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- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva asked when the Government would fulfil its promise to align CIABOC salaries, noting that salaries in other institutions had been increased while CIABOC’s had not. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage stated that canned fish imports have fallen by about 90 per cent, from 4,476 metric tons in 2024 to 601 metric tons in 2025, with limited imports retained for domestic and tourist demand. He said local production has increased from 180,000 to over 250,000 cans per day, factories have expanded, and exports to Canada and Middle Eastern markets have begun, with six factories currently involved. He argued that the sector’s growth is creating employment and increasing purchases of fishers’ catch for processing, while noting that the specific impediment raised was unclear. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked supplementary questions on the impact of removing para-tariffs on canned fish imports and rising diesel-related costs for the fisheries sector. He said eight local canned fish producers revived from 2015 are now at risk of closure because imports have become more profitable, while can prices have risen from Rs. 155 to about Rs. 500. He asked the Deputy Minister what measures would protect fishers, consumers, and local producers, ensure fair competition, and sustain livelihoods. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Condolences were conveyed over a boat accident near Paalai Theevu in Kilinochchi District, in which two people died and more than ten were injured, with concern raised about alleged inadequate safety measures. The need to address unemployment in the North and East was emphasized, including by urgently developing the Kankesanthurai harbour using India’s USD 61 million grant and concluding related Sri Lanka-India MoUs on trade, transport, connectivity and investment. The speech criticized the Government’s stance on wartime accountability, arguing that Tamil civilian losses in Mullivaikkal and Vakarai remain unaddressed, and opposed emergency regulations and PTA-related investigations as continuing repression of Tamil youth and students. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Asked whether the Government is considering or intervening to grant Sri Lanka Principals’ Service officers allowances, such as telephone allowances, in line with those given to comparable institutional heads, noting that principals function as heads of institutions within the managerial cadre. Oral Question: Vacancies in Education Services Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister to intervene regarding the closure of a tin fish canning factory in Bathigama, Dikwella, which had employed about 50 workers. He noted that the District Coordinating Committee had discussed the matter and that the Central Environmental Authority had been advised not to issue an Environmental Protection Licence, and requested urgent action to address environmental issues and enable the factory to reopen as a local alternative to imported tinned fish. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister said sector-specific industry concerns are handled through 26 advisory councils in coordination with bodies such as the Export Development Board and BOI. He explained that previous concessional loan schemes had limited uptake because banks preferred their own products, leading to the integration of these schemes with Ministry of Finance facilities under a Rs. 95 billion allocation for the year. He stated that monthly reviews with banks, the Central Bank and Finance Ministry officials are being held to improve disbursement, with a further committee meeting scheduled for 11 March, and asked Members to refer SME credit issues to the Ministry for coordination. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked what immediate relief the Ministry can provide to SMEs facing rising overheads, including electricity tariffs and taxes, despite higher turnover and weak consumer demand. He questioned the operation of SMILE credit lines, asking whether loans require a Minister’s letter and what support is actually available, including for businesses affected by Cyclone Diththa that received limited compensation despite major losses. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister provided statistics on factories opened and closed in 2025 in Ministry- and IDB-managed industrial estates, including sectoral details and whether they served export or domestic markets. He stated that 37 factories commenced operations while four closed, citing reduced demand, raw material shortages and financial distress as reasons for closures. He also outlined measures to promote SMEs and industry, including development and allocation of land in industrial estates such as Suriyawewa, Rambewa and Aluthepola. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested detailed information from the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development on small and medium-scale factories that were opened or closed in 2025. He sought figures by category, products manufactured, export or domestic market orientation, reasons for closures, and measures taken by the Government to promote SME factories in Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan used the International Women’s Day adjournment debate to highlight India’s AI policy initiatives and argued that Sri Lanka should reform education to include AI, coding, data science and robotics to prepare youth for technological change. He warned that AI-related job displacement could particularly affect women and said the digital economy should be used to create stable employment for women-headed households, especially in the North and East. He also referred to war widows, families of the disappeared, and incidents such as Sencholai, demanding answers and justice for women who surrendered or lost family members during the war. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha urged Parliament to protect the dignity of women members, arguing that abuse under parliamentary privilege discourages women’s political participation. Marking International Women’s Day, he called for measures to increase women’s labour force participation, including more crèches, longer maternity leave and formal work-from-home options, and supported higher representation for women in politics building on the 25 per cent local authority quota. He also asked the Government to address the needs of war widows after 2009 through accelerated welfare support and proposed stronger workplace mechanisms and reporting support to tackle sexual harassment and violence against women. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. Krishnan Kalaichelvi supported the Adjournment Motion calling for a National Care Policy that values women’s unpaid care work, linking it to International Women’s Day. She condemned the alleged mishandling of a young woman’s body at Dickoya Hospital and said investigations are underway, with action to be taken by the Ministry of Health if wrongdoing is found. She highlighted the multiple disadvantages faced by hill-country and plantation women, including low wages, lack of workplace facilities, harassment, domestic burdens and childcare responsibilities, while noting recent government measures such as a Rs. 400 wage increase and housing under the Indian Housing Scheme. She also called for programmes to address child street vending in estate areas of Nuwara Eliya District. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah spoke in support of the Adjournment Motion on International Women’s Day, highlighting women’s contributions to the tea, apparel, and overseas employment sectors and calling for policies to address their issues, support self-employment, and improve access to credit. He also requested the Minister to introduce a common preschool syllabus, standardize preschool teacher training, set a clear starting age for preschool education, and apply basic standards uniformly. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the Adjournment Motion on International Women’s Day, arguing that Sri Lanka must move from rhetorical support for women’s equality to practical measures, including improved political representation and protection from violence. He cited past conflict-related abuses, disappearances and unresolved justice claims affecting women, and urged accountability for cases involving figures such as Sandhya Eknaligoda and the family of Lasantha Wickrematunge. He also called for urgent action on human-elephant conflict in Batticaloa after recent deaths of women in their homes. Additionally, he requested appointments for B.Ed. graduates, pension-related relief for long-serving volunteer teachers appointed late, promotions for sports officers, and the filling of vacancies. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns about Sri Lankan women working as domestic workers abroad, particularly in the Middle East amid regional instability, and questioned whether the SLFEB and diplomatic missions provide effective emergency assistance, hotlines, and repatriation support. He proposed reducing the Rs. 25,000 SLFEB charge on outbound domestic workers to a minimal insurance-related fee of around Rs. 5,000–6,000, citing their low incomes and contribution to foreign exchange. He also urged the Government to address the impact of the Iran–Israel conflict on migrant workers, exports, and freight costs, condemned attacks affecting the Indian Ocean peace zone, and asked whether protection had been provided to Sandhya Eknaligoda following reported death threats. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government has submitted an Adjournment Motion for a National Care Policy to recognize, reduce and redistribute unpaid care work and integrate it into the national economy, in line with its election policy commitments and the ILO’s 3R approach. She also addressed women’s representation and participation in the media, citing concerns over commodification, online abuse, harassment, and limited advancement into decision-making roles. She outlined planned measures including an Independent Media Commission, a Chartered Institute of Media Professionals, skills-development funding of Rs. 104 million, exploration of journalist insurance, and action to protect media workers affected by reported problems at the “Mawbima” newspaper. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa supported the proposed National Care Policy but argued that its effectiveness depends on practical implementation and an independent National Women’s Commission. He questioned whether current economic conditions, including high prices and utility costs, protect women’s dignity, and cited low female labour force participation and high female unemployment as requiring concrete action plans. He also called for safeguards against exploitative microfinance and online lending, a national programme on maternal and child nutrition, better data for poverty-related policymaking, support for women-headed households, and protections for women and children in digital environments. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Adjournment Motion for International Women’s Day proposing a National Care Policy to recognize unpaid care work in the national economy. She highlighted the economic contribution and difficulties faced by women workers, particularly tea pluckers, migrant workers and apparel workers, citing poor living conditions, job insecurity, reduced overtime and social stigma, and referred to cultural and library programmes intended to support apparel workers. She also outlined Government and district-level initiatives for women’s empowerment, including allocations in Ratnapura, land deed documentation, housing projects, and women MPs coordinating district subcommittee programmes on safety and livelihoods. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva argued that Sri Lanka’s political representation of women is inconsistent with their majority share of the population, noting their low presence in Parliament and local government and calling for reforms to increase women’s political power. He highlighted the economic contributions of women in tea, garments and overseas employment, while questioning whether they receive fair social, economic and cultural benefits. He focused particularly on women with disabilities, describing their exclusion from representation, education, employment and family life, and called for equal and, where necessary, affirmative rights to address economic, patriarchal and disability-based barriers. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →