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- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe paid tribute to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the armed forces and Police for ending the war, and emphasized that terrorism against civilians by any group should be condemned. He argued that tax administration should focus on widening compliance, education and remedies before punishment, warning that online filing requirements and jail penalties could unfairly affect elderly people and small traders. He criticised the Government’s economic management, citing unpaid dues to electricity producers, alleged losses and irregular payments in coal, energy, transport, banking, postal and welfare sectors, and concerns raised by the Central Bank, Treasury and ADB. He warned of rising poverty, declining reserves, currency depreciation and higher living costs, and urged the Government not to lead the country toward another bankruptcy. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Bill as creating an enforceable process for tax recovery, including Inland Revenue notice, time for rectification and representations, and Magistrate’s Court proceedings before action against deficiencies. He said the measure is aimed at formalizing economic activity and preventing persistent tax evasion while protecting compliant taxpayers, and noted RAMIS integration and expected collection efficiencies. He outlined proposed tax changes including exemptions or clarifications on motor vehicle sales, donations, life insurance, small interest income, salary arrears, investor visas, exporter expenses, capital allowances, and relief for SMEs through possible waiver of penalties and interest if arrears are settled within six months. He also said the Government is widening the tax base through TIN registration and mandatory use of TINs for economic activities. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Government has failed to recover large VAT and tax arrears, citing Rs. 309 billion allegedly paid by consumers to private companies and Auditor General findings on missing files related to court cases. He criticized Clause 34 introducing Section 185A as a draconian criminal-law approach to tax compliance that would intimidate small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially amid IMF revenue pressures. He also questioned the consistency of launching an SME strategy while introducing measures he said would deter businesses, and urged the Government to amend the clause. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera said the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill seeks to simplify tax administration, reduce taxpayer burdens, improve compliance and broaden the tax base without raising rates. He outlined measures including removal of estimated tax statements, audit relief for compliant taxpayers, lower investment thresholds for SME machinery allowances, deductions for exporters’ overseas expenses, interest waivers on arrears, revised treatment of salary arrears, simplified refunds for senior citizens, exemptions for minor incidental income and private vehicle capital gains. He also noted that, following Supreme Court petitions, Cabinet agreed to withdraw three clauses and amend provisions on deficiency assessments and appeals, while providing a legal framework for withholding tax self-declarations. He stated that Inland Revenue and overall tax collections exceeded Budget targets in 2025, which he attributed to improved administration and compliance. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that specific issues concerning NDB were outside the immediate scope of the question but would be looked into. He explained that EPF governance is handled through the Monetary Board’s EPF Management Committee at the Central Bank, with administrative coordination by the Ministry of Labour, and said discussions are ongoing with the NLAC and CBSL on strengthening governance, including possible changes to investment policy and Board representation. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister of Labour rejected reports that the Employees’ Provident Fund would be converted into a pension-only scheme, stating that no such decision, actuarial valuation, or proposal exists. He said any EPF-related policy or legislative changes would be made in consultation with the National Labour Advisory Council, trade unions, employers, and other stakeholders. He noted that EPF assets stood at Rs. 4,965 billion as at 31 December 2025, and that consultations had agreed on establishing a tripartite governance mechanism with technical experts to oversee EPF matters, including investments. He also stated that discussions were focused on simplifying the 30 percent withdrawal process, not removing existing benefits. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on its economic management amid rupee depreciation, rising living costs, income inequality and pressure on living standards. He sought explanations on the causes of currency depreciation and the Government’s short-, medium- and long-term plans for exchange-rate stability, as well as programmes to ease public hardship and household indebtedness. He also asked what measures would expand contributions from agriculture, services and industry to GDP, and whether district-wise poverty lines issued by the Department of Census and Statistics are realistic indicators given current market conditions. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Chandana Thennakoon raised concerns that interrupted student enrolment at the institute has led to underuse of physical and human resources and weakened its academic culture. He noted significant vacancies for engineering assistants and asked the Deputy Minister whether any legal or other barrier prevents recruiting students to the institute. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake thanked Members for supporting and contributing to his proposals on foreign employment and urged the Deputy Minister to implement them without waiting for a new Bill, suggesting that regulations or administrative action under the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment could provide quicker relief. He said stronger protection and support for domestic workers abroad should function as a risk-management or insurance mechanism that could also encourage remittances. He also called for adding value to Sri Lankan labour by training and sending local professionals, including doctors, rather than importing them, linking this to a knowledge-based economy and higher foreign earnings. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government accepts the essence of Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s motion and is working to strengthen existing foreign employment mechanisms while correcting institutional gaps. He stated that a new Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Act is being prepared with the Legal Draftsman, and that the combined Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment portfolios have enabled stronger consular support for registered and unregistered migrant workers. He outlined measures including a special police unit at the SLBFE, a complaint call centre with serial numbering, proposed agency regulation, and cooperation with the ILO on a mobile app and the IOM on biometrics. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported the motion to establish a legally empowered unit to address problems faced by migrant workers, highlighting their major contribution to remittances and the economy. He called for stronger laws and enforcement against exploitative foreign employment agents, trafficking networks, and illegal agencies, noting increased complaints in 2024 and reports of abuse in Oman and the UAE. He proposed linking a special investigative unit with the CID or Police to handle cases involving torture, sexual violence, fraud, and insurance-related exploitation, and urged bilateral legal agreements to better protect Sri Lankan workers abroad. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the Private Member’s Motion on protecting Sri Lankan migrant workers, noting their importance to the economy and the prevalence of fraud, non-payment, job substitution, and exploitation, particularly in Middle Eastern employment. He alleged that some employment agents and overseas collaborators misuse housemaid placements for exploitative purposes, damaging Sri Lanka’s reputation and employment prospects. He urged the Government to strengthen legal safeguards, ensure proper job recognition and salary payments, conduct inquiries into abuses, and increase embassy staffing in countries with large Sri Lankan worker populations. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Welcoming the motion on foreign employment, Hon. Nanda Bandara highlighted problems caused by illegal recruiters and the vulnerability of workers whose jobs or wages change abroad or who flee abusive workplaces. He said the Government should prioritize sending trained workers through state-supervised channels, with proper language and professional qualifications, and proposed establishing a dedicated institution to collect and manage information on migrant workers. He also called for stronger state intervention to protect workers of all communities and to increase remittances by reducing unskilled migration. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government and all parties to ensure the safety and welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers in countries such as Qatar and the UAE, noting that many cannot afford to return because they mortgaged assets to migrate. He argued that their remittances have contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s recovery and reserves, and described recent efforts to coordinate with embassies, airport quarantine officials, and hospitals to repatriate the bodies of young workers who had died by suicide. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam seconded Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s motion, commending its focus on issues affecting Sri Lankan migrant workers. He said many people from the North and plantation regions migrate under severe economic hardship, sometimes losing welfare support at home, and supported the proposal to give legal powers to a dedicated unit to address their problems. He urged the Government to control bogus foreign employment agencies and address the risks faced by those travelling on tourist visas to countries such as Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to implement a USD 350 monthly minimum wage for outbound workers, recalling that he introduced it as Finance Minister in 2016 and noting partial progress after inquiries with the relevant Ministry. He highlighted abuses faced by migrant workers, including trafficking, passport confiscation, wage nonpayment, sexual abuse, forced labour, fraud, illegal detention, and coercion into cybercrime, and called for preventive action and stronger enforcement. He proposed a dedicated, accountable, technology-enabled unit with sections for emergency protection, international coordination, missing persons and death inquiries, recruitment fraud monitoring, women and child protection, workers’ protection, and economic protection. He framed migrant worker protection as both a human rights obligation and an economic strategy, citing remittances of USD 8.4 billion and the potential to increase them to USD 10 billion. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Moved a resolution to establish a legally empowered unit to investigate serious abuses and fraud affecting Sri Lankan migrant workers, facilitate their safe return, and ensure their protection. He argued that migrant workers are vital to the economy, remitting around USD 8.4 billion annually, but are inadequately protected despite the sacrifices made by them and their families. He questioned the effectiveness of the current institutional framework involving the Foreign Employment Bureau, embassies, labour authorities, police and immigration, and called for better coordination and accountability. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage supported the Motion on strengthening vocational education, arguing that Sri Lanka’s development depends heavily on improving human resources. He said the Government had allocated Rs. 8,000 million for vocational education facilities and recruitment, and was moving from a linear education pathway to multiple vocational and higher education options. He outlined a village-level outreach programme through 14,000 GN Division committees to identify youth suitable for vocational training, inform families about institutions, jobs, grants and loans, and ensure poverty does not prevent children from continuing education. He also referred to ongoing awareness, equipment upgrades, staffing measures and forthcoming improvements at the University of Vocational Technology. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Motion to raise school students’ awareness of the University of Vocational Technology, noting that the Government is already pursuing related measures under the framework of the University of Vocational Technology Act, No. 31 of 2008. He said new education reforms aim to introduce vocational and technical subjects into school curricula and create pathways to university admission for students with practical skills. He also stated that neglected technical training institutes are being assessed for improvements and that awareness programmes are being expanded through Divisional Secretariat-level officials. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna supported the Motion to raise student awareness of the University of Vocational Technology, arguing that vocational education needs public trust, clear pathways from school to industry, and mechanisms for NVQ Level 4 holders to enter degree programmes with possible advanced standing. She urged curriculum planning in consultation with industry bodies and referred to models in Germany, Singapore and Switzerland, while calling for more vocational technology universities. She also requested corrections to alleged shortcomings in recruitment and marking schemes for aesthetic studies institutes, including interview board approvals and practical test criteria, to protect fairness and applicant confidence. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →