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- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that EPF administration by the Department of Labour and fund management by the Central Bank currently operate as separate systems, limiting continuous real-time access to member information. He said a joint programme with the Central Bank’s EPF management unit is under way to integrate these systems into a single online data platform, enabling employees and employers to access contribution and benefit services without visiting offices in person. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga raised concern that employees may have EPF deductions made from wages without being able to verify whether those funds are remitted and credited to their accounts. She asked whether a verification mechanism currently exists or whether the Government plans to introduce one. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha explained that the EPF has established procedures and downloadable forms for updating member information and nominating beneficiaries. He said beneficiary claims require verification because of possible third-party interests, so the process cannot be handled entirely online without risking disputes. He acknowledged low public awareness among employees and beneficiaries and stated that the Department of Labour would take steps to improve it. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga asked whether employees who initially nominate parents or siblings for benefits through the ABH form are required to submit a separate form after marriage or having children to update the nomination, or whether changes occur automatically. She highlighted disputes that arise after an employee’s death when spouses seek benefits and requested that the Ministry of Labour implement a clearer process to inform employees about updating nominations. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister stated that EPF members can currently access account information online and by SMS, but automatic messaging is limited because the Central Bank’s EPF Department does not hold members’ telephone numbers or addresses in its existing records. He said SMS updates are being introduced for pre-retirement and regular benefit applications, as well as for unresolved name, NIC and account amendments. He further said the Government is developing an integrated digital system linking the Central Bank and Department of Labour to enable unified EPF/ETF payments, online member services, automated notifications, complaint management, labour inspection monitoring, and KYC-based verification. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Labour whether Employees’ Provident Fund members can access their account balances and credited contributions online, and if not, what steps are being taken and when such a system will begin. She also sought clarification on whether the Department of Labour is considering auto-generated messages to members and, if so, the specific areas targeted by that service. Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said a new scoring system for driving licences has been designed and approved by the National Transport Commission Board, with Cabinet approval to be sought, while issues concerning Acting Station Masters and SLTB recruitment are being handled through the Management Services Department and a second round of interviews. He outlined ministry performance targets, stating that 2025 progress stood at 65.83 per cent by 31 October and is expected to reach 88 per cent by year-end, with improvements also targeted in foreign-funded programmes. He argued that Sri Lanka has historically overfunded highways relative to public transport and said the Government is gradually increasing the public transport share, including through the Lanka Metro Bus Company, upgraded bus stands, and cashless fare payments with no added cost to passengers. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised several Trincomalee District issues, requesting the urgent resumption of the suspended daytime air-conditioned express train between Trincomalee and Colombo and improvements to drinking water distribution from Kuchchaveli to Pulmoddai and within Kinniya. He called for completion of stalled housing projects, upgrading and widening of key roads including the Trincomalee–Batticaloa route through Kinniya, completion of the Thoppur Al-Hamra internal road, and transfer of more local roads to RDD/RDA maintenance. He also asked the Government to address the Muthunagar land and housing issue affecting evicted families and to enhance operations at China Bay airport to support tourism. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera welcomed the card payment initiative for bus fares and requested assurances that passengers will not be charged commissions, while urging faster recruitment of SLTB drivers and conductors and procurement of suitable buses, especially small “C” type buses for rural and difficult routes. He called for regularization of SLTB wage anomalies and an end to alleged trade union-based discrimination against employees. On railways, he suggested prioritizing modernization of the existing Kelani Valley line over extending it to Ratnapura, and on roads he urged completion of abandoned projects under the earlier 100,000 km roads programme. He also requested urgent completion of the Garagoda bridge in Yatiyantota. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath defended the Government’s economic and development agenda and criticized the Opposition, arguing that previous infrastructure spending had not prevented bankruptcy. He highlighted transport reforms in Kalutara District, particularly integrated timetables for SLTB and private buses, stating that these have reduced conflict, improved revenue and delivered more efficient services. He said the Government is addressing losses at five SLTB depots in Kalutara and completing halted rural road and iRoad projects, including 24 roads under project 115080 that have been tendered. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about the incomplete restoration of train services after rehabilitation of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line, specifically citing the non-resumption of the “Uttara Devi” service and the Mail Train to Talaimannar. He requested urgent action to address signalling and operational delays on the line, and called for better management of underutilized Railway Department lands. He also urged modernization of SLTB services, including the introduction of modern buses and CCTV in buses, to improve public transport quality and efficiency. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised three issues: regularising about 2,000 long-serving contract manpower employees of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the Budget proposal covering 9,800 employees; restoring pension, allowance and arrears entitlements for disabled war veterans, widows, parents and families of deceased or missing personnel, with a statutory framework to guarantee such benefits; and addressing concerns that Civil Defence Committee approval is being required for Police Clearance Certificates. He also objected to journalists being summoned to the CID over reporting on that issue, urged protection of media freedom, and questioned the delay in repealing the Online Safety Act. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised concerns over SriLankan Airlines’ reported Rs. 7.59 billion loss despite a Rs. 20 billion allocation, the absence of a CEO for eight months, and alleged conflicts of interest involving Board members linked to Hayleys. He urged action on union allegations of malpractice and inefficiency, and proposed expanding profitable areas such as Ground Handling and SriLankan Catering before considering privatization. He also called for improved pay, promotions, and examinations for Sub-Station Masters, noting low allowances and outdated service conditions. He further sought clarification on Colombo traffic congestion plans, including whether the Government will pursue LRT or BRT under the CoMTrans-related planning framework and referenced a 2018 LRT feasibility report. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged accelerated modernization and private sector participation across transport, urban development, ports, and aviation, arguing that fiscal limits require PPPs, cost-benefit analysis, and stronger accountability. He called for electrification of the Kelani Valley railway, renewed expressway projects with cost and currency-risk controls, regularization of deeds for Colombo housing units, and practical use of UDA land assets. He questioned why significant dues from SriLankan Airlines and private airlines to the Civil Aviation Authority had not been collected, and proposed immediate measures to reduce BIA congestion, including use of the VVIP terminal and better slot allocation. He also advocated developing Ratmalana for business and regional aviation and formulating an industry-led “Ceylon Ports” strategy to strengthen Colombo, Hambantota, and Trincomalee amid risks of mainline shipping bypassing Sri Lanka. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised transport-sector regulatory and operational issues during the debate on the Heads of Expenditure for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, stating that private bus workers need formal labour protections, training, proper wages and a regulated staffing pool to support reforms such as card-based payments. He urged a uniform process and fee to regularize bus route permit ownership transfers, coordinated action among transport agencies and a one-stop vehicle document verification mechanism, citing problems at the Department of Motor Traffic and ongoing litigation. He also called for practical adjustments to vehicle import registration timelines due to port yard constraints, better maintenance and management capacity at SLTB depots, revival of integrated timetables, and practical facilities such as toilets at bus stands, while noting he had declined an official vehicle entitlement. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation - Part 1 Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary The member raised concerns about staff shortages in vocational training institutions, specifically VTA and NAITA, and noted that Mannar is served through the NAITA office in Vavuniya. He asked whether a separate NAITA office could be established for Mannar and whether new labour market-oriented courses had been introduced during the year to improve youth employment prospects. Oral Question: Jaffna College of Technology Infrastructure (Q.3) Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Only one building roof at the Jaffna College of Technology is reported to be dilapidated, and funds are to be allocated in 2026 for renovations. For 2025, Rs. 3.5 million has been allocated to Jaffna College of Technology and Rs. 3.149 million to Vavuniya Technical College for infrastructure works, with some projects completed and others ongoing. Facilities for hybrid and modern vehicle repair courses have been installed, curricula are periodically updated under NVQ standards, and 2026 procurement is being arranged for colleges lacking modern equipment. Approval has also been obtained to recruit 100 permanent and 100 contract instructors, while course quality and uniform certification are regulated by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission. Oral Question: Jaffna College of Technology Infrastructure (Q.3) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined Budget allocations to strengthen the health sector, including Rs. 605 million for scientific research into traditional medicine, Rs. 2,630 million for Emergency Accident Unit buildings in several districts, Rs. 650 million for further emergency unit expansion, and Rs. 4.2 billion for the Suwaseriya ambulance service. He said accident-related deaths and injuries require expanded emergency care and better-equipped ambulances with more highly trained emergency medical technicians. He also emphasized the need to improve job satisfaction among health workers, particularly doctors, noting their lengthy training, postgraduate commitments, on-call duties, and administrative challenges. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath addressed the Committee Stage debate on Health and Mass Media expenditure, welcoming the 2026 health allocation and recent provisions for cath labs, MRI, radiology services, and an Osusala branch in Batticaloa. He raised urgent concerns over Batticaloa District General Hospital, including an unsafe 80-year-old building, lack of space, proposed relocation of the adjacent prison, high bed occupancy, and the need for dedicated specialist wards. He also requested improvements for Valachchenai Base Hospital, ambulances for Thuraineelavanai and Paalimeenmadu, Suwaseriya service for Vellaveli, and action on shortages of consultants, nurses, minor staff, drivers, and indigenous medicine employment. He further asked that remaining eligible dengue eradication assistants be made permanent in line with government assurances. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Funds have been allocated for development work at Badulla Teaching Hospital, including completion of the ICU, Emergency Treatment Unit, and 10-storey Cardiology building, as well as provision of a 10-storey professorial unit and additional equipment. Regarding Lake House, the launch of the Tamil magazine “Vaaramangari” was confirmed, with recruitment to follow existing salary scales and no higher pay. It was also stated that specialists’ earlier trade union action to refrain from Technical Evaluation Committees has been called off. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →