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- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha commended the Budget’s allocations for education, health and sanitary pads, but urged the Government to review vehicle tariffs, restore affordable permit schemes for public servants, and adopt lower duties for electric vehicles. He said high tariffs on building materials and the removal of first-home buyer tax relief were making home ownership unaffordable, and called for concessions for first-time homeowners. He requested stricter regulation of foreign employment and land leasing in the tourism sector, particularly in the South and East, and warned that current rules on 99-year leases and stamp duty could disadvantage Sri Lankans. He also urged the Government to strengthen investment incentives alongside industrial zone development. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake said the inaugural Budget of the National People’s Power Government lays a foundation for advancing the country by reshaping its social, economic and political direction. He identified three main pillars: shifting to a production-based economy, involving all regions and sectors of the population in economic activity, and distributing the benefits of production fairly across groups including workers, public and private sector employees, estate communities, fishers, youth, children in care, and persons with disabilities. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana stated that the Budget prioritizes modernization of public and rail transport rather than privatization, and proposes strengthening state-owned enterprises through a holding company to generate returns without selling profitable assets. He said the Government will address public service staffing gaps, allocate record funds to education and health, increase Aswesuma and research and development funding, and pursue a model based on economic democracy, social justice, and environmental quality. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana argued that Sri Lanka’s ageing population and changing economy require stronger state support for eldercare rather than relying only on families. He said raising basic wages would improve retirement income for public and private sector workers, funded through taxes on higher incomes and capital gains. He rejected claims that the Budget was an “IMF Budget,” stating that its revenue measures targeted higher earners while supporting public investment and services. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the 2025 Budget as a shift away from austerity and neoliberal policy toward a production-based, resilient economy focused on economic democracy, social justice and environmental quality. He cited increased capital expenditure, public sector wage rises, SME credit guarantees, public transport and railway modernization, SOE strengthening through a holding company model, and higher allocations for education, health, R&D and social protection. He argued that fiscal consolidation, including a 2.3 per cent primary surplus, should be achieved through restoring State capacity and taxing higher incomes, rather than burdening workers through indirect taxes. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman questioned the Government’s procurement practices, arguing that tenders should not be awarded solely on the lowest price and alleging irregularities in a wind power project and the release of 323 containers without Customs checks. He criticized the Government for not fulfilling promised public sector wage increases, citing teachers and workers who supported earlier protests, and called for compensation for a teacher injured during a demonstration. He also objected to proposed taxation on IT freelancers while alleging inaction on online casino taxation, and urged the proposed Anti-Corruption Committee Office to investigate both past corruption and current matters such as the wind power project, container releases, VFS, and passport-related deals. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that successive governments, despite criticizing the open market economy introduced in 1977, continued or expanded privatization and market-oriented policies, citing the Chandrika Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa administrations as examples. He questioned the NPP Government’s claim of pursuing “economic democracy” or a new economic direction while remaining within the IMF programme and following advice from the Central Bank, Treasury and IMF. He also challenged the Government on whether it consulted the public or farmers’ organizations in preparing the Budget and setting the paddy price at Rs. 120 per kilo. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi framed the 2025 Budget as a historic turning point comparable to the 1970 and 1977 Budgets, arguing that its central objective is the “democratization of the economy” through broader participation and fairer distribution of growth. He highlighted targets and measures including 5 per cent growth, investment in agriculture, food security, technology, agro-industry, digital transformation across 12 sectors, and improved public service efficiency and accountability. He also defended salary increases and private-sector wage interventions as necessary to raise purchasing power, and said the Budget seeks to deliver jobs, enterprises, better health and education, and national development. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka criticized the Budget as departing from the Government’s manifesto, arguing that promised VAT removals and tax cuts had not materialized while revenue targets, withholding tax, excise measures, vehicle taxes, and import restrictions would burden ordinary people. He said support promised to fishers, farmers, unemployed graduates, and older job seekers was inadequate or absent, and alleged that paddy pricing decisions favoured millers over farmers. He urged the Government to allow previously granted vehicle permits for executive-grade and medical officers to be used. He also condemned an alleged threat made by a Government State Minister against Hon. Namal Rajapaksa and said the Opposition would not be intimidated. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara defended the 2025 Budget as a credible and socially responsive programme aimed at justice, equality and economic transformation, contrasting it with previous budgets he said had not materialized. He highlighted allocations for health, education, transport, agriculture, security, public administration and Rs. 749 billion for social protection, alongside salary and stipend increases and measures for farmers, estate workers, fisherfolk, students, public servants and private-sector workers. He said the Budget would be financed through projected revenue of Rs. 4,990 billion and domestic and foreign borrowing against expenditure of Rs. 8,835 billion, and emphasized digitization, infrastructure rehabilitation and research funding while criticizing alleged misuse of youth funds under the previous administration. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan welcomed the 2025 Budget’s focus on economic transformation, digitalization and expanded welfare, but argued that many proposals lack implementation details and measurable outcomes. He called for transparent plans on FTAs, PPPs, state land leasing, digital infrastructure, cyber security, startup support, revenue sustainability, and public sector salary financing. He also urged more targeted and sustainable welfare measures, increased support for female-headed households, stronger agricultural modernization and rural infrastructure, and greater capital allocation to industry. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that the Government had abandoned many positions it held before coming to power, including on privatization, foreign investment, private universities, Indian-linked projects and the IMF agreement, and said the Budget did not reflect the mandate it claimed. He criticized the proposed public sector salary increases as largely offset by the absorption or reduction of existing allowances, while welcoming the restoration of pension calculations under Circular 03/2016 for 2016–2020 retirees. He opposed the Budget on the grounds that fertilizer subsidies were limited mainly to paddy farmers, the promised paddy buffer stock and price controls were inadequately funded, and VAT reductions on essentials promised before the election had not been implemented. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake emphasized the need for updated, properly categorized data on persons with disabilities to support data-driven policymaking, equal rights, and economic inclusion. He called for new accessibility policies for public transport, access points, buses, hospitals, and buildings, noting that existing designs create barriers for persons with disabilities and the wider public. He also urged measures beyond increased Budget allowances to improve ICT access and connect persons with disabilities to modern economic opportunities. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva argued that Sri Lanka must implement the long-standing 3 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities in the public sector before expecting compliance from the private sector, noting high unemployment and unfilled opportunities in areas such as railway call services and Braille publishing. He called for a review of placements made under the Multipurpose Development Task Force and for welfare and social empowerment measures to support disabled persons and their families. He also urged enactment of domestic legislation aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including implementation and monitoring mechanisms under Article 33, and proposed a time-bound, evidence-based service delivery system built on updated national disability data. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva cited 2012 Census data indicating that over 1.7 million persons with disabilities were recorded in Sri Lanka, 57 per cent of them women, and that 71 per cent were outside the labour force. He noted that the data is outdated and the current situation may be more severe, and highlighted limited economic access for disabled persons. He pointed to poor implementation of the 1988 circular requiring 3 per cent of public sector jobs to be reserved for persons with disabilities. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe defended the 2025 Budget as aligned with the NPP Government’s “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” programme, arguing it responds to the economic collapse inherited in 2022 and citing bond restructuring, credit rating upgrades, tourism growth, and resumed Japanese projects as signs of restored confidence. He said the Budget prioritizes production, SMEs, fair distribution, essential services, and selective regulation, while rejecting past practices of borrowing, asset sales, tax concessions, and election-oriented handouts. He highlighted major allocations for social protection, health, education, agriculture modernization, public service digitization, and support for vulnerable groups, linking these to poverty and vulnerability data from the 2023 UNDP survey. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe defended the Budget as an “economic democracy” programme intended to broaden economic participation across regions and social groups while remaining within the IMF framework and preparing for debt servicing from 2028. He rejected claims that the North was neglected, citing allocations for bridges, roads, tourism infrastructure and Rs. 100 million for the Jaffna Library. He said the Budget combines market mechanisms with regulation, state intervention and public-sector participation, targets 5 per cent growth, and includes public-sector salary and increment increases without imposing new taxes on the general public. He attributed current fiscal constraints to past debt-funded projects and said the Government would focus on tax collection from evaders while rebuilding the economy. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila defended the Government’s inaugural Budget, arguing that it has stabilized the economy and disproved Opposition claims about instability and threats to religion or tradition. He highlighted Budget measures to strengthen agriculture, including improving coconut yields, expanding maize cultivation, reducing imports of crops such as potatoes and onions by around 2027, developing dairy production, and increasing cooperative-sector capacity for produce marketing and paddy purchasing. He also stated that forthcoming public servant salary increases and continued Government delivery would undermine Opposition criticism, while reaffirming a commitment to hold those responsible for past crimes accountable. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Budget as a programme for economic, social and political transformation, highlighting the increase to public sector basic salaries as a measure that could improve access to bank loans and reduce reliance on high-interest private lending and microfinance, particularly among women. She cited allocations for women and children, including increased preschool breakfast payments, Rs. 5,000 million for Thriposha, and Rs. 250 million for an early childhood development centre for autism and related disorders. She also called for need-based development and improved public transport, raising concerns about encroachment on railway lands in Nawalapitiya, and welcomed the proposal for a unifying Sri Lankan Day. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as a people-centric programme focused on roads, agriculture, rural livelihoods, poverty reduction, digitalization, SMEs, health, education, and targeted support for plantation communities, kidney patients, persons with disabilities, and children in care. He rejected Opposition criticism of public sector salary measures, stating that proposed teacher salary revisions exceed requested parity levels and include an 8 per cent rise in annual increments across the public service. He also challenged Opposition claims on democracy by referring to past incidents of political violence, and said the Government would implement the Budget under its “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” agenda. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →