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- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide detailed figures on teacher vacancies in Sinhala- and Tamil-medium government schools, disaggregated by grade levels 1–5 and 6–11. He requested this information nationally, for the Western Province, and for the Colombo Education Zone, and asked what steps will be taken to fill the vacancies and within what timeframe. Oral Question: Sinhala and Tamil-Medium Government Schools - Teacher Vacancies (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma said the Government is pursuing structural reforms, tax policy revisions, improved governance of state-owned enterprises, and transparent recruitment and promotion systems as part of its economic programme. He argued that prudent management has reduced inflation and interest rates, built reserves, improved external credibility, and created conditions for private sector, SME, youth entrepreneurship, and foreign investment support, including collateral-free lending and debt restructuring. He said tax revenue must reach the Treasury without leakages, electricity tariffs and EV taxation would be handled through data-based policy, and EV infrastructure would be expanded with the private sector. Referring to the relevant Gazette, he stated that Customs and other agencies are implementing it effectively and that revenue outcomes are in line with projections. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to negotiate with the IMF based on Sri Lanka’s past engagements, rather than simply follow its directions, with a focus on incentivizing investment, improving revenue collection, and reducing interest rates. He warned that rising Treasury interest costs and flat revenue could create fiscal difficulties by September, particularly as capital expenditure continues. He called for more supportive treatment of businesses and SMEs, noting their large contribution to GDP, and proposed reducing taxes where possible and aligning investment incentives and qualifying payments with IMF targets. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that revenue policy should not rely mainly on vehicle taxes, noting a Rs. 5,000 billion revenue target and about Rs. 420 billion expected from cars, while revenue collections were reportedly 3 percent below estimates and expenditure 22 percent higher by 20 May 2025. He urged measures to protect the rupee, control expenditure, and broaden revenue sources, warning that depreciation increases inflation and foreign debt burdens. He questioned IMF concerns over Colombo Port City agreements and processes linked to major investments such as Sinopec in Hambantota, saying Sri Lanka should negotiate with the IMF while retaining control over tax and spending policy. He called for investor discussions and targeted incentives or qualifying payments to attract dollar-generating investment despite high taxes, interest rates, and utility costs. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake rejected allegations and court action against him, arguing that the cases over bail and withdrawals from fixed deposits were improperly framed and should be assessed against Article 150 of the Constitution on the Consolidated Fund. He said the previous government restricted vehicle imports because foreign reserves had fallen sharply, but left the current government with USD 6 billion in reserves and had intended to resume imports from February. He supported vehicle imports for revenue purposes but demanded a clear, phased decision on the 20,000 vehicle permits already issued to public servants, including judges, administrators and doctors. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary The speech defended the Government’s revision of taxes on electric vehicles as part of a cautious reopening of the vehicle market after the economic crisis and import restrictions. It argued that while EVs support environmental goals and have lower operating costs, increased demand must be managed because Sri Lanka’s electricity supply still relies significantly on thermal generation and renewable capacity, including storage-backed solar, needs expansion. The Member said the tax adjustment was a Treasury and Finance decision intended to stabilize the market, protect foreign reserves, support economic recovery, and proceed prudently rather than burden consumers. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister addressed concerns regarding appointments from the 2020/2022 batch, noting that personal circumstances of appointees may have changed over the five-year period. She stated that while school staffing needs must be met, appointees should first accept their current postings and then seek transfers through an agreed process, including mutual transfers across regions. Appeals would be considered on a case-by-case basis after acceptance of postings. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan urged the Prime Minister to consider the difficulties faced by teacher trainees from the North and East who, after three years of training, are being posted to distant southern schools with low starting salaries and an eight-year mandatory service requirement. He requested a rule allowing transfers back to their home districts after two years, citing humanitarian concerns and noting existing vacancies in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said teacher requirements are assessed by subject, vacancies, retirements and difficult-area needs, with National College of Education intakes aligned accordingly. She stated that appointments after the National Diploma in Teaching are based on final-year competitive results, and that trainees may be posted outside their district or province where vacancies are unavailable, as permitted by the relevant 2020 Gazette. She acknowledged concerns about recruitment, vacancy identification and postings, and said the Ministry is reviewing these procedures to identify necessary corrections. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns under Standing Order 27(2) about the posting of National Colleges of Education diploma-holders after training. He asked whether admissions are based on district subject vacancies and questioned the fairness of assigning graduates to distant areas despite shortages in their home districts. He requested that factors such as family circumstances, economic hardship, transport, accommodation and personal safety be considered, and urged the Minister to place trainees within the districts for which they were originally recruited. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda asked the Minister of Environment about staffing shortages, employee housing, tourist facilities, toilets, roads, and common amenities at Yala National Park. He requested details on registered tourist jeeps, inactive registered jeeps, proposed action regarding them, and whether new jeeps would be registered as replacements. He also sought separate short-, medium-, and long-term measures to protect and develop Yala’s wildlife and ecosystem, noting the park’s importance for tourism and national income. Oral Question: Yala National Park - Safari Jeeps and Employee Issues (Q.571/2025) Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma supported the Motion to bring abandoned development structures into public use, stating that public funds and borrowings had been spent on assets that now create maintenance costs, illegal activity, waste dumping and health risks. He said the Government will identify expenditure and asset details, complete and repurpose such structures for markets, trade, tourism, business support, education and training, using Budget allocations and Public-Private-People partnerships, with asset data systems and dashboards being developed under the Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Comptroller General’s Office. He also updated the House on SME parate execution relief, noting that about Rs. 81 billion of Rs. 212 billion in stage 3 default loans had been brought to banks for negotiation, with around Rs. 6 billion restructured, and urged remaining SMEs to engage with banks. Private Members' Motion (P.38/2025): Utilization of Abandoned Development Projects Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha supported the Motion but argued that importing only luxury buses would not address rural and hill-country transport needs because such vehicles are costly and unsuitable for some routes. He requested concessions for private bus operators to purchase compliant buses, noting their significant role in passenger transport alongside SLTB. He also called for improvements to poor road conditions, citing the Embilipitiya–Sooriya Kanda and Colombo–Ratnapura–Embilipitiya roads, and urged SLTB to deploy more buses for rural communities and schoolchildren. Private Members' Motion (P.37/2025): Public Transport Standards and Bus Specifications Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha argued that Sri Lanka’s public transport remains inadequate, overcrowded, and unsafe, particularly for working women who face daily indignities including sexual harassment. She supported importing buses designed for passenger transport rather than lorry-chassis buses, and emphasized the need for accessible, low-floor buses for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. She also linked improved public transport to workers’ dignity, tourism, and the needs of future generations. Private Members' Motion (P.37/2025): Public Transport Standards and Bus Specifications Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged that housing delivery be treated as a non-partisan national priority and implemented through public–private partnerships rather than relying solely on government expenditure. He argued that available funds and land should be used to mobilize the private sector, speed up implementation, revive construction-related industry, and avoid delays from procurement processes. Citing estimates of a housing need of around 900,000 units and 1.5 million landless people, he called for a practical mechanism with clear targets to address housing shortages. Private Members' Motion (P.25/2024): Providing Housing for Every Family in Sri Lanka Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister tabled answers regarding the Raigama Industrial Estate, stating that 16 acres, 1 rood and 20 perches have been allocated to 21 investors, with 1,408 perches still available. He said investors were notified on 7 April 2025 to begin work, while internal roads, water supply and electricity infrastructure are still being developed after delays caused by protests, a work stoppage after 2019, COVID-19 and the economic crisis. He also stated that investors are seeking approvals, some have applied for space in the administrative building, and the Government has spent Rs. 87.96 million on that building, with allocation to follow after valuation. Oral Questions - Second Round (Q.2/2024, Q.3/2025, Q.4/2025, Q.5/2025, Q.6/2025) Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the Government on plans to develop the historic Mc Heyzer Stadium in Trincomalee, asking what funds have been allocated, which works will begin first, and which sports the upgraded venue will support. He also asked whether the Ministry has programmes or allocations to rehabilitate basic local authority grounds in areas such as Kinniya, Muttur, Kucchaveli, Pulmoddai, Kantale and Thoppur, noting that many national-level athletes from Trincomalee train in those areas. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance on import duties, stating that it is intended to raise state revenue and permit the responsible recommencement of vehicle imports while safeguarding reserves, the exchange rate, and rupee stability. He argued that since September 2024 the Government had stabilized the economy, reduced inflation, improved the country’s credit position, revived selected state industries, and increased tourism, exports, and investor confidence. He also referred to ongoing engagement with external partners, including World Bank support, IMF staff-level agreement, and responses to recent US tariff developments, as part of the context for allowing essential private vehicle imports. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the Government’s economic forecasts and Budget measures, arguing that growth could exceed the projected 3.1 percent as the economy stabilizes after bankruptcy. He said the Government was allocating about Rs. 1,400 billion for capital expenditure, restarting stalled projects, supporting tourism and manufacturing, keeping interest rates low, and granting an additional 3 percent interest on senior citizens’ deposits. Referring to the debate on relaxing quantitative restrictions on vehicle imports, he said imports were expected to reach about US$ 1 billion this year, with letters of credit already opened for more than US$ 400 million, generating revenue while allowing pending imports. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha defended the Government’s economic management and criticized Opposition figures for relying on alleged falsehoods and for not objecting to costly foreign travel by former Presidents during the economic crisis. She said vehicle imports had been restarted in phases after rebuilding reserves and stability, with controls to protect inflation, the trade balance and foreign reserves, which she cited at about US$6.5 billion. She highlighted increased exports, expected gains from investment and tourism, and a US$1 billion World Bank package for sectors including agriculture, tourism, regional development and jobs. She also referred to recent local authority results and described the conduct of elections and normal functioning of schools afterward as evidence of civic normalcy. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →