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- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had strengthened the economy since taking office, citing 4.8 per cent growth, efforts to reduce public debt, restored vehicle imports, stable reserves of about USD 6 billion, and renewed stalled State projects. He highlighted digital economy initiatives including GovPay, digital payment of traffic fines, the National Cyber Security Centre, upgrades to the Lanka Government Cloud, online access to official certificates and Presidential Fund benefits, and creation of a GovTech company. He said the 2026 Budget supports economic stabilization and development toward 2030 goals, with proposals such as Starlink services, a planned 5G spectrum auction, and vouchers for students in difficult areas to access online education, and sought parliamentary approval for its implementation. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister supported the 2026 Budget as a continuation of the Government’s stabilization and welfare-oriented programme, citing 2025 gains in growth, inflation control, interest rates, reserves, remittances, fiscal discipline, and revenue administration. She outlined 2026 priorities including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, domestic production, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization. She highlighted measures such as attendance-linked top-ups for estate workers, public service and pension increases, women’s empowerment funding, concessional loans for overseas Sri Lankans, a Wages and Pensions Commission, health-sector strengthening, higher Mahapola scholarships, and Rs. 4,290 million for 2,000 plantation-sector houses under Indian-assisted housing efforts. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Budget’s proposed Rs. 200 wage increase for plantation workers and urged the Government to ensure it is paid without restrictive attendance conditions, including to workers employed for fewer than 25 days. He appreciated allocations such as Rs. 500 million for easing traffic in Hatton, the improvement in economic growth, and anti-corruption efforts, while stressing that social justice and welfare must reach all communities equally. He also called on the Government, given its parliamentary majority, to address Tamil political grievances by holding Provincial Council elections as an initial step toward devolution and a broader solution for the North and East. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe defended the 2026 Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s second Budget after the 2024 presidential election, arguing that it should be assessed as a strategic plan rather than only by its figures. He said the Budget is built around six objectives: fair distribution of benefits, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive economic development, poverty eradication, and digitalization. He criticized the previous administration and the Opposition for debt-driven governance, alleged responsibility for the 2022 bankruptcy, and failing to understand or support the Government’s economic roadmap. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka challenged the Government’s claim that the Budget contains no new taxes, arguing that widened VAT coverage and lower registration thresholds would increase the burden on consumers and small businesses despite promises to shift toward direct taxation. He criticised the removal of vehicle permit benefits for professionals and public officers, saying MPs had not received such permits since 2020 and urging priority for doctors in any vehicle imports. He also alleged that a tender for 1,700 cabs appeared tailored to one supplier through restrictive specifications, while urgent health procurement had been delayed. He further questioned the real value of proposed salary increases under inflation and called for the long-delayed Household Income and Expenditure Survey to be conducted urgently. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake marked the anniversary of Rohana Wijeweera’s death and linked the NPP Government’s political programme to rule of law, social justice, and economic stability. He defended the 2026 Budget, citing improved reserves, exchange-rate stability, foreign investment, remittances, tourism arrivals, and upgraded credit ratings as evidence of recovery after the economic crisis. He emphasized Budget support for hill-country estate workers, including a proposed Rs. 200 Government contribution and Rs. 200 planter contribution in addition to the Rs. 1,350 daily wage, and rejected Opposition criticism of that measure. He also noted planned cost-sharing subsidies for Montessori teachers and for private-sector employment of persons with disabilities, and called for continued support for estate communities. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticised the Government’s second Budget, arguing that previous allocations had been poorly utilized, citing the Thambuttegama Economic Hub as an example, and saying the Budget relied on statistics without execution or substantive reform. He questioned the fiscal outlook, Fitch’s CCC+ rating, claims on FDI, and revenue increases linked to vehicle import relaxation, while warning that lowering the VAT registration threshold to Rs. 30 million would burden SMEs and consumers. He demanded restoration of vehicle permits for specialists, academics and executive-grade officers, and challenged the Government’s investment record, particularly its failure to attract new investment to the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Citizens’ Budget as a stabilization-focused Budget prepared under heavy debt-servicing obligations, noting Rs. 4,495 billion allocated for debt service and increased capital expenditure compared with 2024. He rejected Opposition claims that the Budget imposed new taxes, stating that no additional people-borne taxes were introduced and that the 18 percent VAT remained unchanged since January 2024. He highlighted improvements in exchange-rate stability, lower Treasury bill yields, export growth, remittances, tourism earnings, and reserves, and said relief for vulnerable groups such as estate workers reflected deliberate policy choices. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Chaminda Lalith Kumara defended the 2026 Budget, stating that it builds on the practical implementation of the 2025 Budget and includes village-level supervision to prevent waste and involve the public in development projects. He rejected Opposition criticism as baseless, urged members to read the Citizens’ Budget materials, and highlighted allocations and programmes for agriculture, value chains, youth engagement, tourism, drug eradication, and public security. He cited ongoing work in Gampaha and Meerigama to mobilize officials and community representatives, and dismissed allegations against him and his party relating to narcotics as politically motivated smears. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Budget’s public sector salary measures, arguing that the actual increase for lower-level public servants is minimal and that promised measures, including implementation of the remaining Subodinee Salary Commission recommendations for teachers, have not been delivered. He said allocations for principals’ and difficult-area allowances, housing loans, and distress loans are inadequate, and requested that executive-grade officers who already received vehicle permits under previous governments be allowed to use them. He also claimed the Budget offers no meaningful relief to farmers, fishers, the private sector, entrepreneurs, or public servants, and challenged the Government to hold Provincial Council Elections without first amending the law. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara framed the 2026 Budget as part of a long-term development and fiscal sustainability plan, arguing that debate should address underlying political and economic philosophy. He criticised the Opposition, linking the UNP, SJB and SLPP to a decades-long economic model he said had failed since the 1977 Budget’s employment proposals. He defended the Government’s approach as a “people’s participatory economy” focused on human capital, citing the proposed Rs. 1,750 estate wage increase and post-tsunami railway reconstruction as examples of valuing collective national labour. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Palani Thigambaram SJB AI summary Welcoming the Budget’s proposed wage support and Rs. 5,000 million allocation for estate communities, Palani Thigambaram asked the Government to clarify whether the Rs. 200 incentive will continue beyond 2026, whether it will be incorporated into the basic wage, and how the proposed allowance will be calculated. He argued that estate worker welfare must be paired with structural reforms, including allocating 10-perch land plots and converting workers into smallholders, while also requesting development of Hatton, dialysis facilities at Kiligama Hospital, and permanent buildings for local bodies and Divisional Secretariats in Nuwara Eliya. He defended past “good governance” initiatives for hill-country communities, opposed politically motivated administrative changes, urged continuation of the dedicated hill-country development authority, and said the Opposition would support Government measures that genuinely improve estate workers’ lives. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne supported the Government’s second Budget, describing it as focused on fiscal discipline, poverty alleviation, production, exports, digitalization, investment, and protection of all communities. He defended the proposed estate worker wage increase to Rs. 1,750, including a Rs. 200 Government arrival incentive, and questioned Opposition criticism of that payment. He also highlighted allocations for tourism development, nature and heritage attractions, coastal and lagoon restoration under Clean Sri Lanka, and sports promotion, linking these measures to economic growth, public health, and a proposed sports economy. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s 2026 Budget against Opposition claims that it is tax-heavy, IMF-driven, and provides insufficient public benefit, arguing that the administration has implemented fiscal discipline, economic democracy, and agreed reforms in a way that stabilizes the economy. He said the Government is restructuring and improving state-owned enterprises rather than privatizing them, citing Treasury assumption of legacy debts and a USD 174 million allocation for SriLankan Airlines, along with steps to clear guarantees and digitalize state institutions. He also justified tax measures including broadening the tax base, lowering the VAT registration threshold from April 2026, and introducing a national tariff policy, saying these are necessary for revenue, fair competition, and domestic industry protection. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the token action in the Northern Province was limited to the previous day and concerned the nurses’ attendance register. He said provincial authorities, including the Governor and health officials, had discussed the matter following an audit of hospital staff attendance, and that negotiations with trade unions were held the previous night to reach an understanding. Private Notice Question: Paddy Prices and Rice Imports (27(2)) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister explained that EPF administration is split between the Ministry of Labour and the Central Bank, with separate data systems causing delays when member records contain minor discrepancies. He said discussions are underway to integrate the systems and improve interoperability, while expanding online and remote services for members to check entitlements, claim refunds, and for employers to remit contributions. He added that improved digital remittance processes would help prevent delays and avoid surcharges of up to 50 percent. Oral Question: Recovery of EPF Contributions Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga raised concerns about delays and bureaucracy in obtaining EPF benefits, citing returned applications for minor discrepancies and difficulties verifying employment at closed institutions. She asked the Minister how soon digitized, more efficient procedures could be implemented to reduce paperwork and expedite EPF processing. Oral Question: Recovery of EPF Contributions Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Department of Labour continues to issue notices to employers for recovery of EPF contributions and surcharges following routine inspections and complaint investigations. He explained that notices cover the full period of default, while delays in issuing surcharge notices can result from Central Bank reconciliation requirements, mismatched employer and employee data, staff vacancies, and inadequate computer facilities. He added that no EPF surcharge relief was granted for the Easter Sunday attacks, but grace periods during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis led to surcharge waivers totalling Rs. 109,800,657 for 291 institutions. Oral Question: Recovery of EPF Contributions Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister said Sri Lanka already extends orphan benefits up to age 26, beyond the age of majority used in many countries, and indicated that further legal provisions could be examined for special circumstances. He also noted that appointing beneficiaries to jobs in the same institutions is limited by qualification requirements, but said targeted programmes, projects, or concessional support mechanisms could be considered to provide relief. Oral Question: Payment of Pension since 2020 (1354/2025) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran raised concerns about illegal fishing practices by fishers from other districts in Mullaitivu, especially Kokkilai, and Mannar, as well as encroachment by Indian fishers affecting local livelihoods, and asked what action the Ministry has taken. He also said inland fisheries registration and licensing in Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Vavuniya are delayed because only one NAQDA officer is available, citing the case of Pawarkulam fishers awaiting licences for months. He requested expedited licensing, resolution of disputes among Pawarkulam fishers, and measures to secure their livelihoods. Oral Question: Curbing Illegal Fishing in Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts (1352/2025) Read →