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

18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha argued that the proposed education allowance is a targeted, fiscally constrained measure to support schoolchildren facing shortages of food, clothing and learning materials, while noting that universal provision for about four million students would cost around Rs. 23 billion. He said eligibility issues under Aswesuma stemmed from technical data-collection problems and bank account gaps, and called for reviewing the 22 selection criteria and correcting unpaid cases. He defended the Government’s policy direction and debt restructuring approach as pragmatic given inherited debt and near-completed agreements, emphasizing stabilization of markets and expected improvement in the foreign debt rating. He also rejected claims that the Government had abandoned its policy commitments or entered disadvantageous agreements during the Indian visit. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) EducationPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Prof. Anil Jayantha stated that education is of significant importance to Sri Lanka and referred to the Government’s approach to the sector. The remarks were brief and did not include specific proposals, questions, or legislative references. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Education Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha defended the supplementary estimate allocation for allowances to help children purchase school stationery and equipment, noting that members did not oppose the objective but raised concerns about the payment method. He argued that, in the current context, the measure would support school attendance and motivation while recognizing broader social factors affecting education. He framed the allowance as an investment in human resource development and productivity, and said public expenditure on education should be gradually increased as part of the country’s economic development strategy. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Public FinanceEducation Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Presented the 2023 Annual Performance Report of the Department of Labour and moved that it be referred to the relevant Committee. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Papers: Annual Reports of Government Institutions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 December 2024 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha said the Government had not drafted the debt restructuring agreement and had its own criticisms of it, but chose to proceed rather than delay and risk further economic damage. He stated that the increase in the debt ceiling was due to the mechanics of exchanging existing International Sovereign Bonds for new instruments up to a notional Rs. 3,000 billion, and did not constitute new net borrowing. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Public Finance Read →
6 December 2024 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha stated that the current arrangement was based on terms the previous Government had settled by 19 September, not an agreement signed by the present Government. He said the Government chose to proceed pragmatically rather than restart the process and incur additional national costs, with advisers indicating closure could be reached by December. He noted that about USD 1.7 billion in accrued interest had accumulated and said the objective was to minimize the burden on the public and revive the stalled economy. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Public FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
6 December 2024 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha stated that the “in principle” agreement represents the agreed framework for a final decision, though not the signed agreement itself. He argued that prolonged delays of more than two years have imposed costs and said decisions should now be made by weighing costs and benefits in the public interest. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Public Finance Read →
6 December 2024 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha addressed debt restructuring and IMF-related negotiations, stating that although final agreements had not been signed before the Presidential Election, Sri Lanka had reached agreements in principle with external creditors on about USD 17.5 billion of sovereign debt. He tabled a Finance Ministry press release and a Singapore Exchange announcement as evidence, and said advisers Lazard and Clifford Chance had guided the Government to proceed in a way that minimizes cost and delay. He also clarified that the Government had not said it would refuse to pay “odious debt” and would act according to its mandate. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Public Finance Read →