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- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan argued that the 2026 allocation to the Digital Economy Ministry is insufficient for Sri Lanka’s stated digital transformation goals and called for a whole-of-government approach rather than piecemeal digitization. Citing examples from South Korea, India, Japan, the United States and China, he urged integrated digital public infrastructure, security-by-design for SLUDI, stronger central coordination, policy stability, and investment in broadband, skills and digital inclusion. He proposed a four-pillar roadmap covering governance and accountability, trust and inclusion, interoperable public services, and economic acceleration through infrastructure, FinTech clarity and global expertise, with the aim of achieving a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi said promised fisheries fuel concessions, levy removals, and duty reductions had not been implemented, and proposed supplying diesel to about 7,000 multi-day boats at a Rs. 150 per litre concession through designated harbours. He urged the Government not to proceed with proposed bans affecting mechanized beach-seine support systems and Ambalangoda light-coarse operations, instead calling for controlled, stakeholder-based regulation to protect livelihoods. He also requested revival of traditional value-added fish processing through concessional salt access, operationalization and staffing of inland aquaculture centres, procurement of fast medical evacuation boats for fishers, and renewed attention to earlier Blue Economy planning. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi moved the customary token reduction of Rs. 10 from the recurrent and capital expenditure under the relevant Heads during the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill, 2026. He raised concerns over fuel and kerosene concessions for multi-day vessel and outboard motor craft owners, restrictions affecting beach-seine operations, protests by fishing communities, and hardship caused by the decline of related industries such as dried shark, Maldive fish and salmon processing. He stated that he wore black in solidarity with protesting fishers and criticized the Government for not resolving these issues. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister thanked the Leader of the Opposition for his proposals and said they would be referred to the relevant authorities, with government intervention where possible. She stated that more than 12,000 graduates had already been recruited and that, following formal notification from the Court of Appeal ending litigation on teacher appointments, the recruitment process would begin immediately to meet the stated targets. Ministerial Statement: Minimization of Unemployment Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa noted that the education allocation had increased only from 1.8% to 2% of GDP between 2025 and 2026, arguing that progress toward the 6% target should be faster. Citing the Government’s Policy Statement on recruiting 35,000 graduates, he proposed a one-year stipend-supported apprenticeship programme for unemployed graduates before recruitment into teaching, STEM, technical and other sectors. He also urged diplomatic action with South Korea to restore EPS-TOPIK job placements, saying around 5,000 qualified candidates risk losing opportunities due to the two-year departure limit, and called for filling identified public sector vacancies. Ministerial Statement: Minimization of Unemployment Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on unemployment, stating that Sri Lanka’s unemployment rate had declined to 3.8 percent in the first two quarters of 2025, with 365,958 persons unemployed and the highest numbers among those with G.C.E. (A/L) and below qualifications. She said the Government has short-, medium- and long-term measures to reduce unemployment, including targets under the State Investment Programme 2026–2030 and Budget 2026 allocations for public sector regularization, disability employment incentives, women’s self-employment and training. She also stated that Cabinet-approved recruitment processes would fill public service vacancies, including around 37,000 graduate jobs, with about 25,000 teacher service recruitments to proceed after the relevant Court of Appeal judgment. Ministerial Statement: Minimization of Unemployment Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam) SJB AI summary Asked whether the Minister is aware that Vantharumoolai railway station in Batticaloa District is served only by slow trains, and that express train stops would benefit Eastern University students and nearby residents. Sought a statement on whether steps will be taken to schedule express trains to stop at the station, and if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Questions: Second Round - Colombo-Mannar Train Service and Related Questions Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to provide school labourer staffing details, including current numbers, approved cadres, and vacancies at National Schools and provincial council schools separately. He also sought reasons for vacancies in provincial council schools despite a surplus in National Schools, and asked what measures are being taken to allocate labourers properly across the government school system. Oral Question: National Schools and Provincial Schools: Vacancies for Labourers (Q.563/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad questioned how the Government intends to retain university staff without increasing special non-recurring allowances. He also criticized the Minister of Education’s conduct regarding respect for learners and urged the Government to appoint a suitable person to lead the Education Ministry and advance the education system. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath highlighted severe teacher shortages, stating that only 25 of 75 required teachers are serving and that many are Development Officers currently engaged in industrial action. He urged action through Provincial Councils to ensure equitable resource allocation and proceed with teacher appointments. He also requested that a previously proposed structural meeting be convened without delay. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the Education Ministry’s Votes while calling for faster curriculum reform, expanded digital learning, improved teacher training and recruitment, and better school infrastructure, particularly in rural, estate and Eastern Province schools. He urged stronger vocational, university and industry-linked education, including support for Technical Colleges, NVQ pathways, research, innovation and international partnerships. He requested policies to expand and regulate non-State universities through incentives, quality assurance, scholarships and loan support, and asked for concessions for children of Sri Lankan expatriates who face foreign-student fees at State universities. He also sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to address the lack of classrooms and facilities at Meelad Muslim Vidyalaya, Dehiwala, ahead of Grade 1 admissions. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam urged urgent action to fill all 329 non-academic staff vacancies at the University of Jaffna and revise its outdated cadre, noting expanded faculties and reliance on costly private services. He called for education to be prioritized through higher budget allocations and teacher salary revisions in line with the Subodhini Commission, citing specific shortfalls in proposed pay increases. He also questioned whether education reforms opposed under the previous Government were now being pursued to secure ADB funding without stakeholder consultation. He requested reconsideration of extended school hours or provision of food, revision of criteria for difficult schools in the North and East, and an increase in inadequate difficult-area teacher allowances. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the former North Colombo Private Medical College was integrated into the state university system as the Ragama Medical Faculty, before addressing education sector reforms and Budget support for 2026. He argued that Sri Lanka’s education system is exam-centred, unevenly resourced, insufficiently aligned with employability, innovation and lifelong learning, and constrained by limited access to advanced secondary education, STEM facilities and university entry. He said the tuition problem cannot be solved by law alone, and that reforms must combine curriculum change with teacher development, professionalization, infrastructure, administration, assessment reform and public awareness. He outlined proposed changes for Grades 6–11, including entrepreneurship and financial literacy, transversal skills, Grade 9 proficiency assessments, and advanced pathway modules in senior secondary education. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported education reforms aimed at improving graduate employability and reducing reliance on government jobs, while urging consultation with teacher unions. He requested action on a separate education zone for Kuchchaveli, completion of stalled school buildings including Vavuniya Muslim National School, and urgent use of Northern Provincial allocations before funds lapse. He highlighted teacher shortages in war-affected and remote districts, proposing district-based teacher deployment and coordinated transport schemes for teachers and students. He also asked for regulation of Colombo school van services and strict controls on school-based parental fund collections to reduce burdens on families. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Education Ministry to strengthen pre-school education by standardizing provision and improving poorly paid teachers’ conditions, and called for vocational skills to be integrated into schooling so students leave with employable abilities. He highlighted shortages of science, mathematics and ICT teachers in rural and hardship-area schools, requesting equitable resource allocation compared with urban National Schools. He also sought upgrades to the Manchanthoduvai Technical College to offer NVQ 5 and 6 programmes, land for the expansion of Meelad Tamil School in Dehiwala, and reconstruction support for a released school site and associated housing in Murakkettanchenei. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s handling of education reforms, arguing that changes are being introduced without a coherent plan and that issues across pre-school, school, university and vocational sectors remain unresolved. He questioned delays in implementing the remaining “Subodhini” salary proposals, addressing teacher, principal, teacher educator, teacher advisor, non-academic and university staff salary anomalies, and filling shortages including principals, sports coaches and school support staff. He also demanded implementation of a court settlement for 16,600 Development Officers serving as trainee teachers and accused the Government of failing to honour manifesto pledges to provide 35,000 graduate jobs, including teaching and public-sector posts. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about weaknesses in regulation, curriculum standards, infrastructure, and the economic security of preschool teachers in the early childhood education sector. He asked the Government to provide detailed divisional-level data on preschools and staff, clarify allowances paid in 2024 and 2025 including removals and delays, and outline plans to increase allowances, introduce a pension scheme, improve infrastructure, and protect teachers’ professional status. He also sought details on the proposed single syllabus under education reforms, related teacher training and awareness programmes, and any policy on regional zoning and placement of government and private preschools to safeguard job security. Question by Private Notice: Standardization of Preschool Education and Personal Explanation Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer on the waste of palmyrah toddy and the proposed reactivation of the Thikkam Distillery, noting that it has not operated since 2012 and would require a minimum daily input of 30,000 litres from Northern Province districts. He said a 25-year lease had been signed in 2022 with Royal Cast (Pvt.) Ltd. to renovate and operate the facility, but protests by toddy-supplying co-operatives have delayed operations, with discussions ongoing to reach agreement. The answer also detailed previous budget allocations and construction works, returned funds, expected benefits of modernization, and broader Palmyrah Development Board projects for cultivation, value addition, marketing, training and co-operative strengthening. Oral Question: Palmyrah Toddy Waste and Thikkam Distillery Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of the Hon. K. Ilankumaran) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure about the waste of surplus palmyrah toddy due to the inactivity of the Jaffna Thikkam Distillery and sought details on steps to modernize and reactivate it. The question requested confirmation of Cabinet approval of Rs. 112.5 million in 2016, the project’s current progress, expected completion date, and anticipated benefits for toddy producers and co-operative societies in the Northern Province. It also sought information on plans to produce value-added products such as toddy juice and surgical spirits and on support projects for small-scale palmyrah suppliers and producers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Oral Question: Palmyrah Toddy Waste and Thikkam Distillery Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on youth training centres, confirming that 13 training centres operate nationally and listing four centres in the Badulla District, including Haldummulla as the Tamil-medium centre. He detailed the courses offered at Orubendigewela, Lewwegoda and Haldummulla, covering agriculture, ICT, beauty culture, hairdressing, computer graphics, English, tailoring and mechanics. He stated that Treasury allocations are insufficient and that centres are managed using both Treasury funds and internally generated revenue. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Training Centres in Tamil Medium (Q.2/2025) Read →