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- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about shortages of doctors, nurses, medicines, insulin, disinfectants, accommodation, and other facilities in the health sector, arguing that these undermine the free health service and rural hospital access. He urged the Minister to increase cadres, address doctors’ allowances and vehicle permits, work with medical trade unions, and provide quarters for staff posted to difficult areas, citing several hospitals in Badulla and Uva as examples. He also referred to rising non-communicable diseases, mental health, cardiac, cancer and kidney disease, and said Ayurveda funding and salary issues require attention. Additionally, he asked the Minister to examine administrative matters under the Mass Media Ministry and reported concerns over procurement delays and outside prescriptions. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody said the postal service performs a wide range of public functions beyond mail delivery, including payments, pensions, allowances and assistance schemes, but that postmen’s allowances and service conditions have lagged behind. He stated that the Government is moving to amend the outdated Postal Ordinance, recruit staff to address vacancies, increase the bicycle allowance, review motorbike allowances, provide postal access in estate areas, build and upgrade post offices, procure vehicles, and introduce digital systems such as payment gateways, HRMS and tracking tools. He also referred to preserving and developing the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office and said training and facilities for journalists should be made available equitably to regional media personnel as well as those in Colombo. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Budget’s treatment of health-sector human resources, arguing that reduced allowances, high taxes, lack of transport support, and unmet promises on PAYE relief and vehicle permits are encouraging doctors and health professionals to migrate. He urged the Government to provide at least a partial transport allowance for doctors serving in distant districts and to address practical issues such as school admissions after transfers. He also questioned claims of ample public funds while alleging shortages of over 100 to 185 medicines, consumables, stents, and theatre equipment, and called for direct engagement with health staff to prevent a worsening health-sector crisis. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka’s health outcomes over 76 years show internationally recognized progress, while calling for further improvements such as expanding ICU capacity. He raised concerns over medicine and diagnostic test shortages, tabled out-of-stock lists, and questioned the impact on the free health system. He also highlighted medical brain drain and proposed retention measures including revised allowances, tax policy changes, improved quarters, leave and private practice options, and facilities for skilled professionals. He further criticised fiscal policy under IMF targets, arguing that revenue and primary balance overperformance should be redirected to MSMEs, farmers, fishers, workers and livelihood revival, and called for health, education, agriculture and industries to be made fundamental rights. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns over poor hospital security, low remuneration and inadequate facilities for doctors despite Sri Lanka’s strong health indicators. He cited significant emigration of specialists and medical officers since 2022, further possible departures, and resulting shortages affecting surgeries and essential services, while noting national drug shortages. He urged the Government to address the demands and working conditions of doctors already serving in Sri Lanka before seeking to attract expatriate specialists back, and suggested expanding medical education for export only after ensuring sufficient domestic retention. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage tabled a written response on staffing and disciplinary matters in Samurdhi-related offices in Vavuniya, giving approved cadre, in-position numbers and vacancies for the District Secretariat and divisional offices. He stated that recruitment to fill vacancies has been referred to the Committee on Public Service Staff Review at the Prime Minister’s Office and will proceed after approval, and that transfers may be granted according to service needs and officers’ requests. He also reported that, since the Department of Samurdhi Development was established in 2014, recruitment had occurred only in 2017 through a competitive examination. On alleged misuse of funds and fraudulent withdrawals linked to community-based banks, he tabled details of charge sheets, pending appeals, and ongoing or planned inquiries against named officers. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. K. Kader Masthan) SJB AI summary On behalf of Hon. K. Kader Masthan, Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka asked the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment for details on Samurdhi Development Officers in the Vavuniya District, including current staffing numbers, vacancies, and whether new recruitment is planned. He also sought clarification on long-term postings within the same Divisional Secretary’s Divisions, possible transfers, alleged politically based appointments, and whether such appointments have affected transfer decisions. The question further requested information on any internal inquiries into alleged financial fraud by Samurdhi Development Officers in the district and the current status of those inquiries. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti supported the Adjournment Motion on the salt shortage affecting Kinniya’s fisheries sector and said suitable areas for local salt production, including Vilveli and Kachchakoditheevu, had been identified. He proposed technical support through National Salt Limited, better laboratory, storage and worker facilities, organization of producer associations, and concessional loans of up to Rs. 25 million at about 7 percent interest for private salterns and related livelihoods. He asked local representatives to identify further sites and potential entrepreneurs through district coordination mechanisms, and suggested starting a model salt production unit in Vilveli to meet local demand. Adjournment Motion: Improvement of Facilities for Salt Production in Kinniya DS Division Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported the Adjournment Motion on salt production in Kinniya, noting the area’s dense population and potential to expand local production. He argued that promoting salt production in Kinniya and other suitable districts could create employment, support regional development, reduce imports, and improve foreign exchange outcomes. He requested the Minister to send a study team, prepare work plans, provide training and loan facilities, and allocate funds in the next Budget to support salt producers. Adjournment Motion: Improvement of Facilities for Salt Production in Kinniya DS Division Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti replied to the debate on the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, outlining its 2026 allocation of Rs. 7.329 billion and an additional Rs. 80 billion concessional credit facility for start-ups and enterprise expansion. He detailed planned public-private partnerships and investor calls for salt, graphite, Paranthan chemicals, Eppawela phosphate and mineral sands, while emphasizing value addition, productivity, and export-oriented industrial development. He reported reduced administrative costs, 78 per cent physical progress by September, upgrades to industrial estates, expanded artisan training and craft promotion, and plans to coordinate NEDA, SEDD and IDB under a single authority for greater efficiency. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Minister to expedite the Millaniya Green Industry and Technology Zone in Raigama, Kalutara, noting that although basic infrastructure has resumed and been completed, the access road and factory construction have not begun despite an earlier target of January 2026. He said only 25 of the developable 60 acres have been developed, with further uncultivable land identified at Niuchatalwatta, and requested prompt, cross-party action to select investors and start construction to support employment. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti responded to an issue raised by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen concerning about 97 persons whose recruitment or regularisation had been delayed due to a pending Bribery and Corruption complaint alleging paid recruitment. He stated that the complaint process has now concluded, the Department of Management Services has been informed, and the Government expects to absorb them into the cadre and resolve the matter soon. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to expedite the proposed integration of institutions such as the IDB and NEDA, improve coordination among industrial estates, and address shortcomings in estates under the Ministry and IDB. He highlighted delays and alleged administrative obstacles faced by exporters, particularly GI wire producers, and proposed delegated approval mechanisms and regular Exporters’ Forums to resolve issues quickly. He called for work to begin on the Kondachchy industrial estate in Mannar using existing land and funds, and advocated public-private partnerships, incubator programmes linked to universities, and stronger support for SMEs and export-oriented ventures. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry’s role but urged the Government to focus on effective implementation of new Budget programmes rather than political claims about the past. He questioned disparities in sugar prices under the “one product, one shop” concept, called for transparency, and said youth entrepreneur loan schemes had reached too few beneficiaries despite allocations. He proposed stronger district-level and national value-chain programmes for coconut, coir, batik, apparel, fisheries, dairy and spice processing, with market access, women-focused credit, digital support and inter-ministerial coordination. He also requested comprehensive pre-departure skills training for migrant workers and urged that any plastic bag policy first establish viable domestic eco-friendly alternatives before legislation. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga supported the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy, reduced the budget deficit, and is pursuing an entrepreneurial and export-oriented development strategy. She cited the National Export Development Plan, Rs. 1,799 million for export promotion, a five-year export target of USD 36 billion, the current year target of USD 18 billion, and reported progress including USD 13 billion in exports by mid-year and 482 new exporters in 10 months. She also highlighted measures such as assigning export targets to ambassadors, setting targets through district and divisional administrations, introducing a VAT refund system for tourists, and convening the Export Development Council of Ministers under the President. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah urged the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to prioritize industrial revival in the Eastern Province, including fully operational industrial zones in Batticaloa and Pottuvil, investor facilitation, SME support, training for unskilled youth, and bank financing for small enterprises. He highlighted opportunities in mineral sands, agriculture-based manufacturing, fisheries, tourism, handloom, rice milling, coir, palmyrah products and fish packaging, and called for modern technology and private-sector partnerships to create employment. He also requested upgrading the Valaichchenai Paper Factory, expanding its production, and developing its 300-acre premises and heritage buildings into a tourism-oriented “Paper City” with homestays, a museum and related facilities, alongside improved rail services to support tourism in Batticaloa and nearby areas. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Industry Minister to move beyond blaming past governments and implement decisive economic and industrial reforms, including reducing the overall tax burden, lowering SME interest rates to 5–6 percent, and creating one million young entrepreneurs. He questioned aspects of debt management, the declaration of bankruptcy, EPF disclosure under IMF-related public debt management, and the impact of exchange rate depreciation on the debt burden. He called for a strategic approach to para-tariffs, sugar sector reform, faster industrial land allocation, stronger BOI and IDB coordination, updated industrial laws, wider market access, and targeted investment incentives linked to agriculture and import substitution. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne rejected Opposition claims that the NPP Government had damaged a stable country, arguing that it inherited serious drug, corruption and governance problems and citing Police Media Division data on narcotics arrests, seizures and raids as evidence of action toward a drug-free country. She said the Government’s Community Empowerment Programme aims to empower two million families from 2025 to 2029 through livelihood, financial inclusion, social protection, training and mentoring initiatives supported by ADB and World Bank projects. She listed current progress, including family development plans, assistance to selected families, youth registrations, microfinance schemes, housing grants and Samurdhi-related programmes, and defended “Praja Shakthi” Committees as officer-led village development mechanisms rather than politicized bodies. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that MSMEs, which he said contribute about 52 percent of GDP, remain severely affected by COVID-19, the economic crisis, high interest rates, and parate enforcement, and called for stronger relief measures including attention to concerns raised by MSME chambers. He criticized the proposed reduction of the VAT registration threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million, saying it would burden small producers and raise prices, and tabled documents outlining ten key issues faced by the sector. On rural development and social protection, he called for time-bound pathways to lift beneficiaries out of poverty, contrasting Janasaviya’s graduation model with the later Samurdhi programme, and also urged attention to the declining economic position of middle-class public servants. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe raised concerns over 83 employees of the Pulmoddai Plant of Lanka Mineral Sands Company who have not received salaries for 15 months despite protests and appeals, and urged the Minister of Industries to settle both arrears and current salaries. He contrasted this with 17 temporary appointees from Galle District who are receiving pay and facilities, and requested discussions with the affected workers. He also asked that Ampara and Trincomalee Districts be included in the Ministry’s national programme to create 1,000 young entrepreneurs, particularly through provisions in the 2026 Budget. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →