Sitting of Thursday, 13 November 2025

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Opening and Papers 5 speeches ▸
2. 2 Petitions Petitions 3 speeches ▸
3. 3 Oral question Oral Question: Kinniya-Colombo Main Road Widening (1350/2025) 4 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Curbing Illegal Fishing in Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts (1352/2025) 4 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Payment of Pension since 2020 (1354/2025) 4 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Heda Oya Water Supply Project Status (1395/2025) 8 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Recovery of EPF Contributions 3 speeches ▾
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB

     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.

     EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga raised concerns about delays and bureaucracy in obtaining EPF benefits, citing returned applications for minor discrepancies and difficulties verifying employment at closed institutions. She asked the Minister how soon digitized, more efficient procedures could be implemented to reduce paperwork and expedite EPF processing.

     EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB

     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.

     EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
8. 8 Oral question Private Notice Question: Paddy Prices and Rice Imports (27(2)) 8 speeches ▸
9. 9 Procedural Privilege Matters and Procedural Issues 10 speeches ▸
10. 10 Procedural Sittings Motions and Adjournment of Debate Order 13 speeches ▸
11. 11 Debate Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) 84 speeches ▸
12. 12 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health 23 speeches ▸