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- 6 March 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about health-sector workforce retention amid migration and vacancies, urging the Government to restore or revise reduced allowances for doctors and nurses, update approved cadres, and address issues affecting postgraduate trainees, peripheral postings, and transport permits. He called for recruitment of unemployed allied health and Ayurveda graduates, regularization of dengue control assistants, overtime for minor hospital staff, resolution of Public Health Midwife vacancies and allowances, and implementation of the Cabinet decision to extend nurses’ compulsory retirement age to 63. He also asked the Government to review provisions of the Ayurveda Amendment Act No. 19 of 2023 and address shortages and costs in indigenous medicine. He concluded by proposing that health and education be constitutionally recognized as fundamental rights and said the Opposition would support such reform. 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 said the Government had increased basic salaries across health sector categories, including raising preliminary grade doctors’ basic salary from Rs. 54,290 to Rs. 94,000, and that discussions with unions had helped avert planned strikes while maintaining services with revised extra duty, overtime and public holiday rates. He outlined allocations and modernization plans for the Department of Posts, including Rs. 23.9 billion in funding, new and upgraded post offices, vehicle fleet renewal, and development of selected post offices and the Postal Museum as tourist attractions. He also detailed Mass Media Ministry initiatives, including Rs. 5.52 billion in allocations, Presidential Media Awards, a proposed chartered institute for journalists, a National Media Policy by June, journalist scholarships, Government Press modernization, expedited TV digitalization, and reforms to depoliticize State media. He added that the Sri Lanka Foundation would be redirected from venue-related activities to its original policy support role. 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 outlined a three-year nutrition programme addressing undernutrition and obesity, including Rs. 5,000 million for Triposha and the introduction of rice-based Triposha due to aflatoxin concerns in maize. He stated that the Government is reviving, not closing, the Triposha factory, and is addressing maize supply issues. He also proposed developing health tourism with Ayurveda and private-sector participation, including possible use of Neville Fernando Hospital, and detailed forthcoming health-sector recruitments and training across nursing, public health, technical, and support categories. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that a tile factory abandoned during the LTTE conflict and unsuccessfully targeted for revival since 2015 is now being restarted under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. He said Rs. 15 million was allocated in 2024 and, following accelerated implementation under a new Chairman, production would commence on 7 March with an initial capacity of 5,800 tiles per day and about 150 jobs. He added that the project aims to supply affordable tiles and bricks to the Northern community and that further capital needs have been identified to sustain operations. Private Notice Question: Reopening of Tile Factory in Oddusuddan Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan noted that the Oddusuddan tile factory has remained closed for many years following war-related displacement. He requested the Minister to take action to reopen the factory, arguing that it would create employment, support the local economy, and ease hardship among poor residents in the area. Private Notice Question: Reopening of Tile Factory in Oddusuddan Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary As Minister of Labour, Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha tabled a written answer stating that 22,450 institutions are required to pay EPF contributions, with outstanding dues of Rs. 34.99 billion as of 28 February 2025. He said the detailed list of institutions and the EPF recovery process were placed in the Library, and outlined recovery measures including inspections, notices, instalment plans, and Magistrates’ Court action for persistent non-compliance. Oral Questions (Q.1-4) Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Kins Nelson) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Kins Nelson, asked the Minister of Labour to provide details on institutions required to make Employees’ Provident Fund contributions, including their names and the amounts owed. He also requested information on the measures the Ministry intends to take to recover any outstanding contributions, and asked for reasons if such information cannot be provided. Oral Questions (Q.1-4) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Fisheries Ministry is reviewing problems across all 15 coastal districts and has prepared a new work plan after finding key institutions, including the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, NAQDA, Cey-Nor and North Sea Ltd., heavily indebted and in arrears on worker contributions. He pledged not to betray the support of northern fishermen and cited rehabilitation of harbour infrastructure in Point Pedro, Myliddy, Pesalai, Mannar and Mullaitivu, as well as plans to develop inland fisheries and ornamental aquaculture with provincial coordination. Responding to concerns on fuel subsidies, he said over Rs. 800 million had been paid to 31,143 registered craft, delays were due to monthly card updates and bank account issues, and more than Rs. 3,000 million remains to be disbursed. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticised the Government’s handling of the Aswasuma welfare scheme, arguing that unclear selection criteria were placing local officials in difficulty and risked politicising assistance ahead of elections. He called for a fairer system that targets genuinely needy households and for programmes that help people move out of poverty rather than relying only on cash transfers. On fisheries, he said the Budget lacked a comprehensive programme for the sector despite its importance to food supply, livelihoods and foreign exchange. He urged equal enforcement of bans on harmful fishing methods, action against Indian bottom trawlers, protection for seasonal fishers migrating between regions, timely relief payments, fuel and tax support, completion of harbour works including Muttuvaram, and measures to reduce the cost and improve the quality of fishing gear and export handling facilities. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa defended the Budget’s use of existing lawful data systems and said a fuller scientific database on vulnerable groups had not been developed by previous governments. He outlined the Ministry’s 2025–2029 community empowerment programme targeting two million families, with circulars issued and officers briefed to prepare family development plans. Citing data on elderly persons, persons with disabilities, informal workers, drug addiction, mental health issues and families of prisoners, he argued that welfare spending such as Aswasuma must shift from dependency relief to economic and social empowerment through locally based livelihoods, youth employment and coordinated field work by ministry and Samurdhi officers. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan urged that the issue of northern fishermen be included in the briefing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Sri Lanka in April. He said the continued loss of property and marine resources is the main problem facing fishermen in the North, distinct from wartime circumstances, and called for discussions aimed at resolving it, offering full cooperation. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake highlighted the economic potential of northern fisheries and related products, including marine plants in Kilinochchi and the jaggery industry beyond the planned Vaddakandal bridge, while noting that northern fishing communities remain poorer than those in the South. He welcomed Budget allocations for the Vaddakandal bridge and called for targeted support for northern fishermen. He urged the Tamil Nadu and Indian Governments to prevent illegal fishing that harms the livelihoods of northern Sri Lankan fishing communities, asking India to enforce its own laws. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe rejected allegations linking the Muslim community in Kalmunai to extremism, citing local cooperation with police after the Easter attacks as evidence of opposition to terrorism. He urged the Government to develop and open the Oluvil Fishery Harbour and other harbour facilities in Ampara, with coastal protection works to address erosion affecting local residents. He also called for compensation for fishermen affected by recent floods, damaged boats, deaths at sea, and cases involving fishermen who drifted or were detained after leaving from Kappaladi Fishery Harbour. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri defended the Government’s use of statistics, stating they were drawn from sources such as UNICEF, the World Bank, the Central Bank, and the Department of Census and Statistics, while criticising Opposition claims on governance and the economy. He highlighted rural and estate poverty, income inequality in Polonnaruwa, and human–elephant conflict, citing recent local deaths and hardships. He argued that the Budget addresses earlier Opposition concerns by providing 30,000 jobs, expanding Aswesuma by 400,000 beneficiaries with Rs. 233 billion allocated, and increasing the preschool meal allowance from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100, concluding that it was a successful Budget of the National People’s Power Government. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government would address accumulated administrative issues, including regularizing appointments for employees without EPF coverage and clearing pension backlogs for around 800 retirees. He also said a policy proposal had been made to manage surcharges when recovering the 60 per cent Government contribution, to prevent gratuity payments being fully absorbed, and linked these measures to strengthening social empowerment and service delivery. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe outlined Trade Ministry plans to improve access to affordable fish through processed, frozen packs sold via Sathosa in collaboration with the Fisheries Corporation, with a target of expanding the retail network by 1,000 outlets over three years. He also addressed longstanding administrative and pension issues affecting Samurdhi/Divineguma/Aswesuma staff, including unresolved appointments, delayed pensions, unsettled funds, and the status of 1,100 Samurdhi Banks. He said a Cabinet Paper has been submitted on the disputed recovery of 60 per cent Government EPF/ETF contributions, related surcharges, pending appointments, and retirement benefits, while implementation would proceed subject to the outcome of ongoing court proceedings. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka rejected claims that he opposed support for Hon. Sugath Vasantha de Silva and asked that adequate time be given for line Ministers to respond to questions in debates. He disputed government statements on the Chandrika Wewa and Kiriibbanwewa floating solar projects and the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, saying these initiatives had already begun or progressed earlier and should not be presented as new. He said the Government must resolve doctors’ pay and structural salary concerns without encouraging strikes or vilifying doctors, and argued that Sunday and holiday work should be compensated differently from ordinary monthly pay. He also welcomed fisheries plans but urged timely payment of the promised Rs. 25 per litre diesel subsidy, noting delays since November and hardship to fishing communities. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about the fisheries sector, particularly inadequate transport allowances for fisheries officers covering wide areas such as Trincomalee, and requested an increase. He also highlighted a nationwide shortage of fisheries officers, noting that recruitment has stalled since around 2015, and urged the Minister to proceed fairly with recruitment. He asked the Minister, the Ministry Secretary, and relevant officials to visit fishing communities across Trincomalee District, meet fishermen’s association leaders, and address their local grievances. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy highlighted the continuing social, economic and psychological impacts of war on civilians, including poverty, inflation and displacement. He proposed village-level employment and cottage industries based on local resources, implemented through relevant ministries with MPs’ support. He requested the Universities of Jaffna and Vavuniya to submit project proposals to the Government, stating that he would seek Budget funding to train rural communities and create stable incomes. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana urged the Government to reconsider the proposed salary structure for doctors and supplementary medical professionals before the Appropriation Bill is passed, noting possible industrial action and concerns about disadvantages in the new structure. He also referred to graduate protests outside Parliament and criticized past trade union leaders now in government for their role in mobilizing those groups. He raised a grievance about being discouraged from attending events at C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, contrasting this with other politicians’ participation in school functions, and said he would attend the forthcoming sports meet. He further questioned tax enforcement, alleging that several businesspeople pay no income tax and calling on officials to act to recover significant revenue. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →