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 July 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the proposed increase in the national minimum wage, placing it in the context of ILO standards, Sri Lanka’s ratification history, and previous wage legislation in 2016, 2021 and 2024. He stated that the monthly minimum wage would rise to Rs. 27,000 from 1 April 2025 and Rs. 30,000 from 1 January 2026, with corresponding daily rates of Rs. 1,080 and Rs. 1,200, affecting EPF/ETF bases and related payments. He acknowledged that Rs. 30,000 was not fully adequate but argued it was the feasible increase under current constraints, with further improvements intended through future economic growth and Budgets. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Welcoming the wage amendment Bills, he said the Rs. 6,000 increase and incorporation of relief allowances into basic pay would improve benefits such as EPF/ETF, though the resulting Rs. 30,000 minimum wage from January 2026 remained very low. He urged progress on the delayed USD 65 million Indian grant for developing the Kankesanthurai harbour, arguing it would support investment, logistics, and national economic recovery. He also raised a Vavuniya North land dispute involving displaced farmers, Forest Department cases, Mahaweli Authority leases to settlers, and alleged large-scale forest clearing, calling for immediate government intervention to allow returning residents to cultivate their own lands. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath said the Government inherited a bankrupt economy but has advanced sovereign and bilateral debt restructuring, continued the IMF programme, and improved external indicators through tourism, remittances, exports, and higher FDI. He stated that the Bills before Parliament would legally raise the private sector minimum monthly wage from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000 from 1 April 2025, with arrears payable, and to Rs. 30,000 from 1 January 2026, while increasing the daily minimum wage and related EPF/ETF contributions. He also noted that plantation workers’ daily wage had been set at Rs. 1,700 through sectoral mechanisms, with further improvements and possible movement toward monthly remuneration to be pursued through wage-board and tripartite processes. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister moved the second reading of three Bills amending the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act and two Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Acts. He said the Government, following public sector salary increases in Budget 2025 and tripartite discussions through the reactivated National Labour Advisory Council, proposes to raise the private sector monthly minimum wage from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 27,000 from 1 April 2025 and to Rs. 30,000 from 1 January 2026, with corresponding daily rates of Rs. 1,080 and Rs. 1,200. He explained that the existing Rs. 3,500 budgetary relief allowances would be absorbed into the basic wage rather than removed, and that the Bills are being taken together to expedite delayed implementation despite court-noted sequencing concerns. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister tabled data on Sri Lanka’s sugar requirement, domestic production, expected 2025 output, and imports, noting annual demand of about 650,000 metric tons and expected 2025 imports of 550,000–600,000 metric tons. He stated that locally produced sugar is subject to 18 per cent VAT and 2.5 per cent SSCL, and that Pelwatte and Sevanagala are currently not profitable from sugar production. The answer also identified risks to direct and indirect employment in the sector and listed measures to increase brown sugar production and reduce imports, including improved cane varieties, farmer incentives, better fertilizer use, training, and modern technology. Oral Question: Sugar Demand and Production (Q.10/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development for data on Sri Lanka’s annual sugar demand, domestic sugar production in 2023, 2024 and 2025 to date, and projected domestic production and imports by the end of 2025. He also sought details on taxes imposed on locally produced sugar, the financial losses of the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories, employment linked to the sugar industry, risks to those jobs, and measures to increase local production and reduce imports. Oral Question: Sugar Demand and Production (Q.10/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that complaints about the SI recruitment process had been referred by the IGP to a committee, and that a decision on the 100 shortlisted candidates from 2,650 exam passers would be taken after the committee report is received. He rejected claims that the process had been cancelled, clarified that a new Gazette for an additional SI intake had been issued with interviews underway, and said the Government had not stopped the previous administration’s recruitment process due to the change of government. Oral Question: Post of Sub-Inspector of Police - Recruitments (Q.7/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concern over the delay or possible cancellation of recruitment for 100 Police Department positions, noting that the same institutional authorities were in place when the process began. He urged that the 100 candidates be appointed without holding a new examination, and suggested that a further 500 recruits could be taken later if necessary. Oral Question: Post of Sub-Inspector of Police - Recruitments (Q.7/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns over the delayed recruitment of Sub-Inspectors following a 2024 selection process for 515 posts, noting that candidates had completed examinations, interviews, medicals, and drug tests, with appointments expected in November 2024. He said reports of cancelling the process and issuing a new Gazette would waste public funds and harm candidates who had prepared or left other employment. He urged the Minister to appoint the 100 candidates already identified and, if further recruitment is needed, seek Cabinet approval to recruit an additional 400 rather than restarting the process. Oral Question: Post of Sub-Inspector of Police - Recruitments (Q.7/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that 2,650 candidates applied for the relevant recruitment process and 100 suitable candidates were identified after marks were ranked, background checks conducted, and medical examinations completed. He said the recruitment has been temporarily suspended because several candidates lodged appeals, and a committee appointed by the Inspector-General of Police will make recommendations under the approved recruitment procedure before appointments proceed. Oral Question: Post of Sub-Inspector of Police - Recruitments (Q.7/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether recent interviews were held for recruitment to the post of Sub-Inspector of Police, how many candidates passed, and how many posts are to be filled. He further sought clarification on whether the recruitment process has been suspended and, if not, when appointments will be made, and asked for reasons if the information cannot be provided. Oral Question: Post of Sub-Inspector of Police - Recruitments (Q.7/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that the Government is working to strengthen welfare and protection for Sri Lankan migrant workers through coordination between foreign affairs, foreign employment, and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. He said committee reports are being examined and reforms will be introduced to better protect citizens employed overseas. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to pursue trade agreements and market-access opportunities, particularly with the US and UK, to retain employment and attract investors to Sri Lanka. He called for tax incentives, removal of para-tariffs, and duty-free measures to complement UK market access, while also safeguarding GSP negotiations and ensuring workers benefit from increased investment. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that earlier migrant worker insurance arrangements involved multiple insurers and commissions to the Bureau, but later selected entities handled the business without commissions accruing to the Bureau, leading to claim-related problems and alleged irregularities. He said funds that should have gone to the Bureau or Government were lost and that the responsible welfare institution had not acted adequately. He indicated that the Government is addressing these issues through its work plan and policy commitments to protect migrant workers. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Asked whether the Government would also address the practical problems faced by migrant workers. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that lengthy annexures had been tabled due to time constraints. He acknowledged past irregularities related to remittance channels and insurance, and said a committee comprising the Ministry’s foreign employment division and the SLBFE is reviewing welfare-related matters, including insurance terms and interest rate benefits, for appropriate decisions. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned why migrant workers’ remittances, cited as USD 784 million from about 2.1 million workers in the previous month, receive only 4–5 percent interest from banks while the Government pays much higher rates on international sovereign borrowings. He asked the Deputy Minister to consider higher returns for remittance earners and to provide duty-free facilities for migrant workers when they return to Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister provided data on foreign employment registrations, the estimated 1,345,801 Sri Lankans employed overseas as of 25 February 2025, and remittances from 2015 to May 2025 amounting to USD 67,147 million, or LKR 13,946 billion. He stated that detailed remittance breakdowns are held by the Central Bank, that repatriations following complaints over breached employment contracts were recorded but no deportations, and that migrant workers are charged only a registration fee while receiving free insurance cover. He further reported that the SLBFE received Rs. 296,292,806 in insurer commissions from 2015 to 2024, while Rs. 803,132,052 was paid as compensation or benefits under the insurance scheme. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to provide data on Sri Lankans employed overseas as of 31 December 2024 and currently. He requested, for each year from 2015 to date, details on remittances from foreign employment in US dollars and Sri Lankan rupees, source countries, deportations due to contract defaults, action taken for affected workers, and income and expenditure under the migrant worker insurance scheme. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the national minimum wage cannot alter wage-setting mechanisms under the Wages Boards regime, but said discussions on wages are continuing across sectors. He acknowledged that current wages do not meet a living standard, while arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy after collapse and must now focus on increasing production, attracting investment, and strengthening employer-worker cooperation. He urged the Opposition to support these next steps rather than create uncertainty or weaken investor confidence. Oral Question: National Minimum Wage and Plantation Workers Wages Read →