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- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage supported Chandima Hettiaratchi’s Motion on strengthening the National Youth Services Council, stating that the Council and the National Youth Corps had not fulfilled their objectives due to past politicization and misuse of funds. He said the Government had identified youth isolation and wider problems caused by economic, educational, cultural, and health-related failures, and had begun programmes to network youth through centres at Grama Niladhari Division level. He outlined plans to promote entrepreneurship, sports, English and IT skills, and cultural development, and pledged to implement the Ministry’s policies as a comprehensive youth uplift programme. Adjournment Motion: Reorganization of National Youth Services Council Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake seconded the Adjournment Motion on youth institutions, arguing that bodies such as the National Youth Services Council and National Youth Corps have only partly achieved their objectives in youth empowerment, leadership development and vocational training. He said Sri Lankan youth have fallen behind global peers and called for their creativity and skills to be directed into national development rather than overseas labour migration. He referred to alleged past misuse of youth-related funds highlighted in COP reports and stated that the Budget and the NPP policy platform provide opportunities to build a fulfilled, creative youth cohort, while urging Parliament to combat corruption and provide leadership for this effort. Adjournment Motion: Reorganization of National Youth Services Council Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Chandima Hettiaratchi moved an Adjournment Motion calling for the reorganization of the National Youth Services Council, its branches, and related bodies such as the National Youth Corps to better deliver youth empowerment, leadership development, vocational training, and social service programmes under the Government’s “A Fulfilled Youth” policy. He alleged that public funds of the Council, including Rs. 100 million transferred before the Presidential Election, had been misused for election campaigning, and said such institutions must be restored to serve youth and the public. He cited Budget allocations of about Rs. 4,000 million for youth institutions and Rs. 38.6 billion for SMEs and youth entrepreneurs, arguing that these should support youth participation in economic, social, technological, and leadership development. Adjournment Motion: Reorganization of National Youth Services Council Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that the recent nationwide blackout exposed serious vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s energy security and said prior engineering warnings should have been addressed. He urged the Government to expand low-cost solar power, maintain incentives for private sector investment, and consider large-scale battery storage to reduce reliance on hydro and thermal generation. He also called for better fuel procurement and storage, fair discussions on dealer margins to prevent queues, mandatory sanitation facilities at fuel stations, and clarity on plans involving fuel storage tanks and private or foreign participation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked whether the Ministry had analyzed the reasons behind the closure of 408 industries, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and the economic crisis. She sought clarification on whether the Ministry had intervened to support viable closed industries to restart operations. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Sri Lanka - Current Status (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that Sri Lanka has a shortage of suitable industrial land and that performance varies across industrial parks managed by the Ministry, IDB, BOI and Provincial Councils, with BOI parks generally functioning better due to export focus and infrastructure. He reported that 527 industries operate in Ministry parks, 408 are closed, 14 of 33 operating parks are at full capacity, and space remains in some parks, while SME data collection is still underway. He said a national plan covering all relevant agencies is being formulated, with 10 new industrial parks planned for the year on about 570 acres, supported by Rs. 1.5 billion from the Budget and proposed public-private partnerships for infrastructure and services. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Sri Lanka - Current Status (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the Elpitiya Industrial Estate, established by the Industrial Development Board, covers 65 acres across two phases. He said Phase I, a 21-acre agro-food products estate, has infrastructure and key approvals in place, with 10 plots allotted and four investors starting construction. Phase II, a 44-acre multi-product zone, has 92 plots allotted, with internal roads formed and water, electricity, and environmental approvals still being completed. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Elpitiya (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Nishantha Perera asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development for details on whether an industrial park has been established in GN Division No. 29, Goluwamulla, in the Elpitiya DS Division. He sought information on its total land extent, the area developed so far, the implementing organization, and a breakdown of industries already established and planned, or reasons if no park has been established. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Elpitiya (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa said he sought to clarify alleged misunderstandings among a small group of nurses regarding the 2025 Budget salary revisions and to counter claims that public servants’ salaries had been reduced. He outlined increases in basic salary, overtime rates and daily allowances across nursing grades, stating that entry-grade nurses’ gross monthly pay would rise to at least Rs. 133,640 from April 2025, with larger increases at higher grades. He argued that these revisions represented significant improvements within current economic constraints and accused certain individuals or unions of spreading misinformation to mobilize protest action. Ministerial Statement: Minister of Health and Media on Nurses' Concerns Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised two supplementary issues regarding the fishing sector, noting that 182 multi-day vessels were reportedly not operating, including about 97 at the Beruwala fishery harbour, and requested an investigation. He also questioned delays in the Rs. 25 per litre fuel subsidy for multi-day vessels, stating that some fishers had not received payments due from October 2024 while others had received November payments, and asked that the relevant Minister be informed and action clarified. Oral Question: Fishery Harbours Development and Multi-Day Vessel Operations (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, the Minister reported that Sri Lanka has 24 fishery harbours and outlined proposed development and maintenance allocations for fuel systems, harbour infrastructure, equipment, lighting, pumps, beacons and vehicles. He provided vessel figures, stating that 5,488 multi-day vessels and 929 one-day vessels are currently engaged or registered, with 182 multi-day and 24 one-day vessels not engaged in fishing. He detailed ongoing support measures including fuel reimbursement allowances for diesel and kerosene users, Chinese grant programmes for kerosene and fishing nets, artificial reef projects, FAO-supported efficiency pilots, online licensing and vessel monitoring systems, fisher health and first-aid certification, export facilitation, and a forthcoming enhanced pension scheme. Oral Question: Fishery Harbours Development and Multi-Day Vessel Operations (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned reports that 160 OIC appointments would be made on political grounds, contrasting this with earlier interview-based appointments by senior police officials and urging that the Police Service be allowed to function independently. He asked what steps the Government would take to address a reported shortage of 20,000 police officers, noting that the Budget refers to broader public sector recruitment. He argued that the Budget reduces the special 40 percent police allowance to 22 percent, lowering take-home pay despite stated salary increases, and also said the special allowance for parliamentary staff had been reduced from one-third to one-fourth. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate (Defence & Public Security Heads) Read →
- 28 February 2025 Hon. Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. Harini Amarasuriya presented district-wise data on teacher vacancies as at 31 January 2025, stating that provincial schools had 2,652 vacancies by medium and national schools had 40,621 vacancies. She also explained the status of recruitment to the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service for Dhamma Acharyas under Gazette Notification No. 2087 of 2018, noting that the process was delayed by COVID-19 and Treasury restrictions on recruitment. She stated that appointments for religious subjects had continued through National Diploma in Teaching graduates from 2019 to 2023, and that the Ministry had sought instructions from the Public Service Commission on how to proceed with the 2019 competitive examination results given the limited remaining vacancies. Ministerial Statement - School Teacher Recruitment and Dhamma School Allowances Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on teacher recruitment, stating that recruitment is governed by the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service Minute in Gazette Extraordinary No. 1885/38 of 23 October 2014. She said the minimum qualification for recruitment to Grade III is passing at least three G.C.E. Advanced Level subjects at one sitting, excluding the General Test. She also reported 43,273 teacher vacancies, comprising 2,652 in National Schools and 40,621 in Provincial Schools, with district details provided in annexes. Ministerial Statement - School Teacher Recruitment and Dhamma School Allowances Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Imran Maharoof) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Imran Maharoof, asked the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports for details on National Youth Corps training centres in Trincomalee District by Divisional Secretariat Division. He specifically sought clarification on the closure and relocation of the Kinniya training centre, the reasons for those decisions, whether any obstacles prevent reopening, and what steps would be taken to reopen it if possible. Oral Questions 4 & 5 - Port City Project & National Youth Corps Centre (Q.432/2025) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam opposed the proposal to relocate the Norwood Divisional Secretariat to Hatton, arguing that a new building should instead be constructed in Norwood to serve over 200,000 residents. He questioned the Government’s priorities in light of railway-related Budget allocations and warned that moving the office would further disadvantage the upcountry community. He also referred to past injustices against estate Tamils, including disenfranchisement and administrative boundary changes, and raised concern over the lack of clarity on estate workers’ wages despite references to a Rs. 1,700 basic salary. Adjournment: Motion on Prevention of Relocation of Norwood Divisional Secretariat to Hatton Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticised the Budget for lacking a clear national vision and practical measures to uplift rural communities beyond limited cash relief. He argued that despite references to welfare and progressiveness, the Budget did not revive public hopes, support youth aspirations, or provide a direct plan for nearly three million struggling small and medium entrepreneurs. He said expenditure cuts alone were insufficient without capital formation and wealth creation, and called for open discussion on addressing the deficit and debt. He also objected to the reported 15 per cent tax on digital foreign earnings, including platform-based income, saying it undermined young earners who bring dollars into the country. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticised the 2025 Budget, arguing that the Government had broken election promises on borrowing, debt repayment, taxation, public sector salary increases, senior citizens’ deposits, and relief on food, health and education costs. He questioned the credibility of projected revenue and borrowing figures, warned that welfare and capital expenditure could be cut if targets are not met, and said the Budget continued policies associated with the previous administration, including asset sales, SOE listing and private use of state land. He also raised concerns over taxes on book inputs under the UNESCO Florence Agreement and alleged reduced allocations for women and child affairs. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha argued that the Government’s inaugural Budget is part of a long-term plan to reverse economic contraction, maintain macroeconomic stability, and stimulate demand through public sector wage increases, welfare allowances, pensions, and employment creation. He said wage increases were phased to keep inflation in single digits and support investor confidence, while production growth was needed to meet rising demand. Addressing rice prices, he defended the Rs. 120 per kilo paddy price as a balance between farmer and consumer interests, said surplus stocks would be absorbed by the State, imports would be used to maintain a three-month buffer if needed, and action would be taken against monopoly pricing. He described the Government’s economic approach as a new model aimed at overcoming past policy failures while preserving economic and democratic freedoms. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the 2025 Budget, stating that it allocates resources equitably across regions and communities, with particular attention to long-standing housing, documentation, language, education, and welfare issues faced by Malaiyaha plantation communities. He said the Government plans to complete 700 pending Indian-funded houses and build 4,700 new estate houses this year, renovate 75 line-room clusters under “Clean Sri Lanka,” assist residents with civil documents, and provide individual houses based on need. He also referred to the proposed Rs. 1,700 daily wage for estate workers, nutrition measures for estate students, and efforts to address school dropouts and infrastructure shortages in estate schools, especially in Ratnapura District. The speech contrasted the current Government’s approach with past political neglect and alleged partisan practices in plantation areas. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →