Hon. Muneer Mulaffer, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs
Profession: Teacher
Speeches 39 #118 of 225·#62 in party
Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Religion & Culture 17 speeches
Last spoke 9 April 2026 in Adjournment
Activity by sitting
39 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
39 speeches- 6 August 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to remarks by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen concerning Arugam Bay and Israel, stating that the issue predated the current Government and traced it to support given under a previous UNP Government. He noted continuing concerns in the Arugam Bay area, including among doctors and other stakeholders, and urged that political debate be conducted without racism or religious extremism while upholding a Sri Lankan identity. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionReligion & CultureForeign Affairs Read →
- 25 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer presented, on behalf of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice and National Integration, the Committee’s report on two sets of regulations made under the Judicature Act, No. 2 of 1978. The regulations were published in Gazette Extraordinary Nos. 2439/34 of 04 June 2025 and 2440/27 of 13 June 2025, and the report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Tabling of Reports and Orders Justice & Human RightsParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 July 2025 AI summary Muneer Mulaffer said the post-2009 governments failed to promote reconciliation after the war and instead allowed communal suspicion to grow, citing incidents in Digana, Ampara, Gintota, Minuwangoda and Kuliyapitiya. He argued that investigations into the Easter attacks should punish all planners and perpetrators, while also examining media outlets and political actors that spread communal hatred through false narratives. He stated that the wider Muslim community had no motive for the Easter bombings, acknowledged Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s role in preventing further violence, and called for measures to ensure such communal unrest does not recur. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Justice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bills under debate, stating that legal frameworks must adapt to technological development, and then addressed concerns raised around national security and political violence. He argued that recent arrests exposed past links between some politicians, criminal networks and weapons, while claiming the NPP Government had established a non-violent political culture after successive election victories. He rejected allegations connecting him or institutions such as Jamia Naleemiya to extremism, called for investigations into any genuine incitement, and reiterated opposition to racism, extremism and fundamentalism. He urged all communities and political actors to promote peace, coexistence and trust, citing post-Easter Sunday reconciliation efforts and interfaith engagement. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & OrderEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 21 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer moved that Hon. Ajith Gihan take the Chair during the proceedings. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 May 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer rejected claims that the NPP had demeaned war-displaced people, saying the disputed “shopping bag” remark referred to politicians who profited from politics, not to those expelled from Mannar or other affected communities. He said the NPP’s recent local government victory, including support from Muslim voters, came despite slander, fearmongering, and attempts to incite communal divisions, and noted that the election and its aftermath remained peaceful. He urged Opposition members to work together to advance national harmony, peace, and trust, while cautioning against exploiting issues such as the Palestine–Israel conflict or ethnic grievances for political gain. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer condemned recent Israeli strikes on Palestine, citing reported deaths and injuries after the January 2025 ceasefire, and said the attacks during the fasting season were inhumane and must be denounced. He stated that the NPP’s position has consistently supported freedom, justice, and peace for Palestine on humanitarian grounds, noting that Middle East conflicts also affect Sri Lankans living in the region. He rejected claims that the issue was being politicized, saying the Government would continue to oppose inhumanity regardless of electoral considerations. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Justice & Human RightsForeign Affairs Read →
- 17 March 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer spoke during the debate on the votes of the Ministries of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and Environment, emphasizing that these subjects are sensitive and central to building humane, responsible citizens who respect others and the environment. He noted that allegations had been raised in the debate and referred to recent controversy over Opposition comments on Muslim law, saying public and social media criticism had questioned the silence of Muslim representatives. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionEnvironmentReligion & Culture Read →
- 15 March 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer said foreign employment and tourism are key sources of foreign exchange, noting plans to send 243,100 workers abroad in 2025, mainly to Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with greater attention to worker welfare and children’s education. He argued that Middle Eastern tourist arrivals had fallen sharply since 2018 due to post-2019 policies and related international perceptions, and called for targeted promotion, capable diplomatic appointments, Arabic-language guide training and seasonal marketing to capture that market. He also proposed stronger pre-departure training, including languages, for migrant workers, and highlighted tourism development initiatives such as the “Ruhunu Ring,” whale-watching revival, and rural tourism proposals in Alawwa. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Foreign AffairsEmployment Read →
- 10 March 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer supported the education-related Heads of Expenditure, stating that the Government had prioritized student welfare and school infrastructure to reduce inequalities in access to education. He cited allocations for uniforms, school buses, student vouchers, sanitary pads, nutrition, student health insurance, scholarships, sports schools, and unfinished school buildings, including Al-Ulak Central College. He also criticized politically motivated national school declarations and admissions practices, and emphasized completing neglected facilities and improving basic conditions such as sanitation. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage EducationPublic FinanceWomen & Children Read →
- 8 March 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer supported the Head of Expenditure of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs on International Women’s Day, arguing that the Government has prioritized women’s and children’s rights within its development programme. He highlighted increased women’s representation under the National People’s Power, while noting remaining issues in safety, poverty, equality, education, political participation, and access to state services, and called for further representation, including at local government level. He said the Budget provides measures to support mothers, strengthen children’s health, safety and education, and promote play and sports, and stated that the Government would work with all parties on necessary legal reforms. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Public FinanceWomen & ChildrenEmployment Read →
- 1 March 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that national harmony is essential to restoring the rule of law, the economy and social stability, and said recent elections showed public support for peace and a common Sri Lankan identity over ethnic or religious nationalism. He said the Government would strengthen reconciliation by integrating related institutions, addressing language barriers in public services, recruiting Tamil-proficient police officers, creating translator and interpreter pools, and using technology to promote language learning. He also proposed a “Sri Lankan Day” for cultural exchange and stated that State media would not be used to amplify hate speech. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 28 February 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that strengthening the Police, Public Security institutions, and Defence-related services is essential for national progress, while acknowledging both the need for criticism and the importance of supporting Police welfare and capacity. He said the Government plans to fill at least half of the reported 20,000 Police vacancies this year, expand community policing and Public Security Committees, and deploy more Tamil-speaking officers to sensitive areas in the North and East. He also outlined measures to train 5,100 officers in Tamil, improve technical and IT training, address narcotics through supply-chain enforcement and public awareness, and provide single-cab vehicles to about 80 Police stations in the North with Indian assistance. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Continued (Afternoon) Law & OrderSecurity & DefenceEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Appropriation Bill, arguing that the Budget is fair and inclusive despite the country’s economic difficulties, and contrasted it with past governments’ alleged misuse of state resources. He said the President had reduced personal expenditure and that the Government was seeking national development rather than benefits for officeholders. Responding to claims that the Eastern Province had been neglected, he cited allocations including funds for Kalmunai sports facilities, Eastern University, hospitals in Trincomalee and Ampara, a Trincomalee dockyard, Eastern infrastructure, Swami Vipulananda Institute, and a cardiology unit in Ampara. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 18 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer informed Parliament that he accepted a petition from S.A.M. Nilam of Ogodapola, Kahatowita. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 17 February 2025 AI summary Muneer Mulaffer argued that the 2023 Local Government Election was postponed for political advantage despite public demand for change and legal challenges seeking to hold it. He said past governments had used local elections to consolidate power, while the present Government was committed to restoring democratic rights and holding the poll after Ramadan, despite concerns about religious observances and examinations. He acknowledged that electoral laws may need refinement but said such reforms should proceed alongside, not in place of, the delayed election. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer addressed the Adjournment debate on Rohingya refugees, noting previous arrivals and departures from Sri Lanka and the current group that entered on 19 December. He said the Government was following lawful procedures to verify health status, nationality, and purpose while providing necessary assistance, and argued that the issue should not be politicized or viewed through ethnic or religious lines. He affirmed that the Government would act humanely and in line with international obligations, while criticizing opposition claims that the Government was being inhumane. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Justice & Human RightsForeign AffairsParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer seconded the Adjournment Motion on the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that it is a broad national initiative for social, environmental and moral renewal rather than a limited effort targeting vehicle decorations or particular sectors. He rejected claims that the programme is anti-people or aimed at suppressing the media, and said the Government seeks to unite all communities and justify the public trust placed in it. He called for participation beyond race, religion, language and party divisions to support the programme’s stated aim of a “prosperous country” and a “beautiful life.” Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Religion & CultureCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
- 3 December 2024 AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer congratulated returning and newly elected Members and thanked voters, particularly in Gampaha District, noting the significance of his election as the district’s first Muslim male MP since Independence. Referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s policy statement, he argued that the national mandate reflected a desire for unity, reconciliation, and a prosperous country across regional, ethnic, and religious lines. He called on both Government and Opposition to reject ethnic chauvinism and extremist religious agitation, stating that such politics had caused severe human and economic damage and should not be used again to gain power. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Religion & CultureEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance Reform Read →