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- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to make the Port City a competitive special economic zone for attracting foreign direct investment while improving ease of doing business. He said the amendment addresses practical issues in the original Act by creating a more transparent, criteria-based framework for tax concessions, including regular reviews and investment and employment thresholds. He rejected claims that the Bill removes benefits, arguing that the Commission will retain powers to review and refine concessions while aligning with international standards to prevent misuse such as money laundering or illicit fund flows. He also referred to forthcoming PPP and joint venture frameworks as part of broader investment and job creation policy. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu supported amendments to the 2021 Port City legislation, arguing that Central Bank oversight of international financial institutions would stabilize foreign exchange earnings and help curb illicit financial flows. He said Port City investments could create foreign-currency earning opportunities, generate demand in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism, and require vocational training for youth. He also defended the Government’s poverty eradication and village development programmes, while criticizing alleged politicization of disaster relief and past rural development practices. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to respond more fully to Cyclone Ditwah by implementing pledged relief payments, seeking greater livelihood and industry support, convening an international donor conference, and renegotiating IMF conditions in light of the disaster. He raised concerns over MSME distress and bank profits, tabled a letter from the Ceylon Federation of MSMEs to the Central Bank Governor, and called for fairness for the sector. He also demanded that coercive transfers and allowance cuts affecting Civil Security Department personnel be stopped or replaced with fair voluntary retirement terms, and asked that vehicle import regulations be eased by reducing penalties and extending the registration grace period. He criticized the Government for continuing the Debt Sustainability Analysis and IMF conditions it had promised to change, arguing that its economic approach overlooks distributional impacts. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe argued that Sri Lanka is maintaining fiscal discipline under the IMF programme and that debt sustainability, reserves and repayment capacity are improving through exports, FDI, remittances and tourism. He said the Port City Amendment strengthens regulation and aligns incentives with global standards, including Central Bank-regulated offshore banking, removal of tax-free status for employees, mandatory IRD tax filing and revised fee structures to ease investor entry. He noted that concessions for 24 previously approved companies were retained after negotiation, while four projects worth about US$ 1.2 billion are expected to begin in 2026 and a broader pipeline of Port City investments totals about US$ 3.9 billion. He urged the Opposition not to create fear about the economy, citing projected growth, falling interest costs as a share of revenue, and stronger export performance. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera outlined the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill, stating that it follows a Special Committee review and Cabinet approval to remove investor impediments and align the law with global standards. He detailed new tax incentive tiers for Primary and Secondary Businesses of Strategic Importance, including corporate tax holidays or reduced rates, import duty exemptions, VAT treatment, APIT provisions, revised fee procedures, and strengthened compliance, disclosure, and performance-review requirements. He also linked the amendments to broader investment conditions such as macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, skilled labour, double taxation agreements, and recent export, remittance, and tourism performance. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said past foreign employment frauds, including the Rainbow case, involved political patronage and that court action is underway, while six SLBFE officers have been suspended and a special police investigation unit established. He stated that the 1985 Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act is being amended because current penalties and safeguards are inadequate. On overseas employment, he said Sri Lanka is pursuing new agreements, including implementation of an Italy driving licence MoU, and is seeking changes to the Korea MoU so worker listings can be extended and quotas increased, with a ministerial visit planned to press these requests. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Minister to seek an extension from HRD Korea and the Korean Government for the expiring web-listing of about 10,000 Sri Lankan candidates who had completed language tests, interviews and medicals for Korean employment. He also requested intervention to enable departure of candidates already approved for jobs in Italy but delayed due to issues between old and new agreements. He further raised allegations that two foreign employment agencies defrauded over Rs. 860 million from more than 640 people over promised jobs in Romania, calling for a transparent investigation and action against those responsible. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister responded to the Opposition Leader’s Standing Order 27(2) question on foreign employment opportunities, stating that current bilateral channels are mainly with Korea and Israel, with Korea indicating 6,800 manufacturing jobs for 2025 and Sri Lankan departures under SLBFE registration declining after a 2022 post-COVID peak. He said recruitment under the Korea EPS scheme does not guarantee employment, web-listed candidates remain eligible for only two years under current Korean policy, and reduced quotas are linked to Korean policy and economic factors, overstaying, and worker job-hopping. He outlined ongoing measures, including discussions with HRD Korea to shift eligible services and shipbuilding candidates into manufacturing, a planned high-level mission to Korea to seek increased quotas, job promotion through the Sri Lankan Embassy, and efforts to renew labour recruitment arrangements with Italy. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera noted that teachers serving as Cadet Officers carry out year-round National Cadet Corps duties, including drills, training sessions, and camps, while also meeting their regular teaching responsibilities without special concessions. He asked what measures are being taken, in the current socio-economic context, to attract and retain teachers as Cadet Officers amid declining participation. Oral Question: Establishment of National Cadet Corps (Q.1635/2025) Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister reported that the Ekala Industrial Development Board Industrial Zone has 57 factories, of which 56 are operational, though six are not at full productivity. He said USS Engineering (Pvt.) Limited has been closed for about one and a half years, and the operator has been asked to restart it within a stipulated period. If it does not recommence operations, legal action will be taken to repossess the site for the IDB and reallocate it to another enterprise. Oral Question: Factories in Ekala Industrial Zone (Q.1564/2025) Read →
- 7 January 2026 FACTORIES IN EKALA INDUSTRIAL ZONE: DETAILS AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development for details on factories in the Industrial Development Board’s Ekala Industrial Zone, including how many have been established, are currently operating, and have been closed for more than three years. He further sought information on action taken regarding long-closed factories, whether their sites could be brought back under the Industrial Development Board and reallocated to new investors, and what measures had been taken or, if not, why. Oral Question: Factories in Ekala Industrial Zone (Q.1564/2025) Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Prime Minister to state the Government’s response to the economic and social impact of Cyclone “Michaung”, particularly support for affected persons, SMEs and industries. He sought details on compensation, concessional loans at 3 percent interest, damage assessment and loan grace periods, treatment of enterprises under debt moratoria, concessions for those listed with the Credit Information Bureau, recovery programmes, and plans to reduce damage from future natural disasters. Oral Questions: Prime Minister Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi supported the proposed fisheries pension scheme, stating that it introduces benefits for contributors who have paid more than 75 per cent of contributions, allows those who paid between 25 and 75 per cent to withdraw contributions with Board-determined interest, and provides full pension arrangements in cases of disability before pensionable age. He said the scheme would improve the welfare and dignity of fishers and their families, and briefly criticised Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi’s earlier remarks as insulting to the fisheries sector. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan defended the Government’s fisheries policy, rejecting claims made by Namal Rajapaksa and arguing that current measures go beyond previous limited support such as distributing fingerlings after floods. He outlined the proposed fisher pension scheme, including flexible contribution options, beneficiary payments after death, possible linked benefits such as life jackets, and coverage for allied workers in the fisheries value chain. He also referred to storm relief through Cey-Nor, grants for nets, boat repairs, stronger fisheries budget allocations, enforcement of crab size regulations, and the planned “Sayura” insurance scheme providing over Rs. 1 million in death benefits. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Regulations under the Fisheries Workers’ Pension and Social Protection Scheme, arguing that fisheries is a major economic sector that should be modernized through training, infrastructure, and equipment. He said fishers, particularly low-income and lagoon-based communities in Puttalam and Karpitiya, need pension coverage and social protection, citing recent disaster losses of canoes and nets and the death of a young fisher during floods. He noted proposals such as developing the Karpitiya fishing harbour, building landing sites for lagoon fishers, and providing age- and circumstance-based pension arrangements, while stating that the Government is also providing disaster relief and livelihood support. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme Act, arguing that a reformed pension scheme is necessary for the large fisheries-dependent population. He cited Ministry figures showing 272,900 families directly engaged in marine and inland fisheries and said the previous scheme had limited enrolment and very few beneficiaries due to structural weaknesses. He linked the proposal to the Government’s policy objective of ensuring dignified retirement for senior citizens, particularly in a hazardous sector, and also condemned remarks made in the House against the Prime Minister. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel raised concerns about the floriculture sector in Badulla District, citing staff shortages in areas such as Welimada, Haputale, Diyatalawa and Bandarawela, where only 39 of 79 required workers are in place and research capacity is limited to two researchers. She asked whether there is a recruitment plan to fill these gaps and whether support mechanisms can include growers who are retirees or government employees, who she said are often excluded from assistance. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the Digital EPF software has been launched, allowing employers to register new establishments and employees online without visiting Labour Offices. He said the Government intends to add online applications for EPF benefits and expects to provide that facility within a short period, though no exact timeline was given. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked whether, following the Department of Labour’s launch of digitalization software on 29 December under the national policy “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life,” an online mechanism has been established for clients to obtain benefits. She requested clarification on its availability and, if not yet operational, when it will be made available. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the EPF and ETF have distinct legal purposes, with the EPF intended to provide retirement social security for private and semi-government sector workers. He said the Government is considering options to strengthen post-retirement income security, including pension- or annuity-like payments alongside existing lump-sum withdrawals. He noted that the ETF, administered under the Ministry of Finance, serves a different role by providing benefits and facilitation, including support for entrepreneurship. Oral Question: Balance Funds of Members of EPF - 30 Per Cent Withdrawal Permitted (Q.1436/2025) Read →