Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Gampaha

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

Profession: ---

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 368 #11 of 225·#5 in party

Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

368 speeches

20 March 2025 AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified a question on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, stating that Clause 3(a) provides a maximum 15 percent tax rate for certain receipts and profits of individuals from 1 April 2025. He added that companies are separately taxed at 15 percent on export of services income as part of taxable income for years of assessment commencing on or after that date, distinguishing the individual and corporate provisions. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Public Finance Read →
20 March 2025 AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified that 2025 revenue projections rely on both improved tax efficiency and a broader, fairer tax base, and said his earlier remarks had been misinterpreted. He defended the proposed tax refund mechanism, stating that persons earning below Rs. 1.8 million would avoid withholding through declarations while higher earners could claim credits, with technology used to address implementation issues. He also explained that fixed interest schemes such as the previous 15 percent rate are not permanent and depend on macroeconomic conditions, arguing that the current additional three percent support is a targeted and affordable measure as rates decline. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Public Finance Read →
20 March 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on withholding tax, stating that it is a method of collecting income tax at source rather than a separate tax, and explaining that the withholding rate on interest income has been raised from 5 percent to 10 percent in line with revenue and IMF programme commitments. He said individuals below the Rs. 1.8 million annual tax-free threshold can reclaim the deduction or avoid it through a declaration to banks, with the same facility available for children’s savings through guardians. He also outlined Budget 2025 measures for senior citizens, including an additional 3 percent interest on fixed deposits up to Rs. 1 million from 1 July 2025 and existing concessions on medicine purchases at state pharmacies. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory HealthcarePublic Finance Read →
18 March 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said discussions on broader tariffs are ongoing, but the immediate issue is the United States’ reciprocal tariff policy under its fair trade framework, which he described as a general US policy recalibration rather than a measure aimed specifically at Sri Lanka. He stated that Sri Lanka is preparing to respond through diplomatic channels, while noting US support in the country’s IMF-linked debt restructuring process. He added that the Government would avoid speculation until official details are released and would act strategically through continued diplomatic engagement. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
18 March 2025 AI summary The Minister outlined the Government’s assessment of possible US reciprocal tariffs expected to be announced in April 2025 under a “fair trade” framework. He said Sri Lanka is examining potential impacts on key export sectors, especially apparel and textiles, rubber products, coconut-based products and plastics, which together account for about 86 per cent of export earnings to the US. He noted ongoing coordination among the Finance and Trade Ministries, the Export Development Board and diplomatic channels, including engagement with the USTR through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington and stakeholder discussions in Colombo, to prepare policy responses. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Public FinanceEmploymentForeign Affairs Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the Government supports the objective of eliminating violence and harassment in workplaces, noting its relevance to productivity and the disproportionate impact on women. He said discussions have been held with the ILO Country Director and that a multi-ministry workshop on ILO Convention C190 and related conventions was conducted on 6 March. He emphasized that ratification and legislation must be accompanied by broader social awareness and rejection of harassment, particularly given workplace power imbalances. He said the Government will move swiftly towards ratifying C190 and promoting a decent, safe working environment. Adjournment Motion: ILO Convention No. 190 - Empowerment of Women at Workplace Women & ChildrenJustice & Human RightsEmployment Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha said details should be sought from the Central Bank on the measures and instruments it can use to monitor and, where necessary, direct financial institutions, including on activities affecting interest rates. He acknowledged a gap between policy rates and prevailing market interest rates, and said Central Bank monitoring combined with broader economic revival measures should address the issue. He added that maintaining price levels, a normal yield curve, and long-term financial system stability are key objectives of the economic recovery effort. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Public Finance Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha stated that while direct intervention is limited, the Central Bank has authority to guide banks and financial institutions and is monitoring gaps in the system. He noted that banks may adjust to changes in statutory and policy rates with a time lag, with State banks likely to respond sooner than private banks. He added that Central Bank oversight should operate alongside market mechanisms, including money supply, demand, and the revival of economic activity. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Public Finance Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha clarified that IMF-related benchmarks are part of a collaborative programme rather than mandatory dictates, and said Sri Lanka can discuss or renegotiate implementation if unforeseen circumstances arise. He stated that the September structural benchmark concerns establishing an effective VAT refund system, and noted that the IMF Managing Director had reaffirmed continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. He also said initial stakeholder consultations had begun on using technology such as ASYCUDA, point-of-sale systems and e-invoicing to improve VAT refunds. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha briefly thanks another Member, with no substantive policy argument, proposal, or question recorded in the speech. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Finance Minister, Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the removal of the SVAT scheme is not being undertaken abruptly, noting earlier proposals in the 2017 Budget and ongoing stakeholder consultations, training, IT upgrades, and a planned simulation by end-June to test the VAT refund process. He acknowledged exporters’ cash flow concerns but said SVAT had been misused and would not be abolished until a smooth, technology-supported refund system is in place. He also said interest rates should decline gradually through market conditions, with the Central Bank monitoring lending rates, and that tax reform would aim for a transparent VAT system with minimal avoidance rather than planning around expected evasion. Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax Corruption & Governance ReformPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
7 March 2025 AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha outlined the Budget allocations for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, and Urban Development, Construction and Housing, emphasizing that most funds are directed to capital expenditure for infrastructure development. He detailed major allocations for expressways, national and rural road rehabilitation, bridges including the Vattuvakal Bridge, railways, ports, airports, the Motor Traffic Department, and maritime services, while noting that some capital funds will settle legacy debts. He also highlighted the large capital allocation for urban development, housing, water supply and sanitation, arguing that these expenditure heads prioritize foundational infrastructure and long-term development. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
6 March 2025 AI summary Eighteen projects were identified, of which six have been halted, including the Kerawalapitiya power evacuation cable, Terrestrial Television Digitization Project, Central Expressway Section 3, LRT, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Wastewater Treatment Plant, and BIA Development Project. The tabled answer outlined current measures for each, including alternative financing, Cabinet-level review, domestic funding, reassessment of Colombo transport options, constraints from public protests, and restarting procurement for BIA after the OCC agreement and resumption of debt servicing. Oral Questions (Q.1-4) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
6 March 2025 AI summary As Minister of Labour, Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha tabled a written answer stating that 22,450 institutions are required to pay EPF contributions, with outstanding dues of Rs. 34.99 billion as of 28 February 2025. He said the detailed list of institutions and the EPF recovery process were placed in the Library, and outlined recovery measures including inspections, notices, instalment plans, and Magistrates’ Court action for persistent non-compliance. Oral Questions (Q.1-4) Public FinanceEmployment Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Plans were outlined to protect labour rights, recognize diverse forms of work, generate employment, and accelerate implementation and possible ratification of relevant ILO conventions, including those on workplace safety and protection. The management of the EPF and ETF was highlighted, noting their combined assets of about Rs. 4 trillion, with an emphasis on improving investment returns for workers’ retirement security. The Ministry aims to strengthen coordination with the Central Bank, digitize EPF/ETF services and Labour Department administration, and promote industrial peace as part of a broader shift in production relations. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha said the proposed Employment Statute could support improved production relations, but should not be rushed in a way that serves only selected interests. He noted protests from worker groups, particularly women workers’ unions, and said technical inconsistencies in combining about 13 statutes had been addressed in redrafting. He stated that, with Cabinet approval, a committee would be appointed with stakeholder participation to develop the law, focusing on productivity, shared responsibilities, reduced conflict, and industrial peace rather than narrow collective bargaining disputes. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Law & OrderEmployment Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha said Opposition members had raised some relevant issues but also made false claims, and he argued that the Government’s approach represents a broader shift in governance, including transparency on matters such as salaries, taxation and petroleum blocks. Responding to questions on employment, he stated that a Cabinet-appointed officials’ committee had identified 15,453 vacancies, with Cabinet approval already granted to recruit 7,456 persons and a further 2,003 posts recommended, supported by a Rs. 10 billion allocation. He said future public sector recruitment would be conducted systematically and according to rules, rather than through political patronage or irregular procedures. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha stated that the Committee Stage debate should assess whether allocations to the two Ministries are being used for their intended purposes and how they can be utilized effectively. He emphasized the need to examine institutional capacity and related issues, and to provide constructive and critical input on the relevant expenditure Heads. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Parliamentary Procedure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha clarified that casino operators are not tax-exempt and described the issue as one of non-declaration, non-payment, and avoidance across multiple sectors and professions. He said the Government intends to reduce these practices gradually by creating a fairer, simpler, and more convenient tax payment system, including through digital technology, while allowing for cases where taxpayers may be unable to pay immediately. Ministerial Statement: Online Safety Act and tax on export services Public Finance Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Prof. Anil Jayantha stated that the parties under discussion fall within the applicable framework and are not exempt from taxation. He argued that they therefore cannot simply avoid paying tax. Ministerial Statement: Online Safety Act and tax on export services Public Finance Read →