The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
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.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, several points arise. Administrative functions of the EPF are under the Ministry of Labour, while fund management is under the Central Bank. Minor errors in names and documents can cause delays in paying out benefits. Currently, two data systems operate—one under the Ministry and one under the Central Bank. We have proposed a solution to integrate them and establish interoperability; discussions are underway.
¶ 02 We have accelerated processes for members to inquire about entitlements and obtain refunds, and for employers to remit contributions correctly. We have introduced technical and online channels so that many tasks can be done remotely without visiting the Ministry. Multiple avenues to obtain refunds have been opened, and we are expediting them. We have held several rounds of discussions and intend to enable employees to easily access their fund information and benefits, and employers to remit without difficulty.
¶ 03 At present, delays attract a surcharge mechanism up to 50 percent. By enabling timely digital remittances, many issues can be prevented.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Thursday, 13 November 2025 ·No. 22816 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 13 November 2025. No. 22816. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/26969