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- 18 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticised the Budget as making politically attractive promises without adequate allocations, questioning how 30,000 public service jobs could be funded with Rs. 10,000 million if salaries are to reach about Rs. 60,000. He argued that the Mahapola and student stipends, dry-ration parcel value, and preschool teacher allowance increases are insufficient, and warned that limited parcel distribution could create local disputes ahead of elections. He also said district development allocations are inadequate, especially for Badulla, and raised concerns about the fairness of allocating Rs. 6,000 million to the North while other provinces share Rs. 9,000 million, though he stated he did not oppose assistance to the North. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Read →
- 18 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma defended the Budget against Opposition criticism, arguing that past administrations were responsible for high-cost commercial borrowing and the country’s debt crisis. He said the Budget is designed around growth facilitation, policy continuity, local value addition, and support for SMEs, enabling businesses to plan and expand production. He cited multiple SME-related policy measures, including export development, tariff policy reform, Free Trade Agreements, use of underutilized State lands, one-stop-shop implementation, insolvency law reform, certification support, and improved SME financing through a development bank and banking mechanisms. He also listed Budget allocations for innovation, youth entrepreneurship, agriculture, dairy, coconut, trade promotion, freshwater industries, and an SME line of credit. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Read →
- 18 February 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said the Budget provides the largest recent public-sector salary increase, with basic salaries raised for the first time since 2016 and the existing Rs. 7,500 in allowances absorbed into the new salary structure while the Rs. 17,800 cost-of-living allowance remains. He gave examples for PL-1 employees, Grama Niladharis, doctors, Development Officers, management service officers and teachers, stating that increases will begin from April and be phased over three years, with annual increments also rising by 80 per cent. He rejected claims of miscalculation or misinformation about the figures and said further explanations, including on doctors’ overtime concerns, would be provided. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Read →
- 18 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva acknowledged positive Budget measures such as expenditure cuts, anti-corruption funding, digitalization and improved targeted welfare, but questioned whether the Government had a coherent growth and investment strategy within IMF fiscal constraints. He called for relief to EPF members affected by domestic debt restructuring, citing alleged unfairness compared with relief for foreign investors, and suggested using a parliamentary motion to address it during the Budget process. He warned that debt sustainability would require sustained high growth, criticized continued funding for SriLankan Airlines and proposed electricity sector amendments that may deter private investment, and urged transparent, procedure-based decision-making on projects such as Adani. He argued that the Government must clearly state whether it is pursuing a social market, export-led economic model and align legislation and policy accordingly. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip (on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development) JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer on behalf of the Minister of Finance regarding the relevant investment zone, stating it was established on 4 March 2019 with estimated total investments of USD 47.23 million across five companies. The response detailed estimated direct employment of 3,465 jobs, with 429 actual jobs reported so far, and noted that indirect employment is expected to be about three times direct employment. It also outlined ongoing infrastructure works, including access roads, water and electricity supply upgrades, internal roads, fencing, and 2025 funding and completion plans. Oral Question No. 2 (112/2024): Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development seeking details on the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone. It requested the date of establishment, the number and value of investments received, direct and indirect employment generated, and measures being taken for further development of the zone, with reasons if the information cannot be provided. Oral Question No. 2 (112/2024): Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about teacher transfer practices, alleging that some unions had undue influence over placements and that certain teachers in National and city schools had remained in the same posts for 20 to 30 years, with some reportedly not teaching. He requested that future teacher transfers ensure a fair redistribution of staff, including moving long-serving teachers from the same schools to other placements. Oral Question No. 4 (247/2024): Teacher Attachments and Transfers Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Teacher vacancies in National Schools could not be filled for some time due to a pending court case, and Provincial-to-National School attachments were used as an interim measure. The issue has now been resolved, and the Government plans to fill most subject-specific shortages this year, including by appointing graduates passing out from colleges of education. Oral Question No. 4 (247/2024): Teacher Attachments and Transfers Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education whether she is aware that teachers from provincial council schools have been attached to National Schools. He sought clarification on whether those attachments will not be extended and, if so, how the resulting teacher vacancies in National Schools will be addressed. Oral Question No. 4 (247/2024): Teacher Attachments and Transfers Read →
- 17 February 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined budget proposals to re-initiate the Giribawa–Eppawala Water Supply Scheme with Rs. 1,000 million, using surface water sources such as Rajanganaya Tank to improve drinking water access in dry-zone areas. He proposed Rs. 10,000 million in 2025 to recruit 30,000 people to essential Public Service vacancies on the basis of qualifications, skills, and approved cadre needs. He also proposed a phased public sector salary revision costing Rs. 325 billion, including raising the minimum basic salary to Rs. 40,000, increasing annual increments by 80 per cent, allocating Rs. 110 billion in 2025, revising retirement benefit calculations from 2025, and increasing distress loan limits to Rs. 400,000. He further noted agreed increases to the private sector minimum wage and referred to reconsideration of plantation workers’ wages. Appropriation Bill, 2025: Second Reading - Debate Adjourned Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka outlined budget proposals covering overseas workers, senior citizens, anti-drug programmes, prisoner skills training, and transport infrastructure. Measures included increasing duty-free allowances for returning migrant workers, funding a 3 per cent additional interest scheme for senior citizens’ fixed deposits, allocating Rs. 500 million for drug prevention and rehabilitation, and expanding vocational training for prisoners. He also proposed major public transport investments, including low-floor buses, rail coach refurbishment and local production, studies for Kelani Valley Line extension, agricultural freight by rail, and continued support for the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal. On SriLankan Airlines, he said the Treasury would allocate Rs. 20,000 million in 2025 for legacy debt servicing, while requiring the airline to fund daily operations through improved profitability. Appropriation Bill, 2025: Second Reading - Debate Adjourned Read →
- 17 February 2025 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Labour AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Labour met on 17 February 2025 with the listed Members in attendance. No substantive speech content, policy discussion, questions, proposals, or decisions are provided in the supplied text beyond the committee name, date, and participants. Parliamentary Structure and Committees Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to a motion on establishing a proper methodology for appointing Labour Welfare Officers, acknowledging past politically influenced and ad hoc appointments to foreign missions and welfare posts. He said the Government has recalled unsuitable officers, is reviewing mission postings through a committee, and will coordinate with relevant ministries to address specific welfare cases and country-level gaps. He stated that future appointments will be based on competency assessments, competitive examinations, structured interviews, transparent criteria, and pre-departure training, with the aim of improving protection for Sri Lankan workers overseas. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the motion, arguing that existing procedures for labour welfare in Sri Lankan missions are not being properly implemented and calling for stronger staffing, fairer promotion opportunities for junior managers, and labour or welfare sections in Japan, Romania, and Cyprus. He also urged urgent government action on SMEs facing bank seizures, CRIB-related restrictions, and lack of restart support following successive crises. He raised concerns about Sri Lankans drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict and requested Foreign Ministry intervention, and called for an investigation into reported high levels of hexavalent chromium in water supplies linked to public health risks. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the private member’s motion to establish a clear procedure for appointing Labour Welfare Officers, citing Sections 21 and 22 of Act No. 21 of 1985 as having allowed ministerial discretion and politically influenced appointments. He argued that past failures to follow criteria within the Foreign Employment Bureau damaged Sri Lanka’s reputation and harmed migrant workers. He called for faithful implementation of appointment procedures, effective state regulation of foreign employment, accountability for officers who neglected duties, and the use of ILO and IOM guidelines to standardize practice. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala supported the motion, emphasizing that embassy and consulate Labour Welfare Officers must act promptly and effectively to assist more than one million Sri Lankan migrant workers, whose remittances are a major source of foreign exchange. He cited the difficulties faced during COVID-19 as evidence of past neglect and called for suitable appointments, greater resources, and stronger funding for labour sections. He also urged missions, particularly in places such as Dubai, to protect Sri Lankan employment opportunities and remittance potential by addressing issues around visit visas, foreign agents, and job quota allocations, citing the Philippines as a model for migrant worker support. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the motion calling for a proper procedure to appoint Labour Welfare Officers responsible for Sri Lankan migrant workers’ welfare. He said past governments had allowed ad hoc contract appointments without standardized criteria, citing Hansard records from 2007 and Cabinet instructions in 2021 that were not implemented. He stated that the Government is reviewing and regularizing the recruitment process to ensure merit, transparency, and improved service at Sri Lankan missions abroad. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy seconded Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri’s motion, emphasizing the need to shift Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector from mainly domestic work to a professionally trained skilled workforce. He proposed a stronger selection and training framework for Labour Welfare Officers, stressing compassion, integrity, independence from agencies and employers, and knowledge of host-country laws, languages, institutions, and labour systems. He called for selecting suitable officers from relevant services and giving them 6–12 months of rigorous preparation before posting, so they can better support and protect Sri Lankan workers abroad. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri moved a private members’ motion calling for a proper methodology to appoint Labour Welfare Officers responsible for supporting Sri Lankan migrant workers. He argued that past appointments were influenced by political patronage and urged the Government to establish a transparent, merit-based process with advertised applications, clear service criteria, and attention to education, capacity, and relevant skills. He also asked that vacancies be filled promptly, noting that migrant workers face abuse and welfare issues overseas and require effective official support. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the co-operative sector’s main crisis is not procurement rules but fraud, misuse of co-operative structures, and a shift by many societies from consumer service to deposit-taking and lending. He cited investigations into financially distressed and allegedly corrupt co-operatives, while noting successful examples such as Medawachchiya, Akurassa, and Walasmulla. He said the Government will recover misappropriated co-operative assets, reform procurement and recruitment, prevent misuse of the co-operative name, and use the 2025 International Year of Co-operatives to support revival efforts. He outlined plans to strengthen consumer and producer co-operatives, expand up to 10,000 Co-op City-type outlets, revive MARKFED and COOPFED, and link co-operative distribution with Sathosa to improve access to essential goods. Private Members' Motion 2: Proper Procurement Programme for Co-operatives Read →