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

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Gampaha

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

Profession: ---

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Speeches 368 #11 of 225·#5 in party

Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

368 speeches

14 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Strategic Development Projects (Amendment) Bill was presented to amend the Strategic Development Projects Act, No. 14 of 2008. The Bill was ordered to be printed, scheduled for Second Reading on 28 November 2025, and referred to the Committee on Public Finance. Bills Presented: Strategic Development Projects (Amendment) Bill Parliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Read →
13 November 2025 AI summary The Minister explained that EPF administration is split between the Ministry of Labour and the Central Bank, with separate data systems causing delays when member records contain minor discrepancies. He said discussions are underway to integrate the systems and improve interoperability, while expanding online and remote services for members to check entitlements, claim refunds, and for employers to remit contributions. He added that improved digital remittance processes would help prevent delays and avoid surcharges of up to 50 percent. Oral Question: Recovery of EPF Contributions EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
13 November 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the Department of Labour continues to issue notices to employers for recovery of EPF contributions and surcharges following routine inspections and complaint investigations. He explained that notices cover the full period of default, while delays in issuing surcharge notices can result from Central Bank reconciliation requirements, mismatched employer and employee data, staff vacancies, and inadequate computer facilities. He added that no EPF surcharge relief was granted for the Easter Sunday attacks, but grace periods during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis led to surcharge waivers totalling Rs. 109,800,657 for 291 institutions. Oral Question: Recovery of EPF Contributions Public FinanceEmployment Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that no VAT refund issues had been reported from deemed or indirect exporters, distinguishing such cases from direct re-export without value addition. He explained that suppliers providing inputs for domestically value-added exports may receive payments from exporters, supporting SME liquidity, and that refund eligibility requires direct exports to exceed 50 per cent of supplies while other transactions remain under normal VAT with input credit. He assured that reported issues would be monitored and that eligible refunds would be paid promptly regardless of size. Ministerial Statements: Debt Sustainability and SVAT Impact Public Finance Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that the Simplified VAT scheme, introduced in 2011 as a temporary arrangement using IRD credit vouchers, is being replaced by an automated VAT refund process. He said the new Risk-Based Refund Scheme will provide refunds within 45 days, with low- and medium-risk exporters refunded without pre-verification and high-risk exporters subject to pre-verification. He maintained that exporters, SMEs, and deemed exporters would not be adversely affected, noting that eligible compliant taxpayers can file early through e-filing and receive timely refunds. Ministerial Statements: Debt Sustainability and SVAT Impact Public FinanceEmployment Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha answered a question on government borrowing, debt service, and external financing, stating that from September 2024 to August 2025 net domestic issuance of Treasury bills and bonds was Rs. 1,393 billion and external disbursements were Rs. 526 billion. He outlined current-year debt service figures, projected growth assumptions, and said external obligations would be met through inflows, FX market operations, domestic sources, Central Bank purchases and, if necessary, official reserves, which he said had risen to USD 6.2 billion by end-September 2025. He also reported FDI figures for late 2024 and 2025 and explained that the SVAT system was abolished from 1 October 2025 with a risk-based VAT refund mechanism and digitized Inland Revenue administration being implemented. Ministerial Statements: Debt Sustainability and SVAT Impact Public Finance Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to the Leader of the Opposition’s SO 27(2) question of 7 October 2025, explaining that reserve money comprises currency in circulation and commercial banks’ deposits with the Central Bank, and that foreign exchange swaps are not included in its calculation. He reported reserve money of Rs. 1,712 billion at end-August 2025 and Rs. 1,695 billion in September, tabling monthly data from January 2024 to August 2025. He also stated that total public debt at end-September was Rs. 30.9 trillion, comprising Rs. 11.3 trillion in foreign debt and Rs. 19.6 trillion in domestic debt, with further details in the Mid-Year Fiscal Report submitted to Parliament. Ministerial Statements: Debt Sustainability and SVAT Impact Public Finance Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha requested time from the Chair to respond to a question raised by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake. Procedural: Question by Private Notice - Financial Bankruptcy Declaration (SO 27(2)) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Minister tabled an answer detailing Central Bank-regulated financial institutions operating in the Northern Province, including district-wise numbers of State banks, private banks, finance companies and licensed microfinance companies. The answer stated that the Central Bank does not maintain data on loan interest rates charged by State and private banks, while licensed microfinance companies had effective annual rates ranging from 22.69 per cent to 39.40 per cent as of September 2025. It also outlined the Central Bank’s supervisory powers under relevant legislation and noted that a Draft Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill is being prepared for submission to Parliament. Oral Question: Banks and Financial Institutions in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1182/2025) Public FinanceEmployment Read →
10 November 2025 AI summary The Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the National Institute of Labour Studies to Parliament. He proposed that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resource Development, and the motion was agreed to. Auditor-General's Annual Report and Reports Tabling Parliamentary ProcedureEmployment Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the reorganization of Ministries does not create a procedural or legal issue under the Appropriation Bill, as allocations are being transferred between existing Heads and Programmes following the amalgamation and creation of Ministries. He explained that any additional cost for the personal staff Vote of a new Minister can be met through Treasury miscellaneous expenses under Section 6(1) of the Appropriation Act, without a Supplementary Estimate. He emphasized that the total approved Government expenditure of Rs. 7,190 billion remains unchanged. Procedural Matters: Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Security Concerns Public FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that two questions raised under Standing Order 27(2) by the Leader of the Opposition and Hon. Ravi Karunanayake contain multiple parts and require more time than the two minutes available for a proper ministerial response. He indicated that he would instead use the allotted time to refer briefly to the Appropriation Bill. Procedural Matters: Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Security Concerns Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha requested additional time to provide the requested answers. Private Notice Question: Appropriation Bill 2025 Budget Execution Parliamentary Procedure Read →
22 October 2025 AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said the new Excise Rules are intended to address administrative loopholes that allowed excise arrears to accumulate, not to introduce new taxes. He cited arrears of about Rs. 10,555 million across 40 entities and said the Rules would allow temporary suspension of production or bottling licences after 30 days of non-payment and cancellation within 90 days if dues remain unpaid. He also stated that revenue agencies were exceeding targets and that the Special Commodity Levy increases on onions and potatoes followed Food Security Committee and Cabinet approval to protect local farmers. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Public FinanceParliamentary ProcedureLaw & Order Read →
21 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha presented the Department of Labour’s Annual Performance Report for 2024 and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital. The House agreed to the motion. Presentation of Papers and Committee Reports Parliamentary ProcedureEmployment Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha tabled answers regarding the recruitment and placement of 10,326 graduates under a 2000 Ministry of Finance and Planning letter, including appointment dates for three intakes and confirmation instructions. He stated that institutional details and service minutes should be obtained from the respective bodies, that recruitment schemes have been prepared, and that promotions are governed either by the Development Officers’ Service Minute or by schemes being prepared by relevant departments. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Public FinanceEmployment Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha responded to concerns about illegal microfinance and finance schemes, noting that many operate through legal corporate registration while conducting unregulated financial activities, sometimes with political or influential backing. He said the Government, with the Central Bank and Financial Intelligence Unit, is strengthening supervision under the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework ahead of the March 2026 evaluation, and will use new legislation to regulate the thousands of unregistered village-level microfinance operators. He also highlighted online financial fraud and pyramid-style schemes, stressing the need for legal action and improved financial literacy to prevent people being misled by unrealistically high returns. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceLaw & Order Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said some entities presenting themselves as microfinance institutions operate outside the Microfinance Act, often under the Companies Act, limiting Central Bank supervision and requiring action under general criminal law where fraud is involved. He stated that the Government is examining these regulatory gaps and intends to introduce a new Bill on the microfinance sector. Regarding Privelth Global (Pvt.) Limited, he said action to recover depositors’ money depends on evidence that deposits were accepted, and requested affected persons to submit such evidence so authorities can proceed. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Public FinanceLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Cabinet changes will be reported to Parliament in due course, with the Minister stating they involve a reallocation of subjects to better align responsibilities rather than removals. Regarding The Finance Company, he said the Government would examine its regulatory status, Central Bank monitoring, and any shortcomings, noting that registration at Divisional Secretariat level is not equivalent to licensing and supervision as a financial institution by the Central Bank. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Finance Minister, Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that the Central Bank investigated Privelth Global (Pvt.) Limited after complaints in 2020 and found reports that it operated in several Eastern Province locations, collected about Rs. 1,356 million from 1,150 individuals, and had claimed repayments of around Rs. 800 million. He said the company was not licensed by the Central Bank to conduct banking, finance, microfinance, or leasing business, and that its directors had been arrested after attempting to flee to India. He added that the matter had been referred to the Attorney-General under the Finance Business Act for possible High Court proceedings, where any mechanism for settling liabilities to depositors and other parties would be determined. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Public FinanceJustice & Human Rights Read →