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- 3 February 2026 AI summary No substantive speech content is provided beyond the formal address to the Presiding Member, so there are no arguments, proposals, questions, or policy references to summarize. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Labour moved a procedural motion proposing that Hon. M.K.M. Aslam take the Chair during the committee proceedings. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 January 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe clarified that his earlier response to Hon. Oshaanee Umanga on 6 January explained the distinction between the EPF and ETF and did not state that the EPF would be converted into a pension. He said his remarks had been misrepresented, and reaffirmed that while the Government aims to provide pensions for private and semi-government sector workers, this does not involve converting the EPF into a pension. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Public Finance Read →
- 23 January 2026 AI summary The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Labour, raised a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 January 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe argued that Sri Lanka requires a comprehensive education transformation, not merely curriculum changes, citing the need to develop practical skills, critical thinking and global competitiveness. He outlined key features of the proposed reforms, including five pillars, transversal skills, new skills-oriented upper secondary pathways, and a National Skills Assessment at Grade 9 to identify student aptitudes beyond rote learning. He said the Government had accepted some concerns, including those raised by trade unions, and decided at Cabinet on 12 January to defer Grade 6 curriculum changes to the following year. He rejected Opposition allegations about “vulgarization” and other claims related to the reforms, asserting that similar textbook content had existed since 2015, and said the Government would continue with the reform agenda despite criticism. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Education Read →
- 20 January 2026 AI summary A petition from Mr. S.N. Ranawira of the Tangalle Naval Base Civil Employees’ Union was presented to Parliament by the Deputy Minister of Labour. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister moved an amendment to the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act regulations to include food and beverage stewardesses in residential hotels among categories of women over 18 permitted to work before 6.00 a.m. or after 6.00 p.m., with mandatory safeguards on transport, accommodation, health, safety and welfare. He said the measure supports women’s labour force participation and the expanding hospitality sector, and cited recent approvals and complaint-resolution figures relating to women’s night work. He also noted Sri Lanka’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment at work, recent wage increases, and the reconvening of the National Labour Advisory Council, before requesting approval of the regulation. In closing, he rejected allegations of media suppression, said the Government would challenge misinformation, and referred to past attacks on journalists and media institutions. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Justice & Human RightsEmploymentWomen & Children Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the Digital EPF software has been launched, allowing employers to register new establishments and employees online without visiting Labour Offices. He said the Government intends to add online applications for EPF benefits and expects to provide that facility within a short period, though no exact timeline was given. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Employment Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the EPF and ETF have distinct legal purposes, with the EPF intended to provide retirement social security for private and semi-government sector workers. He said the Government is considering options to strengthen post-retirement income security, including pension- or annuity-like payments alongside existing lump-sum withdrawals. He noted that the ETF, administered under the Ministry of Finance, serves a different role by providing benefits and facilitation, including support for entrepreneurship. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Labour stated that EPF members with 10 years of active service may obtain a second 30% advance after the first, and that 744 applications were received between 31 July and 5 December 2025, with 702 paid and 42 under processing. He said complaints can be submitted to the Department of Labour by letter, through its online Complaint Management System, or via the Ministry WhatsApp number, and noted that documentation requirements for eligible purposes under the Act may be reduced in forthcoming amendments. He also said discussions have begun at the National Labour Advisory Council to amend the EPF Act and that Digital EPF software has been launched as part of departmental digitalization. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Employment Read →
- 19 December 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe addressed the impact of Cyclone “Ditva,” stating that 643 people had died and 183 were missing, and outlined the Government’s relief and reconstruction response. He reported that Rs. 25,000 grants had been paid to most affected families in Gampaha and detailed increased compensation schemes for damaged houses, crops, livestock, businesses, fishing boats, school equipment, rental support, and livelihood loss. He criticized Opposition claims and conduct as politically motivated while saying the Government would accept constructive proposals, support public servants and security forces, and proceed with short-term relief followed by temporary and permanent reconstruction. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Public FinanceLaw & OrderInfrastructure Read →
- 25 November 2025 AI summary Progression rules under the 1994 Constitution were cited as 75 per cent by competitive examination and 25 per cent by competency assessment, and the “Subodhini” report was tabled for reference on qualifications and career pathways. Mahinda Jayasinghe said a sub-committee and a Ministry Expert Committee report are being used to establish an Education Council to professionalize teaching, set career levels, standardization, quality assurance and accreditation, and address salary anomalies through Cabinet decisions and legislation next year. He also acknowledged issues faced by teachers and principals, including administrative burdens and hardship allowances, and said discussions are underway on distance-based difficult area allowances. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Public FinanceEducation Read →
- 25 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the 2026 education allocation, stating it is the highest recent share of GDP at 2.04 per cent and has risen from Rs. 619 billion to Rs. 704 billion, with a commitment to increase it further in 2027. He outlined recruitment measures, including appointments to the Education Administrative Service and Teacher Educators’ Service, planned teacher and principal recruitments, and forthcoming gazettes to fill remaining vacancies. He addressed graduate teacher recruitment litigation, stating that court cases—not the Government—delayed the exam, and said two exams will be held next year for Development Officers and other graduates. He also said reforms are planned on principals’ recruitment and salary issues, and noted allowance increases for College of Education students, teachers in difficult areas, principals, and public-sector festival advances. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) EducationPublic Finance Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe requested one minute to respond, stating that another Member had insulted him. He appealed to the Presiding Member for permission to address the matter. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe raised a Point of Order after his name was mentioned, asking members not to interrupt and waste parliamentary time. He said he would look into the teachers’ issue and rejected any attempt to pressure him through threats or noise. He reiterated that the Government’s position on holding Provincial Council Elections was clear and had been stated repeatedly, including by the President in Parliament. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe only addressed the Chair with “Hon. Presiding Member” and made no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or references to policy or legislation in the provided excerpt. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that Nizam Kariapper had misrepresented the President’s remarks, clarifying that the President called on Parliament as a whole to make the law, not the Opposition specifically. He emphasized that Kariapper, as a lawyer, should understand the legal and parliamentary context of the President’s statement. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe’s intervention contains only an address to the Presiding Member and does not include any substantive remarks, argument, proposal, or question. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe clarified remarks made in his absence regarding pension issues for retirees. He stated that issues concerning 2016–2019 retirees had been addressed in three phases, and that there was no separate 2020–2024 category; instead, matters affecting all retirees up to 31 December 2024 remain to be addressed. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Public Finance Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected the claimed point of order and invited the Member concerned to attend the Sinhala and Tamil language courses that had begun in Parliament the previous day. He also referred to possessing a video involving the Member’s father, indicating it could be produced if needed. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Parliamentary Procedure Read →