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 June 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Provided details on estate workers’ wage increases since 1998, noting that the daily wage rose to Rs. 1,350 in 2024 and to an effective Rs. 1,750 in 2026 with Rs. 200 each from Government and companies. He also gave current workforce figures for regional plantation companies and state plantation bodies, the monthly number of workers entitled to the 2026 Budget increase, and payments made in the first four months, totalling Rs. 2,883.34 million. He stated that the Government attendance incentive is limited to registered manual workers contributing to EPF/ETF under Cabinet decisions and MOUs, excluding many temporary workers who are not yet registered. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna responded to concerns raised from an international human rights organization about conditions on some plantations, stating that the matter is being discussed with the Ministry of Labour and that a formal response will be provided. He said the Government must handle such issues carefully due to international market competition and the economic importance of plantation crops. He cited measures including a Rs. 400 daily wage increase for estate workers and accelerated provision of house and land ownership to line-room residents, with the land allocation increased from 7 to 10 perches. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, raised concerns that private plantation companies are profiting from government-owned land, infrastructure, and public wage support while allegedly mistreating estate workers. Citing a recent Amnesty International report describing conditions akin to debt bondage, he asked the Minister whether action would be taken against these companies. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Finance Minister on the rupee’s depreciation, rising volatility, inflation, fuel and electricity price increases, and the resulting impact on low- and middle-income households. He asked what measures the Government would take, including possible expansion of Aswesuma, transport subsidies, temporary VAT relief, management of rupee volatility, steps to attract FDI in 2026, and whether an assessment of cost-of-living impacts under the IMF programme would be tabled in Parliament. He also sought clarification on whether fuel retailers were being required to absorb losses due to implied subsidies on diesel and petrol, and whether any compensation would be funded through the Budget or another mechanism. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that although requesting time to respond is procedurally permissible, delaying answers on CESS and PAL issues would worsen an already serious situation for domestic industries. He urged immediate solutions for industries affected by the removal of CESS and PAL and reiterated a call for the IMF to release US$ 700 million without conditions. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Government’s plan, linked to IMF commitments, to phase out CESS and PAL by 2029. He asked what assessments and revenue plans support the policy, how affected industries such as cement, tyres, tiles, apparel, footwear and agriculture will be modernized and protected, and what measures will prevent job losses, higher import dependence and a wider trade deficit. He argued that export promotion must be accompanied by a coherent macroeconomic plan to strengthen domestic industry and protect consumers. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj welcomed the Adjournment Motion on land and housing rights for the Malaiyaha plantation community, linking it to May Day struggles and ongoing demands for “land ownership” and “house ownership.” He cited the NPP’s 2023 Hatton Declaration, stating that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had pledged dignity, land and housing ownership, and equal rights for plantation people, and said the Government was prepared to implement those commitments. He criticized previous generations of Malaiyaha political leaders for failing to resolve the line-room housing and land issues, and asserted that the current Government would advance programmes to grant land and housing rights to estate workers. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath stated that the Government had acted during the economic crisis to improve higher education, sanitation, estate hospital facilities, and wage entitlements for estate workers, while addressing exploitative labour practices. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government neglected people affected by the “8962” cyclone in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Kandy, saying all possible measures had been taken. He argued that the Government was advancing equal opportunities and dignity for Malaiyaha communities and asserted that no citizen would be treated as second-class under the Malima Government. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath said the Government has moved away from treating Malaiyaha people as a political vote bank and is working to integrate them as equal, dignified citizens rather than defining them only as estate or upcountry communities. He argued that previous governments failed to address their needs adequately and cited the Government’s policy framework, “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” and the “Hatton Declaration” as guiding its approach. He stated that the Government is taking lawful steps on land, livelihood, housing, infrastructure, and social cohesion, while rejecting communal, regional, and divisive politics. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep JJB AI summary Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep said legal steps would be taken to incorporate the relevant name appropriately in future. He criticized opposition to a proposed wage increase and called for Government and Opposition cooperation to secure sustainable development for hill country people, while inviting constructive advice and correction. He rejected claims of divisions within the JVP/NPP and said the Government would address hill country issues including land, education, health, and Tamil-language services in administration and Police stations through the appointment of Tamil-speaking officers. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep rejected claims that the JVP was hostile to estate workers, citing hill country participation in JVP-led struggles, and argued that the current Government is correcting long-standing neglect in plantation communities. He said the Government has allocated about Rs. 60 billion to complete unfinished Indian housing scheme projects, is taking initial steps to provide land to schools and regularize temple lands in estates, and is addressing estate company violence through decisions taken at a meeting chaired by the Minister of Public Security. He emphasized recognition of “Malaiyagam people,” pledged progress on education, health, economic upliftment, and land ownership, and stated that the NPP Government had already increased wages and would grant land rights to enable dignified living. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara said the Government has acted within 18 months to address long-standing housing, land, road, wage, and infrastructure issues affecting hill country estate communities. He cited increased allocations for estate infrastructure, PRDA roads, wage increases, identification of 83 hectares for resettlement, and ongoing transitional and permanent housing for Cyclone “Ditwa” victims and landslide-affected families, including a Cabinet proposal to extend the Rs. 500,000 grant despite land title issues. He also stated that the Government will provide proper addresses, increase land allotments to ten perches, improve Tamil-medium education through smart classrooms and school facilities, and address illicit liquor through security committees and Police. He urged support for continuing these programmes under a systematic approach, while criticising previous political representation for failing to resolve these issues. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof stated that closures and a roadblock have disrupted fishing and agriculture in Muthunagar, depriving residents of their livelihoods. He requested Government relief for affected people and called for the roadblock to be removed so fishermen can access the sea. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad warned of renewed economic stress, arguing that the Government’s focus on taxation burdens SMEs indirectly through vehicle import taxes, leasing charges, and rising fuel, water, and electricity costs, while waste and mismanagement persist. He questioned the Government’s response to the sharp depreciation of the rupee and asked for a clear plan to prevent a repeat of the 2022 crisis, including answers on how to restore the dollar rate. He also urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take step-by-step measures to rebuild the economy and called, in the context of the war-end commemoration, for military modernization and proper benefits and honour for retiring personnel. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary He supported the Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that the Government is managing the economy responsibly amid global pressures while the Opposition is spreading falsehoods and ignoring context. He said the Government is prioritizing domestic production, youth investment, revenue growth, and reducing waste and corruption, citing Finance Ministry figures on higher revenue, primary and current account surpluses, and reduced debt. He also referred to recent war hero commemorations, the party’s anniversary, youth conferences, and tourism initiatives, calling for unity to advance economic recovery. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concerns over agricultural lands in Pottuvil, Lahugala and surrounding areas that ceased cultivation during the conflict and were later vested in wildlife, forest and related State institutions, questioning why lands identified for release were refused despite Cabinet decisions and earlier committee recommendations. He requested Government site visits and action to release lands, including about 1,900 acres in Lahugala and areas previously recommended for release for paddy cultivation, so farmers can resume cultivation. He also called for urgent filling of 374 Management Service Officer vacancies in the Eastern Provincial Council and for renewal or reconsideration of river sand permits for long-standing local permit holders in Irakkamam. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act were presented for approval to permit regulated imports of retreaded aircraft tyres and specified Ponni Samba and Kiri Ponni rice substitutes. Upul Kithsiri contrasted the Government’s current economic management with the 2022 crisis, citing shortages, low reserves, power cuts and public service vacancies inherited after halted recruitment. He argued that since 2024 the Government has maintained fuel, fertilizer and services while improving fiscal and external indicators, including higher revenue, a primary surplus, a current account surplus and reduced debt. He called on the Opposition to stop disrupting proceedings and support efforts to improve the economy, while noting ongoing youth, tourism and national development programmes. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Debating regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, the Minister said the Government had inherited an economy with suspended debt servicing and major import restrictions, but had since resumed debt service, reopened imports in phases, and stabilized conditions. He argued that recent exchange rate pressure was driven by external factors such as higher fuel import costs and did not by itself indicate an economic crisis, citing lower unemployment, higher GDP per capita, and continued business activity. He said Sri Lanka nevertheless faced an external-sector challenge and called for structural reforms, including export diversification, market expansion, and upgrading the export product base. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 19, Gayantha Karunathilleka requested an Adjournment Debate on issues affecting the Malaiyaha community in the plantation sector. He proposed that the debate be scheduled for the same day from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Adjournment Debate Request and Scheduling Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister tabled a written answer detailing SLBFE data on migrant worker complaints from 2015 to 2026, including 75,062 complaints and 36,059 repatriations, with country-wise and issue-wise annexures. He outlined SLBFE mechanisms under its governing Acts, including welfare sections in overseas missions, safe houses, conciliation services, legal assistance, repatriation support, insurance reimbursements, emergency coordination, and hospital or detention-related assistance. He also stated that funeral assistance for families of workers who die abroad has been increased from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 100,000 from 2026, with related disbursement data tabled. Oral Question: Sri Lankan Workers Abroad - Complaints Read →