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- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is reallocating Civil Defence Department personnel to roles in the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Police to better use a workforce of 30,025 while protecting employment security, pay, pensions and benefits. He stated that 5,000 personnel are being released to Wildlife Conservation, with 4,500 already seconded, and Cabinet has approved seconding 10,000 to the Police, of whom about 4,000 have so far been deployed. He rejected claims of inadequate food and lodging, saying barrack accommodation and monthly allowances of Rs. 25,200, or Rs. 28,200 for Senior Assistant Controllers, have been approved and any delayed payments will be addressed by the IGP. He also noted salary increases from Rs. 27,680 to Rs. 41,985 in 2025, plus a further Rs. 3,500 this year, to align CDD personnel with other public servants. Adjournment Motion: Civil Defence Personnel Secondment Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana supported the secondment of Civil Defence personnel to the Police and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, noting their wartime role in protecting border villages and their post-war service to communities. He said past deployments to menial or politically connected work led many to seek retirement with compensation, while also raising concerns about trained personnel losing livelihoods. He urged an orderly, voluntary secondment process with adequate incentives, clear leave and deployment policies, access to accommodation, and transparent postings, particularly for roles addressing the human-elephant conflict and police manpower shortages. Adjournment Motion: Civil Defence Personnel Secondment Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson seconded the Adjournment Motion and emphasized the wartime role of Civil Defence officers in protecting border villages. He noted the Budget proposal to second 5,000 officers to the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Police, arguing that such transfers require proper training and should, where possible, keep officers within their home districts so they can continue farming. He also raised concerns about shortages of uniforms, boots and raincoats, and urged the Public Security Minister to address the officers’ grievances and ensure fair treatment. Adjournment Motion: Civil Defence Personnel Secondment Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara moved an Adjournment Motion seeking relief for Civil Defence personnel who served during the war protecting border villages and whose employment was regularized under the Yahapalana Government. He said many are now deployed far from their home districts, receive very low salaries, and are not paid food or lodging allowances despite incurring such expenses. He proposed that qualified personnel be absorbed into the Police, or at minimum be granted allowances equivalent to police officers when serving away from their station. Adjournment Motion: Civil Defence Personnel Secondment Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary The Hon. Nanda Bandara supported the regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that raising the reinvestment cap for foreign exchange earners from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 would help Sri Lankan businesses expand internationally and support remittances and growth. He criticized the Opposition’s approach and contrasted the Government’s response to the recent “Ditva” cyclone in Kegalle with disaster resettlement under the previous Yahapalana administration. He also highlighted Government allocations for district-level production economy initiatives, including Rs. 1 billion for Kegalle to support self-employment and SMEs through grants, concessional loans, and interest subsidies. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister presented regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act to extend existing foreign exchange liberalizations for six months and introduce further relaxations for Business and Personal Foreign Currency Accounts. He said BFCA investment usage limits would rise from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and PFCA limits from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, with Central Bank monitoring, in order to mobilize part of the USD 3.2 billion held in such accounts for productive investment. He argued that external sector conditions had stabilized by 2025, citing reserves support from tourism earnings, record remittances, a positive current account balance, managed imports including vehicles and fuel, and improved secondary-market pricing of restructured bonds. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe said the Government had strengthened foreign reserves through remittances, tourism and restrained foreign travel expenditure, contrasting President Anura Dissanayake’s reported travel costs with those of previous administrations. He argued that the Opposition, particularly the former 2015-2019 government, lacked credibility in offering economic advice, citing lower growth and increased international sovereign bond borrowing during that period. He also accused the Opposition and some media of attempting to create public unrest around fuel queues and other protests, while stating that the Government was addressing genuine issues without unnecessary agitation. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti supported the regulations easing limits on transactions through Foreign Currency Accounts and Personal Foreign Currency Accounts, stating that the increases in capital transaction caps reflect improved foreign exchange confidence and broader economic and political stability. He linked the policy to rising exports, tourism, remittances, investor interest, transparent PPP processes, and controlled vehicle import-related outflows, while arguing that public confidence had prevented panic during recent fuel queues. He said the Government would manage international risks, avoid abusing its parliamentary majority, and use the liberalisation to encourage reinvestment, strengthen markets, and sustain stability. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran argued that Sri Lanka needs stronger investment promotion, export development, tourism promotion, and diplomatic engagement to generate and retain foreign exchange. He raised concerns that high interest rates would not support growth, and questioned how the Government would assist families dependent on remittances if overseas workers are affected by the Gulf conflict. He also asked what contingency plans exist if fuel supplies are disrupted, warning that agriculture, fisheries, and the wider economy could face conditions similar to the 2022-2023 crisis. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the relaxation of regulations under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved reserves and IMF-linked restructuring had created conditions to attract investment and permit capable Sri Lankan businesses to invest abroad. He cited reserve growth from USD 4.39 billion in 2023 to USD 6.3 billion by January 2026, alongside the resumption of vehicle imports and LC payments, and said the Central Bank sets the relevant thresholds independently. He criticized opposition statements about instability and alleged attempts to create public panic, arguing that such actions could deter investors and risk a return to the 2022 economic crisis. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka should leverage its proximity to India and pursue deeper economic integration to accelerate growth beyond current 3-4% levels. He criticised reliance on high interest rates to control inflation, saying it contracts the economy, and called for support to SMEs, youth entrepreneurship, and women’s participation in the domestic workforce instead of labour migration. He urged the Government to attract foreign capital through capital accounts, strengthen the balance of payments, support the rupee, and reduce the cost of living. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s economic strategy as aimed at building a “resilient economy” capable of withstanding global shocks, and rejected Opposition claims that Sri Lanka would be unable to meet future debt obligations. He cited improvements in remittances, reserves, exports, tourism and investment prospects, and said structural reforms were under way in digitisation, transport, energy and education. Referring to regulations under Section 22 of the 2017 Act, he said the Government was further relaxing outward capital transaction limits, including raising the investor limit from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and the personal cap from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, as a signal of economic recovery and prudent liberalisation. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Sri Lanka has 43,553 nurses, which is insufficient for current service demand, and said the Government is addressing shortages through accelerated recruitment after completion of required training. He reported that 3,441 nurses had already been appointed, 517 graduate recruits would receive substantive appointments next month, and about 2,900 more trainees are expected to join by early October, bringing the total additions to about 6,800. He also outlined planned trainee intakes from recent A/L cohorts, the resumption of Nursing Sister and Public Health Nursing Officer training, and steps to fill Matron vacancies through the Public Service Commission and provincial processes. Oral Question: Nursing Service (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa answered a question on the Nursing Service, stating that it formally began in 1939 with structured nursing education at the Colombo School of Nursing and that, as at 30 September 2025, Sri Lanka had 43,553 nurses across central and provincial services. He outlined nurses’ core functions, recruitment criteria for A/L-qualified and graduate entrants, district and stream-based selection methods, and gender quotas. He also detailed post-basic training programmes and further education opportunities, including nursing degrees, study leave, and lateral entry to universities. Oral Question: Nursing Service (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi questioned the Minister of Fisheries about the ban imposed since December on “mada del” stake/shore seine fishing operations. He said a Presidential committee had considered the issue, but argued that delaying implementation of its decision by two months would unfairly affect fishing communities in Puttalam and Negombo because their season ends by April. He asked how affected fishers were expected to sustain themselves during the ban period. Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticized the Government for referring to past administrations, stating that after one year and four months in office it had sufficient time to appoint the 4,000 persons in question if it intended to do so. She then yielded her second supplementary question to Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi. Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the supplementary question was unrelated to the main question and could be answered if raised separately. He stated that traditional beach-seine fishing had not been obstructed, but concerns had been raised by environmental reports, including from NARA, about coastal damage caused by the use of winches and tractors. He said operators were given six months’ notice to stop such practices, discussions were held after their protest, and further consultations with stakeholders and experts would determine, within about two months, how the fishery could continue without environmental harm. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the original question concerned insurance, while the supplementary related to kerosene for fishers. He stated that the Government reinstated the kerosene subsidy after taking office, enabling small fishing boats that had been pulled ashore due to high fuel costs to resume operations. He added that the current fuel issue linked to the war was expected to ease within one or two weeks, and that further measures would be considered if fishers continued to face difficulties. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources reported that Sri Lanka’s fishing industry includes marine fisheries, inland fisheries and aquaculture, with about 320,470 active fishers in 2024. He stated that, due to the hazardous nature of the sector, two personal insurance schemes are being implemented through the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and the Social Security Board, including accident, disability, death, hospitalization and other benefits. He also noted that a new contributory Fisher Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme was launched on 21 November 2025, offering lifetime pensions from age 60 and lump-sum benefits for disability or death, with amendments proposed to extend future pension benefits to spouses. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana asked the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to state the number of persons currently engaged in Sri Lanka’s fishing industry. He also asked whether the Government accepts the need for an insurance scheme for fishermen’s protection and what steps will be taken to introduce a pension scheme for them. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →