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- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the 2026 Budget demonstrates fiscal discipline, planned governance and political leadership following the 2025 crisis, citing execution of over half of planned spending, an expected improvement by year-end, and a 2.3 percent primary surplus. She argued that the Government is using the existing public service rather than political appointments, while funding salary increases, allowances, equipment and other reforms to improve service delivery. She rejected claims that democracy or multi-party politics are under threat, saying the Government is enforcing the law and implementing a five-year programme focused on institutional rebuilding, anti-corruption, vulnerable groups, debt sustainability and long-term reform. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 Hon. Vijesiri Basnayake AI summary Hon. Vijesiri Basnayake supported the 2026 Budget, stating that it reflects the Government’s approach to fiscal discipline, revenue-expenditure management, and economic reform. He outlined key pillars including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, strengthening domestic production, support for SMEs, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization. He cited economic indicators such as 4.8 percent growth in the first half of 2025, reserves above USD 6 billion, improved ratings outlooks, and plans for trade agreements and integration into global value chains. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that economic indicators are improving and that the 2026 proposals set out a roadmap for export diversification, SME support, health, education, public sector salaries, housing, and long-term growth. He rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims about vehicle allocations for MPs and doubts about the Government’s housing and growth targets, stating that funds were for essential government and local authority vehicles and that housing projects relied partly on community participation. He highlighted allocations of Rs. 654 billion for health, Rs. 704 billion for education, over Rs. 80 billion for MSME and startup credit, and additional funds for public servants’ salary increases, allowances, loans, and regularization. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget as part of a long-term policy framework aimed at moving from financial stability to a productive, inclusive economy, arguing that the Government met fiscal and macroeconomic targets in 2025 and is now targeting 7 percent growth and lower debt-to-GDP by 2030. He cited export, industrial, credit, tourism, IT and FDI growth as evidence of renewed investor confidence, and said reforms are under way on taxation, PPPs, investment protection, SOE management, MSME credit, digitization and the National Single Window. He also outlined measures for renewable energy, agriculture value chains, logistics, Customs modernization, public transport, disability inclusion, housing, waste management and improved ease of doing business, while contrasting these with what he described as past policy failures. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage outlined a five-pronged empowerment programme for low-income families, covering livelihood promotion, human capital development, psychosocial support, social protection, and skills guidance. He said families are identified through Samurdhi Development Officers, supported with business plans, Rs. 150,000 grants, credit facilitation, and assistance from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Treasury allocations. He also noted the “Next Sri Lanka” programme aims to provide vocational training to 50,000 persons, while a contributory pension scheme is being introduced through the Social Security Board for informal-sector workers. Oral Question: Financial Assistance Provided to Public During COVID Pandemic (Q.1492/2025) Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government does not plan to discontinue ongoing programmes or reorganize institutions without purpose. He said Aswesuma benefits will continue through the Welfare Benefits Board, while the Samurdhi Development Department is being redirected toward community empowerment and developed into a microfinance institution for low-income communities. He added that related community empowerment programmes have already begun. Oral Question: Financial Assistance Provided to Public During COVID Pandemic (Q.1492/2025) Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary The address outlines Budget 2026 proposals to support small and medium enterprises, agriculture and tourism through concessional lending, refinancing, pledge loans, collateral-free loans and interest subsidies, with Rs. 80,000 million allocated for related loan schemes. It proposes lowering the investment threshold for enhanced capital allowances from US$3 million to US$250,000 to encourage SME investment. For tourism, it sets targets of US$8 billion in earnings and 4 million arrivals by 2030, proposes institutional restructuring, destination development, use of underutilized government bungalows with private-sector support, and infrastructure and marketing initiatives in areas including the Western Province coastal zone and Haputale. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined budget proposals for public servants, including Rs. 110 billion for the second phase of salary increases from January 2026 and Rs. 20 billion to adjust pre-2020 pensions from July 2026 based on the 2019 salary structure. He proposed expanded concessionary and distress loan schemes, higher Akrahara insurance contributions, an increased festival advance, and enhanced allowances for teachers in hardship areas, principals, and railway level crossing watchmen. He also proposed regularizing around 9,800 temporary, casual, substitute, contract and relief-basis public sector employees who meet qualifications and have served over six months, in line with Public Administration Circulars 25/2014 and 29/2019. The speech concluded by linking these measures to fiscal discipline and implementation of the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake concluded the Budget speech by framing the Budget as a programme to combat bribery, corruption, drug trafficking, the underworld and poverty while restoring confidence and promoting development. He invited Sri Lankans living overseas and those previously excluded from public service to return, invest and contribute under a merit-based system. He called on the Opposition to criticize and question the Government but not to obstruct efforts against crime and poverty, and thanked Ministry of Finance officials for preparing the Budget and supporting its implementation. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Raised concerns that high taxes on the gem industry, including 30 per cent corporate tax and 18 per cent VAT, discourage registration and declaration of domestic earnings. He urged the Minister to make the system more user-friendly, restore conditions to retain processing of Sri Lankan gems locally, and consider duty-free facilities or per-carat relief to increase revenue and help achieve the USD 2 billion export target. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lanka generally prohibits export of domestically produced or imported rough gems except where expert committees confirm that low-value or technically non-processable material cannot be value-added locally, while cut and polished exports remain subject to NGJA and Customs supervision. He outlined ongoing research, training and technology upgrades to expand domestic cutting, heat treatment, certification and finishing capacity, with the aim of reducing rough geuda exports and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional gem trading hub. He said the Government targets USD 1–2 billion in annual gem and jewellery exports by 2030, seeks to bring estimated unregulated outflows into a legal liberalized framework, and will review export procedures and tax policies with stakeholders while strengthening action against illicit exports. He clarified that the NGJA levies service fees, not taxes, under the relevant Gazette, and tabled annexes on programmes, strategy and fee schedules. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s and Central Bank’s decision to maintain a 5 per cent inflation target, arguing that it weakens real incomes, savings, competitiveness, and investor confidence. He proposed shifting to a 2–3 per cent target alongside supply-side reforms, and asked whether higher interest rates and rupee depreciation impose major fiscal costs of about Rs. 160 billion per percentage point and Rs. 45 billion per rupee respectively. He also sought clarification on whether the Ministry of Finance has assessed the impact on public savings and whether the current target undermines long-term investment, export, and FDI goals. Point of Order and Procedural Matters - Budget-related Discussion Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa highlighted staff shortages in Allied Health Sciences faculties, particularly at Ruhuna University, where 250 students from the 2023 A/L cohort have not yet been admitted. He cited gaps between UGC-approved staffing ratios and actual academic staff numbers, including in nursing, and urged the Government to admit the students and begin the programme by recruiting academic and non-academic staff on contract if necessary. He linked the issue to national shortages of nurses, medical laboratory technologists and pharmacists, and asked the relevant Ministers to provide a solution. Oral Question: Health Service Delivery - Supplementary Questions and Answers Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth requested improvements to the Pottuvil bus depot, noting its earlier downgrade, recent re-upgrading, and an unutilized Rs. 600 million allocation from the previous year. He asked whether the current Budget could provide a new building, luxury buses, basic facilities, and fill five vacant driver posts, particularly to support transport services in the tourism area of Arugam Bay. Oral Question: SLTB Bus Depot in Pottuvil DS Division (Q.8-9/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, is supporting SMEs and palmyrah producers through schemes and credit programmes. He invited local and overseas Sri Lankan investors to invest in palmyrah value addition, noting that Sri Lanka has about 11.1 million dispersed palmyrah trees and that discussions are under way to legally allocate clustered access for investment. He said the Government is ready to facilitate such partnerships. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna reported growth in the palmyrah industry, noting exports increased from Rs. 57.83 million in 2023 to Rs. 203.19 million in the first four months of 2025. He said cultivation and value addition are expanding beyond traditional regions into districts such as Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Ampara and Hambantota, and outlined plans to link palmyrah products with tourism promotion. He also cited training in Ella for low-income households to establish micro-enterprises and said the Ministry intends to further popularize palmyrah products islandwide. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government is recognizing palmyrah as an economically significant crop and strengthening the Palmyrah Development Board to support technology, production, value addition and sustainable management. He stated that tree felling is restricted under the Felling of Trees (Control) Act, but stronger legal provisions are being pursued, while a 2025 programme will plant 120,000 seeds in the Northern and Eastern Provinces with Rs. 10 million allocated and Rs. 15 million proposed for 2026. He also outlined support for rural women and youth, exporter coordination, and efforts to expand palmyrah products in global markets, noting export earnings of Rs. 57.83 million in 2023, Rs. 228.6 million in 2024, and Rs. 203.19 million in the first four months of 2025. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister stated that programmes such as “Mission Olympics 2028” and “Kreeda Shakthi,” along with allowances for coaches, are being implemented to develop athletics. He congratulated Lahiru Arachchinta for winning gold and Nethmi Gimhani for winning bronze at the Asian Youth Games, noting that Lahiru benefited from the Kreeda Shakthi programme. He said continued support would help Sri Lankan athletes advance nationally and internationally. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy said Ceylon Electricity Board employees have until 27 October 2025, under Section 18(f) of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, to indicate whether they wish to be assigned to successor companies, so final figures are not yet available. He stated that reasons for employees’ choices cannot be specified because the decision rests with them, and the allocation for voluntary retirement cannot be provided until applications are finalized. He added that Cabinet approval has been obtained to include the cost of the voluntary retirement scheme in the first electricity tariff revision of 2026. Written Answer: Restructure of Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1460/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Energy for details on voluntary retirement applications by Ceylon Electricity Board employees under the CEB restructuring process pursuant to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, as amended by Act No. 14 of 2025. He requested a post-wise breakdown of applicants, reasons where voluntary retirement has not been sought, the compensation allocation for retiring employees, and the proposed funding sources for that compensation. Written Answer: Restructure of Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1460/2025) Read →