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- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma outlined government responses on fiscal and tax administration matters, stating that electricity tariffs will continue to follow IMF-agreed cost-recovery procedures, with the CEB and PUCSL handling the next revision. He explained plans to replace SVAT with a risk-based VAT refund mechanism, including backlog clearance, added Inland Revenue Department capacity, and 45-day refund payments for eligible exporters, including SMEs meeting the export threshold. He also detailed VAT application to cross-border digital services from 1 June 2025, a senior citizens’ fixed deposit interest support scheme from July to December 2025, withholding tax rules and relief procedures for minors, and ongoing TIN issuance through online, regional office, and bulk registration methods. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), challenged the Government’s adherence to IMF-related economic policies despite its election pledges to renegotiate a stronger programme. He sought detailed answers on possible electricity tariff increases, the abolition of SVAT and its impact on exporters and SMEs, taxation of foreign digital service providers, and whether these measures stem from IMF conditions. He also asked about protections for vulnerable consumers, senior citizens’ deposit interest rates, withholding tax on children’s accounts, and the process for issuing TINs to those over 18. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna on behalf of the Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government whether the Government is aware that public sector retirees before 31 December 2015 are excluded from Agrahara Insurance coverage while those retiring after 1 January 2016 are included, and whether steps will be taken to address this. Also asked whether the Government recognizes that the 1997 B.C. Perera Salary Commission recommendations have been implemented only for a limited group of teachers and principals, and whether action will be taken to extend them to the majority; if not, reasons were requested. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions (Tabled) Read →
- 10 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said uneven demand for posts is linked to better-resourced urban schools attracting more applicants, while vacancies in other schools remain difficult to fill. He noted that some schools had been designated as National Schools without adequate facilities, creating deployment challenges across grades. He informed Parliament that the Public Service Commission has approved recruitment of 550 new Education Administrative Service officers, with appointments to be made shortly to address shortages. Oral Question 10/2024: National Schools - Lack of Qualified Principals Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the VAT (Amendment) Bill seeks to improve revenue administration, clarify definitions from 1 January 2024, prevent misuse in areas such as agriculture, and bring aircraft engines, parts, and non-resident digital service suppliers within the VAT framework while maintaining exemptions for international air transport. He said VAT would be removed from domestically produced liquid milk and yoghurt, anomalies on naphtha used for power generation would be corrected, and changes to service export income tax were separate from VAT on non-resident e-services. He also outlined plans to phase out the Simplified VAT system by improving refund mechanisms, with a July simulation linked to the IMF programme and a target date of 1 October subject to readiness. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the increase of U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports from 11% to 44% would seriously affect garments, tea, rubber and cinnamon exports, foreign exchange earnings and livelihoods, and called for an all-party response and urgent talks with the U.S. Government. He urged the Education Minister to provide relief to students at Kathankudy Central College who were allegedly made to stop a Tamil Language and Literature O/L examination early. He also requested action to reopen the Kathankudy Jamiul Azhar Mosque, citing confirmation that it had no extremist links, and cautioned against using the PTA for minor protest-related acts, referring to the release of a youth arrested over an anti-Israel sticker. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to correct past tax measures that burdened workers and low-income households, including taxes affecting employer-provided meals and transport, and VAT on milk and yoghurt. He argued that the Government’s policy is to provide relief to the public while improving collection from wealthy individuals and large businesses that have evaded taxes, including arrears already identified. He also said the Bill addresses distortions in areas such as insurance commissions and forms part of a broader move toward digital transactions by 2027-2028 to reduce tax leakage, fraud and corruption. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka should protect Labour GSP, noting that it was restored under the good governance government and supported key export sectors such as apparel and free trade zones. He questioned the feasibility of requiring the private sector to pay a Rs. 12,500 wage increase within one year while the Government pays public servants Rs. 15,000 over three years. He also called for reform of welfare targeting, citing reports that many eligible households are excluded while some ineligible recipients receive benefits, and urged a clean-up of subsidy delivery to better reduce poverty. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to avoid partisan rhetoric and acknowledge past revenue reforms, citing increases in the tax-to-GDP ratio under previous administrations and after 2022. He proposed restoring the VAT registration threshold to Rs. 20 million, removing VAT effects on eggs, implementing point-of-sale systems for wider VAT digitization, and maintaining SVAT protections for exporters and deemed exporters until a real-time refund system is operational. He also called for consistent policy on parate execution, stronger relief for SMEs affected by high interest rates after the bankruptcy declaration, and a stable, credible investment climate supported by local professional expertise alongside IMF engagement. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Wijesiri Basnayake supported the VAT (Amendment) Bill, arguing that tax revenue is necessary to fund public services and development while noting Sri Lanka’s low tax-to-GDP ratio and past failures to broaden the tax base or improve collection. He criticized the Opposition for opposing VAT without explaining alternative funding sources and linked current export vulnerabilities to long-term failures in export diversification. He outlined amendments including zero-rating employer-provided meals and transport, reinsurance commissions, and revenue stamps; clarifying VAT treatment of unprocessed agricultural products and the Rs. 60 million turnover threshold; and exemptions for certain aircraft parts, chemical naphtha for CEB power generation, and locally produced milk and yoghurt. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar warned that Sri Lanka must urgently pursue technical, state-level negotiations with the United States over newly imposed export tariffs, noting the U.S. is Sri Lanka’s largest export market and that the apparel sector, which supports over 300,000 jobs, is particularly exposed. He also urged the Government to ensure compliance with the EU’s 27 conventions to retain GSP+, arguing that losing both U.S. market access and EU preferences would seriously undermine export earnings and fiscal stability. He questioned the detention and subsequent release of a youth at a Colombo luxury mall, linking it to concerns over continued use of the PTA and delays in reform. He supported accelerating trade agreements with India, Thailand, and Pakistan, warning that lower tariffs for regional competitors could shift apparel investment and employment away from Sri Lanka. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that the Government had previously resisted trade agreements such as the Singapore FTA, CEPA, ETCA and MCC while now blaming others for weak export diversification. He criticized the proposed withdrawal of SVAT, saying VAT refunds would tie up exporters’ working capital, especially for SMEs, and contended that the issue could have been better negotiated with the IMF. He warned that the 44 per cent U.S. tariff, combined with domestic tax burdens and para-tariffs, could harm factories and jobs, and called for trade liberalization, engagement with all parties, and integration with global markets. He also referenced the upcoming EU GSP+ review and urged attention to human rights and PTA reform commitments. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that the proposed VAT amendment should be deferred in light of the United States’ 44 per cent tariff on Sri Lankan exports, which he said could threaten export markets, factory operations, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. He said export manufacturers would face added pressure from VAT obligations and delays in receiving refunds or credits, particularly when demand and prices are already affected by the tariff shock. He requested that the vote on the Bill be postponed for a limited period to give exporters and SMEs time to adjust, warning that immediate implementation could worsen business closures and job losses. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe addressed the VAT (Amendment) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka should improve VAT collection efficiency rather than raise rates, by expanding registration, reducing evasion, plugging leakages, introducing VAT on foreign digital services, and implementing digital systems such as POS reporting. He said SVAT changes had been deferred to October to address exporter concerns through faster digital refunds, and described SME debt relief measures, concessional credit lines, credit guarantees, and ongoing oversight to support business revival. He also stated that Sri Lanka should negotiate rather than retaliate over new U.S. tariffs, pursue trade diversification, reduce public spending waste, and use recent legal reforms to strengthen Inland Revenue enforcement and scrutiny of politically connected assets. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Condolences were offered on the death of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira before raising concerns over the impact of new U.S. tariffs, including a reported 44 per cent tariff affecting apparel exports and wider risks to logistics, ports, IMF targets, employment and investment. Namal Rajapaksa urged the Government to pursue direct negotiations, prepare for broader macroeconomic effects, and consider tax administration relief such as SVAT-related measures to protect industry cash flows. He also called for implementation of the election pledge to remove VAT on rooftop solar electricity bills and requested clear information on which local authorities will proceed with elections scheduled for 6 May. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi said the VAT (Amendment) Bill corrects deficiencies and technical issues arising from the 01.01.2024 Gazette while aligning VAT policy with the Government’s policy statement and Budget. He highlighted exemptions or corrections relating to employee welfare benefits such as subsidized meals and transport, stamp face value, reinsurance-related commissions and settlements, agricultural products, and electricity generation inputs, while regularizing VAT on aircraft spare parts to secure revenue. He argued that the amendments are intended to make VAT fairer, reduce burdens passed on to workers and policyholders, and improve revenue administration. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill’s removal of VAT on employee transport, meals, stamp-related services and reinsurance, but said Sri Lanka’s export sector faces serious risks from proposed U.S. tariffs, particularly apparel-dependent employment in districts such as Batticaloa. He asked the Government to present clear contingency plans, support SMEs, diversify export products and markets, and respond to pending district-level investment and development proposals. He also urged reconsideration of a proposed high-security prison on a Batticaloa island identified for tourism development, and requested action on unresolved security arrangements for Members of Parliament. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary 1,244 workers at Vogue Tex (Pvt.) Ltd. in Weligama have been on strike over the company’s stated inability to pay bonuses. The Deputy Minister said discussions were held at the Matara Labour Office and further talks were scheduled, with instructions issued to the Ministry Secretary and Commissioner General of Labour to intervene urgently. He added that the matter did not appear to be directly linked to the broader tariff issue but would be addressed immediately. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to adopt a more informed and sustained diplomatic strategy in response to possible U.S. tariff measures, noting Sri Lanka’s heavy export dependence on the U.S., especially apparel. He argued that Sri Lanka should engage not only the U.S. administration but also Congress, including relevant Senate and House committees and potential Sri Lanka caucuses, because Congress has constitutional and statutory influence over trade and tariffs. He proposed sending a knowledgeable delegation to remain engaged until the issue is resolved, citing past negotiations during the Multi-Fiber Agreement period, and called on the Government to study and leverage the proposed 2025 Trade Review Act and engage key U.S. lawmakers. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the size and cost of Sri Lanka’s public service, stating that salaries and pensions in 2024 accounted for about 39 per cent of Government revenue, and argued that past recruitment outside approved procedures had created staffing imbalances, underutilization, and higher administrative costs. He said Cabinet restrictions imposed during the fiscal crisis limited recruitment to essential posts, while recent Cabinet decisions established committees to review staffing, approve essential recruitment, and redeploy excess staff. Under Budget 2025, he said the Government will fill 30,000 essential vacancies through merit- and competency-based open competitive recruitment, with Rs. 10 billion allocated, and that approvals have already been granted for 18,853 vacancies, including 3,147 Nursing Officers. He also linked youth unemployment to pressure for State jobs and proposed broader responses such as skills development, university programme review, rural job creation, entrepreneurship support, and expanded childcare facilities. Ministerial Statement and Privilege Question; Procedural Motions Read →