the refusal of entry to a second vessel on security advice. He also outlined measures for the tourism sector, including special fuel QR arrangements, increased quotas, generator fuel and priority fuel access for tourists, and said an Economic Surveillance Committee was meeting regularly to monitor impacts on vulnerable groups and maintain post-2025 economic stabilization. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government’s claims that shortages and economic pressures are easing, arguing that fuel and gas issues persist and that the Middle East conflict could reduce tourism, exports, remittances and reserves by large amounts if it continues. He urged the Government to develop alternative economic plans, clarify claims that Sara Jasmine is alive, and address allegations involving the Bribery Commission. He opposed giving the full Motor Traffic Department database to a third party for a QR system and proposed using revenue licence data instead, while also warning that removing CESS could harm domestic small industries. He further raised concerns about SLAS cadre implications following a court decision and called for gazettes to resume teacher training college intakes to address teacher shortages. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised concerns about the economic impact of fuel and gas shortages, especially in the Vanni, where long queues, hoarding and overpricing were affecting communities. He said farmers and fishermen were particularly affected by limited fuel allocations and proposed priority fuel access for their organizations upon formal requests. He also urged that fuel-saving measures such as a Wednesday public holiday should consider daily wage earners, and suggested an arrangement with India to secure continuous supplies of fuel and essential goods. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to respond swiftly to global disruptions from the Gulf conflict by positioning Sri Lanka’s aviation, maritime and petroleum sectors to capture shifting transit, logistics and supply-chain opportunities. He argued that Sri Lanka should learn from past lost opportunities in the oil sector, support domestic LPG supply decisions involving Laugfs, and move stalled policy implementation to address economic pressures and public wellbeing. He also noted Sri Lanka’s decline in the World Happiness Index and concluded by acknowledging the retirement of Parliament telephone operator Sisira Kumara. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena raised concerns about fuel shortages affecting farmers, fishers, transport workers and industries during the harvest and Yala cultivation period. He requested a special expedited mechanism, possibly through QR systems or recommendations by Divisional Secretaries and Agrarian Officers, to supply diesel to farmers and sectors such as sugar cane transport for Pelwatte and Sevanagala mills. He also alleged that losses from substandard coal imports had increased reliance on oil-fired power generation and worsened diesel shortages, urging corrective action and priority support for poor communities, especially farmers in Moneragala. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy said the Israel-US strikes on Iran had created a global energy crisis affecting Sri Lanka while it was still recovering from economic bankruptcy and the “Dithwa” cyclone. He outlined government measures to manage fuel and LPG supplies, including public stock assurances, reintroduction of QR-based controls, increased fuel releases above normal consumption, changes to LPG procurement, and covering private supply shortfalls through the State. He said storage and berthing constraints limited stockpiling but that supplies were being maximized, with arrangements for industry, tourism and agriculture, and assured uninterrupted fuel and power through the festive season while calling for Opposition cooperation. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi argued that the fuel crisis is severely affecting fisheries, agriculture, tourism, transport and small livelihoods, and linked the shortage to increased fuel diversion for thermal power generation after reduced coal-based generation. He questioned the practical implementation of announced fuel allocations for fishing boats and farmers, citing inadequate harbour fuel points, lack of mechanisms for outboard craft, and unrealistic quotas for harvesters and tractors, and called for effective local harbour committees. He requested priority fuel access for small tourist vehicles and criticized the Government’s fuel pricing, taxation and reserve claims. He also urged the authorities to ensure functioning mortuary cold-room facilities along the southern coast in case conflict-related foreign fatalities require storage. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government was managing global fuel price pressures and supply-chain disruptions more prudently than during the previous fuel crisis, citing comparatively smaller domestic price increases and measures to maintain essential services. He argued that the Government had stabilized public finances, used Treasury funds including a Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for cyclone relief, increased wages and salaries, and approved new jobs without relying on external borrowing for disaster assistance. He also stated that fuel disruptions were due to international conflict, freight and insurance constraints rather than a dollar shortage, and asked for time to resolve them. On plantations, he said the tea auction market was normalizing after initial export difficulties. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that Sri Lanka’s current energy and gas shortages were caused not only by the war but also by earlier government mismanagement, citing gas price increases, queues, coal procurement allegations, and the need to burn large volumes of diesel for power generation. He questioned why the Power Minister remains in office despite corruption allegations and criticized assigning him responsibility for the oil crisis. He also objected to Parliament being adjourned during the crisis, saying it limited scrutiny, and asked what measures the Government would take on rising fertilizer prices affecting farmers and on fuel supply after earlier assurances that there was no crisis. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran argued that the Government’s response to the global crisis and its local impacts has been reactive rather than planned, citing fuel shortages, hoarding, delayed implementation of the QR system, and questionable efficiency of the Wednesday holiday for energy savings. He raised concerns about the additional burdens faced by people in the North, especially Mullaitivu and the Vanni, including cyclone impacts, illegal fishing, staff shortages in fisheries offices, and approval of a salt pan project in Kokkilai. He urged the Government to fill fisheries vacancies, curb illegal fishing and Indian trawler incursions, and protect northern and eastern seas. He also alleged that the Mahaweli Authority was attempting to occupy ancestral Tamil lands in Mullaitivu for a salt pan project and called for its removal from the North. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →