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- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi argued that the 2025 Budget largely continues the existing IMF-aligned economic programme and does not fully reflect the “system change” mandate received by the Government after the 2022 crisis. He rejected the view that Sri Lanka’s problems stem from a “76-year curse,” citing post-independence gains in education, health, irrigation, hydropower, exports and industrialization, and instead attributed the 2022 crisis mainly to policy failures from around 2004 and the immediate decisions of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He said earlier reform efforts on the public service, CEB, CPC, revenue administration and State-owned enterprises were blocked, and urged the Government, with its two-thirds majority, to present a clear economic and development model through the Budget. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath defended the National People’s Power Government’s first Budget, arguing that it sets a production-oriented economic direction after decades of policy failure and is aligned with the Government’s “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” mandate. He highlighted proposals on export expansion, investment facilitation, MSME revival, reduced public expenditure, salary increases for public servants and Pirivena teachers, support for pensioners, farmers and plantation communities, and a Rs. 619 billion allocation for education-related programmes. He criticized the Opposition for offering little constructive critique and accused previous UNP, SLFP and coalition governments of fostering underworld activity, while stating that the Government would control such activity through legal means. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan said Ministers had highlighted salary increases for various groups but had neglected estate workers, whom he described as the lowest-income earners. He argued that the promised Rs. 1,700 daily wage for plantation workers would not be achieved through statements alone and proposed reforming the plantation system into a cooperative model in which workers become partners. He also rejected criticism of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s record on hill country communities and asked the Government to state its land and housing policy for estate workers, including the extent of land to be allocated and whether housing would be individual units or apartments. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to allocate funds to eliminate plantation “line rooms” rather than merely rebrand estate housing programmes, saying this was necessary to improve living conditions and dignity in the upcountry. He questioned the Budget’s approach to SriLankan Airlines, asking the Government to clarify whether it would retain or privatize the airline and to provide adequate funding if it remains state-run. He also called for corrective action for under-employed and unemployed graduates, including suitable placements and recruitment commitments, and raised concerns that salary changes for doctors, nurses and allied health staff could reduce take-home pay despite pension-related adjustments. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that the 2025 Budget largely continues the economic programme associated with Ranil Wickremesinghe rather than presenting a distinct policy shift under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He reviewed post-independence economic policy, citing both achievements in agriculture, free trade zones and apparel, and missed opportunities from nationalization, weak export diversification, opposition to private higher education and trade agreements, and past political instability. He questioned whether the Budget advances meaningful devolution for the North and East beyond the Thirteenth Amendment and called for substantial allocations to eliminate plantation line rooms and provide proper housing for the Malayagam community. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka defended the NPP Government’s first Budget as a foundation for social and economic transformation, arguing that increased capital expenditure, regional development funding, and planned reductions in recurrent spending are intended to expand production and services while maintaining fiscal discipline. He highlighted social protection allocations, public sector salary increases, tax relief for professionals, and clarified that revised pay and allowance calculations would increase rather than reduce benefits, inviting unions to discuss the figures with the Treasury. He rejected claims that the Budget was externally dictated, stating it provides fair relief within the IMF programme, and emphasized major education allocations aimed at improving school access, quality, and human capital development. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake called for an end to delays in container clearance, arguing that this is necessary to attract investment. He said the Budget covers many areas but has yet to produce tangible impact, and noted that migrant workers have not received meaningful support. He urged the Government to work with the private sector on a rapid, actionable economic plan focused on future growth. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake welcomed measures on taxation, digitalization, public-private partnerships, SME loan settlement, port development, credit guarantees and SOE reforms, but questioned why no allocation was made for tourism. He queried the adequacy and location in the Budget of the Rs. 5 billion support for paddy purchasing, arguing it was small relative to the Maha harvest’s value. He also asked which sectors would receive priority capital to achieve export and FDI targets, and raised concerns that high domestic interest rates would undermine investment competitiveness compared with other countries. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the broad direction of President Anura Dissanayake’s inaugural Budget, linking it to past UNP-led economic reforms and the 2023–2024 stabilization under Ranil Wickremesinghe. He endorsed continuing the IMF-backed recovery path while arguing that Sri Lanka should not accept every IMF condition without tailoring policies through local expertise and maintaining fiscal discipline. He called for prioritizing capital investment, primary surpluses, cost-benefit evaluation of projects, economic diversification, trade facilitation, and digitization, warning that recurrent expenditure and rising debt must be managed carefully. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma responded to earlier inquiries by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake regarding the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank and the Regional Development Bank. He stated that the Government is discussing and will implement measures to reduce financing costs, particularly interest rates, for small and medium enterprises to support business expansion, new investment, market access and a production-oriented economic programme. Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Prime Minister on whether the reported 7.75 percentage point reduction in interest rates was sufficient for Sri Lankan producers to compete regionally. He noted that interest rates in countries such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan were around 5–7 percent, while Sri Lankan rates remained higher, and asked what structural measures could be taken to provide producers with more competitive borrowing costs. Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister replied to a deferred question, stating that Central Bank monetary easing since June 2023 had reduced policy rates and market interest rates, supported increased private sector credit in 2024, and that any further rate reductions would depend on inflation and growth conditions while affecting depositors. She said the Government was pursuing foreign exchange generation beyond exports, addressing exporter concerns through Budget 2025, and implementing short-, medium- and long-term measures to improve Colombo Port cargo clearance, including 24/7 examination yards, additional holding capacity, Customs risk-management automation, AI-supported scanning and new scanners. She also outlined digital payment and ease-of-doing-business initiatives, citing expanded payments through the National Payment Platform, the launch of GovPay on 7 February 2025, and investment facilitation through the BOI Investor Facilitation Centre and related coordination mechanisms. Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that the human resource shortage has been identified as a critical operational issue. He said the number of vacancies and additional staffing needs have been discussed with the Government and recruitment will proceed once approval is granted. He also indicated that officers’ allowances and other difficulties will be reviewed with a view to providing relief measures. Oral Question: Question No. 3 - 447/2025 (Forest Conservation) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that delays in issuing leases for enterprises in government zones have discouraged investors and created problems such as informal transfers and unclear occupancy. He said mobile services involving relevant agencies will be launched to expedite lease issuance, with a target of completing approvals within 22 days and finalizing leases within 62 days. He also noted that inter-agency clearances should ideally be secured before inviting industries into government zones. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Several new industrial zones and estates are being planned or developed by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Sri Lanka Industrial Development Board, including ongoing infrastructure work in five zones expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and proposed sector-based and regional zones across multiple districts. The Minister said land allocation is intended for at least 50 investors and listed planned sites, including Kankesanthurai and six IDB estates now undergoing preparatory work. He explained that lease agreements are delayed because approvals depend on land-owning agencies and a multi-stage process, but said mobile service sessions will be held to process 176 pending leases after 206 permits have already been issued. An Investor Facilitation Committee has been established to reduce timelines, with targets of allocating land within 22 days and issuing lease permits within 62 days, subject to Cabinet approval and monitoring. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Oshani Umanga asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development whether new industrial zones are planned in Sri Lanka and, if so, sought details of those plans. She raised concerns about delays faced by investors in obtaining approvals and preparing lease agreements for industries in such zones, and asked what measures would be taken to reduce delays. She also asked whether a linked, streamlined process involving all relevant institutions could be established, and the expected timeframe for doing so. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported the Adjournment Motion on fisheries issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, noting their major historical contribution to Sri Lanka’s fish production and the national economy. He said war, displacement, illegal fishing, and transboundary incursions have severely damaged livelihoods, marine resources, and coral reefs, particularly in Jaffna. He urged the Fisheries Ministry and relevant authorities to take immediate action to address these problems and protect affected fishers’ livelihoods. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran moved an adjournment motion calling for immediate Government action against illegal fishing practices in the Northern Province, including trawl nets, light fishing and dynamite fishing. He said these activities are undermining the livelihoods of fishermen in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Jaffna, including many female-headed households, and alleged that enforcement by the Navy, Police, Coast Guard and Fisheries Department is inadequate. He urged the Minister to restore law and order at sea, protect fish stocks, and provide clear answers on whether the Government will stop banned practices and safeguard northern fishing communities. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi argued that criticisms of the Budget had distorted the Minister’s statements and should be assessed against the detailed Estimates. He highlighted welfare allocations, including Rs. 441.3 billion for pensions and substantial payments to families of deceased and injured soldiers, as evidence that the Budget balances production and growth with social obligations. He also noted the Rs. 13.6 billion allocation to the Ministry of Digital Economy, saying it should support more efficient public services and reduce paperwork and administrative delays. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath defended the NPP Government’s maiden Budget, arguing that it is consistent with the party’s manifesto, the President’s policy statement, and the Budget Speech, and is aimed at poverty eradication, “Clean Sri Lanka,” and building a digital economy. He highlighted major allocations for health, education, transport, agriculture and nutrition, environmental protection, justice, national security, public service reform, and social protection. He said the Government had inherited economic and social decline from previous administrations and urged the Opposition to engage constructively rather than criticise without an alternative vision. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →