Topic
Employment
1,754 speeches · 310 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. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 84 |
| 2 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 78 |
| 3 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 60 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 45 |
| 5 | Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, M.P. JJB | 41 |
| 6 | Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, M.P. JJB | 32 |
| 7 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 31 |
| 8 | Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, M.P. JJB | 30 |
| 9 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 29 |
| 10 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 23 |
Speeches
1,754 on this topic- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi argued that the fuel crisis is severely affecting fisheries, agriculture, tourism, transport and small livelihoods, and linked the shortage to increased fuel diversion for thermal power generation after reduced coal-based generation. He questioned the practical implementation of announced fuel allocations for fishing boats and farmers, citing inadequate harbour fuel points, lack of mechanisms for outboard craft, and unrealistic quotas for harvesters and tractors, and called for effective local harbour committees. He requested priority fuel access for small tourist vehicles and criticized the Government’s fuel pricing, taxation and reserve claims. He also urged the authorities to ensure functioning mortuary cold-room facilities along the southern coast in case conflict-related foreign fatalities require storage. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government for reversing its stance on QR code use and reiterated several Opposition proposals. He called for using excess Treasury balances for a tourism stimulus, providing tax relief and salary increases to reduce brain drain, renegotiating the IMF programme, and immediately implementing poverty relief measures. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that despite increased tourist arrivals, tourism revenue has declined compared to the previous year. He called for immediate tax relief and salary adjustments to address accelerating brain drain, urged renegotiation of the IMF framework, and demanded an urgent poverty eradication programme. He also called for the suspension of parate actions against MSMEs and measures to protect micro, small, and medium enterprises. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary In reply to Question 24/2024, details were tabled on complaints recorded by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment regarding hardships faced by migrant workers from 2019 to February 2026, ranging from 4,185 cases in 2021 to 8,323 in 2025. The response outlined existing relief mechanisms, including insurance for registered workers, welfare fund assistance for non-insured cases, conciliation and recovery action under Section 44(1) of the SLBFE Act, and coordination with Sri Lankan missions for wage and compensation claims. It also noted enhanced benefits from 25 June 2025, including an increase in death compensation to Rs. 1.4 million and optional upgraded insurance coverage for departing registered workers. Oral Question: Migrant Workers Hardship Statistics (Q.24/2024) Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir SJB AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir attributed the fuel crisis to international conflict involving the United States, Israel, Palestine and Iran, and urged the Government to condemn such actions while recognizing the hardships faced by Sri Lankans, including those working in the Middle East. He emphasized that effective petrol and diesel management is essential for agriculture, fisheries, transport and food distribution, and called for higher QR fuel allocations for long-distance freight, farming and fishing-related activities based on sectoral needs. He also asked the Fisheries Minister to address alleged unequal application of trawling restrictions in Jaffna, Mannar and Kalpitiya, and to allow affected fishermen to continue their livelihoods at least temporarily. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act aim to provide predictable, rules-based processes to attract investment, noting that only three investments materialized before December 2024 but that these have since progressed and over 150 businesses have registered. He attributed earlier delays to corruption and administrative uncertainty, and said the Government is targeting USD 14 billion in FDI by 2026 while advancing hospital, education, mixed-use, residential and commercial projects. He outlined measures including a high-level economic management committee, a six-week clearance window, and an Industrial Facilitation Centre as a Single Window to reduce approvals previously involving over 21 agencies. He also addressed concerns about local firms, litigation, and fuel supply stability, stating that lawful investment and industrial operations would be facilitated while maintaining fair competition. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka used the debate on regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act to criticize the Government’s loss of public trust over assurances on fuel, gas, electricity tariffs and essential supplies. He urged practical measures to allocate fuel for farmers, fisheries, tourism transport, logistics, three-wheel operators and heavy machinery, and asked that anomalies affecting vehicle registration and QR fuel access be resolved. He also raised concerns over the effects of international conflict on exports such as tea, fertilizer availability, and reduced advances to smallholders ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. He called for the Government to reduce fuel-related tax burdens by at least 50 percent and provide Treasury relief to prevent further increases in electricity bills. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe rejected Opposition claims of an imminent economic or power crisis, stating that Sri Lanka recorded 5 per cent growth last year, maintains resilient exports and remittances, and is managing external shocks including the Middle East conflict and fuel needs for industry. He outlined proposed regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, including changes to land allocation, building height limits, retail space requirements, open space parameters and business classifications, and said investor interest remains strong. He said the Government is facilitating fuel quotas for industries and SMEs through relevant agencies and local administration, while assuring that electricity continuity will be maintained through thermal generation if coal output falls. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns about rising poverty and income inequality amid economic pressures and cost-of-living increases, including effects attributed to Middle East conflict-related fuel and price rises. He requested updated district-level poverty data, definitions and indicators used for the National Poverty Line and multidimensional poverty, and information on impacts on sectors such as manufacturing, self-employment, MSMEs, and the wider economy. He asked the Government to detail current social protection and income-support programmes, assess the adequacy of Aswesuma, and clarify whether a National Poverty Alleviation Policy exists with timelines and components. He also sought data and targeted measures for vulnerable groups, including children, mothers, persons with disabilities, the elderly and youth, and asked for short-, medium- and long-term policies to address multidimensional poverty, job losses and factory closures. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary In response to a parliamentary question, details were tabled on proposed labour law reforms covering four areas: labour standards, industrial relations, occupational safety and health, and trade unions. The answer listed multiple statutes identified for amendment, including laws on maternity benefits, wages, shop and office employees, gratuity, minimum wages, retirement age, industrial disputes, factories, and trade unions. It stated that a Cabinet-appointed committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Labour is preparing proposals after consulting the National Labour Advisory Council, trade unions, employer associations, and the public, with completion expected within the year. Oral Question: Multi-Purpose Service Centres in Mannar District (Q.1455/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon (on behalf of the Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Labour whether Sri Lanka’s labour laws are currently being amended and, if so, to specify the areas under amendment. The question also sought details on external stakeholders involved in the process and the expected timeframe for completion, or the reasons if no amendments are being pursued. Oral Question: Multi-Purpose Service Centres in Mannar District (Q.1455/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised concerns about residents who may be affected by a forthcoming project, particularly regarding housing and livelihoods linked to tea, rubber, and related agriculture. He asked whether measures to address these issues would be implemented before the project begins. Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne reported on consultations with banana farmers and visits to key banana markets where unsold produce was being discarded, noting that Ambul prices remain volatile despite satisfactory prices for Kolikuttu and Seeni. He said the Government is formulating a plan to support banana farmers through export promotion with private-sector partnerships, small-scale value addition, credit facilitation, and a state-supported processing framework to improve farmer returns and generate foreign exchange. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister said graduate recruitment to the public service between 1994 and 2022, including absorption into the Development Officer Service, was often not based on approved vacancies and had led to cadre excesses and career distortions. He stated that future graduate recruitment would be strictly vacancy-based, while existing Development Officers would continue to have promotion pathways under the service minute or PSC Circular 01/2012. He also noted ongoing Cabinet-approved recruitment to certain executive posts and said salary and pension-related concerns would be addressed through the Wages Commission and Pensions Commission, with the Ministry intervening on long-standing issues. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Adjournment Motion, arguing that Development Officers appointed since 2016 remain without clear job descriptions, service standards, promotion schemes, or pathways to permanency. He highlighted cases where DOs and indigenous medical graduates are assigned inappropriate teaching duties, while vacancies and delayed appointments persist in areas such as library services and local government. He called for formal legal frameworks, proper probation, increments, and promotion structures for Development Officers and indigenous medical graduates, noting that some issues could be addressed through revived Provincial Councils. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on Development Officers, arguing that graduates recruited to these posts were placed in a cadre without adequate legal arrangements, service minutes, duties, grading, promotions, or career prospects. He urged the Government to create a lawful framework, with Attorney General’s advice, to absorb or regularize them and provide at least a basic path for their future. He also offered to assist in developing such a framework, citing the hardship faced by many Development Officers and their families. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage seconded the Adjournment Motion on improving the professional status of Development Officers recruited between 1994 and 2021. He said graduate Development Officers in public service lack a clear promotion pathway and called for a mechanism to move from MN-4 to MN-5 and higher posts, including proposed roles such as Supervisory Development Officer and Administrative Development Officer. He noted recent government measures for the wider public service, including salary increases, and requested similar attention to Development Officers’ unresolved issues. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi moved an Adjournment Motion highlighting unresolved service issues affecting around 125,000 graduate public officers, including Development Officers, who remain on the MN-4 salary scale without a structured promotion pathway despite long service. He welcomed the Government’s restoration of pension rights for officers recruited since 2016, but urged immediate measures to define job roles, raise professional status, and create fair promotion channels to higher grades without disadvantaging other public services. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Parliament was asked to approve facilities for CIABOC to conduct systematic investigations, with the Minister noting that concerns about probes can be referred to the now-independent Commission. He outlined government measures, led by the President and approved by Cabinet, to manage fuel allocations amid the Middle East conflict and QR reintroduction, including registration of industrial fuel needs, quota allocation through relevant ministries and CPC agreements. He said priority arrangements are in place for export industries, logistics, food distribution and tourism, including identity protocols for guides and tourist vehicles, and that ministers review allocations every two days to avoid disruption. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government’s handling of energy and fuel risks amid the Middle East conflict, arguing that it had failed to undertake scenario planning despite earlier warnings about possible disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and opportunities such as temporary US sanctions relief on Russian oil. He attributed current electricity risks to domestic procurement failures, particularly alleged low-quality coal supplies to Norochcholai, and cited generation deficits and PUCSL warnings about possible scheduled cuts during peak months. He questioned the adequacy and fairness of the fuel QR quota system for sectors including transport, farming, fisheries, SMEs and exports, and demanded that the Government honour its promise to sell fuel at landed cost by removing added taxes and levies. He also objected to the adjournment of Parliament during the crisis and said the Opposition would support genuine solutions while opposing actions that endanger energy security. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →