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- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa thanked the Government for announcing a limited suspension of Parate Law action but urged debt restructuring for NPL and CRIB-listed borrowers and working capital support for over 260,000 affected MSMEs. Raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), he asked for details of the Government’s response to the United States’ 44 per cent retaliatory tariff on Sri Lankan exports, including engagement with any Sri Lanka caucuses in the US Congress, progress by the appointed delegation, and a formal action plan to be presented to Parliament. He also sought information on export market diversification, FDI promotion, and whether the Government would renegotiate the 2028 external debt repayment profile with the IMF and creditors if tariffs adversely affect exports and growth. Ministerial Statement: SO 27(2) Question to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled an answer detailing job quotas under Sri Lanka-Israel employment agreements, totalling 33,800 positions across agriculture, construction, infrastructure, rehabilitation, hospitality, manufacturing and caregiving. It reported that 10,639 workers had been sent for agriculture employment by 2 April 2025, while deployments in hotels, restaurants, infrastructure and manufacturing had not yet begun due to ongoing selection processes. The answer stated that Israel had temporarily suspended recruitment of Sri Lankans for agriculture because of skills concerns and absconding by some workers, leaving about 1,557 selected candidates awaiting deployment. It added that Sri Lanka is continuing discussions with Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority and will deploy candidates when opportunities resume under new fitness, knowledge and interview-based selection procedures. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa requested two weeks to provide answers to the question on Israeli job opportunities for Sri Lankans. The question was ordered to stand down, with details sought on sector-wise vacancies, numbers already deployed, delays affecting about 2,400 qualified applicants, reasons for the delay, and measures to expedite their employment in Israel. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara asked what steps are being taken to address inadequate facilities in theatres and auditoriums across the country. He highlighted problems such as the absence of backstage rooms, toilets, electricity, and changing spaces, arguing that these deficiencies hinder dramatists, performing artists, and the broader development of arts and aesthetics. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill and the Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme. He said the Committee had no objection to extending or expanding Aswesuma payments, but raised concerns about significant exclusion and inclusion errors in beneficiary selection, citing survey findings and urging the Government to address them using updated household income data. He also stated that exporter groups had requested a delay in removing the SVAT system due to tariff-related pressures, but the Government did not accept the proposed deferral, leading him and Hon. Ravi Karunanayake to oppose the Bill while Government Members approved it. Papers Presented: Customs Resolution, Ministry Reports, Annual Reports Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the suspension of parate powers ended on 31 March 2025 and will not be extended, noting that banks used parate 2,263 times from 2019 to 2023 to recover Rs. 113.7 billion, while Stage 3 default loans stood at Rs. 1,380 billion as at end-2024. He outlined several MSME relief and revival measures, including ADB-supported and Consolidated Fund loan schemes, Central Bank circulars on restructuring and Business Revival Units, grace periods for eligible borrowers, possible interest write-offs, extended repayment terms, and a grievance mechanism for auction-related disputes. He also said an MSME Advisory Committee and a scorecard-based capacity grading mechanism are being introduced, with the framework developed through consultations among the Central Bank, ministries, banks, finance companies and MSME representatives. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the unresolved difficulties facing MSMEs and the wider industrial sector, particularly after the expiry of the suspension of banks’ parate execution powers and the threat of new US reciprocal tariffs. He asked whether the Government would extend the parate suspension, table data and a Central Bank roadmap on parate execution, and introduce measures such as affordable working capital, interest relief, and loan restructuring for distressed and blacklisted businesses. He also sought clarification on the Government’s response to the proposed 44 per cent US tariff on Sri Lankan exports, including efforts to secure alternative market support such as an expanded Indian apparel quota, and called for an All-Party Conference to address the issue. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Waruna Liyanage) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment regarding the suspension of pension payments to retired employees of the Department of Samurdhi Development, formerly the Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority. It asked whether the Government accepts that the stoppage has caused hardship to retirees and dependents, noted a manifesto pledge to resolve the issue, and sought reasons for non-payment and details of measures for a permanent solution, including whether retirement gratuity could be withheld as a temporary arrangement. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority and Officer Pensions Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister responded to questions on alternative land and support measures related to an affected project area in Vavuniya, stating that temporary permits have been issued, Cabinet approval obtained for grants, and work is proceeding through the Divisional Secretariat with irrigation and road works accepted by farmers. He said agreed employment for 18 affected family members at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board requires approval due to recruitment restrictions, while they will be prioritized for labour contract vacancies in the interim. He also reported that a feasibility study found surplus water from the Periyaru tank cannot technically be released to certain higher-elevation renovated tanks, but provincial-funded interconnections among other tanks and canals have enabled water supply and paddy transplantation. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the SLTB had been damaged by deliberate mismanagement, poor depot administration, and politically influenced staff placements. He stated that about 200 buses would be repaired and returned to service during the New Year period, while shortages of mechanics and drivers and cases involving over a thousand suspended personnel were being addressed. He added that staff assigned to inappropriate higher roles would be returned to their proper duties and that new agreements would be signed to strengthen mechanical divisions. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board and Railways (383/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on EPF and ETF registrations, stating that such data are useful indicators of formal-sector economic activity, workers’ rights, social protection, investment trends, and female labour force participation, while noting the need to adjust for inactive or closed files. He reported 6,332 new EPF member registrations and 2,777 new ETF member registrations in November 2024. He said monthly data could be provided from January 2025 on request, and that six-monthly data, including gender-based labour force information, would be published on the Ministry website and in the annual performance report. Oral Question: EPF and ETF Files (276/2024) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Minister of Labour whether newly opened EPF and ETF files could be treated as an indicator of economic development. He requested the separate numbers of EPF and ETF files opened in November 2024 and asked whether monthly figures from December 2024 onward would be presented to Parliament, including the date each month on which such information would be provided. Oral Question: EPF and ETF Files (276/2024) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Advisory Committee on Labour AI summary The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Labour met on 8 April 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Dr. Anil Jayanta, with participation from government and opposition Members. The listed Members constituted the committee proceedings, which relate to labour-sector oversight and advisory functions, though no specific debate, proposal, question, or decision is provided in the supplied text. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Advisory Committee on Industries and Entrepreneur Development AI summary The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Industries and Entrepreneur Development met on 08 April 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, with members from government and opposition participating. The committee considered matters related to industrial development and entrepreneurship policy, providing a forum for members to raise issues, seek clarifications, and discuss proposals relevant to the Ministry’s mandate. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran called on the Government to ensure a fair price for milk, support dairy farmers, and establish dairy and milk powder plants to increase production. He requested that livelihoods in Alayadivembu and Thirukkovil not be adversely affected, and urged the Government to address unemployment among arts, fine arts, and commerce graduates through job provision and education or training aligned with technology, digital, and biotech sectors. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary She states that justice must be served to all in relation to past tragedies and cautions against political exploitation of victims’ families. She then questions claims made in the debate that private-sector minimum wages will rise from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000 in April 2025 and Rs. 30,000 in 2026, saying she could not find any official record of such an agreement. She asks the Government to clarify which employer body or company signed the agreement, what certification exists, and indicates an intention to table relevant documentation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned why the subsidized Aswesuma goods pack includes Samaposha instead of the state-owned Suposha, arguing that use of Suposha could benefit a state enterprise and support services for pregnant mothers, and raised concerns about possible links with Ceylon Biscuits Limited through the Sathosa chair. He urged the Government to reconsider proposed changes to doctors’ and nursing officers’ overtime, holiday duty, allowances, and promotion structures, presenting them as unfair to health-sector workers. He stated that the SLPP would vote against the Budget, citing unmet election pledges and concerns over water standards, Customs container disposal, fuel and electricity price promises, graduate employment, vehicle taxes, withholding tax, and taxes on school supplies, food, and online content creators. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the 2025 Budget is intended as the first step in implementing the Government’s mandate for social, political and economic transformation, with priorities including economic stabilization, poverty reduction, digitalization, investment promotion and regional development. He cited positive growth in late 2024, the Public Financial Management and Public Debt Management Acts, strengthened Aswesuma benefits, support for SMEs and capital markets, transport and technology infrastructure, and agriculture, health and education allocations as key measures. He defended the Government’s debt management and public sector salary reforms, stating that basic salaries and increments would rise substantially and that phased payments would be reflected in payslips without salary cuts. He also emphasized reducing Western Province-centered development by expanding industry, infrastructure and foreign investment to rural areas while using Sri Lanka’s location as a maritime hub without aligning with geopolitical conflicts. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary During the Committee Stage debate on the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry allocations, Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam attributed continuing economic hardship in the North and East to past fiscal mismanagement and the lack of post-war livelihood and development opportunities. He called for unused infrastructure such as the Kankesanthurai Presidential Palace to be repurposed, rehabilitation of small irrigation tanks and release of agricultural lands, establishment of traditional medicine production and other factories, and reopening of the Lanka Siddha Ayurveda Medical College. He also requested more assessment officers for local authorities and increased budgetary support for the Northern and Eastern Provinces to strengthen village economies and post-war recovery. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Vote that stronger public investment and a capable public service are essential for development. She criticized past politicization of recruitment and administration, saying the public service had been used for patronage while recent recruitment freezes also weakened capacity. She said the Budget seeks to protect and strengthen the public service through salary increases, depoliticization, and needs-based recruitment, while improving efficiency, standards, and service delivery. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →