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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Tuesday, 6 January 2026

10th Parliament· 21 debates· 256 speeches· 78 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23111 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

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

  5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) 7 speeches
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that EPF members may withdraw 30 per cent of their fund balance, including a second withdrawal after 10 years, and that members face difficulties in obtaining the second withdrawal. She requested details of measures taken to reduce those difficulties, or reasons if no such measures have been taken.

      EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister of Labour stated that EPF members with 10 years of active service may obtain a second 30% advance after the first, and that 744 applications were received between 31 July and 5 December 2025, with 702 paid and 42 under processing. He said complaints can be submitted to the Department of Labour by letter, through its online Complaint Management System, or via the Ministry WhatsApp number, and noted that documentation requirements for eligible purposes under the Act may be reduced in forthcoming amendments. He also said discussions have begun at the National Labour Advisory Council to amend the EPF Act and that Digital EPF software has been launched as part of departmental digitalization.

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

      AI summary Asked whether the Employees’ Provident Fund could introduce welfare-oriented benefits similar to those provided through the Employees’ Trust Fund, such as scholarships for high-performing students and assistance for cataract surgery and spectacles. The question noted that despite differing contribution levels, ETF appears to offer broader beneficiary services than EPF.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB

      AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the EPF and ETF have distinct legal purposes, with the EPF intended to provide retirement social security for private and semi-government sector workers. He said the Government is considering options to strengthen post-retirement income security, including pension- or annuity-like payments alongside existing lump-sum withdrawals. He noted that the ETF, administered under the Ministry of Finance, serves a different role by providing benefits and facilitation, including support for entrepreneurship.

      Public FinanceEmployment Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB

      AI summary Asked whether, following the Department of Labour’s launch of digitalization software on 29 December under the national policy “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life,” an online mechanism has been established for clients to obtain benefits. She requested clarification on its availability and, if not yet operational, when it will be made available.

      Employment Full speech →
    • The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB

      AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the Digital EPF software has been launched, allowing employers to register new establishments and employees online without visiting Labour Offices. He said the Government intends to add online applications for EPF benefits and expects to provide that facility within a short period, though no exact timeline was given.

      Employment Full speech →