Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney at Law, M.P.
Profession: Attorney-at-Law
Speeches 20 #176 of 225·#114 in party
Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 10 speeches
Last spoke 6 May 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
14 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
20 speeches- 6 May 2026 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, describing it as a necessary reform that replaces outdated insolvency approaches with court-supervised restructuring, administrators, and business reorganization options to preserve viable firms and jobs. He noted that the Opposition had not objected to the Bill, while criticizing Opposition claims about political interference in the public service and raising past employment practices. He also defended the Government’s housing policy, stating that priority is being given to completing unfinished housing units, resolving land and title issues, and building 50,000 houses in the year. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Public FinanceLand & HousingJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 19 February 2026 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath said the Opposition supports the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, arguing they will strengthen action against narcotics trafficking, including interdiction and prosecution beyond Sri Lankan territory and on the high seas. He linked the need for reform to past political protection of drug networks and said police action was previously constrained by political pressure, while maintaining that the current administration would not allow corruption or crime. He also clarified that DNA testing can be sought in maintenance cases where paternity is denied, and said drug policy must combine enforcement against traffickers with rehabilitation, sports, and public-space programmes to address addiction and reduce demand. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 21 January 2026 AI summary A petition from Mr. Rajika Niroshan Gamaga, an officer of the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute in Talawakelle, was presented to Parliament. The petition was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Opening and Speaker's Certificate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath raised a point of order citing Standing Order 92(2)(aa), noting that points of order are limited to one minute. He requested that the Chair enforce this time limit when Members exceed it. Points of Order and Privilege Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 November 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to provide details on the procurement of tyres and tubes for Sri Lanka Transport Board buses, including suppliers, supply capacity, tender periods, standards, and quality adequacy. He also sought clarification on foreign exchange expenditure for current purchases and whether locally manufactured tyres and tubes could be used instead, asking for reasons if this is not possible. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
- 18 November 2025 AI summary A petition from Mr. W.T.B.S.J. Seneviratne of Aluthpara, Galkulama, Anuradhapura, was presented to Parliament. It was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions: G.H. Janaka Kumara and W.T.B.S.J. Seneviratne Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 17 November 2025 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath said the debate on the Justice and National Integration Vote had been diverted by Opposition claims of national danger, which he characterized as politically motivated and linked to events planned for 21 November. He defended the Government’s commitment to judicial independence, equality before the law, and the rule of law, arguing that past perceptions of influence by wealth or power were being addressed. He identified systemic justice-sector problems including case delays, prison overcrowding, crime, and staffing shortages, and cited planned recruitments of 2,871 officers, including 1,315 for the justice sector and 1,086 for prisons. He also outlined measures to expand access to justice, including new and upgraded Magistrates’ Courts and District Courts in several locations. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Law & OrderParliamentary ProcedureJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath cited a 1981 Hansard exchange in which Jaffna MP V. Yogeswaran condemned police arson in Jaffna while the House laughed, linking such incidents and the events of 1983 to the later decades-long war and its human and economic costs. He rejected attributing the causes solely to the 2019 government and ended by expressing support for Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities travelling together in friendship and peace towards Jaffna. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Law & OrderEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath supported the amendments to the Companies Act, No. 07 of 2007, stating that they implement FATF Recommendation 24 on beneficial ownership by requiring companies to disclose their true share owners. He argued that the measure is necessary to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and corruption, and said it would improve Sri Lanka’s legal credibility and investment climate by assuring transparency for lawful investors. He noted that concerns about applicability to foreign companies had been raised before the Supreme Court and said the amendments followed discussion and consensus without evidence of adverse impact on investors. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 18 June 2025 AI summary The remarks supported Orders under Act No. 49 of 2024 to recognize and enforce designated foreign civil judgments in Sri Lanka, particularly monetary and divorce decrees, describing them as beneficial to Sri Lankans abroad by avoiding re-litigation. It was stated that consultation with the Foreign Minister or Attorney-General under the Act is discretionary rather than mandatory. The speech also rejected Opposition claims about the legality of a CMC secret ballot, saying the matter should be taken to court if contested, and emphasized that judicial reforms require implementation capacity, including staffing, infrastructure, digitization, and process improvements. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Parliamentary ProcedureForeign AffairsJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 18 March 2025 AI summary A petition from Mr. K. Abeywickrama of Maradankadawala was presented to Parliament by Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath. The petition was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 March 2025 AI summary A petition from A.A.K.E. Wijesinghe of Daladapura, Thalawa, was tabled by Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath. The petition was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions before proceedings moved to oral answers to questions. Petitions Presented by Members Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 1 March 2025 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath argued that justice sector reform must address both court efficiency and the broader social and political conditions that affect public trust and crime. He cited the special High Court in Anuradhapura for child sexual offence cases and the reported backlog of over 1.1 million cases to show that speedy convictions alone are insufficient. He supported digitalization of the justice system, noting that better technology, investigations, and data systems are needed to reduce delays and strengthen credibility, and said the Government is committed to building a stronger political and legal culture. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 22 February 2025 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath argued that Opposition Members should account for earlier claims about extremism, economic collapse and social unrest before criticizing the Government’s Budget. He said the Government’s economic programme is based on social and economic transformation through collective effort and sacrifice, not individual patronage or employment promises. He rejected claims that isolated violent incidents amount to national security threats, while acknowledging recent murders as serious crimes that require broader social and economic rebuilding. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Law & OrderSecurity & DefencePublic Finance Read →
- 22 February 2025 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath said that long-standing allegations against his party regarding extremism, economic mismanagement, and religious fanaticism were disproved soon after it assumed power. He argued that voters had been influenced by scare narratives about economic collapse and calamity, but that these narratives were defeated within 24 hours of the new government taking office. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Religion & CulturePublic Finance Read →
- 22 February 2025 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath referred to public fears during the election period, stating that some people did not vote for the Government because they believed alms-giving or charitable religious practices would be stopped if it came to power. The remark appeared to address misconceptions about the Government’s intentions. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Public Finance Read →
- 22 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath objected to an interruption, stating that he had not named or quoted any Member and that Standing Orders did not justify the intervention. He requested that any time lost be restored and argued that the Opposition should “restart” its politics, referring to fear-based claims made during the election campaign about what would happen if his side came to power. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath argued that the Budget must be understood in the context of past governments’ policies and economic management, and that current economic planning cannot ignore recent history. He criticized Opposition Members for procedural conduct in Parliament, particularly the misuse of Points of Order for publicity, and rejected prior Opposition claims that an NPP government would cause economic collapse, religious extremism, or instability. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Parliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Read →
- 22 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath presented a petition from Mr. S.C. Senavirathna of Isurupura, Anuradhapura. The petition was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 January 2025 AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath supported the motion seeking parliamentary and public backing for the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that the Opposition had mischaracterized it as unclear despite its objectives being set out in the Gazette. He described the programme as a broad social, political, environmental and ethical transformation aimed at changing public attitudes and behaviour, rather than a narrowly timed project limited to activities such as bus regulation or waste collection. He maintained that the programme aligns with Government policy and does not conflict with the Constitution or other laws, urging critics to engage with its stated framework before raising objections. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme EnvironmentReligion & Culture Read →