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 October 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha moved an adjournment motion alleging that the Government has failed to implement key pledges in the National People’s Power manifesto, including tax relief, VAT removal, salary increases, constitutional reform, Provincial Council Elections, and a strengthened production economy. He argued that the Government instead implemented IMF conditions that increased taxes and burdens on households, citing World Bank poverty figures, rising malnutrition, unresolved public sector salary issues, and increased debt servicing through a supplementary estimate. He also criticized electricity tariff increases, lack of new investment zones, and weak industrial and investment activity, and called on the Government to implement its manifesto commitments. Adjournment Motion: Implementation of Manifesto "A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life" - Opening Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena stated that increasing tourists’ length of stay and daily expenditure requires adding more activities, noting Sri Lanka’s current per-visit spending is below that of destinations such as the Maldives. He highlighted railway-based tourism initiatives, including the promotion of the Ella–Badulla sector, the Calypso Train, and expanded Ella Odyssey services, while saying action had been taken against a ticketing “mafia.” He added that tourist trains are being maintained and serviced after the season, with attention to comfort and cleanliness on key tourist routes. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary The Government stated that it does not intend to abolish NEVIDA, but plans to improve and continue it. The member acknowledged that there may be broader systemic issues affecting the Authority and said the Government would address them. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected Opposition criticism on SME support, arguing that the crisis reflects long-standing weaknesses in banking instruments, collateral-based lending, and limited Central Bank capacity, while stating that the Government has issued circulars and coordinated banks through the Industry Ministry to assist affected businesses. He supported the Supplementary Estimate as a reallocation of Rs. 36 billion in unspent funds to reduce debt and interest costs, not as additional expenditure. He said transport and logistics reform is essential for economic growth and investment competitiveness, citing Sri Lanka’s weak World Bank Logistics Performance Index ranking compared with regional peers, and called for alignment of ports, buses, roads, and freight systems to support production and productivity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief to SMEs, including abolition of parate execution and restructuring or waiver of accumulated debt, citing widespread business closures and a specific case of excessive bank repayment demands. He also urged action against unregistered online lending operations and unlawful leasing repossessions, calling for stronger enforcement and lawful procedures. He further called for protection of the National Police Commission’s independence and said education reforms toward STEAM, robotics and AI should be accompanied by making History a core subject to preserve heritage and identity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB AI summary Discussions have been held with the relevant trade union representatives regarding their concerns. Necessary measures will be taken to address any identified issues. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister answered a Standing Order 27(2) question raised by Hon. K. Kader Masthan regarding the Government Translators’ Service. He stated that a structured service already exists, but salary issues arising from a proposed higher initial scale in the draft service minute are being addressed in line with the National Pay Policy and a Supreme Court judgment, with Special Grade promotions granted under Circular 12/2019. He said the Government will seek relevant concurrence and submit a Cabinet Memorandum, and that an independent committee is not presently necessary. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Free education was defended as a right, while the need to foster responsibility and public service among students through the education system was emphasized rather than relying only on laws or contracts. The Prime Minister said the Government is working to expand access through State institutions, vocational and professional education, and broader higher education opportunities. She also noted that strengthening the economy and society is necessary to retain graduates who might otherwise leave for better opportunities abroad. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Darmapriya Wijesinghe raised a follow-up question on the recent teachers’ struggle and the demand for improved salary scales, noting the Government’s policy commitment to place the teaching service among the top 10 service grades. He asked whether National Colleges of Education would be upgraded to award degrees, so that diploma-holding teachers would have the qualifications needed for promotion to higher grades. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister defended the amendments to the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, stating they were developed through consultations with WADA, Cabinet procedures, and legal advice to reduce ministerial control, align sanctions with due process, and strengthen anti-doping education and testing. He rejected Opposition claims that the Bill had led to international bans, loss of flag status, or funding problems, citing recent and upcoming Sri Lankan participation in international competitions. He also outlined “Mission Olympics” athlete and coach stipend schemes, anti-waste measures, regional sports infrastructure projects, and plans for new regulations and a forthcoming Sports Act to improve governance of national sports federations while keeping competitions active. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the anti-doping amendment but criticised delays in passing it, arguing that inefficiency had cost Sri Lanka opportunities to host international sporting events and gain foreign exchange. He called for greater investment in sports science, including a Sports University, accredited domestic anti-doping laboratory facilities, structured coach certification, and stronger use of biomechanics and analytical tools. He also urged that coaches be held accountable where athletes use banned substances on their advice, and said small stipends were insufficient to achieve future Olympic success. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe supported amendments to the 2013 anti-doping law implementing the UNESCO Convention, saying they would align Sri Lanka with international standards on sample collection, testing, education, research, and cooperation. He emphasized the need to reduce testing delays, expand awareness among athletes, coaches, medical personnel and teachers, and protect athlete health from the serious effects of doping substances. He warned that non-compliance could damage Sri Lanka’s reputation and lead to WADA sanctions affecting athletes’ participation and the hosting of international events. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Fisheries on fuel distribution for fishermen, emphasizing that unavailable or unaffordable fuel is undermining livelihoods, particularly among recovering small-scale fishing communities in the Vanni. He cited related issues of debt, inadequate infrastructure, climate impacts, and uneven access to existing kerosene subsidies. He urged an immediate fair fuel distribution mechanism, cooperative-based subsidized fuel purchasing, debt relief and financial assistance, and modernization of coastal infrastructure in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Jaffna. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Danushka Ranganath referred to the Land Reform Commission Law No. 1 of 1972 and noted that LRC land allocation and documentation programmes could be used to bring non-productive lands into productive use. He asked whether the LRC has, or has begun, an appraisal-based mechanism to allocate its lands to vetted MSME and entrepreneur business proposals. Oral Questions: Irrigation Department Tanks and Land Reform Commission Lands - Kalutara District Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana asked what support the Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau could provide in the next Budget to diversify Trincomalee tourism beyond seasonal beach tourism. He outlined plans for ecotourism, rural tourism, agrotourism and religious tourism in areas such as Morawewa and Gomaran Kadawala, including youth cooperatives, homestay training, a tourism cooperative from Sweat Bay, and a tourism zone linked to Sooriyapura, Kanthale Ara and Kanthale tank. Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that Sri Lanka currently has only one glass bottle manufacturer and said the Government has urged it to expand while also inviting new investors into the sector. He said the Ministry is prepared to facilitate such investments with credit and other support, given growing demand for alternatives to polythene and plastic. He also highlighted priority support for recycling initiatives, including facilities in industrial parks for businesses using recovered glass bottles and other recyclable materials. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa acknowledged Sri Lanka’s high ICAO aviation security rating but urged further strengthening of domestic aviation safety following several recent aircraft incidents. He proposed regional emergency response and search-and-rescue capacity, GPS tracking, improved radar, ATC and navigation coverage, decentralized maintenance, upgraded communications and weather systems, and expanded aviation human resources and digital safety technologies. He also called for a stronger, independent aircraft accident investigation mechanism meeting international standards, while noting that the measures may be costly but should be pursued to save lives. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised concern about a recent case in which a person from Jaffna was allegedly lured to Colombo with a false job offer and then robbed of his phone and money. He asked what action is being taken to address such financial scams, noting that similar incidents are occurring frequently in the country. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Vacancies in certain Sri Lanka Ports Authority grades have been approved for recruitment, reportedly for about 215 posts, under the Prime Minister’s committee, with further proposals pending. Bimal Rathnayake said SOR-related issues are being addressed, bonuses have been paid, Port profitability has increased by about 100 percent, and partial operations at the East Container Terminal are beginning. He urged public officers to act prudently and in good faith in light of past mismanagement. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara supported the Government’s electricity-sector reforms, stating that the restructuring of the CEB would create core companies for generation, transmission, distribution and system operation, while retaining state ownership and safeguarding employee benefits. He rejected claims of mass layoffs and criticized union-led opposition to reforms such as smart grids and renewable-energy expansion. He argued that the Government is already reducing fuel and electricity costs across household, hotel and industrial categories, and called for efficient, transparent management of the CEB without emergency procurements. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →