Topic
Education
1,409 speeches · 257 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 213 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna, M.P. JJB | 99 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 51 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 29 |
| 5 | Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, M.P. SJB | 25 |
| 6 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 25 |
| 7 | Hon. Nalin Hewage, M.P. JJB | 21 |
| 8 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 18 |
| 9 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 17 |
| 10 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 17 |
Speeches
1,409 on this topic- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka needs a coherent production, industrial and SME policy framework to use local resources, reduce regional disparities, address unemployment and ease the foreign exchange crisis. He called for supporting policies including cooperative, tariff and anti-dumping measures, and said entrepreneurship and financial literacy, with regionally relevant subjects such as gemology, would be introduced in schools. He cited Budget allocations of Rs. 99 billion for economic services and entrepreneurship, including Rs. 38.6 billion for SME and entrepreneurship support, and proposed industrial estates, facilitation centres and sectoral clusters across Divisional Secretariat divisions. Referring to the Ratnapura gem sector, he said new regulations, market development and a gem trading hub were planned to make Sri Lanka a stronger global gem trade centre. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake outlined youth-related Budget allocations, including Rs. 600 million for the National Youth Services Council, Rs. 500 million for the National Youth Corps, and Rs. 70 million for the National Leadership Training Centre. He argued that youth policy should move beyond isolated projects toward coordinated planning across ministries to address unemployment, skills gaps, and career guidance needs. He proposed stronger digital engagement through a youth app, a social-media platform called “Hawasata 11,” and a V4R platform for youth ideas, alongside volunteerism and environmental service initiatives linked to programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ 2025 budget allocations, including recurrent expenditure of Rs. 7,100 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 5,500 million, and said the Ministry aims to improve implementation after past underutilization of funds. He stated that reforms to the National Sports Act and new regulations covering 73 national sports federations are nearing completion and undergoing legal vetting, with a Gazette to be issued shortly. He also said the Ministry has intervened in issues involving the National Olympic Committee and other federations, and intends to resolve such matters lawfully, including defending its actions in court if necessary. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that public sector appointments, including teacher recruitment, are being made according to established criteria, Public Service Commission procedures, and identified vacancies, rather than arbitrarily. She said nearly 10,000 appointments have already been made and a committee under the Secretary to the Prime Minister is coordinating further recruitment. Regarding 20,000–25,000 education sector vacancies, she said recruitment is delayed by a pending Supreme Court case, and the Government will proceed if the Court permits after the Attorney-General presents the Cabinet decision at the next hearing. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa sought clarification on the Government’s National People’s Power policy pledges to recruit graduates into teaching, IT, revenue, customs, foreign service, tourism and related sectors. Referring to ongoing protests by unemployed graduates at Poldowa and prior public assurances by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, he asked the Prime Minister to disclose a concrete action plan, roadmap and timeline for implementing the promised employment opportunities in 2025. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on education expenditure, graduate employability and unemployment, stating that per-student expenditure is not separately maintained for primary and secondary levels, while tertiary costs vary significantly by discipline. She noted that no comprehensive official study exists on exact annual per-student costs across all education levels, and that national graduate employment data are incomplete, though 2022 tracer data show differing employment rates across fields. She outlined measures including university career guidance programmes, industry linkages, skills training, labour forecasting, expansion of vocational and technological education, and recruitment of 35,000 graduates to existing vacancies, with Rs. 10,000 million additionally allocated and teacher recruitment subject to a pending Supreme Court case. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, answering on behalf of the Prime Minister and Education Minister, said the teacher-principal salary anomaly caused by the 2022 salary revision is under discussion with relevant institutions as public service anomalies are being handled service by service. He outlined measures to address delays in teachers’ efficiency bar requirements, including PSC-approved relief, reducing modules from 20 to 10, moving to an examination-based system, and implementing it from 1 July 2025 after Service Minute amendments. He also detailed the status of SLEAS and Teacher Educators’ Service recruitment approvals, examinations, interviews and PSC referrals, stating that differing exam and interview dates do not amount to separate recruitment timeframes. On placements and rural schools, he said vacancies and transfer data are being collected, priority will be given to officers in difficult areas, and primary school rationalization will focus on maintaining access within a 3 km radius rather than closures. Oral Questions: Teachers' Service and Principals' Service Salary Anomalies (Q.502/2025), Estates in Badulla District Drinking Water Projects (Q.505/2025), Damage to Cultivations by Wild Animals (Q.498/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka said the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has a major responsibility to protect the Buddha Sasana, promote moral and spiritual values, and uphold religious freedom, particularly amid concerns about declining discipline and ethical conduct. He highlighted challenges facing temples, including shortages of monks, disused temples, economic pressures on devotees, and the need to strengthen pirivena education and provide young monks with opportunities to study English and other international languages for global Dhamma propagation. He also drew attention to the scale of Buddhist Dhamma schools and the difficulties faced by monks and teachers in sustaining them. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. Hizbullah thanked the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for assistance to the Muslim community, including duty relief on dates, and urged action on longstanding administrative issues affecting Muslim religious institutions. He requested expedited registration of Arabic colleges, implementation of the approved common national syllabus and examination system, and establishment of a training centre for imams, muezzins and teachers. He also called for the Batticaloa regional office of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs to be properly staffed, for restrictions on Qur’ans and Arabic books to be eased, and for a detained consignment of Qur’ans with Tamil translations to be released. On Hajj arrangements, he urged allowing lower-cost categories C and D, arguing that current high-cost packages exclude less affluent pilgrims. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to allegations that she was pursuing legal or religious law reforms, clarifying that her portfolio is Women and Child Affairs and not Justice. She stated that her position concerns children’s and women’s rights, particularly ensuring 13 years of compulsory education for all children up to age 18, in line with national policy and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She said she had discussed these matters transparently with ACJU leaders and urged MPs and community leaders to counter misinformation and avoid framing the issue in racial or religious terms. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the 2025 Budget provides increased allocations for the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, enabling expanded practical programmes across religious and cultural sectors. He highlighted plans to develop rural places of worship, implement the Puja Bhoomi Development Programme, support the Sangha, strengthen Dhamma schools and Shasanarakshaka Mandalas, and introduce initiatives such as “Punya Gramme” to promote village-level social cohesion. He also outlined support for Hindu, Islamic and Christian religious affairs, including cultural activities and places of worship, and said the Central Cultural Fund and related institutions would continue projects to conserve archaeological sites and national heritage. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama defended the Government’s cultural policy and Budget allocations for the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs portfolio, arguing that a national cultural revival is needed to address violence, frustration and loss of compassion in society. He outlined proposed programmes including literary festivals, teacher training in literature and aesthetics, support for children’s arts, plantation community cultural initiatives, Jaffna school library books, sign-language films, and competitions for creators with disabilities. He also said cultural centres should be restored to their core cultural role and that aesthetic appreciation should be broadened across the education system. The speech also criticized the Opposition’s parliamentary attendance and predictions about the Government’s instability, while asserting that the Government’s large mandate remains intact. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister opened the debate on the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Budget Head, arguing that religious, cultural, artistic and heritage work is central to social norms and national development. He outlined a total 2025 allocation of Rs. 13,725 million, including funds for the Ministry and departments covering Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian affairs, archaeology, museums, archives and cultural institutions. He said the Government would support religious education, festivals, worship-site development, solar projects, and the forthcoming public exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, while also investing in cultural heritage research such as work related to the Fahiengala human remains. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary On behalf of the Chairperson of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Deputy Minister presented committee reports on four referred annual reports. These covered the University of Ruhuna, Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Eastern University, Eastern University for 2022, and the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture of the University of Peradeniya for 2023, which were ordered to lie upon the Table. Ministerial Consultative Committee Reports Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa noted that many students were sitting the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination and extended his wishes for their success. He clarified that his intervention was not a Point of Order and sought the Speaker’s permission to make the brief remark. Speaker's Announcements and Ministerial Special Mentions Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister noted the commencement of the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination and conveyed the Government’s best wishes to students sitting it. He then presented the 2022 Annual Report of the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Peradeniya, and the 2023 Annual Report of Central Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd., moving that both be referred to the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committees, which was agreed to. Speaker's Announcements and Ministerial Special Mentions Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi argued that foreign employment has long sustained Sri Lanka’s economy but was historically unmanaged, particularly through the untrained migration of women to domestic work in the Middle East, creating social and family hardships. He called for a structured system to train workers for overseas employment, involving the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment authorities, vocational training institutions, and the Education Ministry, citing the Philippines as an example. He also urged urgent action to address unpaid Cyprus social security contributions owed to Sri Lankan migrant workers, including opening a Sri Lankan embassy in Cyprus and recovering the funds. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister explained that a project to procure 1,000 smart boards using Telecommunications Regulatory Commission funds was intended to integrate with a proposed Chinese-supported school digitization project covering a centralized control room, studio, and 500 additional boards. She stated that the procurement proceeded rapidly in 2024 using unofficial specifications and a single-supplier process, costing Rs. 1.7 billion plus about Rs. 430 million in service and installation charges, while the Chinese component remains unfinalized. The equipment is currently stored at Pattalagedara Teachers’ Training College because it cannot be used for its intended networked purpose until the Chinese-supported facilities are agreed and implemented. She said a formal investigation has begun into possible financial or procedural irregularities, and discussions continue with China to secure the remaining facilities. Ministerial Statement: Provision of Smart Boards and Equipment for Schools Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary In the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure allocations, the Deputy Minister outlined Budget provisions of about Rs. 16,738 million for plantation crop development and social infrastructure in estate communities. He highlighted funding for vocational training, nutrition programmes for upcountry children, land deeds, roofing support, housing construction with Indian assistance, and the revival of institutions such as the upcountry new villages development authority. He also proposed improvements to schools, cultural centres, waste management, disaster relief, estate hospitals, pre-schools, drinking water and sanitation, with particular emphasis on replacing line rooms through single-house construction. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, citing Rs. 17,488 million for plantation development and community infrastructure and additional funding to improve estate schools. He said the Government was prioritizing estate workers’ education, vocational training, health, housing, infrastructure and wages, including discussions with employers, training for 1,000 unemployed estate graduates, food assistance, land deeds, roofing sheets and smart classrooms for 60 schools. He also rejected Opposition remarks concerning the Muslim community and the NPP’s support base, alleging attempts to inflame communal tensions and referring to reported corruption issues involving a former local authority chairman. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →