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. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran outlined efforts to revive and repurpose major industrial assets in the Northern Province, including Kankesanthurai Cement, Achchuveli Salt, Paranthan Chemical, the Mankulam industrial estate, and the Ottusuddan Tile Factory. He noted plans to begin iodized salt production, address salt workers’ welfare through insurance and output-sharing, invite investors to Mankulam, and restart or rehabilitate long-dormant factories to create local employment. He also proposed expanding coconut cultivation and strengthening palmyrah-based cottage industries through market linkages, tourism promotion, digitization, and monitoring to support exports and artisan incomes. 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. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana argued that cricket development should prioritize grassroots access rather than focus only on Sri Lanka Cricket governance or the national team. Drawing on his Trincomalee playing experience, he highlighted regional facility gaps, the growth of women’s cricket, and the value of soft-ball cricket as an accessible format for villages and low-income groups. He proposed recognizing village sports clubs, providing basic facilities, and organizing regular weekend leagues to broaden participation and engage youth. He also thanked the President and Minister for allocating Rs. 380 million for a provincial or national-level sports ground in Trincomalee. 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. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan welcomed the increased 2025 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development but argued that it remains insufficient, citing the Rs. 26 million allocation for reviving the Kantale Sugar Factory as inadequate. He called for Sri Lanka to become industry-led by allocating at least 5 percent of the Budget to industry and entrepreneurship, with emphasis on R&D, technology upgrading, SME finance, digitization, renewable energy, export diversification, and skills development. He also identified weaknesses in State-Owned Enterprises and proposed reforms including public-private partnerships, restructuring, digitization, stronger audits, and cost controls. 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. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to at least begin initial steps to implement a promised policy concerning 35,000 graduates. He stated that the Opposition did not seek political advantage from their situation and requested prompt action. 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. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Opposition Leader opposed the Government’s proposed 15 per cent tax on export services, arguing that it would harm IT and digital service exporters, and questioned whether the Minister and Government had a unified policy on the measure under the IMF framework. He also called for a coordinated ministerial response to worsening global tariff conditions affecting exports, including tariffs linked to United States trade policy. He raised the killing of a tusker in the Minneriya–Kaudulla area and urged systematic elephant conservation using habitat mapping, corridors and GPS tracking. He further pressed the Government to honour employment commitments to 35,000 graduates, proposing immediate induction placements with stipends despite cited legal obstacles. 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 - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti outlined the Government’s plan to revive Sri Lanka’s productive economy by expanding industrial output, raising exports from US$16 billion to US$19 billion in 2025 and targeting US$28 billion in industrial exports by 2030. He identified limited industrial land, weak coordination, and slow approvals as key constraints, and said the Ministry is seeking to increase land allocated for industry, introduce entrepreneurship education after Grade 9, and coordinate agencies through district and divisional industry bodies. He also referred to the re-establishment of a Cabinet Committee on Exports and highlighted priority sectors including vehicle components, steel, footwear, apparel, gems and jewellery, event management, film, and beauty/cosmetics. 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. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary A formal cut of Rs. 10 from the relevant Heads of Expenditure was moved during the Committee Stage, while raising concerns about Youth Affairs and Sports policy direction. The speech called for an end to political manipulation of youth institutions, questioned graduate job promises, and sought clarity on the future of the National Youth Corps. It also questioned weaknesses in sports administration, including why only 28 of 73 registered associations participate in National Games, and pressed the Government to act on Sri Lanka Cricket reforms, table the Chitrasiri Report, and clarify whether changes to the SLC Constitution will be made before or after the 31 March elections. Concerns were also raised about politicized stadium projects and the need to prioritize grassroots and school cricket facilities. 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. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa addressed the 24-hour token strike by some paramedical and allied health professionals over alleged allowance cuts, stating that the Government had facilitated discussions with the Ministry of Finance but that the unions had already decided to continue the strike. He argued that the recent pay adjustment had substantially increased basic salaries and related allowances, within the limits of the economy, and said public sector pay rises already represented a major fiscal commitment. He said patient care was being disrupted unfairly, instructed health institutions to protect staff continuing to work, and invited the striking professionals to pursue further dialogue rather than actions that endanger patients. Ministerial Statement: Health Sector Strike by Paramedical and Allied Health Professionals Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa sought clarification on the Government’s National People’s Power policy pledges to recruit graduates into teaching, IT, revenue, customs, foreign service, tourism and related sectors. Referring to ongoing protests by unemployed graduates at Poldowa and prior public assurances by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, he asked the Prime Minister to disclose a concrete action plan, roadmap and timeline for implementing the promised employment opportunities in 2025. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought clarification on potential US tariff increases affecting Sri Lankan apparel exports, noting reported moves to reshore women’s apparel production and an 18.1 percent rise in Sri Lanka’s April apparel exports to the US. He warned that selective tariff increases on trade-surplus countries could harm Sri Lanka as it recovers from bankruptcy, and urged the Government to negotiate a 10- to 15-year special tariff arrangement with the Trump Administration, citing the sector’s 1.2 million direct jobs. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the Government’s assessment of possible US reciprocal tariffs expected to be announced in April 2025 under a “fair trade” framework. He said Sri Lanka is examining potential impacts on key export sectors, especially apparel and textiles, rubber products, coconut-based products and plastics, which together account for about 86 per cent of export earnings to the US. He noted ongoing coordination among the Finance and Trade Ministries, the Export Development Board and diplomatic channels, including engagement with the USTR through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington and stakeholder discussions in Colombo, to prepare policy responses. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Finance on the potential impact of renewed US protectionist trade policies and tariff increases on Sri Lanka’s textile, apparel and general exports, noting the sector’s importance and its 1.2 million direct employees. He asked whether the Government had assessed these risks, engaged with US authorities or sought special accommodation, and taken steps to preserve market access through GSP or alternative arrangements. He also sought details on export market diversification, FDI and trade agreements, consultations with industry on competitiveness, support for affected workers and firms, and how Sri Lanka could use its location to attract US investment. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether the Government is aware that registered Muslim mosques employ Imams and Muadhdhins, and that no written record exists setting minimum wages for those positions. He sought clarification on whether a decision will be made to establish minimum wages and ensure equal payment for these roles across all mosques, and if not, the reasons for inaction. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan supported the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, arguing that the Ministry is central to addressing the dollar crisis through remittances, tourism, investment and improved diplomatic relations. He said the Government is rebuilding trust after past cronyism in diplomatic appointments and corruption in investment and foreign employment processes, and cited migrant remittances of about US$ 7.5 billion and a trade deficit of around US$ 8 billion. He referred to recent action on issues affecting Sri Lankan workers in Italy and outlined expected job opportunities in South Korea, Israel and Japan, while pledging fairer and less corrupt foreign employment administration. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about a Foreign Ministry-linked official now serving as Minister Vijitha Herath’s Private Secretary, alleging past complaints were suppressed and asking the Minister to investigate. He also urged the Tourism Ministry to issue licences to trained driver-tour guides, and called for fairness in selecting workers for Korean employment schemes. Referring to the tabling of the Batalanda Commission Report, he requested that other commission reports, including on the assassination of Vijaya Kumaratunga and killings of SLFP members in 1989, also be tabled, while alleging electoral irregularities in the 1989 Presidential Election in Monaragala District. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer said foreign employment and tourism are key sources of foreign exchange, noting plans to send 243,100 workers abroad in 2025, mainly to Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with greater attention to worker welfare and children’s education. He argued that Middle Eastern tourist arrivals had fallen sharply since 2018 due to post-2019 policies and related international perceptions, and called for targeted promotion, capable diplomatic appointments, Arabic-language guide training and seasonal marketing to capture that market. He also proposed stronger pre-departure training, including languages, for migrant workers, and highlighted tourism development initiatives such as the “Ruhunu Ring,” whale-watching revival, and rural tourism proposals in Alawwa. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Attorney-at-Law Chamindranee Kiriella AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella urged the Government to adopt a long-term foreign policy spanning 10 to 15 years, rather than allowing policy shifts based on changes in political ideology. She called for stronger commercial diplomacy, including consideration of performance-based incentives for relevant Foreign Ministry staff to attract investment, and requested action to depoliticize the Foreign Service in line with campaign commitments. She also proposed a pension scheme for female migrant domestic workers, funded through salary deductions and coordinated with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, to provide retirement support when they return to Sri Lanka. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra defended the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Ministry’s performance, arguing that it is restoring public confidence in foreign missions through merit-based appointments, digitization of consular services, and clearing passport backlogs. He cited past corruption allegations involving former ambassadors as context for reforms, and said the eBMD portal now enables overseas issuance of birth, marriage and death certificates while generating foreign exchange. He also outlined steps to strengthen policy preparedness through the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute and to reform foreign employment processes, including reviving E-8 visas through the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency, restoring Italian driving licence conversion recognition, and resuming Italy work visa processes. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 Hon. Presiding Member AI summary The Presiding Member urged reforms to expand tourism, including better facilities at destinations such as Sigiriya, designated nightlife opportunities with safeguards, support for hotel investors, and improved security to attract higher-spending visitors and increase foreign exchange earnings. He also called for long-term measures to raise remittances by promoting skilled migration and improving welfare, airport facilities, and dignity for returning migrant workers and their families. He requested clarification and investigation into misunderstandings over UAE visit visa procedures raised in COPA, arguing that mischaracterization of lawful migration processes had caused harassment and harmed workers who generate foreign exchange. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister to adopt a consultative approach and consider constructive Opposition proposals, given the importance of these sectors to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. He noted that war, the Easter attacks and COVID-19 severely affected tourism and remittances, but highlighted the recovery of tourism earnings from 2022 to 2024 and over two million arrivals in 2024. He argued that resolving structural issues in tourism and foreign employment is essential to secure sustainable foreign exchange inflows, especially ahead of increased external debt servicing from 2028. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →