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- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Eranga Gunasekara responded to Opposition criticisms under the Youth Affairs and Sports Vote, arguing that past youth-related allocations had been politicized and citing alleged misuse of Rs. 1,000 million from a 2024 National Youth Services Council allocation, now before COPE. He said the 2025 Budget aims to restore the NYSC and develop youth over a 20–30 year horizon, with funding for “smart” youth societies, multimodal youth centres, IT and English training through “Evening IT,” and a V4R digital platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs. He also denied that the removal of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial NYSC Director was politically motivated, stating it followed Auditor General findings on financial malpractice and falsified documents. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath (Medical Practitioner) ITAK AI summary Called for the revival of abandoned factories, particularly the paper mill, through major investment. He noted that the Minister had given assurances at a recent consultative committee and expressed hope that a concrete plan would be implemented soon. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath (Medical Practitioner) ITAK AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath urged the Government to give greater attention to youth employment, sports development and industry in the North and East, particularly Batticaloa, where he said post-war neglect has driven many young people abroad and left athletes without adequate facilities. He called for upgrades to Weber Stadium, proper sports grounds, appointment of sports officers and coaches, and support for successful local teams in kabaddi, basketball, karate and wrestling. He also requested national employment and investment programmes in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, agro-processing and revived industries such as the paper mill, while addressing issues including paddy processing, dairy grazing lands and environmentally harmful resource projects. He asked the Government to include Batticaloa in future national development plans, conduct district-level feasibility studies, and consult local experts and representatives. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara highlighted sports infrastructure projects completed or advanced during his tenure and urged the Government to centralize management of provincial sports complexes under the Sugathadasa Stadium Board to prevent deterioration. He called for the revival or continuation of programmes such as the Presidential Sports Awards, talent identification, coach training, and the High-Performance Laboratory, while requesting urgent recruitment of specialist staff, doctors, physiotherapists, Sports Officers and Assistant Directors. He also raised concerns over unpaid Paralympic athletes, inadequate athlete nutrition and hostel conditions, and the lack of preparation for major 2025 and 2026 international competitions. He further cautioned that cricket administration and factional disputes tend to dominate ministerial attention at the expense of other sports. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara argued that Sri Lanka’s industrial decline stemmed from devaluing labour, misusing land, weakening local entrepreneurship, and relying excessively on foreign capital after 1977. He cited the fall in tea exports and loss of value addition and brand protection for Ceylon tea as an example of failed industrial policy and regulation. Referring to the Budget responsibilities of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, he called for stronger national policy, infrastructure, export linkages, entrepreneurship support, revival of traditional industries, and development of value-added Sri Lankan brands, particularly in spices and tourism-linked village industries. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella urged the Government to act on youth unemployment, particularly the promised recruitment of 35,000 unemployed graduates, citing about 2,000 affected graduates in Kandy and delays in filling public sector vacancies including in foreign affairs and nursing. She questioned the clarity of recent Cabinet-approved recruitments and asked that graduate job commitments in the NPP manifesto be honoured. She also criticized the lack of new investment-led job creation and requested improved sports infrastructure in Kandy, including at least one synthetic athletics track, referencing the achievements of athlete Tharushi Karunarathna. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof, speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports allocations, urged the Government to address youth unemployment, inadequate university hostel facilities, and the risk of young people being drawn into drug use. He called for a special programme to protect youth from drugs and for clearer measures to meet the expectations of young voters and unemployed graduates. He highlighted sports development needs in Trincomalee District, including upgrading McHeyzer Grounds, providing proper grounds and facilities in areas such as Thoppur, Kinniya, Mutur, Trincomalee and Thambalagamuwa, and creating pathways for talented swimmers, cricketers, footballers and other athletes. He also requested the resumption of continuous appointments of school sports coaches and a non-discriminatory plan to identify and develop sporting talent in the East. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the Budget, arguing that Sri Lanka must shift from an import-driven consumption economy to a production-oriented economy based on entrepreneurship, innovation, and value addition. She highlighted allocations for industrial zones, SME revival, investment promotion, gem and jewellery research, tourism, and machinery imports, and said land and loan access should be fairly directed to genuine entrepreneurs. She also emphasized developing mineral and gem resources, creating specialized industrial zones, reducing post-approval delays, and branding value-added Sri Lankan products for global markets. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Budget’s revenue and expenditure assumptions are impractical, citing projected increases in tax revenue, import-related revenue, and the heavy burden of interest payments. He said the Government is continuing an IMF-driven approach rather than adopting a home-grown economic strategy, and urged it to rethink the Budget around an “Entrepreneurial State” model that promotes local production, creativity, and calculated risk-taking. He called for urgent support for MSMEs facing parate execution, warning of job losses and weaker tax collection, and highlighted distress among women affected by microfinance debt. He also criticized current welfare distribution as ineffective and proposed village-level self-sufficiency, people’s councils, capital generation, and support for women entrepreneurs. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne outlined the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ plans to use the 2025 Budget to improve Sri Lanka’s international sporting performance, citing the country’s limited Olympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games medal record. He said the Ministry will work with sports federations to implement monitored high-performance, national, and junior pools, with data-based selection, residential training, performance analysis, and support beyond stipends. He also announced targeted programmes, including a javelin initiative aimed at identifying village talent and pursuing a possible Olympic medal in 2028, while noting that past sports infrastructure spending, such as container-based courts, would be examined. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti corrected remarks about Northern industrial projects, stating that work has resumed at the Ottuchuddan tile and brick factory, including production of PV tiles and heat-reducing four-vent bricks for market release. He said funds have been allocated to develop a chemical manufacturing industrial zone at Parantan on 50 acres, requiring reconstruction after wartime destruction. He also announced that Elephant Pass salt would be released as a government product from the 29th and that salt production at Kurinjatheevu could be restarted, with employment limited to suitable local residents from the Northern Province. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan argued that Sri Lanka’s industrial and agricultural sectors have declined and urged the Government to prioritize reviving defunct industries in the North and East to create employment for youth. He specifically called for plans, data collection through Government Agents, and investment to restart the Kankesanthurai cement factory, Parantan chemical plant, Kurinjatheevu and Aanaivilunthaan salt works, Ottuchuddan brick factory, and Valachchenai Paper Mill. He also requested engagement with India for technology and support, particularly for the Kurinjatheevu salt works, and asked the Government to clarify plans and expected benefits regarding a possible Talaimannar-Rameswaram bridge. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage raised concerns about riverbed gem miners and illegal mining cases, stating that many are being arrested and handcuffed under Section 81 procedures while awaiting regularisation. He requested that such miners not be handcuffed, that they be allowed to work temporarily without licences subject to fines if necessary, and that the Government address export taxes of about 23% which he said had reduced gem exports by around 30% from the 2023 level of about US$ 470 million. He urged intervention through the National Gem and Jewellery Authority to strengthen the sector. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Waruna Liyanage raised concerns about the impact of the 18% tax on the gem sector, stating that it has caused serious adverse effects. He said taxes on the assessed value of gem imports have halted imports from African countries and left around 3,000 Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the cutting and polishing sector without opportunities. He urged the Minister to address the issue, recalling prior requests to remove the tax. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage welcomed the appointment of the Deputy Minister of Sports and urged expedited completion and proper staffing of the Ratnapura Provincial Stadium, including restoring a jogging track area that he said had been used for a shopping complex. He called for addressing vacancies in sports coaching, establishing youth squads at under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels, and improving maintenance of provincial and district sports facilities. Turning to industry, he raised concerns about a National Gem and Jewellery Authority circular requiring Rs. 20 million annually to renew licences for backhoe machine use in gem mining, arguing that the increase from Rs. 1 million would be unaffordable for many miners in Ratnapura. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka needs a coherent production, industrial and SME policy framework to use local resources, reduce regional disparities, address unemployment and ease the foreign exchange crisis. He called for supporting policies including cooperative, tariff and anti-dumping measures, and said entrepreneurship and financial literacy, with regionally relevant subjects such as gemology, would be introduced in schools. He cited Budget allocations of Rs. 99 billion for economic services and entrepreneurship, including Rs. 38.6 billion for SME and entrepreneurship support, and proposed industrial estates, facilitation centres and sectoral clusters across Divisional Secretariat divisions. Referring to the Ratnapura gem sector, he said new regulations, market development and a gem trading hub were planned to make Sri Lanka a stronger global gem trade centre. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa urged the Sports Ministry to inspect the athletes’ hostel near the Ministry, particularly meal times, nutrition, and living conditions, and to provide necessary facilities. He also asked the Minister to review issues concerning dual-citizenship and third-generation Sri Lankan athletes in sports such as football and rugby, arguing that their participation could strengthen high-performance national teams where player shortages exist. He said earlier recruitment of Sri Lankan-origin rugby players from Fiji had been politicised and requested that the matter be examined on accurate information. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that industrial growth requires a more competitive tax regime, MSME financing reform, and policies that support local intellectual property and manufacturing, citing the Vega three-wheeler as an example of locally developed products being taxed like imports. He said sports policy should be treated as an economic sector rather than welfare, with investment in high-performance systems, sports tourism, e-sports, leisure sports, and sustainable use of national facilities ahead of events such as the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He called for athlete and coach allowances, including for Paralympians, to be restored by increasing the share of the Ministry budget reaching athletes and youth to at least 21 percent next year. He also proposed reforming the 1973 Sports Law to reflect the modern sports economy. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake outlined youth-related Budget allocations, including Rs. 600 million for the National Youth Services Council, Rs. 500 million for the National Youth Corps, and Rs. 70 million for the National Leadership Training Centre. He argued that youth policy should move beyond isolated projects toward coordinated planning across ministries to address unemployment, skills gaps, and career guidance needs. He proposed stronger digital engagement through a youth app, a social-media platform called “Hawasata 11,” and a V4R platform for youth ideas, alongside volunteerism and environmental service initiatives linked to programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Sports Minister not to interfere in Sri Lanka Cricket administration, citing the ICC suspension and loss of the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, and warned against risking Sri Lanka’s co-hosting of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and its expected economic benefits. Addressing the Industries Minister, he called for investigations into declining gem and jewellery exports and NGJA revenue, alleged conflicts of interest and delays in Ratnapura licensing, and requested faster licensing reforms. He also proposed action to revive or improve several state-linked industrial assets, including the Ottusuddan Tile Factory, Elephant Pass and Mannar salterns, BCC Lanka, Valachchenai Paper Mill, Kahatagaha Graphite, and Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar companies, including restoration of worker and farmer incentives. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →