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 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma supported the legislation as part of the Government’s commitment to make business easier, reduce corruption, and introduce digital processes in certification and related agency transactions, including the use of email. He argued that conflict-of-interest disclosures must be accompanied by ethical conduct, criticized past conduct linked to the Central Bank Bond inquiry, and said the Government would engage credible private sector and business expertise in national economic development. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Padmasiri Bandara defended the Government during debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and proposals under the Disposals Act, arguing that current shortages and industrial issues, including salt storage and factory closures, were the result of decades of previous administrations’ policies. He rejected Opposition criticism of the NPP/JVP, war-hero commemorations, job losses, and allegations against Minister Sunil Handunnetti, saying the Government would honour service personnel, not sell national assets, and pursue past corruption. He asked that the Government be judged after its full term rather than after six months, while stating it would leave office if it could not deliver. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticized the President’s handling of the War Heroes’ commemoration, alleging political motives and questioning government reluctance to use the term “war heroes” while emphasizing the need to honour those who died in the war. He accused the Government of making unfulfilled election and policy promises, citing rice, salt, and coconut imports despite earlier claims of self-sufficiency. He raised concern over the closure of the NEXT apparel factory in Katunayake and warned that uncertainty over US tariff discussions, particularly affecting apparel exports, could harm the sector. He urged the Government to provide truthful updates, intervene seriously to protect industry and employment, and implement a clear economic plan. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized the Government’s vehicle import policy, arguing that despite regulatory changes, high taxes and levies make vehicles unaffordable and discourage importers, undermining expected revenue. He urged reductions in duties and action to resolve port and customs delays, corruption allegations, and informal payment demands affecting importers and exporters. He further called for a structured programme to protect foreign exchange-earning sectors, particularly apparel and tea, citing factory closures, rising electricity and production costs, and the need for relief to sustain exports. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. Namal Rajapaksa SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa accused the Government and the JVP of deflecting blame while failing to address emerging economic and labour issues, particularly the closure of factories and the treatment of existing investors. He urged the Government, the Labour Ministry and relevant agencies such as the BOI to engage with workers and employers, mediate disputes, and prevent further factory closures rather than relying on political rhetoric. He also criticized what he described as politically motivated investigations and arrests, saying such matters should be resolved through the courts, and called on the Government to answer questions and intervene in any investor or labour crisis. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s import and export policy, arguing that it has favoured imports over domestic production and exports despite pre-election pledges on rice, fertilizer, fisheries subsidies and salt. He called for a more rational distribution system for essential goods such as salt, warned that taxes, energy costs, SVAT removal and delays in renewable energy had hurt industries and exporters, and urged active negotiations on tariffs and investment promotion, including for Colombo Port City. He also asked the Government to investigate factory closures and job losses and to consistently uphold the dignity of armed forces personnel. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Finance on the annulment of the 2016 minimum monthly wage policy of USD 300 for Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. He asked whether current minimum wages, bilateral labour agreements, legal protections, recruitment guidelines and monitoring mechanisms exist to prevent wage fraud, underpayment and contract violations. He also urged consideration of reintroducing a mandatory minimum wage policy, citing wage standards in countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia and arguing that improved wage protection for about 1.7 million workers could substantially increase foreign exchange inflows. Oral Question: Minimum Monthly Wage for Migrant Workers (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Ministry could not provide precise annual figures for Allied Health graduates because aggregate numbers from state, private and foreign institutions are outside its remit. He detailed current vacancies in supplementary health professions and said recruitment action had been initiated through 2024 Gazettes for several cadres, with a proposal to recruit 100 pharmacists awaiting approval. He explained that a common general knowledge and IQ examination was required by the Public Service Commission where applicants exceeded vacancies, while categories with fewer applicants than vacancies could proceed without an exam. He stated that recruitment cannot be limited to state-university graduates, as private and foreign graduates have long been eligible, and said the Ministry remains open to dialogue or re-gazetting to fill posts quickly without disadvantaging candidates. Procedural: Questions on Bank of Ceylon Relief and Allied Health Graduates - Final Business Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning said the Government had quickly introduced amendments and a relief mechanism for SMEs, with grace periods based on loan principal size extending to June, September, or December 2025. He reported that Rs. 160.8 billion in eligible SME principal was covered, Rs. 57.365 billion had approached banks, and Rs. 5.729 billion had already been restructured. He urged remaining eligible borrowers to contact banks and said guidance had been sought from the Central Bank to extend relief windows fairly. Procedural: Questions on Bank of Ceylon Relief and Allied Health Graduates - Final Business Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma detailed Bank of Ceylon’s SME lending and support, stating that Rs. 37.629 billion had been granted from January 2025 to date, with 137,975 active SME loans outstanding at Rs. 147.685 billion as of 30 April 2025. He provided breakdowns by district, loan size, and borrower category, noting lending to women and youth entrepreneurs and outreach beyond the Western Province. He also outlined non-credit support initiatives, including district SME forums, advisory councils, village development programmes, and awareness programmes. In response to supplementary issues on debt restructuring and parate law relief, he said relief periods had been granted by loan category, Rs. 5.729 billion had been restructured so far, and remaining eligible borrowers were urged to approach banks for restructuring assessments. Procedural: Questions on Bank of Ceylon Relief and Allied Health Graduates - Final Business Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra asked the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning for detailed information on Bank of Ceylon support to SMEs following its reported Rs. 30 billion pre-tax profit in the first quarter of 2025. She requested data on SME loans granted and repaid in 2025, district-wise and size-band breakdowns, amounts provided to women and youth, and details of any non-credit support programmes for SMEs. Procedural: Questions on Bank of Ceylon Relief and Allied Health Graduates - Final Business Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara objected on procedural grounds, citing Standing Orders 91(i) and 143, and requested the Speaker to ensure that points of order are allowed and that the Panel of Chairmen functions properly. He then raised concerns over recruitment of Allied Health graduates under the Health Ministry Gazette of 14 June 2024, noting vacancies for Medical Laboratory Scientists and Physiotherapists and questioning the use of an IQ test instead of existing academic scores. He argued that state university graduates had boycotted the test while KDU and foreign/private institution candidates sat it, raising concerns about entry qualifications, and urged the Ministry to hold discussions and prioritize fairness for state-university Allied Health graduates from 2020 onward while filling existing vacancies. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe responded to concerns over the proposed closure of the NEXT factory in the Katunayake Zone, stating that 1,416 of 2,825 workers are affected and that the Labour Department, management, trade unions and BOI will discuss the company’s compensation proposal and possible remedies. He said the company had not properly notified the Department in advance as required and had not engaged the Government or BOI on its stated high production costs. He also criticized the Opposition for prolonging parliamentary proceedings, raising unrelated issues during debates on Finance Act instruments, and questioning security practices, while asserting that the Government’s approach is to avoid special privileges and focus on addressing corruption. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara supported the Orders relating to the embarkation levy and the luxury tax on vehicle imports, arguing that reducing the levy to USD 30 and waiving it for MRIA would help expand airport operations, tourism, and foreign reserves. He said the controlled reopening of vehicle imports and the increase of the luxury tax threshold from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million were intended to provide relief while protecting dollar reserves. He linked these measures to the Government’s broader programme of reducing state expenditure, curbing corruption, attracting investment, strengthening agriculture and SMEs, and preparing for debt repayments from 2027. He also invited constructive Opposition proposals while rejecting what he described as destructive criticism. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that the local government election results showed a significant decline in support for the Government and said council administrations should be formed according to the law. He accused the Government of failing to keep promises on electricity tariff reductions, questioned how it would meet 2028 debt obligations amid lower growth forecasts, and cited factory closures and reduced industrial activity as signs of economic stress. He urged the Government to engage investors, prevent job losses, ensure delivery of welfare benefits such as Samurdhi/Aswesuma and maternal food packs, and focus on rising living costs and public needs. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha corrected the Opposition Leader’s figures on NEXT, stating that the company has multiple facilities and has proposed a workforce reduction of about 1,416 rather than a complete closure, and tabled a related document. He supported two Extraordinary Gazettes of 31 January 2025: one continuing a 50 per cent concession on the departure levy to support tourism, and another raising the motor vehicle Luxury Tax threshold from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million. He also cited recent local authority election results as evidence of a mandate for the Government, defended continued engagement with the IMF as a consequence of prior economic mismanagement, and argued that fuel and gas queues have ended while markets and growth are stabilizing. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the closure of the NEXT apparel factory and the loss of around 2,000 jobs, urging immediate government intervention to prevent further factory closures and provide relief to affected workers. He criticized proposed electricity tariff increases in light of earlier government promises, calling for targeted relief for low-use households while maintaining overall cost recovery under IMF commitments. He also called for stronger welfare measures for war veterans and Civil Security Department personnel, evidence for allegations linking SJB leaders to the underworld, and decisive action against rising violence. Citing sharp increases in food prices, salt supply planning failures, risks to GSP+ and trade access, and looming 2028 debt repayments, he urged stronger scenario planning, investor confidence, FDI, production growth, and support for IT exports. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment AI summary The Deputy Minister provided annual figures for Sri Lankan workers who departed for agricultural employment in Israel from 2015 to 2025, noting a sharp increase under the 2023 bilateral agreement, with 3,793 departures recorded in 2025 to date. He explained that recruitment operates through seasonal placements and the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau under the agreement, with eligibility criteria and selection conducted by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority through a lottery. He stated that demand had fallen after many 2023 recruits left their workplaces due to insufficient agricultural skills, but discussions with Israeli authorities are ongoing; a January 2025 Israeli delegation selected 95 workers, of whom 20 have departed and 4 more are scheduled to leave on 28 May 2025. Oral Questions - Various Tabled and Private Notice Questions Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training AI summary About 40,000 teacher vacancies remain in the education sector, with recruitment delayed by court cases and Public Service Commission recommendations requiring examinations for appointments. The Prime Minister said the Government plans to recruit graduates in line with these requirements and expects to fill some vacancies later in the year. She also undertook to address suspended results affecting university admissions, either by releasing the results or extending the application deadline. Oral Question: Sinhala and Tamil-Medium Government Schools - Teacher Vacancies (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya provided figures on teacher vacancies by medium and grade level nationally, in the Western Province, and in the Colombo Education Zone. She stated that appointments to Grade 3-1(a) of the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service had been granted effective 2 May 2025 to National College of Education diploma holders from the 2020–2022 batch. She further noted that recruitments to fill remaining vacancies are ongoing, but recruitment processes under the 2024 estate-sector Tamil-medium gazette and the 2023 graduate recruitment gazette are delayed due to pending court orders, with further action to follow after the cases are concluded. Oral Question: Sinhala and Tamil-Medium Government Schools - Teacher Vacancies (Q.4/2025) Read →