Sitting of Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1753443916033328 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening: Awareness Programme for Newly Elected Members 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports of Various Institutions (2023) 4 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Reports: Environment, Education, Infrastructure Bills 3 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented 3 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Sale of Petroleum (Q.2/2024) 5 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Establishment of Rajya Osusala - Batticaloa District 5 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural: Question No. 3 Deferred 1 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Active Accounts in Employees' Provident Fund (Q.4/2024) 5 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: National Minimum Wage and Plantation Workers Wages 15 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Construction of Milleniya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) 9 speeches
- 11 Procedural Procedural: Speaker's Time Management Announcement 1 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) 10 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: Mosque at Mahara Prison Premises 7 speeches
- 14 Procedural Procedural: Leader's Time Management Notice 1 speeches
- 15 Oral question Oral Question: Post of Sub-Inspector of Police - Recruitments (Q.7/2024) 21 speeches
- 16 Oral question Oral Question: Airlines and Aviation Services (Q.8/2024) 7 speeches
- 17 Oral question Oral Question: Sugar Demand and Production (Q.10/2024) 5 speeches
- 18 Oral question SO 27(2) Question: Human-Elephant Conflict 21 speeches
- 19 Oral question SO 27(2) Question: Ferry Service Thalaimannar-Rameswaram 25 speeches
- 20 Procedural Questions of Privilege: Incidents at Airport and COPE Committee 15 speeches
- 21 Procedural Procedural: Sitting Hours Extension and Land Development Bill First Reading 3 speeches
- 22 Debate Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) 118 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister moved the second reading of three Bills amending the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act and two Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Acts. He said the Government, following public sector salary increases in Budget 2025 and tripartite discussions through the reactivated National Labour Advisory Council, proposes to raise the private sector monthly minimum wage from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 27,000 from 1 April 2025 and to Rs. 30,000 from 1 January 2026, with corresponding daily rates of Rs. 1,080 and Rs. 1,200. He explained that the existing Rs. 3,500 budgetary relief allowances would be absorbed into the basic wage rather than removed, and that the Bills are being taken together to expedite delayed implementation despite court-noted sequencing concerns.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about the plantation sector, stating that the earlier chemical fertilizer ban, higher income tax on planters, and lack of fertilizer relief had harmed tea production, with many factories closing, and requested VAT relief or a subsidy for fertilizer. He then described the arrest and remanding of his son over a vehicle he had purchased from another MP, arguing that the vehicle had been formally registered and financed and that he should have been contacted or held responsible instead. He asked for fairness, restraint in enforcement, and caution in public statements about ongoing legal matters, while also urging continued industrial peace in the plantation sector.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath said the Government inherited a bankrupt economy but has advanced sovereign and bilateral debt restructuring, continued the IMF programme, and improved external indicators through tourism, remittances, exports, and higher FDI. He stated that the Bills before Parliament would legally raise the private sector minimum monthly wage from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000 from 1 April 2025, with arrears payable, and to Rs. 30,000 from 1 January 2026, while increasing the daily minimum wage and related EPF/ETF contributions. He also noted that plantation workers’ daily wage had been set at Rs. 1,700 through sectoral mechanisms, with further improvements and possible movement toward monthly remuneration to be pursued through wage-board and tripartite processes.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Welcoming the wage amendment Bills, he said the Rs. 6,000 increase and incorporation of relief allowances into basic pay would improve benefits such as EPF/ETF, though the resulting Rs. 30,000 minimum wage from January 2026 remained very low. He urged progress on the delayed USD 65 million Indian grant for developing the Kankesanthurai harbour, arguing it would support investment, logistics, and national economic recovery. He also raised a Vavuniya North land dispute involving displaced farmers, Forest Department cases, Mahaweli Authority leases to settlers, and alleged large-scale forest clearing, calling for immediate government intervention to allow returning residents to cultivate their own lands.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the proposed increase in the national minimum wage, placing it in the context of ILO standards, Sri Lanka’s ratification history, and previous wage legislation in 2016, 2021 and 2024. He stated that the monthly minimum wage would rise to Rs. 27,000 from 1 April 2025 and Rs. 30,000 from 1 January 2026, with corresponding daily rates of Rs. 1,080 and Rs. 1,200, affecting EPF/ETF bases and related payments. He acknowledged that Rs. 30,000 was not fully adequate but argued it was the feasible increase under current constraints, with further improvements intended through future economic growth and Budgets.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, speaking during debate on the Budgetary Relief Allowance and National Minimum Wage amendment Bills, urged the Government to address reduced police allowances and proceed with police salary increases. He argued that Sri Lanka’s economic recovery began before the current administration, under the IMF programme and during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidency, and cautioned that tariff and tax impacts on the garment sector could endanger many jobs. He also criticized statements on food imports in an agrarian country and called for practical, legally consistent action on removing encroachments around tanks and coastal zones, beginning with government structures rather than selectively targeting private ones.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Second Reading of amendments to the Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Acts and the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act, stating that they implement Budget 2025 proposals to raise private sector minimum wages. She outlined the increases from April 2025 and January 2026, including monthly and daily minimum wage revisions, and noted that the increases would form part of the basic wage for EPF, ETF and relevant pension contributions. She said the measures align with ILO principles on minimum wage protection and would encourage workers, especially youth, to consider private sector employment alongside government jobs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi welcomed the wage-related Bills for private sector workers but argued that the proposed relief is inadequate for workers and small entrepreneurs facing high living costs. He questioned unmet election promises, including higher estate-sector wages and jobs for graduates, and urged the Government to state openly what it can deliver and seek practical proposals from others. He criticized continued reliance on blaming previous governments, alleged misconduct such as double fuel allowances and political inducements at local level, and called for credible economic plans as debt servicing resumes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Bills provide a historic increase in private sector wages, raising the basic wage from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 30,000 by the following January, following earlier public sector increases. He stated that the process was delayed by a legal challenge from a trade union not represented in the National Labour Advisory Council, and said the Government had reconvened the NLAC after a long lapse to pursue tripartite dialogue. Responding to criticism on estate worker wages, he said existing collective agreements signed in September 2024 set wages until September 2027, while the Government would seek further improvements through discussions with employers and unions. He argued that a proposed Committee-stage amendment for a Rs. 1,600 daily estate wage could not be made through the present Bills.
- The Hon. V. S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Raised a point of order questioning the Chair’s remark that no action was taken despite an agreement. He asked whether the President had knowingly announced the Rs. 1,700 figure, implying that the announcement was made with awareness of the agreement or related circumstances.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. V. S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary V. S. Radhakrishnan questioned whether the President was aware of a recent announcement of Rs. 1,700. The remark appears to seek clarification or accountability regarding that stated amount, likely in the context of a government decision or commitment.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the Government has a 60-month mandate and is implementing its election promises progressively. He rejected attempts to raise what he described as spurious points of order, and referred to political developments around the Colombo Municipal Council and Avissawella Urban Council votes as examples of the Opposition’s failed positioning.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe briefly intervened to request that another member be allowed to speak, noting that he also wished to make an observation afterward.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa rejected an implication of association with organized crime, stating that political alignment or personal friendship with another member should not be construed as criminal association. He emphasized that being on the same side on some matters does not make them “organized criminals.”
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe alleged that past governments tolerated or sheltered organized criminals and were linked to incidents such as the killing of Wasim Thajudeen and white-van abductions. He argued that such abuses contributed to the country’s decline and contrasted that period with the present, saying criticism of President Anura Dissanayake is now freely expressed while truths about the past are emerging.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected Opposition claims of political “witch-hunts” and argued that the Government was proceeding with investigations and policy commitments, including probes into alleged frauds such as those relating to the Cultural Fund. He said the Government had delivered a major private-sector wage increase but acknowledged unresolved labour issues in the public and private sectors, urging trade unions to allow time for planned measures including a Wages Commission, an Education Council, and reforms to professionalize education-related services. He also stated that the Government had identified 48 tanks with unauthorized constructions around them and was beginning demarcation and removal work according to a clear policy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of salary increases, arguing that tax policy reduces the benefit to employees and that election promises have been delayed. He alleged political victimization and interference in the public service, suppression of trade unions, halted recruitments, and failure to support private-sector workers affected by factory closures. He also objected to demolitions of informal tourism-related businesses without a fair process and accused the Government of prioritizing major business interests over small earners, while warning against politicizing the Youth Societies Movement through the National Youth Services Council.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for blaming the Opposition over issues such as the human–elephant conflict instead of presenting solutions. He raised the Weligama shooting incident, questioning claims that such violence is only due to underworld clashes and asking whether a JVP/Malimawa member whose house was targeted was being treated as linked to organized crime. He urged the Government to investigate allegations that a government vehicle was used in an abduction connected to the incident and complained that the inquiry was proceeding slowly compared with other investigations.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda objected to an incident occurring despite police presence, implying concern over law enforcement’s effectiveness or response. The brief intervention appears to demand attention to security or public order failures in the context being discussed.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa questioned the Government’s ability to ensure public security, citing a shooting at a Pradeshiya Sabha member’s house despite police presence. He also referred to allegations that two Pradeshiya Sabha members abducted someone in a luxury vehicle and noted another shooting the previous day, arguing that such incidents raise concerns about the protection of ordinary citizens.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa questioned the Government’s characterization of recent shootings as clashes between organized criminal groups, asking whether affected local government members and their families were also being implied to have criminal links. He argued that repeated accusations in Parliament do not ensure justice for the public and criticized the governing party for, in his view, shifting from representing ordinary people to making policy with business elites.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported the Bills amending the Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Acts and the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act, stating that they legally implement long-anticipated private-sector wage increases and complement the Government’s 2025 Budget measures to address public-sector salary anomalies. He argued that the Government had engaged employers and trade unions to secure the best possible wage outcome, while also taking steps to diversify markets and protect employment amid external economic pressures, including risks to the garment sector. He said the IMF programme was necessary because of the country’s prior bankruptcy and linked the wage reforms to the National People’s Power Government’s broader political and economic transformation agenda.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan welcomed welfare proposals but argued that wage and tax policies can offset benefits, and said plantation estate workers have been neglected despite budget references to a Rs. 1,700 wage. He rejected reliance on the Wages Board and urged the Government to reform the plantation model so workers become stakeholders, with a new business plan rather than piecemeal wage increases. He also asked the Youth Affairs Ministry to amend the National Youth Services Council circular limiting registration to one youth association per Grama Niladhari division, arguing that divisions with much larger populations, especially in estate areas and Colombo, require population-based provision.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that the Government is promoting the establishment of Youth Clubs in every Grama Niladhari division to address past issues where some registered clubs existed only on paper. He noted that, where geographical disparities warrant it, Youth Services Officers may recommend approval for more than one club in a GN division through the National Youth Services Council, as provided for in the relevant circular.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan urged that youth societies be permitted at the estate division level, arguing that past misuse by some should not lead to denying opportunities to all. He asked that geography as well as demography be considered, noting that large estate areas make travel difficult for youth. He also cautioned that the initiative should not be reduced to party political youth societies, while acknowledging that political education and electoral outcomes are part of the democratic process.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj supported the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Bill, citing serious wage, welfare, housing and basic service issues faced by private-sector and plantation workers. He argued that past estate privatization and Collective Agreement mechanisms had failed plantation workers, and said the Government had shifted wage-setting to the Wages Board while working toward longer-term landownership or stakeholder arrangements for workers. He stated that the Government had set a Rs. 1,700 minimum daily wage for plantation workers and was negotiating to secure a Rs. 2,000 daily wage.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Bill increasing the national minimum wage for private-sector employees, but argued that plantation workers remain underpaid and pressed the Government to implement a daily plantation wage of Rs. 1,700 or Rs. 2,000 as previously pledged. He questioned why the Government, despite its parliamentary majority, had not secured this increase and said a motion would be brought seeking support. He also called for Youth Clubs to be created according to estate areas rather than only GN divisions and warned against political interference through local authority leadership. He further welcomed Indian-assisted plantation housing plans while urging faster implementation, and asked that promised Government takeovers of estate hospitals be completed to ease pressure on district and urban hospitals.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB
AI summary Welcoming amendments to the Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Act and the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act, the speech states that the Government is extending wage relief to private-sector workers, including a proposed minimum daily wage of Rs. 1,700 for categories such as garment, shop, and domestic workers. It contrasts this with previous governments’ handling of worker issues and says discussions are under way with plantation companies to raise plantation wages in line with the cost of living, with further measures expected in the next Budget. It also refers to Government plans to provide plantation workers with permanent housing, 10-perch land plots, and fixed addresses, while noting a delay in the planned commencement.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka welcomed measures to increase private-sector wages through amendments to the Budgetary Relief Allowance laws and National Minimum Wage framework, particularly the absorption of the Rs. 3,500 relief allowance into basic salary. He cautioned that abolishing the separate allowance could exclude private-sector workers from future budgetary relief and worsen wage disparities, especially for informal workers lacking wage protections, pensions, safety measures, or reliable data coverage. He also criticized the Government over rising taxes and living costs, unfulfilled promises on fuel, electricity, VAT reductions, pensions, estate workers’ wages, and raised concern over increasing shootings and national security issues.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna moved that Hon. Aravinda Senarath take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Aravinda Senarath assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga said the Government had achieved a private-sector wage increase alongside the public-sector increase through consensus among trade unions, employers and the State, presenting it as part of its working-class mandate and economic recovery programme. She argued that higher basic wages would strengthen household incomes through EPF, ETF, gratuity and bonuses, encourage youth employment, improve productivity, and support macroeconomic stability, while noting lower inflation, a stronger rupee and reduced PAYE burdens. She also cited increased foreign direct investment, approval of 57 projects in six months and an expected 14,000 additional private-sector jobs as evidence that the Government’s policies were expanding employment and investment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported the proposed amendment to the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Bill to set plantation workers’ minimum wage at Rs. 1,700 per day or an equivalent monthly wage. He called for a government investigation into the July 1983 Welikada Prison massacre of Tamil political prisoners, linking it to Black July and noting that other major killings are being investigated. He also urged Ministers to visit Mannar, consult local representatives and residents, and halt ilmenite mineral sand mining and address wind power projects in Pesalai and surrounding areas, warning that continued activity without community consent could lead to conflict.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra explained that the two Budgetary Relief Allowance amendment Bills require a two-thirds majority only because they are being passed simultaneously with the National Minimum Wage amendment, following a Supreme Court determination. She argued that the Rs. 3,500 allowance is not being removed in a way that cuts workers’ pay, but is being absorbed into the basic wage while the minimum wage is increased, with a further step to Rs. 30,000 in January to allow employers, including SMEs, to adjust. She also urged the Minister to establish a regular mechanism for periodic review of private-sector wages instead of relying on ad hoc legislation.
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Welcoming the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill’s increase from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 30,000, K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that plantation workers remain inadequately protected despite prior assurances of a Rs. 1,700 daily wage. He urged the Government to begin negotiations with plantation companies and include a mechanism in the forthcoming Budget to implement that wage, alongside action on promised housing and infrastructure for plantation communities. He also raised concerns about the tea sector, stating that smallholders who contribute most tea exports face low green leaf prices, weak yields, and insufficient ministerial intervention following past fertilizer-related disruptions.
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concerns that small tea growers still lack access to concessionary fertilizer, noting that a sack costs around Rs. 10,000–11,000 and that the sector supports nearly two million people and foreign exchange earnings. He requested government action on fertilizer support and questioned its investment policy, alleging approval for a major casino project at the “City of Dreams Sri Lanka” complex despite unpaid licence fees and possible tax concessions. He contrasted this with earlier government criticism of casino-related investments.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera requested additional time to raise an issue with the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. He sought to draw the Minister’s attention to a matter concerning the appointment of the Ayurvedic Commissioner of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concerns over the appointment of the Ayurvedic Commissioner for the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, alleging that candidates with the highest interview marks were not selected and that an unqualified person was appointed. He said a second Gazette had been issued under the same conditions despite the cost of the original interview process, and requested the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to intervene to ensure a fair appointment process.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported amendments to the Employees’ National Minimum Wage and related Bills, stating that they would legally implement Budget relief for over five million private sector workers. He defended the Government’s development agenda, citing programmes on irrigation rehabilitation, agriculture, dairy production, rural roads, housing, education reform, digitalization, and poverty reduction through family development plans and cooperatives. He also criticized the Opposition’s claims and said the Government was pursuing fiscal discipline and legal action against misuse of public property as part of its broader reform programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran welcomed the Workers’ National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill and the Government’s salary increases, but said wage rises must keep pace with sharp increases in the cost of goods and services, including for plantation and private sector workers. He then raised concerns about ongoing mass grave investigations, alleging widespread massacres of Tamils in the North and East from Independence to 2009, and called for investigations to be conducted to international standards with international cooperation. He argued that domestic mechanisms had failed to earn public trust and appealed for international justice for those killed.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Bills amending the Employees’ National Minimum Wage Act to raise the private sector minimum wage to Rs. 30,000 in two stages, citing previous increases in 2021 and 2024. He linked the measure to the Government’s policy pledge to establish a fair national wage structure, reduce disparities, and strengthen economic security alongside earlier public sector salary increases. He also referred to the State’s constitutional duty to eliminate exploitation and misuse of labour, noting past labour struggles including the death of Roshen Chanaka, and highlighted the relevance of wage protections to retired tri-forces personnel working in private security.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Bills under debate, stating that they would help address exploitation in the private security sector by ensuring fair wages. He argued that wage increases for private sector employees would motivate workers, strengthen both public and private sector labour, and contribute to economic growth. He urged all parties to support the measures despite opposition or obstruction.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Workers’ National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would benefit private sector workers such as drivers, security officers and cleaners, alongside earlier public sector salary increases under the Government’s Budget. He said the Government was also discussing wage increases and arrears for plantation workers, and indicated that further pay measures would be included in the forthcoming Budget. He criticized previous governments and the Opposition for failing workers and urged cross-party support for national reconstruction, while also condemning communal politics and calling for unity among all communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported amendments to wage-related legislation, stating that the Government is increasing the minimum wage for private sector and other workers from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 30,000 from January, with related benefits for gratuity and ETF. He argued that this follows public sector salary increases and reflects a policy of expanding worker participation in the economy by raising purchasing power and circulating income. He contrasted the measure with past labour struggles and wage-related disputes, saying it was achieved through consultation at the National Labour Advisory Council with trade unions and employers, while also criticizing previous governments and the Opposition over alleged corruption and anti-worker actions.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake supported the Bills to raise the private sector minimum monthly wage, stating it would increase from Rs. 17,500 in 2024 to Rs. 27,000 in 2025 and Rs. 30,000 by January 2026. He argued that increasing the basic wage, rather than relying on allowances, would improve linked benefits such as EPF and ETF, and rejected claims that workers in security, cleaning, manpower and other sectors would be excluded. He criticized legal challenges and Opposition arguments as delaying worker benefits, while noting that the Government is also discussing with the ILO ways to regularize informal sector employment.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the Bills to increase wages but argued that the proposed minimum wage of Rs. 27,000, rising to Rs. 30,000, remains inadequate compared with calls for Rs. 50,000 for a family of four. He questioned delays in raising estate workers’ wages to the promised Rs. 1,700 or Rs. 2,000 and cautioned that wage increases must be balanced with the financial capacity of private employers amid distress caused by parate executions. He also demanded action on issuing freehold land grants under the “Urumaya” programme and sought clarification on alleged long-term tax concessions granted through July 2025 gazettes to Port City-related companies without clear Cabinet disclosure.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Bills would raise the minimum wage for private sector workers from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 30,000, with increases of Rs. 6,000 from April 2025 and Rs. 3,000 from January 2026, covering workers such as cleaners, security guards, manpower employees, shop workers, and apparel workers. He stated that the proposal follows discussions with the Labour Ministry and employers’ federations and builds on earlier Budgetary Relief Acts of 2005 and 2016. Addressing estate sector wages, he said the daily wage issue is before court, but the Government would act to ensure plantation workers can earn the Rs. 1,700 daily wage determined through the Wages Board process.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is using minimum wage legislation to protect private, estate, and informal sector workers while supporting investment, exports, and domestic job creation. He stated that the Minimum Wage Amendment consolidates earlier budgetary relief allowance laws to establish a single minimum wage of Rs. 30,000 and requires EPF/ETF contributions to be calculated on that basic amount. He also referred to export-sector challenges, including US tariffs and dumping, and said the Government would seek new markets, adjust input tariffs, advance Port City sustainably, and use anti-dumping legislation to protect local producers.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary A Division was called in Parliament, and proceedings paused while the Division Bell was rung. No substantive policy argument or proposal was made in the recorded remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved that the Bill be read a Third time. He also sought leave to correct typographical, grammatical, and numerical errors or inconsistencies in all three languages and to make consequential amendments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary A division was called, requesting a formal vote in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved that the Bill be read a Second time, initiating the next stage of parliamentary consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary A division was requested by Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved that the Bill be read a Third time. Also sought leave to correct typographical, grammatical, or numerical errors and language inconsistencies, and to make consequential amendments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary A division was requested in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary The motion moved the Bill for Second Reading, which Parliament agreed to without objection. The Bill was then referred to a Committee of the whole Parliament, where Clause 1 was approved, and a recorded vote showed 181 votes in favour with no votes against or abstentions. Proceedings then moved to an amendment to Clause 2 proposed by Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan proposed an amendment to insert a new clause specifying that plantation workers’ minimum wage should be Rs. 1,700 per day or an equivalent monthly salary. The amendment was moved in the context of the Bill’s provisions on minimum wages.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary The Government stated that it does not agree to the amendment moved by Hon. Radhakrishnan.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved new clauses to the Bill prohibiting employers from reducing workers’ wages or allowances because of the increase to the national minimum wage, including allowances under the relevant Minimum Wage and Budgetary Relief Allowance Acts. He also proposed empowering the Commissioner-General to direct employers, principal employers, intermediaries, and contractors to implement the wage increase. The clauses were added, the Bill was reported with amendments, and he moved its Third Reading while seeking leave to correct language and formatting errors and make consequential amendments.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary The Leader of the House moved the adjournment of Parliament. The question was then proposed by the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 23 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Safeguarding Local Sugar Industry 20 speeches