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- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about disputes and protests at Tissa Viharaya in Kankesanthurai, arguing that law, religion, peace, and historical heritage should be treated equally across all regions. He also called for Government action to protect Uva potato farmers by restricting or managing imports during the local harvest season and ensuring better market prices. He questioned the influence of social media on legal processes, citing commentary before court decisions, and urged that courts and police act independently and properly. He further said public servants who supported the Government now face unresolved service issues, including permits, transfers, appointments, and school staffing changes, and urged the Government to address them fairly rather than through pressure or intimidation. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister thanked Hon. Shritharan for the motion in the context of the upcoming UNHRC session and argued that sustainable peace depends on equal opportunity, justice, accountability, and equitable economic development across communities and regions. She outlined Budget priorities for the North and Malaiyaha areas, including rural roads, bridges, agriculture, transport, education, housing, land, sanitation, and recognition of Malaiyaha people as Sri Lankan citizens. She also highlighted legal measures prohibiting child domestic labour, child begging, and hazardous work under 18, and emphasized women’s political participation, women’s action societies, cottage industry development, equal pay, media freedom, and protection of fundamental rights. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law (on behalf of the (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Defence whether the Government is aware that many retired Tri-Forces and Police personnel work in private security services, and whether they receive fair wages, adequate facilities, training, and recognition. She also requested information on whether a regulatory mechanism exists for private security services, or what steps are being taken to establish one if it does not. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran said applicants who passed two rounds of interviews have waited more than six years for appointments despite over 600 vacancies, blaming the delay on government departmental failings. He noted that many had served for long periods as volunteers and were formally assessed, and asked the Deputy Minister to ensure a pathway for their appointment. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Approval had been granted in 2019 to fill health assistant vacancies in the Northern Province, but appointments issued to 454 candidates were suspended after a Presidential Secretariat directive halting recruitments following the 2019 Presidential Election. Subsequent efforts to obtain approval were affected by DMS Circular No. 02/2020 assigning primary grade recruitment to the Multi-Purpose Development Task Force, and the matter is also before the Provincial High Court in Jaffna. The Deputy Minister said staff shortages affect services but patient care continues uninterrupted, and recruitment will be expedited if the Department of Management Services and Ministry of Finance grant approval. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media about the delay in recruiting 454 Healthcare Assistants selected in 2019 for permanent Grade III posts in the Northern Province, reportedly due to lack of Finance Ministry approval. He highlighted that 643 vacancies are affecting health services in the Province and sought details on any administrative or legal constraints despite appointment letters being issued, as well as whether expedited recruitment steps will be taken. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna argued that Sri Lanka’s digital economy ambitions require resolving basic access issues such as the ability to open and use PayPal, Payoneer, GPay, Etsy and eBay-linked payment accounts for online exports. He linked the discussion to fingerprint attendance systems, supporting consistent enforcement while noting practical concerns in the postal service and alleging widespread inflation of hospital overtime claims, calling for CCTV and records-based checks. He said low basic salaries contribute to overtime abuse and suggested increasing doctors’ basic pay while reducing improper OT, and concluded by urging respect for all who died in the war without reviving divisive narratives. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga moved an Adjournment Motion on the Government’s initiative for an inclusive digital economy, presenting digital economy development as a key pillar of the Government’s development strategy. She called for stronger integration of public digital infrastructure and AI-related technologies into the national economy, with emphasis on youth and women, startups, innovation-led enterprises, foreign investment, and international engagement. She proposed a broad public awareness programme led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and outlined planned measures including digital state services, national ID and licensing systems, land registration, government networks and cloud services, rural inclusion, knowledge centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and smart-city infrastructure. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance updating HS codes for vehicle imports after their resumption on 1 February 2025, stating that it would address new vehicle technologies and avoid higher “Other” duties. He argued that economic confidence has improved, citing vehicle imports, export growth, rupee stability, increased remittances and investment, tax compliance, and resumed construction activity. He also referred to the planned completion of the Warakapola bypass by 2026 and the resumption of water and sanitation projects in Thulhiriya, while emphasizing the Government’s agenda of rebuilding production, reducing waste, and combating corruption. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The speech supported the Regulations under the Construction Industry Development Act, No. 33 of 2014, citing recent Central Bank PMI data as evidence of recovery in the construction sector after previous declines and stalled projects. It argued that improved political leadership, reduced interference, and stronger institutional independence would help restore confidence, employment, and investment in the industry. The speaker highlighted CIDA’s role in registering and grading contractors and accrediting adjudicators, and specifically endorsed reducing the adjudicator registration renewal fee from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,000 to support dispute resolution. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka defended the Government’s economic management, stating that vehicle imports had resumed in 2024/2025 after a five-year halt and that letters of credit worth US$1,378 million had been opened by 19 August. He said the Government had stabilized an economy it inherited 11 months earlier, citing IMF, World Bank and media assessments, and reported improved fiscal performance including revenue of Rs. 2,325 billion in the first two quarters of 2025 and a 32.3 per cent reduction in the budget deficit. He also highlighted increases in port profits, FDI, tourism earnings, remittances, exports, reserves and domestic investment, and urged public confidence in the Government’s economic programme. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported revenue and reform measures in principle but questioned whether increased taxation and Customs revenue were improving public services or reducing living costs. He raised concerns over remittances linked to Sri Lankans in the Russia–Ukraine war, tourist driving permits affecting local employment, Customs delays increasing consumer costs, and proposed CEB engineering recruitment despite internal candidates. He also called for redeploying staff from downsized state entities to services such as the Postal Department, adjusting teacher transfer timing and benefits to avoid disruption, and considering leadership capacity, not only qualifications, in appointments to major schools such as Bandaranaike College, Gampaha. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti said the Government was mediating with banks to provide relief for distressed borrowers, while rejecting blanket loan write-offs because they involve depositors’ funds. He argued that economic conditions, governance, and accountability had improved after the change in political power, citing increased profits in airports and ports, higher FDI, tourism earnings, remittances, Customs revenue, and a reduced budget deficit. Referring to the Construction Industry Development Act and vehicle import and EV-related reforms, he said regulations would be brought before Parliament and that construction and industry policy should align with economic recovery and new technologies. He also said law enforcement and scrutiny of past corruption, including construction-related projects, should apply equally to politicians and officials. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked the Minister to intervene on behalf of SMEs, stating that despite sovereign debt restructuring and deferred payments, they continue to face serious difficulties in sustaining their businesses. He linked the concern to strengthened recovery laws and requested ministerial attention to the issue. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the current vehicle import duty structure, saying small cars have become unaffordable for lower middle-income workers despite prior political promises, and urged tax reforms to make vehicles accessible. He called for a more flexible response to postal workers’ trade union action and highlighted salary and retention problems at the Road Development Authority, proposing legal empowerment for the RDA to generate revenue. He also alleged failures in the Government’s paddy procurement programme, citing low Paddy Marketing Board purchases and a wide gap between farmgate paddy prices and controlled rice prices that benefits large millers. Additionally, he questioned the proposed use of BOI land in Mirigama for cannabis cultivation, arguing such scarce industrial land near Colombo should be reserved for export processing and investment activities. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Called for a level playing field in the motor trade, arguing that small vehicle importers and agents are under pressure compared with larger firms. He urged equal enforcement of rules across the sector. Debate: Customs Ordinance Resolution and Related Regulations Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Government’s plan to increase exports from USD 16 billion to USD 36 billion by 2030 in the context of bankruptcy recovery, global instability, and new US tariff measures. He requested a detailed export roadmap with sectoral targets, measures for market diversification and operationalizing FTAs, responses to tariff impacts, and steps to improve value addition, infrastructure, ease of doing business, SME export finance, and investor incentives. He also asked for projections on investment mobilization and whether export-led growth can build sufficient reserves ahead of debt repayments from April 2028, including current and monthly reserve figures for 2025. Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that discussions with the Postmaster General and Ministry Secretary had addressed 17 of 19 demands raised by postal workers, including recruitment, vehicles, modernization, service rules, and work studies. He said the unresolved issues were overtime levels and fingerprint attendance, on which the Government would not compromise regarding accountability. He called on unions, particularly Central Mail Exchange staff, to accept fingerprinting and revised overtime arrangements so that remaining issues and service delays could be resolved. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe raised concern over reports that senior postal officials had issued red notices directing striking postal workers to return to work immediately. He asked whether the Minister would facilitate dialogue to resolve the dispute amicably, citing the Minister’s stated commitment to workers’ welfare. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary The Minister said the postal strike was causing temporary public inconvenience and opportunities for private couriers to raise prices, but that reforms at the Central Mail Exchange should continue. He outlined Government measures including regularizing 1,000 substitutes, recruiting another 1,000 staff, purchasing 250 vehicles, constructing and renovating post offices, and modernizing the postal service. He stated that the main union objections concerned overtime rates and fingerprint attendance verification, arguing that overtime had already been significantly increased and that accountability was necessary given Treasury support of Rs. 4 billion and rising fiscal pressures. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →