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- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Order under the Shops and Office Employees Act enabling women’s night work, linking it to ILO obligations, tourism growth, and women’s labour force participation. She emphasized that the regulations followed tripartite consultation and include safeguards such as written consent, Labour Commissioner authorization after 10.00 p.m., limits on night duties, overtime pay, welfare committees, meals, rest facilities, and transport-related protections. She also briefly addressed allegations about changes to the Dharmachakra in textbooks, stating that religious leaders had been consulted and the approved symbol was included. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary The Member supported the amendment to the Shops and Office Employees Act to permit women to work as food and beverage service attendants at night, subject to safeguards including accommodation, safe transport, and express consent for such assignments. He argued that the measure would support tourism growth, economic recovery, and higher female labour force participation. He also responded to Opposition criticism by asserting that the Government is addressing longstanding issues faced by the Malaiyagam community and implementing broader worker- and public service-related reforms, including salary increases, pension restoration, and loan benefits. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Welcoming the new Order under the Shops and Office Employees Act, she said it would support women’s employment, particularly by allowing women in the hotel sector to work at night, and urged speedy accession to ILO Convention 190 to ensure protection from violence and harassment. She requested that suitable work-from-home arrangements be introduced for women in the public service where possible, to increase women’s economic participation. She also raised constituency issues in Kandy, calling for alternative trading spaces for displaced pavement vendors and asking the Government to review steep Kandy Municipal Council assessment rate increases, especially following cyclone-related hardship. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Mrs. Hiruni Wijesinghe said disaster relief measures announced by the President apply nationally and rejected claims of discriminatory treatment of Malaiyagam people, citing assistance and housing initiatives in Anuradhapura and Kurunegala. She criticized the Opposition for diverting debates from the Orders before Parliament, then supported amendments under the Shops and Office Employees Act allowing women in specified hotel and hospitality roles to work evening and night shifts with safeguards such as rest facilities, transport, and welfare measures. She said these changes, along with Sri Lanka’s ratification of ILO Convention C190 on violence and harassment at work, are intended to remove legal barriers, improve workplace dignity and safety, and increase women’s labour force participation. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne rejected claims of an internal NPP attempt to displace Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, stating that the party respects her role in women’s political advancement. She defended the Government’s education reforms as part of broader social transformation and said the Regulation under the Shop and Office Employees Act would strengthen women’s economic participation. She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment at work, noting its broad coverage and the need for workplace policies and complaint mechanisms. She added that the Government is preparing further legal reforms, including abolishing MPs’ pensions. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the regulation permitting women over 18 to work extended hours in the food and beverage sector with safeguards, while affirming his party’s support for women’s employment and political rights. He said ITAK has serious concerns about proposed education reforms, including rural impacts and curriculum content, but condemned personal attacks on the Prime Minister, especially gendered attacks. He disputed claims about Karaitheevu lands in Batticaloa, argued they are historically Tamil lands, and urged proper local inquiry before proposing solutions. He also condemned the reduction of Batticaloa-Colombo train services, citing cancelled or curtailed services and inconvenience to passengers, and asked why existing public transport services were being cut. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe supported the Regulation under the Shop and Office Employees Act to allow women to work night shifts in food and beverage service within tourism, subject to consent and provision of transport or accommodation between 6.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. He argued that the measure would help increase women’s participation in Sri Lanka’s tourism workforce, which he said remains far below regional levels, and would support rural youth employment alongside the Rs. 500 million “Hospitality Labour Corps” training initiative. He also cited record tourist arrivals in 2025 and praised coordinated disaster management during Cyclone Michaung, before requesting parliamentary support for the Regulation. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister moved an amendment to the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act regulations to include food and beverage stewardesses in residential hotels among categories of women over 18 permitted to work before 6.00 a.m. or after 6.00 p.m., with mandatory safeguards on transport, accommodation, health, safety and welfare. He said the measure supports women’s labour force participation and the expanding hospitality sector, and cited recent approvals and complaint-resolution figures relating to women’s night work. He also noted Sri Lanka’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment at work, recent wage increases, and the reconvening of the National Labour Advisory Council, before requesting approval of the regulation. In closing, he rejected allegations of media suppression, said the Government would challenge misinformation, and referred to past attacks on journalists and media institutions. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha clarified that the EPF consists of workers’ funds held under the Central Bank, with administration by the Department of Labour, and that integrating the two related databases must be done carefully to avoid harming the Fund. He said policy decisions would be reported to the House once finalized. He also rejected media speculation that EPF lump-sum withdrawals would end or be converted into an annuity, stating only that broader social protection options, including possible annuity choices requested by workers, were under discussion with no decision made. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question from Hon. Ravi Karunanayake regarding Treasury Bill and Bond issuance and the Employees’ Provident Fund. He said the transfer of government securities issuance from the Central Bank to the Ministry of Finance under the Finance Act and PDMO Act was to be completed on 1 January 2026, and that no final policy decision had yet been taken on related matters. He provided EPF asset and investment figures as at 31 October 2025, noting that most assets were held in government securities due to the fund’s scale and risk profile, and said EPF returns generally exceeded selected market indicators except in 2022. He also outlined EPF governance, reporting and IT modernization measures, stating that Cabinet approval had been obtained for a new EPF IT solution and that existing systems allow online contributions and account access. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa called for a fundamental restructuring of disaster management in response to increasing climate variability, including consolidating relevant agencies under a dedicated Ministry for Disaster Management, strengthening resources, and introducing a new Disaster Management Act. He proposed training unemployed graduates to form a climate and disaster management task force, citing India’s model. Referring to studies by Monash University and the British Medical Journal on post-cyclone mortality, he asked whether the Government would review the findings and develop a new disaster management work plan. Oral Question: Disaster Relief and Compensation (Q.7/726/2025) Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Government to prioritize public transport investment, including procuring more SLTB buses and using funds earmarked for 1,600 cabs to operate short buses on underserved routes, especially after cyclone damage. He criticized education reforms that require parents to fund costly smart boards, arguing this would burden less affluent schools despite links to a US$300 million programme. He also called for immediate changes to Foreign Employment Bureau rules limiting applications for Israel jobs, saying bureaucratic restrictions reduce opportunities and remittances, and urged lowering legal arrack prices to curb deaths from illicit liquor. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath said the Ministry is addressing SLTB shortages in buses, spare parts, drivers, conductors and technical staff, including planned recruitment of mechanics, welders, auto electricians, engineers and machinists, while also reducing deficits and launching 40 new rural routes. He said the Motor Traffic Act regulations are part of efforts to modernize transport, improve safety, enforce expressway seat belt use, and strengthen action against drunk and drug-impaired driving. Citing 2024 and 2025 road fatality figures, he described road crashes as a major continuing problem and noted Ministry and RDA interventions to rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by recent natural disasters. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Welcoming the Motor Traffic Act regulations, he raised several transport and infrastructure issues in Puttalam District, including stalled bridge works on the Jayabima–Susānabhūmi and Kalpitiya–Muhaththuvaram roads, damaged culverts on the Karamba–Udappuwa road, and delays in the Iginimitiya water supply project. He requested upgrades to the rural Ayurveda hospital in Puttalam, relief and support for flood-affected communities and local industries, and an extension of the vehicle registration period from three to six months for importers facing slow sales. He also asked for allowances for public officers who worked during the cyclone and floods, and for permanent appointments to key administrative posts in Kalpitiya, including the Divisional Secretary, Police OIC and principal of Nirmala Matha Sinhala school. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman raised concerns over implementation of the announced Rs. 1,750 daily basic wage for estate workers, urging the Government to issue circulars or Gazette the wage, prevent increases to task norms, protect Sunday and holiday pay, and appoint a Labour Ministry monitoring committee. He also called for regulation of the expanding outgrower system to ensure consistent rates and EPF/ETF benefits, citing disparities across estate areas. Referring to recent storm and flood relief, he questioned whether all affected families in Nuwara Eliya had received the promised payments and asked for clarification on gaps in distribution. He further urged the Government and plantation companies to identify alternative land for displaced and unsafe estate families so donor- or government-funded housing could proceed with secure land rights. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary K. Ilankumaran supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations, arguing that saliva and blood testing for drugs such as ice, “GO/GH,” and cannabis would help police prove drug-impaired driving and reduce road accidents, which he linked to alcohol and narcotics use. He also welcomed digitized fine payments through GovPay as a means to record offences and identify violation hotspots. Referring to the Northern Province, he connected road accidents and youth drug addiction to unemployment, illegal sand mining, and lack of industry, and highlighted government initiatives including restarting the Elephant Pass saltern, laying the foundation for the Paranthan Chemical Factory, improving island ferry and road facilities, establishing a Neduntivu fuel station, and creating economic centres. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sagarika Athauda supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations on driver obligations and expressway safety, linking them to the Government’s broader development agenda and completed rural road projects in Kegalle District. She argued that improved infrastructure must be matched by compliance from drivers, owners, pedestrians and the State, citing accident and fatality data from 2020 to 2025 to show that most crashes arise from preventable behaviour. She also noted transport sector reforms, including SLTB recruitment of drivers and conductors, the first intake of 25 female conductors, and plans to recruit women to suitable Railway grades. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations but urged clearer procedures for drug-impaired driving cases, including testing timeframes and chain-of-custody safeguards for samples. He raised grievances of Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau employees over overtime, allowances, bonuses, and access to diplomatic postings, and called for intervention on reduced South Korean EPS departures and pending contracts for qualified candidates. He also asked for inquiries into alleged unfair principal transfers in Galle District and protested the exclusion of Opposition local authority chairmen from a district progress review meeting. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned how positive macroeconomic indicators translate into benefits for individuals, households, entrepreneurs and firms. He raised concerns that cyclone “Ditta” assistance was being funded by repurposing existing project allocations rather than through additional resources, and urged the Government to seek new partner funding. He also asked for clarification on measures to provide micro-level relief to stressed MSMEs facing litigation from banks and finance companies. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha welcomed the appointment of the Port City Commission Chairman and urged the long-vacant BOI Director-General post to be filled, while raising concerns that proposed amendments could weaken Central Bank oversight of offshore banking in the Port City. He warned that excluding the Banking Act, allowing the Commission to license offshore banks, and permitting borrowing from domestic banks in US dollars could create shadow banking risks, drain reserves, and create an uneven regulatory field. He proposed preserving Central Bank discretion on prudential standards, reconsidering income tax on Sri Lankan professionals working in the Port City, and introducing one-stop, time-bound approval processes to attract investment and prevent capital flight. He also criticized delays and costs faced by investors, called for competitive concessions, and urged reconsideration of the Commission’s licensing role and the BOI’s effectiveness. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →