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- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake defended the 2026 Budget, rejecting Opposition criticism on under-spending of 2025 allocations and stating that execution was expected to reach 85–90 percent by year-end. He outlined the Budget’s revenue, expenditure and deficit figures, highlighted major allocations to education, health, transport, national security and the public service, and argued that fiscal management and import controls had helped preserve reserves and stability. He said the Budget would strengthen the public service through salary increases, pension changes, recruitment and vehicle allocations for official duties, including for divisional administrations and wildlife response to human–elephant conflict. He also stated that the Government did not intend to revive past practices around duty-free vehicle permits for MPs. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary The Minister rejected allegations of misuse of official vehicles, stating that government vehicles are for official duties and that past administrations misused State vehicles and fuel. He noted that some officials receive both vehicle permits and official vehicles, and referred to the medical sector’s DAT allowance, now Rs. 35,000, as an example of attention to public servants’ concerns. He said the Government’s priority is to strengthen the economy before expanding benefits, rather than distributing cash indiscriminately. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Minister Chrishantha Abeysena defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it had restored fiscal and political stability, rebuilt reserves and cash balances, broadened the tax base, and prioritized macroeconomic discipline before expanding relief. He highlighted allocations for research commercialization, Vidatha resource centres, ICT, industrial zones, and village-level economic development, while stating that public service recruitment would proceed in a phased, needs-based manner. He said public sector salaries had been increased and would rise further through allocations extending to 2027, and rejected claims that vehicle allocations were for luxury use by MPs, stating they were for official duties and service delivery needs. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that macroeconomic indicators had improved, including a stabilized rupee, higher exports, stronger tourism, increased reserves, and revenue gains through tax-base expansion rather than rate increases. He outlined Budget measures on education, student support, estate-sector schools, vocational and renewable energy training, public service pensions, concessional housing loans, and estate worker allowances. He also defended provisions for Government vehicle use and urged attention to vehicle shortages in field-level public offices and to issues such as human-elephant conflict. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Budget as overly long and largely undelivered from the previous year, arguing that it imposes regressive taxation on poorer citizens and small businesses while giving relief to wealthier interests. He questioned the Government’s claimed fiscal surplus, asking why it was not being used for farmers, fishers, hospitals, electricity relief, fertilizer, and MSME support, and criticised the lowering of VAT/SSCL registration thresholds and proposed vehicle purchases. He also accused the Government of previously opposing infrastructure projects such as expressways, Marine Drive and Port City, while now adopting similar policies, and called on it to deliver results, protect people, honour promises, and address IMF-related taxation concerns. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla defended the 2026 Budget, arguing that it benefits all sections of society while reducing the deficit from the 2023 level, and accused the Opposition of misrepresenting measures such as vehicle allocations. He highlighted Government actions including doubling Mahapola payments, increasing public sector salaries, restoring pensions for 2016 recruits, addressing agricultural storage and purchasing issues, developing local seed production, and responding to the human-elephant conflict. He also emphasized direct relief and housing support for estate workers in Badulla, calling for procedural or legislative fixes where needed, and asserted that the Government has the commitment to continue its development programme. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Morning) Read →
- 11 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that the 2025 Budget had shown weak implementation, citing low physical and financial progress in allocations for education, autism services, agriculture, sports, coconut development and land investment programmes, and questioned the credibility of the 2026 Budget proposals in that context. He accused the Government of failing to fulfil election promises, including pledges relating to the IMF agreement and debt sustainability framework, and said poor households, farmers, workers, youth, businesses, women, plantation communities and fisherfolk had been neglected. He demanded answers on measures to reduce the cost of living, the functioning of any Cabinet or official cost-of-living mechanism, and the Government’s plan for unemployed graduates. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Morning) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that SMEs and small manufacturers are under severe cash-flow pressure, citing tea auctions where buyers must finance an additional 18 per cent despite falling prices and refund delays of 75–106 days. He said these conditions make importing from countries such as India and China quicker and more attractive than local manufacturing in sectors including printing, rubber, textiles and ceramics. He asked the Deputy Minister to examine the issue, noting falling tea prices and a reported USD 450 million balance of payments deficit in September. Ministerial Statements: Debt Sustainability and SVAT Impact Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that the Simplified VAT scheme, introduced in 2011 as a temporary arrangement using IRD credit vouchers, is being replaced by an automated VAT refund process. He said the new Risk-Based Refund Scheme will provide refunds within 45 days, with low- and medium-risk exporters refunded without pre-verification and high-risk exporters subject to pre-verification. He maintained that exporters, SMEs, and deemed exporters would not be adversely affected, noting that eligible compliant taxpayers can file early through e-filing and receive timely refunds. Ministerial Statements: Debt Sustainability and SVAT Impact Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Minister tabled an answer detailing Central Bank-regulated financial institutions operating in the Northern Province, including district-wise numbers of State banks, private banks, finance companies and licensed microfinance companies. The answer stated that the Central Bank does not maintain data on loan interest rates charged by State and private banks, while licensed microfinance companies had effective annual rates ranging from 22.69 per cent to 39.40 per cent as of September 2025. It also outlined the Central Bank’s supervisory powers under relevant legislation and noted that a Draft Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill is being prepared for submission to Parliament. Oral Question: Banks and Financial Institutions in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1182/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Thilina Samarakoon raised concerns about outdated stock control practices and procurement issues observed at several SLTB depots, linking them to continued financial losses. He asked the Minister whether there is a programme to improve staff attitudes and practices in stock control and depot operations. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board - Purchasing Spare Parts (Q.1428/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Raised concerns that some industrial estate plots have been subleased for profit without starting industries, diverting them from their intended purpose. Requested prompt action to reclaim such plots and reallocate them to genuine entrepreneurs. Oral Question: Land Plots at Industrial Park in Poonthottam (Q.1315/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan requested the Minister to expedite the allocation of 13 remaining plots to genuine entrepreneurs, noting that some applicants have not yet received land. He said overgrowth on the unallocated plots is causing problems for nearby residents and asked whether arrangements exist to fast-track the allocations. Oral Question: Land Plots at Industrial Park in Poonthottam (Q.1315/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa provided details on the Poonthottam Industrial Park in Vavuniya, stating that it has 65 plots on 10 acres, of which 50 have been allocated to 19 industrialists, 13 remain vacant, and two are reserved for Industrial Development Board activities. He said all but three allottees are currently operating industries, and that plots held by non-operational allottees can be cancelled and reallocated to new entrepreneurs, with such action underway. He also noted recent development work, including a Rs. 2.5 million transformer in 2020 and Rs. 2.5 million perimeter fencing in 2021, and said steps are being taken to bring the park close to full capacity. Oral Question: Land Plots at Industrial Park in Poonthottam (Q.1315/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a question to the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development regarding the industrial park registered No. 1458 in Poonthottam, Vavuniya, noting that some plots appear derelict. He sought details on the total plots, allocations to entrepreneurs, unallocated land, whether allocated plots are being used for their intended purposes, and whether unused allocated plots can be reallocated. He also asked about the last development programme funded by the industrial park itself and whether the park is operating at maximum capacity, with reasons if it is not. Oral Question: Land Plots at Industrial Park in Poonthottam (Q.1315/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that the Government is developing a programme to grant NVQ certification to Tri-Forces personnel based on their practical skills and service experience. He said discussions have been held with relevant ministers, ministries, and the Vocational Training Authority to implement a special programme, “Ranaviru Vāpasāyaka Abhiman,” under the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development. The initiative has identified 28 focus sectors and aims to support ex-service personnel in entering the national labour force and contributing to the economy. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera stated that plans regarding retirees would cover both those interested and not interested in entrepreneurship, as well as current personnel nearing retirement and those already retired. He said the Government would consider their varied skills and professional competencies in shaping the relevant measures. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga noted that many directly recruited military personnel and war veterans retire around ages 40 to 42 with trade skills acquired during service. He asked whether the Ministry would create pathways to upgrade and certify those skills and guide retirees into employment, particularly for those who do not wish to become entrepreneurs. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera provided figures on direct-entry recruitment to the Tri-Forces and said such personnel are employed in specified construction, technical, agro-technical, administrative and specialist trades according to service needs. He stated that these recruits receive only limited orientation rather than full military and weapons training, are deployed within their recruited trades, and are promoted under service-specific procedures. Regarding Tri-Forces reorganization, he said no decision has been taken to remove or compulsorily retire such personnel, while programmes including a planned “Mission Reboot” pilot are being developed to integrate retiring and retired service members’ skills into the national economy. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Lt. Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga asked the Minister of Defence for detailed information on personnel recruited to the Tri-Forces under direct entry for professional duties, including numbers by force, professions, reasons for this recruitment category, deployment differences, and rank and promotion arrangements. He also sought clarification on whether such personnel would be removed in any Tri-Forces reorganization, whether counts or assessments had been made, and whether programmes had been discussed for those to be removed or retired. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) Read →