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- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan stated that the Tamil Progressive Alliance supports ensuring all plantation workers, including those in state entities, regional plantation companies and smallholder tea growers, receive the President’s promised Rs. 1,750 wage. He said the Government is responsible for the wage structure and confirmed that he, Palani Digambaram and V.S. Radhakrishnan would vote in favour of the Second Reading. Debate Conclusion and Division: Disposals Bill 2026 – Second Reading Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s post-IMF programme roadmap after the final review due in March 2027, arguing that the Budget lacks proposals to increase exports, attract investment, strengthen the labour market, or advance trade and investment agreements. He demanded disclosure of agreements signed with India, the United States and China, and criticized the reduction of VAT and Social Security Contribution Levy thresholds from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million as harmful to small and medium traders. He alleged the Budget favours large business interests, citing liquor licensing and the Mannar wind power project, and asked what practical support had been provided to ordinary small businesses beyond schoolchildren’s vouchers. He also tabled the U.S. Department of State’s “2025 Sri Lanka Investment Climate Statement,” highlighting concerns about investor confidence, absence of a unified foreign investment policy, red tape, electricity costs, non-implementation of the Economic Transformation Bill, and lack of a unified tax policy. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara criticized the Budget as failing to implement the Government’s election manifesto and questioned whether previous year allocations had been spent or development targets achieved. He challenged claims of a Treasury surplus amid rising debt and higher costs, and argued that unspent allocations and increased taxation had masked inaction. He called for a lawful and workable framework for increasing plantation workers’ wages, including smallholder workers, and criticized agricultural proposals on youth agripreneurs, paddy procurement and onion support as inadequate and ad hoc. He also urged the Government to hold Provincial Council elections promptly. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary The MP argued that the Budget proposal to pay plantation workers an additional Rs. 10,000 per month conditional on 25 days’ attendance is impractical due to weekly holidays, monthly holidays, work quotas, weigh-cut systems, and shorter months. He said his side supports increasing plantation workers’ pay, including raising the daily wage to Rs. 1,750, but called for removal of the rigid 25-day condition and stated they cannot support the overall Budget. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake defended the 2026 Budget as the Government’s second budget and as a continuation of measures begun after the National People’s Power assumed office in 2024. He argued that the Budget maintains stability without new burdensome taxes or new borrowing, and said Opposition criticism lacked policy substance, citing vehicle procurement claims as misleading because the allocation covered 2,700 public sector vehicles rather than vehicles for MPs. He also stated that proposed state-owned enterprise reforms would protect workers’ EPF, ETF and gratuity entitlements through Treasury support where closures or divestments occur. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha defended Budget allocations by stating that the LKR 12,500 million vehicle provision is for 2,700 vehicles to address shortages in public institutions, with only MPs lacking pickups receiving them, and that the LKR 500 million for public servants’ property loans is for an interest subsidy rather than loan principal. He argued that the Government has exceeded revenue and fiscal targets in 2025, citing improved deficit figures, higher revenue collection, tourism, remittances and Customs income. He also called on Opposition MPs, particularly those representing plantation communities, to state whether they support the Rs. 200 plantation wage top-up and to reflect that position in the vote. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep defended the Budget’s plantation wage proposal, stating that the daily wage will rise to Rs. 1,750 from January through Rs. 200 contributions each from companies and the Government, and framed it as part of the Government’s commitment to Malaiyaha workers’ dignity, land, housing and rights. He criticized Opposition figures for challenging the Government’s Rs. 200 support before the Bribery or Corruption Commission and accused past political actors of using plantation wages for trade union and electoral politics. He also noted that the Government had obtained Cabinet approval and issued a Gazette recognizing the Ayyappan pilgrimage to India as a sacred pilgrimage. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Budget is primarily aligned with IMF programme conditions, particularly revenue measures, tax compliance, and restrained spending, and said the Government should present economic data honestly rather than use selective claims about the 2022 crisis. He questioned capital expenditure execution, alleging that only a limited share of allocations had been effectively spent while recurrent spending increased, and warned that rushed tendering to use funds could create irregularities. He called for an updated poverty survey and a structured poverty-alleviation programme, while criticising proposed vehicle purchases, low allocations for public transport, education, health, pensions, and public-sector pay commitments. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara - Deputy Chairperson of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. Hemali Weerasekara supported the 2025 Budget, presenting macroeconomic indicators and revenue, export, remittance, tourism and stock market performance as evidence of improving stability and growth. She highlighted budget proposals for MSME concessional and collateral-free lending, tourism development, public service recruitment and benefits, regularization of certain public employees, and expanded support for persons with disabilities. She also reported on 2025 Budget implementation, stating that national financial progress had exceeded 50 per cent and that Gampaha District projects showed over 85 per cent physical progress, with allocations expected to be fully utilized. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister defended the 2026 Budget as a stability and recovery plan built around inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty reduction, digitalization, and public service reform. He cited increases in exports, remittances, tourism earnings and revenue, rejected claims of impending default, and said Sri Lanka is preparing to resume external debt repayments from 2028. He highlighted allocations for the Praja Shakthi programme, estate worker wages, public sector vehicles, EPF/ETF arrears, housing loan interest relief, public sector salary increases, and repurposing underutilized State buildings. He also rejected Opposition criticism over Treasury management, MPs’ vehicle and fuel arrangements, and asserted that the Government is changing past practices and strengthening the public service. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer defended the Budget, specifically the Rs. 200 attendance incentive for estate workers, and argued that opposing the Budget would signal opposition to relief for a community central to Sri Lanka’s tea industry. He said earlier Opposition warnings about economic collapse had not materialized, and maintained that the Government was rebuilding investor confidence, restarting development, and managing capital expenditure responsibly. He also responded to criticism over vehicle allocations, stating that procurement was intended to improve State and local authority services after years of underinvestment. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. Hizbullah welcomed the 2026 Budget as supporting post-crisis recovery, debt servicing from 2028, investment promotion, anti-drug measures, assistance for seriously ill patients, estate worker wage support, and allocations for projects in the Eastern Province, including the Nintavur Cultural Hall and Valachchenai Fisheries Harbour. He commended recent efforts to attract investment from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while emphasizing that revenue growth alone would not be sufficient to meet future debt obligations. He urged reconsideration of the reduced VAT registration threshold, arguing it would burden small rural businesses and consumers, and raised concern that no allocation had been made to upgrade Puttalam Hospital to District General Hospital status despite a presidential pledge. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani defended the Government’s 2026 “Citizens’ Budget” as building on claimed macroeconomic stabilization in 2025, citing 4.8 per cent growth, stronger reserves, exchange rate stability, a primary surplus, and debt reduction targets to 2026 and 2030. She said the Budget aims to exceed 7 per cent growth through export development, MSME support, rural infrastructure, digitalization, and improved access to education, health and essential services. She specifically defended the proposed Rs. 200 Government-paid attendance incentive for estate workers, criticizing Opposition efforts to challenge it before the Bribery Commission and arguing that the measure is justified relief for a long-neglected workforce. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana defended the Government’s Budget, stating that it advances the state rebuilding programme begun under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in 2024. He rejected claims that there was no provision for Kelani flood mitigation, citing a Rs. 250 million allocation for integrated flood management in areas including Colombo and Gampaha, and said past technical plans were being reviewed under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He also disputed allegations of underused capital funds and inadequate housing allocations, stating that 58 percent of capital funds had been spent and that Rs. 15 billion was allocated for 3,000 Colombo housing units, with broader targets of 10,000 houses this year and 50,000 over three years. He further said the Government was rebuilding the public service through salary funding, recruitment exams, and Cabinet-approved appointments across multiple services. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had restored macroeconomic stability, advanced debt restructuring, improved fiscal indicators, and regained investor confidence during 2025. He cited increases in exports, remittances, tourism receipts, revenue and grants, and the primary balance, and said the Budget prioritizes inclusive growth, public-private partnerships, value-added industrialization, export diversification, debt sustainability, poverty reduction, and digitalization. He also highlighted proposed recruitment and regularization in the public service, resumption of pensions, planned debt servicing, and provisions for governance and anti-corruption reforms. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said he had initially supported the Government but had been alienated and accused of wrongdoing, including being called a drug dealer, after seeking to assist. He raised concerns about the emigration of doctors and consultants, citing low salaries, lack of vehicle facilities, and delayed car permits, and urged the Government to address doctors’ living and professional conditions. He also referred to political support in the North, local government election outcomes, and possible provincial council elections, stating that he did not seek office or wish to topple the Government but wanted his concerns to be heard. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath supported the 2026 Budget, stating that the 2025 Budget had contributed to economic stabilization through growth, lower yields, exchange rate stability, increased remittances and improved anti-corruption standing. She outlined the Budget’s priorities as shared growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, a production economy, rural poverty eradication and digitalization. She highlighted allocations for roads, expressways, road safety, irrigation, rural bridges and tank rehabilitation, as well as concessional housing loans for migrant workers through the SLBFE Fund, and said the Budget maintained fiscal discipline without raising taxes. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Danushka Ranganath said the NPP Government’s first Budget had stabilized the economy and that benefits were now being directed to the public. He rejected claims that Rs. 1 million low-income houses could not be built, citing progress in Kalutara where 198 houses were approved, 147 completed and 82 handed over, with photographs placed in the Library. He also highlighted a proposed wage uplift for Malaiyaha Tamil plantation workers through a Rs. 200 company increase and a Rs. 200 Government attendance incentive, estimating an additional Rs. 10,000 per month for 25 working days and benefits for about 45,000 people in Kalutara. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the NPP Government’s 2026 Budget, arguing that it is viewed favourably by the public compared with past administrations and Opposition criticisms. He blamed earlier governments for slower growth and increased sovereign bond debt, and said the Government supports a responsible role for the State in economic management. He rejected claims of under-spending, citing high district fund utilization in Galle, and highlighted increased capital expenditure, public sector salary and pension measures, recruitment, administrative capacity-building, and the doubling of the Mahapola stipend to Rs. 10,000. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB AI summary Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara supported the Government’s second Budget, “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” citing Fitch Ratings’ reference to fiscal consolidation and noting claims of a Treasury surplus. He defended wage increases for estate workers and urged the Opposition to examine the Budget constructively rather than criticize it. He also highlighted Budget support for the livestock sector, stating that Sri Lanka imports 60 per cent of its milk needs and outlining a target to raise annual milk production by 1,200 million litres and meet 75 per cent of domestic demand by 2030. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →