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- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the sovereign debt restructuring process, arguing that it has helped restore financial stability, lower interest rates, and preserve social welfare measures such as increased Aswesuma payments. He highlighted longstanding poverty, housing, land, health, education, wage and employment issues affecting the hill-country estate community, noting that many still live in old line rooms without proper addresses. He said the Government, through measures such as the Hatton Declaration and anti-corruption efforts, would address land and welfare issues, and requested assistance from India and Tamil Nadu in resolving estate community problems. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s expected GDP growth and argued that if nominal GDP reaches the levels implied in released data, external creditors’ effective haircut could fall significantly through state-contingent recoveries. He criticized the Government for previously claiming it could change the IMF debt sustainability framework while now accepting it, which he said the Opposition had also recognized as unavoidable. On behalf of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, he tabled a proposal to add a state-contingent clawback instrument to Treasury bonds exchanged with the Employees’ Provident Fund under the Domestic Debt Optimization programme, so EPF members could benefit if the economy performs better, similar to external creditors. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development AI summary The Acting Minister said the Government continued the international sovereign bond restructuring process because prior agreements, creditor comparability concerns, and significant advisory costs made withdrawal likely to create further instability. He outlined the inherited debt and economic crisis, noted the role and costs of advisers appointed by the previous Government, and argued that stabilization measures had contributed to lower inflation, energy and fuel costs, interest rates, and improved reserves. He said the Government had expedited Aswesuma payments, fisheries relief, fertilizer support, and measures to revive business activity, while pursuing reforms, rural development, MSME support, and a growth path to 2030. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Supplementary Estimate to provide school stationery allowances, saying it addressed an immediate need among underprivileged children while reflecting deeper failures in the education system. He argued that past policy had left education poorly aligned with skills and employment, citing unemployment, qualification mismatches and the number of three-wheeler drivers as evidence. He contrasted the previous National Education Policy Framework with the Government’s stated aim to take greater responsibility for education costs, reduce burdens on families, and expand vocational education after Grade 9. He also linked education reform to producing ethical citizens and strengthening the productive economy. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned the Government on recent arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, including individuals linked to incidents in Theldeniya and an Army Intelligence officer suspected of stabbing police officers. He asked whether it was fair to arrest Development Officers under the PTA, noting that many had not been absorbed into the teaching service for years. He sought clarification on what action the Government would take to address and conclude the issue of Development Officers’ appointments. Oral Question: Wayamba University Faculties Details (Q.106/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha thanked the Prime Minister for the response and raised the issue of around 16,000 Development Officers who have been assisting the teaching service since 2012. He noted that even those recruited within the last five years have now completed more than five years of service, and sought attention to their position and future arrangements. Oral Question: Wayamba University Faculties Details (Q.106/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Acting Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Acting Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe presented the Department of Manpower and Employment’s Annual Performance Report for 2023 on behalf of the Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development. He proposed that the report be referred to the relevant committee, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Auditor-General's Report and Reports Tabled Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi thanked his constituents and recalled his family’s political service before focusing on digitalization during the Interim Appropriation debate. He argued that digital systems are essential to reduce corruption, fraud and inefficiency in the public service, referenced ICTA’s establishment and later neglect, and pledged Opposition support for the Government’s digitalization efforts. He also highlighted the Opposition’s Smart Classroom initiative as a means of expanding ICT knowledge and entrepreneurship among students. He rejected references to a “74-year curse,” arguing that Sri Lanka made progress after independence and that responsibility for recent governance should not be attributed to his political camp. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Called for compensation to be paid to all families affected by past violence, including both victims and the Government’s own supporters who died, while also urging punishment of those responsible for killings. On fisheries, he disputed claims that beached boats had returned to work, stating that many multi-day vessels remained unable to operate because of the fuel crisis and engine damage. He proposed Rs. 5 million concessional loans to repair and relaunch such boats and an increase in targeted fuel support from Rs. 25 to Rs. 100 per litre through Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation tokens for multi-day fishing fleets. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Hon. Chrishantha Abeysena thanked voters in Gampaha, particularly Wattala and Ja-Ela, and paid tribute to JVP activists, student movements, and those defending free education and social justice. He argued that successive governments had undermined free education and neglected workers, farmers, and medical students, calling for urgent action to address staffing, clinical facilities, and academic standards in new medical faculties in line with Sri Lanka Medical Council requirements. He pledged that the NPP Government would pursue justice for Easter attack victims and work for national reconciliation based on equal rights beyond ethnic or religious divisions. As Minister of Science and Technology, he said Sri Lanka had underinvested in the sector, citing very low research and technology spending compared with other countries, and stressed the need to make science and technology central to economic development. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary In his maiden speech, Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva highlighted the historic representation of persons with disabilities in Parliament and urged that derogatory language about disability be disallowed in the House. He called for action on high unemployment among persons with disabilities, implementation of the 3 per cent public sector employment reservation and disabled graduate recruitment decisions, and an increase of the disability allowance from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000. He also proposed new domestic legislation aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, stronger institutional participation mechanisms, enforcement of accessibility standards in public infrastructure and transport, and tax concessions for assistive devices. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether the Government’s IMF-related debt agreement was based on its promised Alternative Debt Sustainability Analysis or the previous administration’s framework, arguing that the proposed external debt terms restart repayments too early and impose a heavier long-term burden than alternatives such as Ghana’s restructuring. He requested that Parliament be convened before 12 December to table, debate, and vote on the ISB agreement, proposing that Sri Lanka reject the current terms and seek a better deal. He also called for an extension of the suspension of parate execution beyond 15 December and for a structured support programme for SMEs addressing non-performing loans, blacklisting, and access to working capital. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne used her maiden speech during the 16 Days of Activism to highlight women’s role in Sri Lanka’s economy, particularly migrant domestic work, plantations and apparel, arguing that these sectors generate major foreign exchange while workers face low wages, abuse, insecurity and inadequate state support. She cited data on domestic violence, rape, gender inequality, poverty, microfinance debt and the long-delayed reform of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, framing women’s issues as linked to broader economic and social inequalities. She said the Government would pursue reforms including removal of VAT on essential goods in the next Budget, stronger legal protections, criminal law amendments, an expanded fundamental rights chapter in a new Constitution, and policies centred on women’s economic empowerment. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that strengthening the economy is necessary to create opportunities for youth and athletes. He said the Government’s policies aim to build a progressive culture and economy and support the country’s development. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad thanked voters in Mirigama and Gampaha and said his right-wing movement would use its mandate while urging the new Government to clearly define whether it intends to pursue a genuine left economic path rather than policies he associated with Ranil Wickremesinghe. He questioned the Government’s references to a “76-year curse,” saying recent relief measures suggested funds remained from previous administrations, and called for a clear timeline to implement promised production-based industries, anti-corruption laws, and development measures. He also sought clarity on foreign policy, particularly relations with India, the future of Adani projects, and whether the Government would remain non-aligned or tilt toward China. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage supported the Vote on Account, arguing that it gives practical effect to the President’s policy statement by increasing support for the fisheries sector and linking it to a broader plan for a productive economy. He cited Sri Lanka’s maritime resources and past budget allocations, stating that Rs. 5,769 million has been allocated for fisheries for the next four months, benefiting workers and dependent communities. He said the Government aims over five years to raise fish consumption, increase fisheries’ GDP contribution, and improve training and status within the sector. He also defended the Government’s advisory arrangements, contrasting them with previous administrations and naming professionals now involved. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana — Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the four-month Vote on Account as necessary to maintain government operations until a full Budget aligned with the Government’s election programme can be prepared. He argued that the new administration inherited severe economic and sectoral problems, including in agriculture, SMEs, fisheries and state enterprises, and said demands for immediate solutions within two weeks of assuming office were unreasonable. He cited recent reductions in many commodity prices, currency and stock market stability, increased remittances, and expenditure controls as early progress, while stating that the Government would not privatize the CEB or pursue layoffs despite overstaffing in entities such as Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories. He also outlined the broader “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as an effort to reform Parliament, public institutions, society and governance practices. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy, speaking on the Vote on Account and the President’s policy statement, rejected attempts to attribute past governments’ actions to the SJB and urged the Government to match its promises with delivery. He said many small-scale fishers had not received announced relief and criticised the Rs. 5 increase in kerosene prices, while also calling for compensation and assessments for repeated crop losses in Kalpitiya. He questioned the cost of debt restructuring advisers and asked that funds instead support fishers, farmers and consumers, urging programmes to reduce living costs ahead of Christmas and the New Year while offering Opposition support for beneficial measures. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman urged government action on housing for estate residents affected in Dunsinane Estate, stating that consent letters from the Indian High Commission and Elpitiya Plantations had been sent to the Ministry but no response had been received. He argued that plantation worker poverty cannot be solved through repeated daily-wage negotiations, and proposed moving to a regulated alternative such as an outgrower or revenue-sharing model. He also called on the Labour Minister to use the Wages Board if the government intends to raise the basic daily wage, while appealing for bipartisan cooperation on up-country issues. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka criticised the Government for not implementing pledges made in opposition, including raising the PAYE tax-free threshold, reducing VAT, removing VAT on essential medicines and school supplies, and granting a Rs. 25,000 salary increase. He argued that the Government now has the presidency, a parliamentary majority, and claimed savings from reduced waste and corruption, and should therefore use those funds for salary increases and compensation for crop damage. He also questioned the Trade Minister on the response to the “market mafia” and the decision to import rice, referring to the stated figure of 70,000 metric tons. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →