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- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Hector Appuhamy) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to provide country-wise figures since 2015 on Sri Lankan migrant workers who have experienced harassment abroad, the number repatriated to Sri Lanka, and the interventions or measures taken on their behalf. The question also seeks reasons if this information cannot be provided. Oral Question: Sri Lankan Workers Abroad - Complaints Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri criticized past development projects for allegedly prioritizing Ministers’ own districts and employment opportunities there, leading to public service issues. He asked on what basis the particular village had been selected for the proposed interventions. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister acknowledged the service rendered by the personnel concerned and stated that the Department of Management Services has been asked to establish a recruitment mechanism. He expressed confidence that this process would be completed soon, allowing recruitment and confirmation to proceed. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Around 600 teachers are serving as acting In-Service Advisers across about 100 education zones, carrying out curriculum support, teacher training, supervision, materials development, performance improvement work, paper-setting, and organizing competitions. The member asked whether the Government will make these acting ISAs permanent. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Vocational Education stated that action is being taken to address recruitment, with the Department of Management Services already informed. He said a new call will be arranged for those not included in the previous intake, enabling them to apply and be recruited through the proper process. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Deputy Minister whether the Ministry would absorb and regularize more than 4,000 teachers currently serving temporarily as In-Service Advisers. He noted that the ISA Service Minute, gazetted in 2020 and later amended, provides for recruitment through a written examination but that the Government had previously absorbed temporary ISAs in 2020 to recognize their service and avoid adverse effects. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details of officers in Eastern Province education zones serving as Acting In-Service Advisers and Resource Persons. He sought separate lists of names based on appointments made by the Provincial Education Ministry Secretary, the Provincial Director of Education, and Zonal Directors, and asked whether long-serving acting appointees would be confirmed in those posts. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha reviewed 2025 economic performance, citing 5 percent growth, per capita GDP above USD 5,000, lower lending rates, stronger exports, tourism and remittances, and a record current account surplus of USD 1.73 billion. He said fiscal management reduced the budget deficit, increased public wages and capital expenditure, supported private sector credit growth, and enabled a Rs. 500 billion response to the Ditva cyclone amid global shocks. Responding to Opposition claims, he rejected assertions of a Rs. 5 trillion debt increase, citing official debt figures showing total debt rising from Rs. 29.8 trillion at end-2024 to Rs. 31 trillion at end-2025 and falling to Rs. 30.82 trillion by April 2026, with external debt also declining by April 2026. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara JJB AI summary The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara supported the CBSL Annual Economic Review 2025, arguing that it reflected economic recovery under stable and transparent policy management rather than a political narrative. He cited sustained GDP growth of about 5 per cent, improved inflation management toward the 5 per cent target, stable food and energy prices despite external pressures, and lower interest rates that expanded private sector credit. He also noted the relaxation of vehicle import restrictions as part of efforts to revive commerce and market activity. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Responding to media reports, the Deputy Minister rejected claims that the Government was seeking to weaken the Right to Information framework, stating that discussions with civil society concerned strengthening the RTI Commission through staffing, digitization, improved allowances, premises, proactive disclosure, and possible legal amendments. She also defended the Government’s approach to media freedom and questioned opposition to a proposed National Media Policy. Turning to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s 2025 report, she highlighted growth, improved labour force participation, falling unemployment, and sectoral expansion, arguing that economic gains were driven by workers and supported by public spending on health, education, and transport. She called on the Opposition to engage constructively and avoid spreading inaccurate claims. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman conveyed condolences on the death of journalist D. P. S. Jeyaraj and urged the Government to proceed with a promised meeting involving plantation companies, police, MPs and media to address alleged thuggery and lawlessness on estates. He argued that upcountry housing and service delivery are being obstructed by estate land control mechanisms, calling for habitable plantation areas to be taken over by the Government and for increased allocations beyond the current level. He cited earlier proposals, including a Cabinet paper to allocate land to upcountry families, and asked the Government to implement its programmes and wage commitments for estate workers effectively. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s economic record by citing the Central Bank report, arguing that GDP, per capita income, reserves, tourism, exports and employment indicators improved in 2024, while rejecting Opposition claims about debt growth and vehicle prices as false. He contrasted these figures with the records of previous UNP and SLPP-led administrations, alleging that past growth was accompanied by excessive debt, currency depreciation and weak fiscal outcomes. He also highlighted changes to political practices, including a smaller Cabinet, reduced benefits for MPs and limits on vehicle permits, and outlined disaster-relief payments provided after the 2024 floods and landslides. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected Opposition claims on poverty, vehicle letters of credit, and the e-passport tender, stating that official clarifications and available data contradicted those allegations. He argued that Sri Lanka’s economy, weakened over decades of rule by previous administrations, had now achieved macroeconomic stabilization recognized by the World Bank, ADB, and IMF. He cited projected GDP growth, a per capita GDP above USD 5,000, sectoral expansion, a primary surplus, and a current account surplus as evidence of recovery, while noting tourism disruptions from Middle East conflict and plans to focus on Indian and Chinese markets. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan reviewed the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Annual Economic Review 2025, highlighting improved growth, higher per capita income, lower inflation, stronger revenue collection, a primary surplus, declining external debt, increased FDI, remittances, tourism earnings, reserves, and lower unemployment. He noted that the trade deficit had widened and that poverty remained high at 24.5 percent, with Sri Lanka ranked 89th on the Human Development Index. He argued that the economy had recovered from contraction in 2023 and sustained growth through 2024 and 2025, with per capita income exceeding USD 5,000 as a key indicator. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih said the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025 reflected a national recovery marked by returning confidence, stronger remittances, a current account surplus, improved banking sector stability, and expanding private sector credit. He emphasized that reforms such as digital payments, stronger supervision, and anti-money laundering measures must continue alongside fiscal discipline and policy consistency. He cautioned against complacency given global risks, energy price volatility, and climate vulnerability, and called for inclusive, people-centred growth with social protection, youth opportunities, institutional strengthening, and national unity. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that the Government inherited a severely weakened economy in 2024 due to past policy failures, citing the 2022 crisis and declines in growth, revenue, reserves, and living standards. Referring to the Central Bank’s 2025 Review, he said the first two Budgets and improved management had stabilized key indicators, increased GDP and per capita income, strengthened reserves and the banking sector, expanded tourism, remittances, private credit, and revenue, and reduced the fiscal deficit. He urged support for the Government’s economic programme despite natural disasters and global shocks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage stated that the 2026 Budget allocated funds to settle long-overdue employee benefit arrears, including EPF, ETF and gratuity, at several loss-making State institutions. He said Rs. 5,235 million has been allocated across seven entities, with Rs. 707 million already provided to the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation and Rs. 82.9 million allocated to North Sea Ltd., and indicated that remaining arrears at the Fisheries Corporation would be settled within a month. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna clarified that her request to the Bribery Commission and the Auditor General was for a wage increase to be extended to small and medium estate workers as well. She criticized the Minister for misunderstanding her communication before Parliament was adjourned. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi raised concerns about alleged unequal treatment within a union, stating that its General Secretary faces charges and that an inquiry by Wasantha Jayaratne made observations without subsequent action. He alleged that politically connected individuals are being protected while others have been sent home without cause and are receiving only part of their salaries, and called for the authorities to investigate. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, arguing that they seek to broaden the direct tax base, improve compliance, and create a fairer, more transparent and technology-enabled tax system. He highlighted measures including lowering the enhanced capital allowance threshold from USD 3 million to USD 250,000 to benefit SMEs, strengthening enforcement for non-filing or non-appearance, and increasing capital gains tax for individuals and partnerships to 15 percent for rationalization. He said taxpayers who pay at least 20 percent more than the previous year would receive relief from further scrutiny, and stated that RAMIS is integrated with banks, Customs and other state institutions to support revenue collection. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →