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- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, citing past gaps in laws and systems to address data theft, cybercrime, and technology-enabled bank fraud. He urged the Government to strengthen secure data centres and protection mechanisms as part of its digitalization agenda, while noting the role of Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya in advancing this work. He also called for updated university IT curricula, practical training in AI and cybersecurity, and collaboration with private universities and SLASSCOM to prepare youth for online work opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned why public corporations and Companies Act entities are excluded from the requirement to appoint Data Protection Officers under Clause 13, noting that many state entities handle IT and work with the private sector. He supported the need for a digital economy and the proposed amendments despite delays in making the Data Protection Authority fully operational by 18 March 2025. He also urged the Government, particularly the IT Ministry, to establish structured and mandatory IT internship programmes for university students, especially those from remote state universities. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister rejected allegations that actions at the Elephant Pass Saltern were targeted against Tamil people or involved political interference, stating that “Raja Salt” was a national brand but that salt produced there will now be marketed as “Elephant Pass Salt.” He said production had fallen due to adverse weather, Cabinet had approved salt imports on 24 March 2025 to meet demand, and normal operations were expected to resume from the current season. He outlined recruitment steps for management positions, denied any worker dismissals, and said a protest that began on 14 May 2025 had ended after agreement on 10 worker demands, while rejecting demands to prevent distribution of Elephant Pass salt to other provinces. Ministerial Statement: Issues at Elephant Pass Saltern Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake raised concerns about the traditional clay industry, noting that artisans face difficulties obtaining clay, particularly from areas near tanks. He said a recent circular had created legal obstacles and asked whether the Government would resolve these issues and facilitate the continuation of the industry. Oral Question: Welangolla Estate Industrial Development (Q.791/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that the proposed park is currently linked to a single applicant investor, while labour recruitment and worker transport remain major constraints in the area. He said these issues discourage larger investors, but discussions with chambers are underway to attract further investment, and proposed District Industrial Promotion Boards could help identify investors and address the problem. Oral Question: Welangolla Estate Industrial Development (Q.791/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister answered Question 791/2025 on Welangolla Estate, stating that 17 acres and 32.19 perches of government land at Hamuge Watta have been allocated for the Ridibendigalla Industrial Park, with initial work underway. The land has been assigned to Ritz Clothing (Pvt) Ltd. for a garment-related industry expected to create 1,135 jobs. He added that idle lands are being identified at Divisional Secretariat level for future industrial allocation and requested Members’ support. Oral Question: Welangolla Estate Industrial Development (Q.791/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Health Ministry emphasized that all medical graduates, whether from state universities, Kotelawala Defence University, or foreign universities after passing the Act 16 examination, require proper internship training before practising. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa noted that shortages of certified consultants are limiting internship placements and said a temporary decision had been taken after consultations. He stated that the Government must urgently develop a sustainable mechanism to provide internships and ensure the quality of doctors entering state service, the private sector, or working abroad. Oral Question: Government Universities and Higher Education Admissions (Q.381/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna said the Government’s education reforms aim to expand higher education pathways beyond universities by integrating vocational education into schools, creating progression routes into higher education, and aligning training with job creation under the economic programme. He said work on transnational education is focused on quality enhancement and exchange programmes with state and other universities, guided by student needs and UNESCO competency-based approaches. On Kotelawala Defence University, he said its medical graduate output and hospital placement capacity are being reviewed through a multi-stakeholder process, stressing that universities are not being closed and noting that KDU comes under the Ministry of Defence rather than the UGC. Oral Question: Government Universities and Higher Education Admissions (Q.381/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Upul Kithsiri asked whether relief could be provided to public servants who left Sri Lanka during the economic crisis after attempting, but failing, to obtain timely leave approval through proper procedures. He requested the Minister to consider measures allowing such officers, who hoped to resume their local posts on return, an opportunity to regularize their status. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government about the implementation of Circular No. 14/2022, which allowed public officers to take local or foreign no-pay leave without prejudice to seniority and pension. He noted that short notice for foreign employment and delays in leave approval had led some officers to leave without approval and risk losing their public service posts. He requested figures on officers who obtained local and foreign no-pay leave, those who went abroad without approval, reasons for non-approval, actions taken against them, and whether the Minister accepts that current leave-approval procedures are inconsistent with the circular and institutional code. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill as part of replacing outdated debt legislation with newer public debt, financial management, economic transformation and liability management frameworks, in the context of Sri Lanka’s IMF programme and debt restructuring needs. He warned that debt service is absorbing much of projected revenue, cited low FDI, ratings concerns, household income pressures and future external repayment obligations, and urged consistent implementation to make the current IMF programme the last. He called for pragmatic revenue growth, clearer investment policies, SOE reform, lower lending rates to support supply-side growth, and avoidance of actions such as strikes that could undermine economic recovery. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary During debate on the Bill to repeal the Foreign Loans Act, No. 29 of 1957, Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide details on foreign debt, IMF Extended Fund Facility conditions, creditor arrangements, repayment schedules and whether electricity tariff increases are linked to IMF review requirements. He argued that the Government had failed to honour its election pledge to conduct a new Debt Sustainability Analysis, and said an alternative DSA could have been used to renegotiate conditions and reduce the public burden. He questioned the proposed 18 per cent electricity tariff increase, sought assurance that water tariffs would not rise, and urged that reform-related costs be imposed on those able to pay rather than on low-paid parliamentary staff facing higher meal charges. He also welcomed the regularization of 4,500 Multi-Task staff and requested similar regularization for about 1,000 volunteer nature guides in the wildlife and eco-tourism sector. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that he would address the closure of Next Manufacturing (Pvt.) Ltd. at Katunayake in his capacity as Deputy Minister of Labour. He indicated the issue concerned the company’s shutdown and its implications, but the provided excerpt does not include further details on the Government’s position, proposed action, or any specific labour-related measures. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Opposition Members would address the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, while attention was directed to the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill as part of implementing the Public Debt Management Act by centralizing government borrowing under the Treasury. The repeal was supported as a debt-discipline measure, but concerns were raised that new rules requiring stress tests and sovereign guarantee premia for SOE borrowing could constrain infrastructure financing, especially given past excessive guaranteed debt and unresolved liabilities such as SriLankan Airlines’ defaulted international borrowing. It was argued that the Government’s stance on retaining SriLankan Airlines under state ownership and proposed electricity sector amendments restricting private investment were inconsistent with the need for capital, and that without greater private participation Sri Lanka was unlikely to meet its large public capital expenditure targets. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the reported shortage of table salt and conditions at the Elephant Pass and Paranthan salterns in the Northern Province. He alleged politicized management changes, transfers of experienced staff, worker protests, Police-assisted evictions, and reduced production, and asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to clarify the renaming of “Elephant Pass Salt” as “Raja Salt,” current production levels, and whether Cabinet had approved salt imports. He urged the Government to meet the workers, address their demands, restore normal salt production, and ensure dignified treatment and basic facilities for employees. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled an answer stating that state banks are already undertaking cash-flow–based lending for MSMEs, including young entrepreneurs, instead of relying solely on collateral. The response said guidance is being issued to banks to expand such lending, while the National Credit Guarantee Institution Ltd. will provide guarantees where security is required. It also noted that the Government plans, through the 2025 Budget, to establish an administrative structure within state banks as a step toward a dedicated MSME Development Bank focused on formalization, productivity and export promotion. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe argued that post-war development, accountability, compensation, and non-recurrence measures in the North and East had not been adequately implemented by previous administrations. He said the Government is initiating export processing zones in Mankulam, KKS, and Paranthan, expanding Export Development Board services, and identifying 300 small and medium-scale exporters for support within five months. He also outlined allocations for SME development in the North and East, the need for air connectivity to support exports, and fisheries-sector interventions including facilities for multi-day boats, sea cucumber aquaculture, lobster farming, and seaweed cultivation. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Motion on developing SMEs in the Northern Province, stating that despite abundant raw materials, successive Governments since 2009 had not adequately supported the sector. He called for improved market access, technological upgrading, value addition, processing facilities, workspace, and export-oriented technical advice to increase production and shelf-life. He also noted steps to link producers with institutions such as Laksala, BCC, and Sathosa, arguing that stronger promotion and market opportunities could raise incomes, particularly for women-headed households in the North. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Adjournment Motion on empowering SME exporters in the Northern Province, proposing that it be extended to include the Eastern Province due to shared economic conditions and export potential. He argued that agriculture, fisheries, co-operatives, cottage industries and local economic development fall within Provincial Council responsibilities under the Ninth Schedule, and called for long-delayed Provincial Council Elections to restore local institutional capacity. He identified export opportunities in traditional foods, handloom, palmyrah products and seafood, and proposed SME export incubation zones in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Batticaloa and Ampara, along with support for co-operatives, collectives, certification, marketing, credit, cold chains and diaspora trade engagement. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported the Adjournment Motion and called for revival of SMEs in the Northern Province, noting that many industries in Jaffna and other districts had closed due to the war and political factors. He proposed developing SMEs in agriculture, fisheries, handloom and palmyrah products, with vocational training, bank finance, market access, incentives and public-private partnerships. He also urged the removal of government impediments and export bottlenecks, including allowing direct exports, to increase employment, foreign exchange earnings and the North’s contribution to national output. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →