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- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan supported the Bill establishing an association for real estate practitioners but called for amendments to address fraud by some operators who take clients’ money and abscond. He welcomed the agreed estate workers’ wage increase to Rs. 1,750, including Rs. 200 from the Government and Rs. 200 from plantation companies, but urged that it be fully implemented by 10 February without offsetting it through higher plucking targets. He also raised disputes at Coveril Estate under Horana Plantations, alleging work stoppages and dismissals without charge sheets, and requested ministerial intervention, while objecting to moves against naming hill-country institutions after Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman and asking for further development of a Nuwara Eliya memorial to fallen fighters. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the Bill to establish the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka as a means to attract skilled professionals and investors, including emigrated Sri Lankans, while expanding entrepreneurship, exports, and employment without discrimination. He urged reforms to university curricula so graduates develop practical skills, self-employment capacity, and job-creation abilities rather than relying mainly on government employment. He also raised concerns about the Batticaloa railway service, stating that reduced coaches and altered timetables had lowered revenue and inconvenienced commuters, and requested restoration of the previous train schedule and rolling stock. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s economic management, stating that the IMF programme is on track, the next tranche is expected on time, and debt service, fiscal targets, inflation and interest rates are being managed within the programme framework. He argued that logistics and transport are central to export growth and said the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill responds to industry demands by regulating depots, reducing congestion, setting service and price standards, and empowering the Director-General of Merchant Shipping, alongside digital port reforms such as the Port Community System and Single Window. He also supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka, as a measure to professionalize the sector through standards, accountability and stakeholder consultation, while urging the Opposition to engage constructively through committee processes. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Government’s policy is to pursue production-led growth by facilitating productive sectors and expanding exports. He noted that exports to the United States declined from USD 3,291 million in 2022 to USD 2,762 million in 2023, before rising to USD 2,910 million in 2024, and said further growth is needed. He said the Government, through continued discussions and the Export Development Board, is working to increase market share, broaden the exporter base, diversify the export basket, and strengthen reserves. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya — Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary The Prime Minister tabled detailed annexes on university staffing and stated that Cabinet approval has been granted to fill 1,209 academic vacancies, alongside salary increases for university academics and new Budget 2026 allocations for higher education infrastructure projects. She said there is no programme to close schools, but a proposal to upgrade one school per education division for quality primary education. She clarified that History remains compulsory from Grades 6 to 11 and that Aesthetics is included from primary level and compulsory at higher grades. She also outlined steps on teacher service reforms, difficult-school allowances, and graduate teacher recruitment following related court decisions and the issuance of a Gazette for existing vacancies. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) seeking details on planned reforms to the Ceylon Electricity Board, including institutional changes, the timeline for Time-of-Use tariffs, and their impact on different consumer categories. He asked whether reported reforms or liquidation steps have stakeholder and trade union consent, how Cyclone “Ditwah” costs of about Rs. 20 billion are being funded or recovered, and whether tariff increases included recovery of VRS and street lighting costs with Cabinet and PUCSL approval. He also sought clarification on cross-subsidy changes, financing for transmission and distribution upgrades, concerns over BESS prioritization and renewable curtailment, and measures to ensure an open, renewable-friendly energy policy, while requesting an inquiry into the handling and timing of his submitted question. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister tabled a detailed answer on recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service under Gazette No. 2231 of 2021.06.04. She stated that 625 candidates sat the 2020/2021 examination, 68 were called for interviews, and 65 appointments were made by the Public Service Commission effective from 2022.03.26, including six officers who had retired by the time appointment letters were issued. She attributed the delay in issuing appointments to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Treasury and Presidential circulars suspending or deferring recruitment due to fiscal constraints. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government over a proposed 11.8 per cent electricity tariff increase linked to the delayed IMF fifth tranche and CEB financial requirements. He asked whether the cost of removing 2,600 CEB employees, estimated at Rs. 11,931 million, and street lighting charges would be passed on to consumers, and whether further increases would follow due to exchange rate changes. Oral Question: Private Electricity Generating Companies (Q.313/2024) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Approved the regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act while urging that expanded telecommunications infrastructure, including additional towers, prioritize rural, fishing and farming areas where poor signal affects education, livelihoods and economic activity. Raised the protest by development officers and asked the Government to address their grievances by filling subject-based teacher vacancies, especially in science, commerce, IT and English, with qualified officers already teaching in schools. Also tabled a document on coastal erosion affecting Dutch Bay and Kirimundalama in Kalpitiya, including damage to churches, and requested Government solutions for those communities. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the regulations on shared use of telecommunications infrastructure under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, arguing that they would reduce duplication, lower costs, improve coverage and speeds, accelerate 5G deployment, and create a more competitive and environmentally efficient telecom sector. She linked the regulations to the Government’s digital economy agenda, citing opportunities for IT exports, rural connectivity, online public services, anti-corruption measures, and globally competitive employment for youth. She also urged the Opposition to engage constructively with the policy and called for greater dignity and discipline in parliamentary conduct. