Politick Parliament. On record. For every citizen.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Colombo

Minister of Justice and National Integration

Profession: Attorney-at-Law

Roster profile ↗
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
  • 20 February 2025 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration provided figures on the prison system, stating that 5,218 officers serve across 318 institutions, with details by prison and related facilities. He identified major deficiencies including severe overcrowding, dilapidated and ageing buildings, inadequate sanitation, visitor facilities, transport, accessibility measures, infant care facilities, telephone access, and staff housing. He outlined ongoing and planned measures for 2025, including infrastructure repairs, sanitation and wastewater projects, new barracks, construction at Wataraka Open Prison Camp, proposals to reduce overcrowding and rehabilitate drug users, and plans to relocate the Colombo Prison Complex to Millewa, Horana, subject to implementation and budget allocations. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Public FinanceJustice & Human RightsInfrastructure Read →
  • 18 February 2025 AI summary The Minister said the Budget prioritizes social protection and relief for vulnerable groups by reallocating resources away from privileges and waste, including Rs. 232 billion for Aswesuma and increased allowances for kidney patients and elderly persons. He highlighted child-focused measures, including Rs. 500 million to improve care institutions, Rs. 250 million for child-friendly transport for legal proceedings, Rs. 1 billion for a Rs. 5,000 monthly allowance for children in residential care and orphans, and improved school access. He also stated that the Government would strengthen anti-corruption institutions, expand mental health and counselling support for youth and parents, and increase funding for prisoner skills development to support reintegration. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Justice & Human RightsWomen & ChildrenPublic Finance Read →
  • 18 February 2025 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration moved that Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Ariyarathne presided. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 17 February 2025 AI summary The Minister argued that the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill is needed because the 2023 local government elections were unlawfully postponed, leaving communities without elected local representatives and prompting Supreme Court findings on violations of fundamental rights. He said the Bill would enable fresh nominations because the earlier nominations closed in January 2023 and new voters were added in 2024, thereby protecting both the right to vote and the right to contest. While acknowledging concerns about the size and structure of local authorities, he said such reforms should not delay elections and affirmed that the Government would hold the polls at the earliest date determined by the Election Commission. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Justice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionParliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 7 February 2025 AI summary A procedural motion was moved proposing that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda assumed it. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 7 February 2025 AI summary The Minister presented, under Standing Order 119(4), the Report on Observations and Actions Taken regarding matters concerning the Department of Prisons, the Debt Conciliation Board, and the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crimes and Witnesses, following issues raised in the Committee on Public Accounts report. He moved that the report be referred to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Ministerial Reports and Annual Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2025 AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that no investigation has been conducted in Sri Lanka against USAID or similar institutions. He challenged critics to produce evidence if they have any allegations. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Foreign Affairs Read →
  • 5 February 2025 AI summary Raised a point of order challenging a claim that USAID had acted politically in Sri Lanka. He noted that USAID had long supported the judiciary and development activities, and argued that after President Trump took office programmes were subject to review rather than being stopped, asking the member to state the basis for the allegation. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2025 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration presented the 2023 Annual Reports of the Rehabilitation Authority and the Complex Litigation Management Board of the Supreme Court. He moved that both reports be referred to the Consultative Committee on the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Tabling of Reports and Orders Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 24 January 2025 AI summary Parliament was moved to adjourn by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara. The motion was agreed to, and Parliament adjourned at 12.56 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, in accordance with a resolution passed that day. Adjournment Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 23 January 2025 AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara questioned the motives behind the Adjournment Motion concerning Rohingya asylum seekers, suggesting it may not have been brought solely out of humanitarian concern. He assured Parliament that the Government would not violate the fundamental rights of the Rohingya asylum seekers and would not deport them. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Foreign AffairsJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 23 January 2025 AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara rejected opposition claims that the Government had increased vehicles and fuel allocations for Ministers, stating that a January 2025 circular reduced each Minister’s allocation from three vehicles and about 1,950 litres of diesel to two vehicles and 900 litres, and that no Ministers or Deputies had taken official residences. Addressing the Rohingya issue, he described it as a humanitarian crisis involving stateless and displaced people, while emphasizing that Sri Lanka must act according to international law and State security responsibilities. He said the 116 arrivals were being cared for, with court processes involving 12 persons, including possible traffickers, and that screening was necessary to identify protection needs and exclude persons involved in serious crimes in line with UNHCR guidance. He stated that the Government would work with UNHCR and the international community on temporary and possible longer-term arrangements while safeguarding rights and applying the law. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Foreign AffairsJustice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
  • 22 January 2025 AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara responded to concerns raised by Hon. Ponnambalam on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, stating that a Cabinet Paper is being prepared to appoint a committee to abolish the PTA. He said he expected to confirm Cabinet approval by the next parliamentary sitting and reiterated the Government’s intention to introduce an Anti-Terrorism Act in line with international standards. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Justice & Human Rights Read →
  • 21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair during proceedings. The motion was put to the House and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 21 January 2025 AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that, to his knowledge, punishments had been imposed at the relevant time. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Justice & Human Rights Read →
  • 21 January 2025 AI summary The Minister clarified that the matter raised by the Member does not fall under the Clean Sri Lanka programme but relates to the justice process. He explained that his earlier speech had separately addressed Clean Sri Lanka activities and the rule of law, and that the Member’s reference concerned the latter. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Justice & Human Rights Read →
  • 21 January 2025 AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Clean Sri Lanka programme is intended as a long-term national effort, not merely an environmental campaign, and that the Government is conducting a month-long awareness programme through the Presidential Task Force to change public attitudes and practices. He argued that the new Government, in office for only two months, has begun by reducing waste and political privilege, allowing public institutions to function without interference, and implementing measures such as fertilizer assistance, fisheries fuel relief, and electricity tariff reductions based on PUCSL recommendations. He also referred to alleged political corruption involving payments for parliamentary seats and said such matters should be investigated if complainants come forward, presenting anti-bribery and institutional integrity as part of the Clean Sri Lanka agenda. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Corruption & Governance ReformCost of LivingEnvironment Read →
  • 10 January 2025 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration presented the 2023 Performance Report of the Department of Justice to Parliament. He proposed that the report be referred to the relevant Committee, and the motion was agreed to. Tabling of Reports: Monetary Policy Framework and Justice Department Performance Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 9 January 2025 AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration stated that information sought on court proceedings and internal procedures falls under the independent Judicial Service Commission, which has requested three weeks to provide inputs. He said the remaining information lies with the Ministry and requested two weeks to provide comprehensive answers to both parts of the question, after which the question was ordered to stand down. Oral Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 8 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara responded that investigations into the killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge and other crimes are progressing, with the Government facilitating independent judicial and prosecutorial processes while avoiding comments that could affect arrests. He stated that cases allegedly obstructed under previous administrations are now being pursued diligently. On Rohingya refugees, he said they are being treated humanely and in accordance with the law, with the relevant Minister expected to provide further details. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Justice & Human RightsForeign Affairs Read →