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- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB AI summary The speech outlined Budget allocations for agriculture, livestock, lands and irrigation, including funding for MILCO, and argued that the livestock sector has been weakened by shortages of veterinary staff, outdated vehicles, inadequate fuel and insufficient allowances. It raised concerns that farmers receive low prices while intermediaries capture high margins, and supported proposed government mechanisms through cooperatives and MILCO to improve paddy and milk marketing. It criticized past imports of unsuitable dairy cattle, particularly to dry-zone areas, and emphasized the suitability of indigenous cattle and buffalo systems in the North and East. A request was made to provide controlled grazing access on lands under Forest and Wildlife authorities, citing relevant forest and wildlife legislation and the cultural and livelihood role of cattle rearing. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government has consolidated previously fragmented responsibilities and is developing a structured livestock policy under the “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” programme. He outlined plans to rebuild dairy production by organizing farmers into societies, profiling producers by supply levels, improving fodder cultivation infrastructure, expanding artificial insemination and sexed semen use, and developing state farms under the Mahaweli Authority and NLDB as breeding and production centres. He also said poultry support would focus on reducing feed costs, expanding maize cultivation and pursuing export opportunities, while the swine sector would be revived to improve protein supply and reduce malnutrition. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa proposed a National Agricultural Policy and National Land Use Plan to modernize agriculture, improve productivity, attract youth, strengthen markets, and address human–wildlife conflict through zoning, technology, compensation, insurance, and community-based measures. He cited international examples including the Netherlands and Costa Rica to argue for investment in research, precision farming, value addition, sustainability, and coordinated ecosystem management. He questioned whether farm-gate pricing and cost-per-acre calculations properly reflect farmers’ real costs, disaster risks, and regional variations, and called for timely compensation for crop losses. He also said any wildlife census must be conducted properly through coordination among the Agriculture, Wildlife, Forest and other relevant agencies, rather than by the Agriculture Ministry alone. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer on the Northern Coconut Triangle project, stating that it began in 2023 in the Northern Province, has planted about 10,000 acres so far, and targets 50,000 acres by 2027 with expected production contributions by 2030. The answer set out objectives including increasing annual production by 135 million nuts, improving food security, raising export revenue by USD 70 million, supporting northern livelihoods, attracting investment, and promoting intercropping. It also detailed current coconut production and a range of short-, medium- and long-term measures, including controlled imports for re-export and oil production, concessional fertilizer and pest-control support, rehabilitation and replanting, irrigation, consumer supply through state channels, expansion into non-traditional areas, concessional industry finance, and preparation of sectoral strategic plans. Oral Question: Scarcity of Coconuts and Archaeological Site Protection (Q.92/2024, Q.210/2024) Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns that prison officers perform dangerous duties comparable to police officers but receive lower pay. Citing a recent shooting of a former prison officer, he asked whether the Government would ensure fair salaries for prison officers on par with the police. Oral Question: Prison Guard Vacancies (Q.125/2024) Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on the approved cadre, current strength, and vacancies for male and female Prison Guards, noting 729 male and 117 female vacancies. He said recruitment is underway through a competitive examination, internal recruitment from the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force to the Prisons Emergency Response Tactical Unit, and limited competitive recruitment from junior departmental employees. He also stated that Cabinet-approved increases to allowances, expanded overtime eligibility, uniform provision, and training programmes have been introduced to address staffing pressures and improve prison service capacity. Oral Question: Prison Guard Vacancies (Q.125/2024) Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration to provide details on the Prisons Department’s approved cadre of prison guards, the number currently serving, and existing vacancies. He also sought information on measures to fill those vacancies and address professional issues faced by prison guards, asking for reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Prison Guard Vacancies (Q.125/2024) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary The Member criticized the timing of local election nominations during the Budget Committee Stage, saying it hindered MPs’ participation in Parliament. He argued that while taxation is necessary, the Government’s tax policy has burdened lower and middle-level IT workers while continuing large tax incentives, including to major IT companies, and called for action to enable PayPal inflows to support online businesses. He also raised concerns about alleged misconduct by governing party organizers in Batticaloa, including threats and an assault complaint, and urged the Prime Minister to intervene while asking the Digital Economy Ministry to support rural IT access and promote technology investment beyond Colombo. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi outlined the distinctions between digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation, arguing that the Ministry of Digital Economy should focus on end-to-end transformation to improve productivity, public service delivery, transparency, and data-driven governance. He cited planned and ongoing measures including SLUDI implementation, ICT infrastructure development, Rs. 160 million for a Data Protection Authority, progress on the GovPay platform, and a total allocation of Rs. 15.77 billion to improve public service efficiency. He also stressed the need to operationalize the Personal Data Protection Act, develop a Digital Security Bill framework, and establish cybersecurity protocols to protect critical systems and national security. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad raised concerns about the impact of AI on Sri Lankan freelancers earning foreign income and called for reskilling and upskilling programmes with dedicated funding. He supported the proposal for VAT-registered businesses to use POS machines but urged rural training, cost support, and trust-building, while also calling for ICTA to be either comprehensively reformed or replaced. He opposed introducing a new tax on IT freelancers at this stage, arguing that investment and sector growth would generate more revenue and employment, and urged the Government to convert its digitalization commitments into national policy. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad argued that digitalization of public administration cannot be effectively implemented while maintaining an oversized and redundant workforce. He stated that some job reductions are inevitable, as seen in other countries, but said this could be managed through higher salaries, pensions, retirement, and private sector opportunities. He urged that the impact be assessed after the digitalization process is completed and presented the reforms as overdue rather than politically motivated. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne rejected the claim that digitalization of government services would eliminate public sector jobs. He argued that digitalization is intended to reduce queues and improve the speed of public service delivery, and cautioned against misleading the public on the issue. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Government to implement the digital economy agenda beyond urban areas by ensuring reliable telecommunications and internet access in rural and difficult areas, including parts of Batticaloa District and the North. He called for school and university curricula to be aligned with digital economy, science, technology and labour market needs, highlighting graduate unemployment and shortages of science, mathematics and ICT teachers in disadvantaged areas. He also requested practical measures to create employment for unemployed graduates and raised separate education-related concerns, including delays in Grade 5 Scholarship cut-off marks and appointments of acting principals who passed the Class 3 Principals’ Service exam. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported the Government’s digital economy initiatives but argued that they must begin with school and university-level reforms, including stronger language, computer, and IT training, expanded technology intakes, and training for graduates to access foreign employment. He urged wider implementation of digital payment systems such as GovPay, including in the private sector, and cited countries such as India, Singapore and Malaysia as examples of revenue generation through digital services. He also raised concerns about teacher transfers, shortages, poor school infrastructure in Ampara and Pottuvil, and the financial burden on parents, calling for increased education funding and better transfer policies. He concluded by urging the Government, given its electoral mandate, to focus on economic development and anti-corruption reforms rather than actions perceived as politically motivated. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage supported the Science and Technology Ministry expenditure head, highlighting the Government’s creation of a Ministry of Digital Economy and arguing that long-term national planning is needed to align human resources, education and economic priorities. He said technology must be extended across sectors, particularly agriculture, where outdated practices are driving youth away and limiting productivity. He proposed practical measures such as deploying drones, irrigation and fertilizer technologies, nano-fertilizers, strengthening Vidatha centre officers, and supporting SMEs, youth and women through systematic technology programmes. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake called for value-for-money assessment of the 1.6 million public servants and urged the Government to use digitalization to improve revenue collection, efficiency and economic growth. He proposed tax incentives for digital start-ups, a stronger cashless economy, and wider use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in agriculture, including weather reporting and yield improvement. Citing Bank of Ceylon-supported drone initiatives, he argued that technology-led reforms and industrial automation should be implemented rather than repeatedly discussed, with cross-party focus on national development. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Budget’s allocations for industry and the digital economy are central to expanding Sri Lanka’s economy through digital transformation, startup development, and integration into global digital value chains. He outlined measures including a Fund of Funds with IFC, angel investment networks, startup infrastructure, digital nomad visas, IT districts, freelancer registration and banking access, and partnerships with India and Singapore to adopt proven technologies. He said digitalization would also be used to improve productivity in agriculture, fisheries and light manufacturing, expand the tax net, support SMEs, and improve ease of doing business through greater transparency. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that delays in implementing a Unique Digital ID have weakened tax collection and the repatriation of export proceeds, and urged the Government to prioritize it immediately rather than over a five-year period under “Clean Sri Lanka” allocations. He criticized taxation of digital entrepreneurs, proposing temporary tax exemptions for selected dollar-earning start-ups to encourage growth. He also objected to remarks allegedly threatening professional institutions involved in construction claims, calling for clarification and an apology while defending the sector’s contribution to foreign earnings. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government has appointed a Cabinet subcommittee and coordinating committees of Secretaries to address the issue of unemployed or underemployed graduates, which requires coordination across several ministries. He said a response would be provided within a week and argued that an immediate, ad hoc answer would not resolve a long-standing problem. He said the process would assess government vacancies, public sector development needs, and the qualifications of affected graduates in order to identify fair and appropriate placements. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 27(2) Question on Graduate Unemployment Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned why the Government needed more time to respond on providing employment for 35,000 unemployed graduates, arguing that the issue should have been addressed in the Budget. He asked whether the absence of an immediate answer indicated that the graduates’ unemployment crisis had been ignored in budget planning. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 27(2) Question on Graduate Unemployment Read →