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- 7 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathyalinagam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathyalinagam urged the Minister to direct the Sri Lanka Transport Board to provide bus transport for schoolchildren and to address safety at railway level crossings, particularly on the Northern line. He requested permanent or improved arrangements for level crossing guards currently paid Rs. 250 per day, or alternative safety measures such as signals where staffing is not possible. He also raised access problems caused by railway works at Omanthai and between Vavuniya and Mankulam, asking that traditional and local paths across the railway be restored or replaced suitably. On housing, he said many houses allocated under earlier schemes in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar remain incomplete, leaving beneficiaries in debt, and requested additional funds to complete the projects. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam requested Budget allocations and ministerial action to improve transport safety and connectivity in Vavuniya District, including traffic signals at key junctions and near Vavuniya Tamil Maha Vidyalaya. He called for bridges and a flyover in flood-affected rural areas, highlighted shortages of operational SLTB buses and staff vacancies, and asked that rural bus services be strengthened for farmers and schoolchildren. He also urged the introduction of an integrated SLTB-private bus timetable in the Northern Province and action to ensure buses on the Vavuniya-Mankulam section of the A9 carry school students. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi said the Government would consider constructive Opposition proposals on transport while arguing that past administrations had weakened the SLTB and Railways through political interference. He outlined ongoing work through the Ministry’s advisory subcommittees, including policy measures to regulate unorganised transport sectors such as three-wheelers, school transport, office transport, and self-employed drivers, with attention to worker welfare and commuter safety. He said the Government would regularise SLTB administration, address recruitment and procurement issues, implement salary revisions under Circular 6/2006, and improve service quality. He also referred to upgrades to Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations under Clean Sri Lanka, plans to modernise the Railway Department and Ratmalana Railway Training Institute, and the need to address the shortfall between required and operating SLTB buses. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Dr. Harini Amarasuriya commended the Ministry of Transport and Sri Lanka Railways for establishing improved restroom facilities for women at Colombo Fort Railway Station, framing it as a practical measure to support safer and more dignified public transport use. She argued that inadequate, unsafe, and inaccessible transport limits women’s labour force participation, children’s education, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. She urged the Ministry to consider transport and road access in relation to schools, teacher deployment, and broader social participation, emphasizing that mobility should enable all citizens to access work, education, culture, and public life. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan urged greater investment in Trincomalee’s port infrastructure, including development of the Ashraff Jetty, better use of oil tanks for bunkering, possible SLPA management of private jetties, and resolution of land disputes by granting titles to long-standing residents. He called for improvements to public transport in the district, including additional and repaired SLTB buses, staffing, and depot rehabilitation. He also requested urgent bridge projects at Kattaiparichchan, Iralu, Punnaithivu and Kokkilai Lagoon, and raised concern that road development allocations had fallen and remained focused mainly on major RDA roads rather than local and secondary roads. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB AI summary Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said the Government will strengthen maritime human resources by empowering the Mahapola Training Centre and implementing the Merchant Shipping Secretariat’s roadmap to increase Sri Lankan seafarers to 50,000 by 2030 with private and State sector collaboration. He stated that the Trincomalee Port master plan will be re-evaluated this year, focusing on oil, cruise and container terminals, including support for restored oil tanks, tourism expansion and transshipment for India’s eastern seaboard. He also announced proposed amendments to aviation law to improve regulation of domestic aviation, aviation tourism activities and agricultural drone use. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana called for measures to expand long-distance bus services from Matugama to destinations such as Trincomalee, Badulla, Haputale and Ampara, noting that passengers currently have to travel via Colombo and make multiple transfers. He proposed calling tenders or establishing an annual quota mechanism for new routes, and said removing VAT on buses could encourage more operators to enter the sector. He stated that both the private sector and the SLTB could provide these services, offered to pilot improvements in the Kalutara District, and said he would submit further proposals in writing through the Transport Ministry Advisory Committee. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena outlined measures to reduce elephant–train collisions and train cancellations, reporting that 286 trains operated the previous day with only one cancellation. He said the transport sector’s main institutions, particularly SLTB, had deteriorated due to politicization and underinvestment, and proposed rebuilding services through 1,100 new buses, Rs. 3,000 million for low-floor city buses, 200 expressway buses, and the revival of Lakdiva Engineering. He also detailed delays and costs linked to the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal, stating that Rs. 7,730 million has been allocated with civil works targeted for completion by May 2027, alongside Rs. 1,500 million for related access and parking facilities to address Kandy congestion. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni acknowledged difficulties faced by doctors and PGIM trainees, including limited career development pathways, frequent rotations across specialties, long working hours, travel burdens, administrative delays and lack of accommodation. He said the Ministry is pursuing an intermediate or middle-grade medical cadre, initially discussed for anaesthesia, ICU, neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery, in consultation with professional colleges, universities and the PGIM. He stated that administrative processes for trainees could be streamlined without additional funding, while quarters or hired accommodation should be provided, and overtime allowance issues would require Cabinet approval. He added that committees had been appointed to advance discussions, amend Service Minutes if necessary, and develop a faster solution. Adjournment Motion: Challenges Faced by Medical Specialists (Postgraduate Trainees) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB AI summary The Government accepted the Adjournment Motion on creating an intermediate medical cadre as timely, citing specialist doctor shortages after the economic crisis and the loss of experienced non-specialist doctors from high-demand fields. The proposal was supported in principle as a way to address service gaps, especially outside Colombo, but it was noted that implementation requires consultation with specialists, legal consideration, and approval from relevant academic and professional bodies. The Ministry had already begun technical discussions on the concept and is also considering prompt relief for postgraduate trainees facing accommodation and transfer-related financial difficulties. Adjournment Motion: Challenges Faced by Medical Specialists (Postgraduate Trainees) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary The member supported the proposal to create a middle-level medical officer grade within the Ministry of Health, noting that the issue had been discussed previously without resolution. He argued that recognizing experienced medical officers through a Service Minute, in consultation with relevant medical colleges, the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, and the Department of Management Services, would help retain health personnel and strengthen rural healthcare. He proposed appointing such officers to divisional hospitals as officers in charge to reduce pressure on urban hospitals and called for a committee to develop a practical solution. Adjournment Motion: Challenges Faced by Medical Specialists (Postgraduate Trainees) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the Adjournment Motion on challenges faced by medical specialists and urged the introduction of an intermediate cadre between Medical Officers and consultants. He argued that doctors with postgraduate diplomas, Masters qualifications, or long specialized experience remain classified as ordinary Medical Officers without appropriate career progression or salary recognition, leading to loss of expertise and migration. He proposed a special Service Minute, defined absorption criteria, dedicated salary scales, and expanded postgraduate training opportunities through universities, including the Jaffna Medical Faculty. Adjournment Motion: Challenges Faced by Medical Specialists (Postgraduate Trainees) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna argued that poor working conditions, limited career progression, and remuneration issues are driving doctors, interns, and postgraduate trainees to seek employment abroad. He proposed creating a senior intermediate medical cadre for experienced doctors and establishing mechanisms for medical officers to pursue postgraduate training while remaining in service. He welcomed the increase in basic salary but urged the Government to address overtime calculations, particularly the issue of dividing OT by 120 instead of 80, through consultation and future Budget commitments. He also referred to his own arrest in Jaffna, asking the Government to avoid personal reprisals and make better use of medical expertise within Parliament. Adjournment Motion: Challenges Faced by Medical Specialists (Postgraduate Trainees) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about the emigration of doctors and nurses following the economic and political crises, citing the public cost of training medical professionals and the resulting financial loss to the State. He argued that economic instability, inability to afford vehicles, loan burdens, and inadequate conditions are key reasons doctors leave the country. He specifically called for better support for postgraduate medical trainees, including fair remuneration, accommodation, and practical benefits, noting their central role in the health system. Adjournment Motion: Challenges Faced by Medical Specialists (Postgraduate Trainees) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna highlighted the shortage and emigration of doctors, citing Sri Lanka’s low doctor-to-population ratio, recent departures of about 1,800 doctors, and the risk of further migration by around 5,000 more. He argued that the Budget addresses pressures on health and related sectors by reducing overall state expenditure, increasing development allocations, and raising public sector salaries, with emphasis on improving doctors’ basic pay rather than relying on allowances. He also referred to the effects of PAYE tax after the 2022 bankruptcy declaration and said the Government aims over future Budgets to create structured working hours, adequate leave, and improved professional conditions to retain and attract medical professionals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga highlighted plans to modernise the Postal Department through digital services, e-commerce, EMS, mobile applications and international e-packet cooperation, while addressing long-standing issues of staff regularisation, allowances and promotions on merit. She said state postal and media assets would be protected from sale or misuse, and noted a Rs. 23,918 million Budget allocation and a Rs. 18,000 million revenue target for the Postal Department in 2025. She also proposed an anti-siphoning-style framework for national sports broadcasts, including simulcasting events of national interest on the national channel with revenue sharing to support public media institutions. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam paid tribute to the late M.P. Sivanesan and two Tamil media figures, then raised health-sector concerns in the Northern Province during the Health and Mass Media debate. He urged immediate action on Jaffna Teaching Hospital’s cadre approvals, infrastructure needs, and especially a new maternity unit, citing severe overcrowding and unsafe conditions, and requested the return or allocation of identified lands for the hospital’s expansion as a future national hospital. He also called for administrative restructuring and a dedicated allocation for the Tellippalai Trail Cancer Hospital, including a CT scanner, and asked that dispenser cadre shortages be addressed by converting positions to pharmacists where qualified pharmacists are available. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that nursing promotion timelines remain unchanged under the existing Nursing Establishment: Grade II to Grade I in five years, Grade I to Senior Grade I in seven years, and Senior Grade I to Supra Grade in ten years. He rejected claims that all promotions had been extended to ten years or that pensions would be affected, stating that promotions would proceed according to the established schedule. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about doctors’ grievances relating to salary revisions, stating that while the basic salary increase is acceptable, allowances should not be reduced to fund it. He urged the Minister to restore the requested allowances and honour undertakings given to medical unions, warning that unresolved issues could lead to strikes affecting patients. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Government had substantially increased basic salaries for paramedical staff, doctors, and nurses, while noting that overtime, extra duty, and holiday payments must remain within economic limits. He also said the long-standing issue of dengue control assistants was being addressed, with Cabinet approval to recruit unqualified personnel as Multitask Development Assistants and steps under way to resolve appointments for both O/L-qualified and non-qualified workers through the Public Service Commission. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →