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 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara rejected allegations linking him to Perpetual Treasuries, said his COPE questionnaire responses denied receiving money, and challenged critics to pursue legal action if evidence exists. He alleged government misstatements over promised graduate employment, asked for clarity on recruitment, and proposed listing portions of EPF, ETF, Bank of Ceylon, and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation holdings to deepen the Colombo Stock Exchange. He also called for equitable allocation of decentralized funds to Opposition MPs and sought urgent action and updated information on grounded SriLankan Airlines aircraft, citing global aircraft parts and engine-related constraints. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Amendment Bill supports the 2025 revenue proposals and defended the proposed maximum 15 per cent tax on service export income, arguing that such taxation has a basis in the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017 and is not unprecedented. He said the measure is intended to address fairness and compliance concerns, including among digital earners, while avoiding full exemptions that allow some taxpayers to pay no income tax. He also outlined the Government’s approach to direct tax reform, stating that the personal income tax threshold was raised from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000 per month due to fiscal constraints, while broader tax-base expansion should focus on reducing avoidance and evasion through technology. Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera opposed the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, arguing that increased taxation would discourage IT-sector entrepreneurs and undermine earlier government commitments to support investment and local enterprise. He also raised concerns over the stalled Milleniya Investment Promotion Zone, stating that substantial public funds had already been spent, land had been acquired and infrastructure initiated, yet the BOI was still turning away investors citing lack of suitable land. He alleged that attempts were being made to cancel the acquisition and return the land to Horana Plantations PLC due to private interests, and urged senior Ministers to ensure the project proceeds as a strategic investment hub for Kalutara District. Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake sought a scheduling clarification on the Committee of Selection before opposing the proposed 15 per cent tax on foreign-earned service income, arguing that it would discourage foreign exchange inflows from professionals and IT services that were previously exempt. He said the expected Rs. 10.2 billion revenue was small and counterproductive, proposing alternatives such as minor fuel price adjustments and warning that firms and individuals could route income through low- or zero-tax jurisdictions, keep funds offshore, or relocate. He urged the Government to negotiate with the IMF rather than accept measures he described as damaging, cited SLASSCOM’s export and startup targets, and said the policy was inconsistent with tax-free incentives in Colombo Port City. He also questioned the proposed increase in betting and gaming taxes to 45 per cent, calling for a regulator and a more sustainable revenue strategy. Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Prof. Anil Jayantha moved for parliamentary approval of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Annual Reports for 2020 and 2021, including the Auditor General’s observations, under Section 18 of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 38 of 2009. He noted that both reports had been presented on 18 July 2023, considered by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education on 24 August 2023, and reported to Parliament on 21 September 2023. Both motions were put to the House and agreed to. Papers Presented: Finance Act Regulation and Annual Reports Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma responded to Opposition concerns on the Budget, stating that SriLankan Airlines’ legacy debts must be serviced while operational funding from Government will cease and restructuring continues. He outlined measures on parate execution relief for SMEs, including a 12-month extension, bank outreach and monitoring, while noting low uptake so far. He also reported progress on the National Single Window, QR-based student book allowances, monitored vehicle importation, reserve and exchange-rate stability, and plans to disburse the Rs. 1.3 trillion public investment allocation through strengthened project and Treasury monitoring. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper praised Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva’s evidence-based contribution and argued that Sri Lanka should build a disciplined, service-oriented economy drawing lessons from Japan, while recognizing a broader public mandate for a new political culture across parties. He identified priorities including education reform to align skills with workforce needs, stronger digital infrastructure, improved regulation, greater FDI, and development of high-value services. He called for the establishment of a fully equipped development bank and proposed better use of the railway network for freight, including possible tolls on fuel bowser transport by road to encourage rail-based transport. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said the inaugural NPP Government’s Budget had been shaped by a month of consultations with unions, institutions, associations and the public, and argued that many Opposition criticisms repeated misrepresentations rather than engaging with policy. She framed the Budget as part of a broader “system change” intended to reduce privilege and patronage, support ethical entrepreneurs and public servants, and expand opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, youth and underserved communities. On youth employment, she said the Government was replacing patronage-based job allocation with pathways to meaningful work, but noted delays due to legal barriers and pending court-related issues arising from previous decisions. She thanked the President, Finance Ministry officials, State Ministers and others involved in preparing and refining the Budget under challenging conditions. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi defended the Ministry of Finance expenditure proposals, arguing that past UNP, SLFP, SLPP and Yahapalana administrations were responsible for long-term economic mismanagement and bankruptcy. He said the National People’s Power Government under President Anura Dissanayake is pursuing short-, medium- and long-term plans to stabilize the economy, reduce regional disparities, eradicate rural poverty, strengthen welfare, and restore dignity to the armed forces. He also cited public sector salary and increment increases as measures to improve purchasing power and support the Budget’s goals on production and exports. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa questioned whether the Government’s 2025 Budget and tax policy are aligned with an import-dependent revenue model rather than an export- and services-led growth strategy. He argued that projected revenues are heavily absorbed by interest payments, leaving limited fiscal space for development, and asked how the Government intends to achieve higher growth and attract investment within or beyond the IMF framework. He sought clarification on funding for digital transformation, renewable energy approvals, agriculture investment, and the proposed US$ 5 billion IT/services economy, while criticizing the imposition of taxes on previously zero-rated sectors. He also demanded details on the mechanism for taxing cross-border digital payments and e-commerce from 1 April, including who would be liable and how global platforms would be registered or compelled to collect taxes. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Budget as a shift from neoliberal policies to a development-oriented state role, arguing that the Government is managing IMF-related constraints while improving tax collection, reducing waste, and prioritizing expenditure to support recovery. He cited salary increases, welfare spending, capital expenditure, digital transformation, transport investment, SME support, skills development, and R&D as measures to stimulate demand and strengthen production. He said the Government would not pursue wholesale privatization of SOEs, instead using PPPs and strategic investment, while encouraging FDI in areas such as energy, the blue economy, and industrial parks. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon defended the Budget as necessarily based on prior-year allocations while accounting for recurring expenditure and ongoing projects, rejecting criticism that it lacks novelty. He highlighted a 64 percent increase in public servants’ basic salaries and argued that the Budget aims to expand production, demand, investment, and growth. He emphasized support for MSMEs, citing Rs. 38.6 billion for sector development, Rs. 20 billion for financing to be expanded up to Rs. 50 billion through state banks, measures to revive distressed enterprises, and the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Institution Limited to address collateral constraints. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Ministry of Finance expenditure head, arguing that past economic mismanagement, excessive borrowing, and inequitable taxation led to the crisis and poverty, and that the current Budget sets out a corrective economic roadmap. He said the Budget aims to expand the economy by directing funds to rural roads, industries, jobs, education and health, while ensuring any borrowing is used for productive investment rather than burdening future generations. He highlighted proposed allocations for education and health, plans to revive paper and sugar factories and use Eppawala phosphate, and cited a US$3.7 billion Chinese investment for an oil refinery as evidence of the Government’s development approach. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka must achieve at least 5 percent growth by 2028 to support debt sustainability and resumed debt repayment, but said the Government had not presented clear sectoral plans for industry, agriculture, services, exports or investment. He questioned whether the Government was following IMF directions without an independent economic programme, citing unresolved promises on EPF/ETF losses from domestic debt restructuring and renegotiation with creditors. He also demanded relief for retirees through higher interest income, questioned the increase in Withholding Tax, and asked whether the absence of jobs for about 35,000 graduates was linked to IMF-driven public sector cuts. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan proposed modernizing a 330-acre factory site to recycle waste paper and plastic into raw materials and paper products, creating large-scale employment. He noted that technologies already exist globally, including the use of banana fibre, and argued that local raw materials in Batticaloa District could support renewed paper production. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Valaichchenai paper factory, occupying 330 acres and inactive since 2014, has resumed operations after machinery repairs and the appointment of a new Board. He stated production is about 200 tons per month, with targets of 300 tons from April and 500 tons within the year, while the factory has reached break-even or operating profit. He outlined plans for a packaging materials plant through the Industrial Development Board, multi-product zones, and technology upgrades through public–private–people partnerships to expand employment beyond the current 120 workers. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development about the long-closed Valaichchenai Paper Factory in Batticaloa, noting its former role as a major employer and the potential for youth employment if revived. He sought details on the land extent, reasons for the failure to fully restart operations, whether alternative industrial uses have been studied or planned, and an explanation of previous revival attempts and why they failed. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister explained that the retirement age for public officers was raised to 65 in 2022 but later reduced to 60 through the Interim Budget and Public Administration Circular 19/2022, with exceptions such as medical officers subject to a court order. He argued that retaining or selectively extending retirement to 65 would delay recruitment and promotions, reduce opportunities for youth, increase salary and pension costs, and risk unequal treatment across sectors. He proposed instead to conduct a proper human resource and cadre review and make timely recruitments, stating that Sri Lanka’s current youth workforce makes a general extension of the retirement age unnecessary. Adjournment Debate: Public Administration Circular No. 19/2022 Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe responded to an allegation concerning the transfer of the Dehiattakandiya Zonal Director of Education, stating it followed a bribery and corruption complaint over Grade 4 examination paper printing and was pending investigation, not politically motivated. Addressing Hon. Nizam Kariapper’s Motion on public service retirement ages, she highlighted the physically demanding conditions faced by police officers, including long hours and outdoor duties beyond age 50. She argued that, rather than raising the retirement age for such services, officers should be permitted to retire from at least age 55 to enable a dignified retirement. Adjournment Debate: Public Administration Circular No. 19/2022 Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera said the earlier extension of the public sector retirement age to 65 was a temporary response to the economic crisis and recruitment constraints, not a general policy to limit youth employment. He argued that any further extension should be justified only by proven shortages in the public service and assessed against efficiency, productivity, training opportunities for youth, and fiscal costs. He stressed that raising the retirement age could delay the entry of young, skilled workers into the public sector and should not obstruct youth employment. Adjournment Debate: Public Administration Circular No. 19/2022 Read →