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- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the 2025 Budget as a historic and expansionary response to the economic crisis, arguing that increased public spending is needed to revive demand, production, employment, tourism, remittances, and investment. He criticised previous governments for bankruptcy, rising debt, currency depreciation, weak growth, asset sales, poor youth employment outcomes, and alleged economic mismanagement, citing figures on FDI, macroeconomic indicators, NEET youth, and public debt. He highlighted the Budget’s education allocation, a reported USD 3.7 billion project secured during the President’s China visit, and transport investments focused on rail efficiency and linking economic hubs to reduce fuel use and improve logistics. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya supported the Second Reading of the Budget, presenting it as the NPP Government’s first Budget and a foundation for national rebuilding, while noting the Government had been in office only a few months and would more fully implement its programme in 2026. He highlighted expenditure reductions for the President, Ministers and MPs, including lower presidential allocations, fuel entitlements and insurance cover, and plans to move ministries into state-owned buildings. He said the Budget retained and expanded public benefits, citing salary and pension increases, a proposed Rs. 1,700 estate worker daily wage, higher elderly allowances, student and nutrition support, vocational trainee allowances, and increased Mahapola and bursary payments. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody argued that the 2025 Budget is aimed at broad-based economic growth through modernization of education, health, land use, finance, transport, energy, and import-export systems. He said salary increases and revised tax thresholds are intended to retain professionals and reverse brain drain, citing resignations of engineers from institutions under his Ministry. He highlighted allocations for public transport, rail modernization, domestic production through a motor vehicle and rubber-based industrial zone, and major energy projects including grid upgrades, waste-to-energy, solar installations, island renewable systems, and preparatory work for future nuclear power. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri sought clarification on the Budget proposal regarding salary increases for public servants. He asked that the relevant member state whether his earlier remarks on the public sector salary increase were correct, rather than making personal or unrelated comments. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the 2025 Budget, arguing that the NPP Government has abandoned its earlier socialist and anti-capitalist positions and is continuing economic policies similar to previous Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa administrations, including further borrowing to finance the deficit. He questioned the Government’s plans on rice procurement and price relief ahead of the April New Year, saying the Paddy Marketing Board had not secured adequate stocks. He also challenged the presentation of public-sector salary increases, claiming the cost-of-living allowance was being reclassified as basic salary and that promised increases spread to 2027 may not materialize. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that the Government’s inaugural Budget fails to provide the immediate relief promised during the election campaign, particularly on VAT for essentials, fuel, electricity, school stationery, and public sector salaries. He questioned the credibility of financing a large deficit and warned that unmet revenue plans could lead to further taxation. Focusing on plantation areas, he doubted the proposed estate wage increase, said the estate housing allocation was inadequate, and proposed allocating land to estate families. He also urged targeted support for small tea-holders, including fertilizer assistance similar to that given to paddy farmers, citing their role in tea exports and foreign exchange earnings. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s first Budget, arguing that the economic collapse and institutional weaknesses were rooted in past administrations and that the current priority is economic stabilization, productivity, exports, and rebuilding confidence. He said Rs. 20.9 billion has been allocated across government for science and technology, including funds for health testing, plantation crops, fisheries, farming, bamboo cultivation, and universities, with Rs. 5 billion to his Ministry. He also responded to criticism on public-sector pay, stating that past allowance-based salary adjustments created disparities and that the proposed increases would reach full implementation within one year and nine months from April 2025, without new taxes in the Budget. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara praised the delivery of the Budget speech but criticized the Budget as unrealistic and inadequately funded, arguing that public sector salary increases were overstated and would shift fiscal burdens to a future government. He questioned the Government’s handling of national security, citing the recent court shooting and alleging failures in intelligence, arrests, and protection of MPs, while demanding stronger security for parliamentarians. He also argued that the proposed private sector minimum wage increase to Rs. 30,000 had limited practical effect because actual wages already exceed that level in many cases. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala supported the 2025 Budget, describing it as citizen-centred and suited to current global political and economic changes. He emphasized the increase in public servants’ basic salaries, arguing that it restores dignity to labour and improves related entitlements such as pensions, overtime, and widows’ and orphans’ benefits. He also highlighted Budget measures for SME development through innovation and commercialization support, irrigation rehabilitation in schemes such as Rajangana, Minneriya and Huruluwewa, and Rs. 9 billion for Kelani Basin flood and disaster risk management. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe said earlier statements had caused public confusion about salary increases and that the Government had corrected the record. He stated that an Office Work Assistant’s salary would rise by Rs. 8,250 over 20 months up to January 2027, and rejected opposing claims that no increase was being granted or that the figures cited were accurate. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected a claim regarding salary scales, stating that he had already explained the matter in detail previously. He cautioned the Member not to mislead Parliament or the country on the issue. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif supported the 2025 Budget, describing it as inclusive and highlighting allocations for drinking water, welfare payments, public servants’ salaries, estate-sector housing and training, plantation wages, transport, agriculture, education, exports, and logistics infrastructure. He said Gampola had long been neglected despite its tourism potential and requested further funding for public facilities, water supply, hotels, spice gardens, and related development. He also raised concerns over alleged wasteful spending and poor official decisions linked to flood management in Akkurana, requesting ministerial attention and action. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda supported the inaugural budget, describing it as a people-centred programme based on social justice, good governance, economic democracy, and fairer distribution of growth. She highlighted allocations for child nutrition, Triposha, pregnant mothers, preschool meals and preschool teachers, as well as a Rs. 200 million national programme for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and district-level care support over five years. She also noted funding for preventing violence against women, youth entrepreneurship, and support for children in care homes, arguing these measures would promote inclusive participation in the economy. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. Krishnan Kalaichelvi supported the budget, stating that it was the first national budget to explicitly recognize the hill-country Tamil community and address long-standing estate-sector issues. She highlighted allocations for estate housing and infrastructure, vocational training and livelihoods, smart classrooms in hill-country schools, and the proposed Rs. 1,700 daily wage for plantation workers. She criticized previous governments and hill-country representatives for failing to secure rights and basic services, and said the National People’s Power Government would deliver solutions incrementally through national policy. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda said the Opposition viewed the Government’s inaugural Budget with cautious optimism and asked that its criticisms be used constructively, while welcoming measures such as public sector salary increases, welfare enhancements, digitization funding, and some agricultural allocations. He questioned whether proposed private sector wages, estate worker daily wages, graduate recruitment commitments, and funding for export crops and smallholders were adequate, and argued that allocations for “Sri Lankan Day” and “Clean Sri Lanka” appeared duplicative. He also urged attention to Galle District needs, including the Greater Galle Water Project Phase II, MCC Road, central Galle development, and Wakwella Bridge, and raised concerns about practical transport facilities for MPs from modest backgrounds. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Budget’s public-sector salary increases, stating that Rs. 5,000 would be added to basic salaries in 2025 with further 35 per cent tranches through the 2026 and 2027 Budgets, while also improving pensions, loan eligibility and allowances. He argued that the Budget reduces privileges for political office-holders and redirects resources to citizens, with major allocations for education and health and an increased PAYE threshold of Rs. 150,000. He contrasted these measures with past expenditure he characterized as wasteful and said the Government’s approach aims to protect real incomes through price stability and investment in rural communities and industries. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said the first NPP Budget’s impact would only be clear after implementation, and urged the Government to provide transparent details on the promised phased public-sector salary increases and not reverse them after elections. He warned that the projected Rs. 325 billion salary cost could rise with new recruitment and said revenue targets from excise, customs, inland revenue, exports, and tourism must be managed carefully to avoid future tax increases. He also called for revising vehicle import tax structures to reduce burdens on small cars while taxing luxury vehicles more, and urged the Government to protect both farmers and consumers through fair paddy prices, limits on routine rice imports, and action against exploitative milling and harvesting practices. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled an answer stating that Sri Lanka has no formal agreement with South Korea for employment under the E-8 seasonal visa scheme, and that private recruitment for such visas is not legally permitted. He said the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment cannot register workers for E-8 deployment, warned that high recruitment costs and possible overstaying could jeopardize the existing EPS programme with Korea, and noted that seven affected workers had recovered about Rs. 7.1 million through legal action while the relevant agency’s licence was suspended. He added that further complaints with evidence could be pursued through legal processes, and that a Cabinet memorandum and concept report for a pilot E-8 project had been submitted for a policy decision. Oral Question: Sri Lankans with E-8 Visa Leaving for Jobs in South Korea (Q.386/2025) Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the Government’s inaugural Budget, arguing that it fulfils election commitments while stabilizing inflation, the exchange rate and public finances. He highlighted public-sector salary and pension increases, higher disaster loan limits, electricity tariff relief, and expected spillover benefits for private industry and SMEs. He also cited allocations for pregnant mothers, school infrastructure, shoes for students, Daham Pasal education, and tourism measures including restarting a JICA airport terminal project and introducing e-ticketing at tourist sites. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the Government’s maiden Budget, presenting it as an initial programme to address economic hardship while reducing political privileges and expanding public benefits. She highlighted salary and wage increases, support for vulnerable groups, school nutrition, preschool meals, sanitary pads, footwear, scholarships, gold-pawning relief, and allocations for entrepreneurship, SMEs, industrial zones, investment promotion, and digitization. She argued that anti-corruption measures and renewed international confidence would attract investment, and called on the Opposition to support the Budget rather than criticize it. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →