Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Labour
Profession: Teacher
Speeches 145 #26 of 225·#13 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 65 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
60 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
145 speeches- 10 June 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected Opposition claims of large-scale job losses and economic deterioration under the Government, challenging them to table statistics and institutional evidence. He said the Labour Ministry had intervened in industrial disputes, including at Hela Clothing, to protect jobs and maintain industrial peace, while the Government had increased reserves, remittances and tourism despite reopening vehicle imports and external pressures such as the Middle East conflict. He also cited reductions in fuel and essential goods prices, cyclone relief allocations, recruitment to essential services, public sector salary increases, teacher recruitment and regularization of casual workers as examples of Government action. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Corruption & Governance ReformPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 10 June 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe requested that the Leader of the Opposition clarify his statement, made under Standing Orders, that hundreds of thousands of jobs had been lost. The intervention sought further explanation for the claim in the House. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 10 June 2026 AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Labour, raised a point of Order during the proceedings. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or argument was presented in the excerpt. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 June 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s use of existing security laws in the context of investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that the Prevention of Terrorism Act was being used to identify those responsible and would be repealed in due course. He criticized Opposition reactions to the custody of Suresh Sallay and related protests, arguing that they reflected concern among those facing accountability rather than threats to democracy. He also cited recent convictions of several former politicians and officials as evidence of anti-corruption action, while asserting that emergency powers and the PTA would not be used to suppress democratic rights. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Law & OrderCorruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the approval of four rules and orders under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021, stating that despite earlier criticisms of the project, the Government’s responsibility is now to regularize and continue it while preventing future irregularities. He cited measures including flexible use of the USD 2,000 duty-free allowance and labour arrangements tailored to Port City operations. He also responded to Opposition criticism over May Day events, corruption cases, and alleged frauds, asserting that pending investigations and court matters should proceed through proper legal and institutional processes. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformEmployment Read →
- 10 April 2026 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mrs. N.L. Chandrasekara of Muwagama, Ratnapura, by the Deputy Minister of Labour during the petitions segment. Citizens' Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 April 2026 AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Government’s handling of investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that the inquiries are “99% complete” and in their final stage, and assuring victims, including the Catholic community, that justice will be pursued. He rejected suggestions that the Government is under pressure or delaying action, and accused previous administrations, particularly the Maithri-Ranil-Sajith Government, of failing to act during the months after the attacks. He also criticized attempts to raise court-related matters or publish books on the issue as efforts to confuse the public, while thanking several Opposition members for constructive contributions to the debate. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Security & DefenceJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 9 April 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe criticized the Opposition and Hon. Sajith Premadasa for bringing the motion on the Easter Sunday attacks while associating with figures he said were implicated politically or legally in related controversies, including Maithripala Sirisena and members of the Rajapaksa camp. He argued that the attacks followed a wider chain of communal falsehoods and political manipulation, citing allegations against Dr. Shafi and other anti-Muslim narratives. He questioned whether the Opposition could credibly seek justice for victims while failing, in his view, to respond to recent accusations made against Hon. Mujibur Rahuman and to acknowledge political mistakes. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Security & DefenceJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe said the Government had strengthened foreign reserves through remittances, tourism and restrained foreign travel expenditure, contrasting President Anura Dissanayake’s reported travel costs with those of previous administrations. He argued that the Opposition, particularly the former 2015-2019 government, lacked credibility in offering economic advice, citing lower growth and increased international sovereign bond borrowing during that period. He also accused the Opposition and some media of attempting to create public unrest around fuel queues and other protests, while stating that the Government was addressing genuine issues without unnecessary agitation. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Foreign AffairsEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
- 3 March 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe supported the extension of Regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017, noting the Central Bank’s role in regulating foreign exchange. He said the six-month extension increases limits for payments through Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and personal capital transactions through PFCA from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000. He framed the changes as part of a gradual expansion of the economy and increased opportunities for those earning foreign exchange. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Public FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
- 18 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe reported on Sri Lanka’s participation in the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakesh, noting global figures of about 138 million child labourers despite the 2025 elimination target. He said Sri Lanka records very few complaints annually but is focusing on eradicating child labour in informal sectors, especially agriculture and plantations. He linked the issue to poverty and said poverty alleviation, community awareness with the relevant Ministry, and further targeted measures are being pursued to eliminate child labour in Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) AgricultureEmploymentWomen & Children Read →
- 18 February 2026 AI summary A Cabinet-approved 17-member committee chaired by Ministry Secretary S. M. Piyathissa has been appointed to consider reforms with input from legal experts and sectoral representatives. Mahinda Jayasinghe said the committee is functioning effectively, though a scheduled meeting on the 16th was disrupted by a protest by legal professionals, and is continuing its work while considering emerging work trends and international practices. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
- 18 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Labour provided a detailed reply on the handling of complaints by the Department of Labour in 2025, stating that 18,708 complaints were resolved and 9,125 remained pending at year-end, with most complaints resolved within six months. He noted that 23,429 related court cases were pending as of 11 September 2025, with litigation delays dependent on court processes. Measures outlined to reduce delays included filling vacancies, deploying new Labour Officers, training staff, digitizing processes, improving workplace dialogue with ILO support, modernizing labour laws through a Cabinet-approved committee, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) Employment Read →
- 17 February 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe raised a question of parliamentary privilege regarding a statement allegedly made by Chaminda Wijesiri on 6 February 2026 accusing him of land sales, court avoidance, and theft. He described the remarks as false and baseless, and requested that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Privilege Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 February 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected criticism from the Opposition, asserting that his side had supported Mahinda Rajapaksa during the conflict while accusing Opposition leaders of acting against the country. He argued that the Opposition was misleading the public on education reforms and said the Opposition Leader had admitted they had not opposed stopping the reforms. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Law & OrderEducation Read →
- 6 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected Opposition claims that the Government was misusing emergency powers, stating that protests had been allowed and that emergency measures were used to manage disaster recovery after widespread landslides. He argued that the economy and district-level development had improved, while accusing the Opposition of communal agitation and inconsistent positions on education reforms, which he said were intended to strengthen state responsibility and expand opportunities for students. He also challenged the Opposition Leader to table observations from visits to shelters and criticized remarks made to Development Officers. Referring to several ongoing corruption and criminal cases involving former political figures, he said prosecutions were proceeding through legal processes without political interference, though public expectations for speed were higher. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Justice & Human RightsEducationCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe moved that Hon. Upul Kithsiri take the Chair during the proceedings. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 February 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe moved that M.K.M. Aslam take the Chair during the proceedings. The motion was seconded, agreed to, and Aslam assumed the Chair after the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left it. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 February 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe asserted his right, as a Government Minister, to correct what he described as a false statement. His brief intervention was interrupted before he could elaborate further. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 February 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe sought to correct an inaccurate statement concerning teacher recruitment. His remarks were interrupted before further details or proposals were recorded. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Education Read →