Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, M.P.
Minister of Justice and National Integration
Profession: Attorney-at-Law
Speeches 338 #12 of 225·#6 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 179 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
96 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
338 speeches- 9 June 2026 AI summary The Minister supported extending the State of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating that it was introduced after Cyclone “Ditva” to coordinate relief, housing reconstruction and essential services, and may also be needed to respond to possible energy disruptions arising from international tensions. He said the Government would use emergency powers only for public relief and not repression, while emphasizing that freedom of expression carries responsibility. He stated that the Prevention of Terrorism Act is at its final stage of repeal and replacement, defended a recent PTA-related arrest as based on alleged glorification of the LTTE rather than artistic expression, and said concerns over a judge’s transfer should be addressed to the Judicial Service Commission. He also referred to ongoing investigations into the Easter attacks and related matters, saying legal action would proceed without government interference. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Law & OrderSecurity & DefenceJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 22 May 2026 AI summary Clarified that no single counsel should be described exclusively as the party’s lawyer, as many lawyers assist the party. Responding to an inference about 2026 figures, he said leave-refusal data should be viewed historically, noting that 2025 recorded the lowest refusals after the Government took office in November 2024, while earlier years were higher. He added that fewer fundamental rights filings could indicate fewer violations by the Executive and State bodies, and cautioned that 2026 trends may change as eight months remain and the JSC compiled the figures only last month. Adjournment Questions Justice & Human Rights Read →
- 22 May 2026 AI summary The Minister emphasized that judicial independence is necessary for the rule of law and noted the limited role of the Justice Minister in matters handled by the Judicial Service Commission, including suspensions, inquiries and discipline. He stated his view that the Chief Justice and the judicial system operate independently and without political interference. In response to a question, he provided annual figures for fundamental rights/human rights cases filed, leave refused, and leave granted from 2021 to 2026 to date. Adjournment Questions Justice & Human Rights Read →
- 22 May 2026 AI summary Parliament moved to adjourn proceedings, and the motion was agreed to. The sitting then proceeded to the item of Adjournment Questions. Adjournment Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 May 2026 AI summary Accepted a petition from Mr. L. N. de Soysa of No. 1, Paschana Road, Nelumpura South, Ratmalana, for presentation to Parliament. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 May 2026 AI summary Presented the report under Standing Order 119(4) on observations and actions taken regarding Ministry of Defence matters raised in the Committee on Public Accounts report. He moved that the report be referred back to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Opening and Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration stated that the requested information must be obtained from the Terrorism Investigation Division, the Attorney-General, and Prisons Headquarters. He requested two weeks to provide a full answer, indicating it would be given when the relevant Member is present. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Political Prisoners and Interrogation Parliamentary ProcedureJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 21 May 2026 AI summary The Attorney-at-Law stated that, following a recent inspection, the relevant court-related project is about 95 per cent complete after accelerated work over the past one and a half years. He said support had been provided for lawyers to establish chambers, and that auxiliary services such as notarial offices would be introduced to the area as courts are established, though he did not have the full list available. Oral Question: Beligaha Court Complex (Minister of Justice) Justice & Human RightsInfrastructure Read →
- 21 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara corrected the premise that the Beligaha Court Complex had been opened, stating that although construction began in 2011, it has not yet been declared open and is expected to begin operations in the first week of June. He added that selected courtrooms are being equipped with digital systems and that such facilities will also be provided at the new complex. Oral Question: Beligaha Court Complex (Minister of Justice) Justice & Human RightsInfrastructure Read →
- 21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that the Galle New Court Complex at Beligaha has not yet commenced operations because the State Engineering Corporation, the contractor, has delayed completion of electrical and mechanical works due to financial difficulties, and courts cannot be relocated in stages. He said completion and handover to the Judiciary are expected by the first week of June 2026. He also explained that the existing Galle Fort court buildings are not owned by the Ministry and, following Cabinet approval, are to be vested in the UDA for proposed development projects, including tourism, while no rental or maintenance loss has arisen to the Government from the delay. Oral Question: Beligaha Court Complex (Minister of Justice) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
- 21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration presented the Report of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice and National Integration concerning a regulation issued under the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, No. 25 of 2015. The regulation, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2470/04 of 5 January 2026, relates to an agreement signed in July 2025 between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Papers: Ministerial Consultative Committee Reports and Committee Reports Parliamentary ProcedureJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 20 May 2026 AI summary An exchange was interrupted by the Chair, with certain remarks expunged from the record. The matter under reference concerned the removal of suppliers involved in the supply of essential or life-saving drugs. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Healthcare Read →
- 20 May 2026 AI summary Citing Standing Order 33(1), Harshana Nanayakkara stated that he was not obliged to answer the question raised. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 May 2026 AI summary Powers relating to criminal prosecution have long been vested in the Attorney-General’s Department and the Code of Criminal Procedure, so establishing a Director of Public Prosecutions is not a simple structural change. The Member stated that improving the Attorney-General’s Department and creating a DPP are separate matters, and that the Government has appointed a committee, led by Justice Yasantha, while seeking observations from the Bar Association and the Law Commission before proceeding. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Justice & Human Rights Read →
- 20 May 2026 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration stated that the Government has taken steps, with Cabinet approval, to appoint a committee chaired by a Supreme Court judge to recommend the establishment of an independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions outside the Attorney-General’s Department. He said decisions on a national DPP and possible provincial offices will be made by Cabinet after the committee reports, and that no final decision has yet been taken. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Justice & Human Rights Read →
- 19 May 2026 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister justified extending the state of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing ongoing relief and resettlement needs after the “Ditwah” cyclone and possible fuel supply disruptions arising from instability in the Middle East. He argued that emergency powers had been used only to deliver essential services and not to detain, suppress dissent, or restrict media freedom. He rejected Opposition claims of interference with judicial independence, stating that corruption investigations and prosecutions proceed through an independent judiciary and that the Government is committed to equal application of the law. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance ReformSecurity & Defence Read →
- 6 May 2026 AI summary Moved the Third Reading of the Bill and sought leave to correct typographical, printing, grammatical, numbering errors and any consequential amendments. The House agreed, and the Bill was read a Third time and passed. Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Committee and Third Reading Stages Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 May 2026 AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara responded to a proposal by another Member, indicating agreement in principle but expressing uncertainty about whether it could be implemented under the Standing Orders. Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Committee and Third Reading Stages Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara disputed claims that a woman had lodged a police complaint alleging her husband’s death was suspicious. He challenged the opposing Member to provide the relevant police station and date, and asserted that the allegations made were baseless. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Justice & Human Rights Read →