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the telecommunications regulations aimed at strengthening spectrum management and digital services, but focused mainly on demands to regularize Development Officers serving in schools as teachers, noting their ongoing hunger strike and the scale of teacher vacancies, especially in the Eastern Province. He urged the Government and Prime Minister to fill those vacancies and proceed through interviews to absorb the officers into the Teachers’ Service. He also defended the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress as a democratic Opposition party and called on the Government to appoint a Muslim Cabinet Minister, arguing this would reflect the support received from Muslim voters and demonstrate a non-communal approach. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised several constituency and administrative issues, including changing Pothuvil’s telephone code from 063 to 067, establishing passport services in Ampara, enabling divisional-level medicals for driving licence renewals, expanding the Ampara Land Registry, and improving postal and local government staffing and facilities. He urged the Government to regularize Development Officers serving as teachers, confirm acting principals, revise principal allowances and salary structures, and extend benefits to deputy and assistant principals. He called for immediate presidential intervention to stop proposed ilmenite sand mining by Capital Metals PLC along the East Coast, citing public opposition and risks to the environment, livelihoods, fisheries, coastal stability, and tourism in areas including Arugam Bay. He also proposed a provincial residential school for children with special needs and a dairy processing factory in Pothuvil to create employment. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said Development Officers would be allowed to sit the teachers’ recruitment examination, with successful candidates absorbed into the Teachers’ Service in line with Court of Appeal rulings, while further solutions would be considered for those not selected. He argued that public service recruitment and school admissions must remain rules-based and merit-based, rejecting political “chit” or patronage practices. He also outlined the Staff Advisory Committee’s decision to hold an external preliminary inquiry into the suspension of the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, stating that the process followed established procedure, allowed the officer to respond, and would proceed separately from any CIABOC investigations. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act would empower the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to require operators to share passive and access infrastructure, including towers, power systems, cabling and radio access facilities, in order to reduce capital costs, unit costs and environmental impacts. He stated that core network sharing would remain prohibited for national security reasons, while shared infrastructure would support digitalization, 5G expansion and Sri Lanka’s positioning as a regional ICT hub. He also criticized the Opposition for requesting a debate on the Regulations but, in his view, not addressing their substance. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of undermining Buddhism and the Maha Sangha, arguing that this contravenes the Constitution’s requirement to give Buddhism the foremost place while protecting all religions. He demanded action on the teacher shortage by absorbing about 17,000 experienced development officers into the teaching service through a structured trainee and confirmation process. He also raised concerns over a US-India trade arrangement reducing India’s tariff to 18 per cent, warning that Sri Lankan exporters would face a disadvantage, and questioned Government action on reported garment factory closures and potential job losses. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Responding to a question by Hon. Thilina Samarakoon, the Prime Minister stated that Sri Lanka recorded 2,362,521 tourist arrivals in 2025, the highest in its history, generating USD 3.2 billion in gross foreign exchange earnings. She said the 2026 target is 3 million arrivals, supported by a 2026–2030 strategic plan, airport expansion, tourism zones, a Presidential Task Force, infrastructure development, digital access systems, workforce training, promotion, regulation of service providers, and measures on sustainability and social security. She also noted steps to seek Blue Flag certifications to strengthen international recognition of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. Parliamentary Announcements and Ministerial Statement Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled a written answer confirming vacancies in the Colombo Municipal Council Income Tax Inspector cadre: all three Special Grade posts and 21 of 36 Grade I/II/III posts are vacant. He stated that, following a Cabinet decision of 10 December 2025, local authorities and the Western Province Public Service Commission have been instructed to proceed with recruitment. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled data on registered Sri Lankan labour migration from 2018 to 2025, showing 1,825,256 departures and annual remittances ranging from USD 3,789.4 million in 2022 to USD 8,070 million in 2025. He also tabled an annex and detailed welfare measures implemented through the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, including scholarships, school supplies, medical and emergency assistance, insurance, housing support, pension arrangements, loans, self-employment and entrepreneurship grants, counselling, and market access for returnees and migrant families. The response set out expenditure, beneficiary numbers, eligibility criteria, and proposed expansions of support mechanisms for migrant workers and their families. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB AI summary Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that cabin crew receive meals during flights and therefore are not paid a separate allowance for that period. He clarified that allowances are paid only for accommodation and meals while overseas, and that no additional allowances are currently provided or planned. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government over the failure to recruit a CEO despite interviewing a candidate from Papua New Guinea, linking it to earlier political criticism of Mattala Airport. He also raised concerns about unequal staff benefits in aviation, stating that cabin crew receive both onboard meals and allowances while Ground Handling staff have lost even basic refreshments, and asked for justification for this disparity. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →