Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, M.P.
Profession: ---
Speeches 129 #33 of 225·#2 in party
Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution 48 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
60 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
129 speeches- 8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan supported the Adjournment Motion on releasing Sri Lanka Ports Authority lands in Trincomalee, describing the proposed return as a correction of past land dispossession in Town and Gravets areas such as Linganagar, Palaiyootru, Poombuhar, Kappalthurai, Munthunagar and China Kuda. He said lands originally occupied by about 800 families were taken around 1979, and urged the Government to release the maximum possible extent, noting that 4,672 families are now affected and only 790 hectares are proposed for return while 1,219 hectares remain with the SLPA. He also called for urgent attention to alleged land seizures and associated religious-site developments in Kuchchaveli, Thiriyaai and other Tamil areas, while pledging cooperation for the initiative. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human RightsLand & Housing Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about inadequate Tamil-medium capacity in around 20 divisions of the Ministry of Education and the omission of Tamil histories and identities in subjects such as History and Art. He asked that decisions on religious subject content, including Hindu symbolic elements such as Nataraja, be made after consultation with relevant university lecturers, external organizations, religious institutions, and Tamil representatives. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Religion & CultureEducationEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) to the Prime Minister regarding proposed education curriculum reforms. He expressed concern that the reforms may increase students’ workload, create difficulties in Grade 6 timetabling and subject selection, and exclude Tamil histories, symbols and identities from religious subjects such as Hinduism. He asked when the new curriculum would be implemented, whether a White Paper would be published, and requested details on Tamil-speaking representation in the National Education Commission, National Institute of Education curriculum committees, and the Curriculum Reform Implementation Committee. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Education Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a grievance concerning Mr. Anandarajah, a Grade 1 principal who served for 12 years at Mulankavil Maha Vidyalayam in Kilinochchi but was removed after a new appointment was made through interview and examination. He said Mr. Anandarajah had been reduced to teacher status in the same school despite representations to the Deputy Minister, and requested a fair remedy rather than treating the matter as outside the principals’ service. Oral Question Q.6/2025: Principals' Recruitment and Confirmation EducationJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 12 September 2025 AI summary Hon. S. Sritharan paid tribute to Sehu Iszadeen, describing him as a figure who worked for Tamil–Muslim unity, and conveyed condolences to his family. He urged the strengthening of unity between Tamil and Muslim peoples while reaffirming the North and East as the Tamil homeland. He also stated that the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi rejects the concept of a separate “Muslim state” while maintaining its position on Tamil unity and the homeland concept. Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 12 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan paid tribute to the late former Members of Parliament being commemorated, with particular reference to M.H. Cegu Isadean’s role in the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, North-East politics, and the merged North-East Provincial Council under the 13th Amendment. He used the commemoration to discuss Tamil-Muslim political relations, stating that ITAK supports Muslim self-determination within a governance structure for all peoples and reiterating its position on a Tamil homeland in the North and East. He criticised recent remarks by some Muslim leaders, referenced past peace process interactions and wartime allegations involving SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, while also stating that Tamils bore no anger towards Muslims and acknowledging Muslims who fought alongside the LTTE. Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionReligion & Culture Read →
- 11 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns over the Mannar District Solid Waste Management Project, stating that a Rs. 77 million ADB- and municipal-funded project has been obstructed by a public institution and affected by objections from the Forest and Wildlife Departments, with further details to be tabled later. He urged the Government to give priority to nutrition, health and livelihood support for female-headed and war-affected households in the North and East, including pregnant mothers and communities facing gaps in Thriposha delivery. He also argued that domestic mechanisms and commission recommendations on wartime disappearances and killings have failed, citing ongoing protests by families of the disappeared and recent allegations by a former EPDP cadre, and called for an impartial international investigation to ensure justice and reconciliation. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Women & ChildrenJustice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 10 September 2025 AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns that, 16 years after the war and one year into the Government’s term, displaced people in Valikamam North are still unable to return to their lands. He said access to the opened Palaly Road remains restricted in practice and requested the release of unused temples and other areas without military presence as a goodwill measure to enable resettlement. He asked why resettlement in Valikamam North continues to be prevented. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Land & HousingEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionSecurity & Defence Read →
- 10 September 2025 AI summary Asked under Standing Order 27(2) why residents of 13 GN Divisions in Valikamam North, Jaffna, displaced since 1990 due to the Palaly camp, military presence and shelling, remain unable to return 15 years after the war. He said over 2,700 acres in areas including Vasavilan, Kattuvan, Myliddy and Palaly remain inaccessible, with families still living in camps or with relatives. He requested from the President and Minister of Defence figures on displaced families and land held as High Security Zones, reasons for continued non-release, actions taken during the past year, and a clear timeline or explanation regarding resettlement. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionSecurity & DefenceLand & Housing Read →
- 9 September 2025 AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan noted that a reply to his earlier question on flood damage to farmers had been received after more than seven months, by which time the affected cultivation season had ended. He stated that, to his knowledge, farmers in Kilinochchi District had not yet received relief or compensation, and requested the Minister to appoint a team to investigate the matter, saying he would accept its findings. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
- 9 September 2025 AI summary Asked what immediate measures the Government will take to issue freehold deeds in Kilinochchi, noting that although over 40,000 families were referenced, only 1,850 deeds have been provided. He highlighted that more than 12,000 hectares, or nearly 60,000 acres, remain without freehold title and sought a concrete plan to address this. Oral Question: Lands in Kilinochchi District - Freehold Deeds or Land Permits (Q.1178/2025) Land & Housing Read →
- 9 September 2025 AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a supplementary question about long-term residents in Kilinochchi who have lived on land for nearly a century without receiving title deeds. He said temporary land permits had been taken back by officials under a programme promising freehold deeds, and asked whether, if freehold deeds cannot be issued, those temporary permits could at least be returned. Oral Question: Lands in Kilinochchi District - Freehold Deeds or Land Permits (Q.1178/2025) Land & Housing Read →
- 22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a point of order challenging objections to federalism and stating that Tamil Arasu Katchi’s policy supports federal power-sharing, which he described as a recognized model comparable to systems in Switzerland, the United States and India. He urged the Government to explain federalism to the public, reciprocate respect in debate, and not subsume Tamil rights under development arguments. He also questioned opposition to an international inquiry into wartime allegations, arguing that if no crimes or injustices were committed there should be willingness to establish the truth. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Parliamentary ProcedureEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan requested additional speaking time and addressed the NPP Government’s past stance, arguing that measures toward resolving the ethnic question had previously been weakened or dismantled. He emphasized that his comments were not hostile and called for cooperation as equal partners to develop the country. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan criticised the Government for rejecting the hybrid accountability mechanism with international participation accepted at the UN Human Rights Council in 2015, arguing that victims cannot receive justice if alleged perpetrators control investigations. He raised concerns over mass graves and skeletal remains found in Ariyalai and Chemmany-Sindupathy, tabled letters to the President on military involvement in civil matters and mass graves, and condemned the alleged military killing of a young man in Muthaiyankaddu. He urged the Government to address the long-standing Tamil political question through dialogue, mutual recognition, and a clear plan, noting its past opposition to the Indo-Lanka Accord and the North-East merger. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Security & DefenceEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan stated that Tamil representatives remain willing to negotiate a political solution within Sri Lanka, citing previous talks from S.J.V. Chelvanayakam’s era through R. Sampanthan’s leadership. Referring to the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session, he raised the unresolved question posed by the late Bishop Rayappu Joseph to the LLRC about 146,679 people unaccounted for after the 2009 conflict. He noted that several UN officials and panels had investigated related issues and that the matter remains before the UNHRC. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Foreign AffairsEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan moved an adjournment motion calling for action on longstanding human rights and political issues affecting Tamils in the North, East and Malaiyagam, including power-sharing negotiations, release of political prisoners, land release, resettlement, justice for the disappeared, and protections against PTA use and military interference. He argued that successive agreements and proposals from the Bandaranaike-Chelvanayakam Pact through the Indo-Lanka Accord, constitutional reform efforts and APRC proposals had not been implemented, leaving the national question unresolved for decades. He also sought specific measures for Malaiyagam estate communities on housing, land, education, livelihoods and implementation of commitments such as the Hatton Declaration. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Land & HousingJustice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 20 August 2025 AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about unpaid compensation for lands already acquired for the airport and requested that affected persons be paid. He also asked for the passenger baggage limit to be increased from 15 kg to 30 kg and proposed a modest runway extension to accommodate A-320 aircraft, arguing that this would improve passenger capacity and foreign exchange earnings. He sought a clear timeframe and assurance from the Minister on implementing these measures. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Public FinanceLand & HousingInfrastructure Read →
- 20 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation about delays in Phase II development of the Jaffna/Palaly International Airport. He argued that extending the runway would allow larger aircraft, increase passenger and baggage capacity, and support diaspora travel, tourism, and economic activity in the North and East. He requested details on the status and timeline of rehabilitation works, government plans to expand services, Indian funding for Phase I and requirements for Phase II, constraints on securing further funding, and compensation payments to landowners affected by airport expansion. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Foreign AffairsInfrastructure Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Welcomed the Minister’s remarks on considering a general amnesty for political prisoners and appealed for the release of named detainees who have been imprisoned for 14 to 30 years. He urged the President and Minister to take humanitarian grounds into account, highlighting the family circumstances of Sachchithanantham Ananthasuthakar, whose children have lost both their mother and grandmother caregivers. Ministry Statement: Release of Tamil Political Prisoners Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →