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. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Ratnapura

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

Profession: ---

Roster profile ↗
Speeches 95 #50 of 225·#23 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Religion & Culture 60 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Oral question

Activity by sitting

48 sittings · counts only, no scoring.

Topic focus

AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.

Speech history

95 speeches
  • 10 June 2026 AI summary The Minister thanked the Member for raising the issue and requested two weeks to provide a comprehensive reply. He stated that relevant State officials had assisted in Parliament and that he had called for a full report from the Hajj Committee before giving a complete answer. Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister responded to an unexpected supplementary question concerning the Museum, noting that the main question related to the Art Gallery. He said he could not provide an immediate answer but would examine the proposal, including the reasons for the change and any connection to tourist footfall or visitor demand, and report back to the House. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Religion & Culture Read →
  • 21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that, due to delays in the renovation of the John de Silva Theatre, Cabinet approval was obtained to reallocate funds from that project to complete renovations at the National Art Gallery. He said meetings and inspections had been held with Moratuwa University consultants, the contractor, the Sri Lanka Navy and others, and that officials expect the National Art Gallery to reopen before December 2026. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation InfrastructurePublic FinanceReligion & Culture Read →
  • 21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister replied that the National Art Gallery has been largely closed for renovation since 2012, with only the Eastern Exhibition Hall displaying paintings in 2020 before closing again on 29 December 2020. He stated that Rs. 163.58 million had been allocated or spent for the renovation, and confirmed that a 2015 inventory found 281 paintings in the stock book but only 239 physically present, leaving a discrepancy of 42 paintings. He said a Ministry-appointed committee is conducting a preliminary inquiry and the Colombo South Divisional Crime Investigation Unit is also investigating the matter. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Religion & CultureJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 20 May 2026 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs presented the 2017 Annual Report of the Central Cultural Fund. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resources Development, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Ministry Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 8 April 2026 AI summary The Minister clarified that the Government’s response to issues at archaeological sites is guided by the Antiquities Ordinance, while noting that Cabinet approval has been sought to amend the Antiquities Ordinance and the Central Cultural Fund Act due to limitations in the current legal framework. He emphasized balancing religious practices with heritage protection, citing restrictions such as flash photography at Sigiriya, and said instructions had been given to the Department of Archaeology regarding Nelukal. He also asked Members to examine when disputed shops were built and who approved them, stating that the Government would act according to law while seeking mutual understanding. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Justice & Human RightsReligion & Culture Read →
  • 8 April 2026 AI summary No permissions have been granted for the alleged target of 38 temples, and the Department of Archaeology’s role at Kurundikulam is limited to the declared 78-acre archaeological protected area and proposed re-gazetting of 229 surrounding acres, not fisheries or tank administration. Vedukkunar Malai, within a forest reserve, is being processed for declaration as an archaeological reserve, with identified Buddhist monuments supported by early cave inscriptions and legal action already initiated against unauthorized constructions. The Minister emphasized that religious observances may continue, but any damage, alteration or displacement of antiquities is prohibited under the Antiquities Ordinance, and archaeological heritage should be protected as national heritage belonging to all communities. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionReligion & CultureJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 8 April 2026 AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi responded to concerns about Department of Archaeology activity in several Eastern Province sites, stating that the Department is not a Buddhist-only institution and that archaeological regulation applies to heritage of all religious backgrounds. He addressed Koneswaram/Fort Frederick, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai and Kuchchaveli, saying temple worship had not been restricted, certain practical works could proceed after statutory assessments, and allegations of new constructions or approvals would be verified. He said unauthorized structures in archaeological reserves are a wider national issue to be handled under law and relevant standards, and undertook to improve consultation with local authorities, issue communications in Tamil in Tamil-speaking areas, and deploy adequate Tamil-speaking staff. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Religion & CultureEnvironment Read →
  • 8 April 2026 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs requested two weeks’ time to provide an answer. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.3, Q.4, Q.5/1563-1655/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the Middle East conflict had created an external shock affecting Sri Lanka, but argued that the Government had stabilized the economy sufficiently to procure and pay for fuel, unlike during the 2022 crisis. He accused the Opposition and parts of the media of creating panic through misleading comparisons, fuel-stock claims, and other campaigns, leading to hoarding and unnecessary consumption. He urged citizens to rely on accurate information, reduce non-essential fuel use, and avoid actions such as hoarding or trade union disruption, while noting that government committees were continuously reassessing fuel and economic conditions. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Government is continuing the established procedures for registering temples and granting lands to religious institutions. He said concerns about possible anomalies can be discussed with the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and the advisory council, and that expert committees are examining issues relating to Qur’an copies held in custody at ports. He denied any deliberate Government delay or obstruction and indicated willingness to consult further with Deputy Minister Muneer Moulafar. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Religion & Culture Read →
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the issue raised falls under the committee’s mandate regarding the Al‑Aalim examinations, Parts I and II. He said that once the syllabus report is finalized, matters relating to the conduct and recognition of the examinations, including point allocations for university admissions, can be addressed. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Education Read →
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that, following instructions from the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, an 11-member official committee was appointed on 6 March 2026 to draft a Madrasah Education Act, prepare a common syllabus for Madrasah institutions, and report on the Al‑Aalim Final Examination syllabus. The committee is due to meet on 25 March 2026, after which further action will be taken based on its decisions. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Religion & CultureEducation Read →
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that Arabic educational institutions are registered under three categories: Temporary Preliminary Arabic Schools, Preliminary Arabic Schools, and Arabic Colleges, with 321 institutions currently registered. He said upgrading from Temporary Preliminary to Preliminary is continuing, but upgrading from Preliminary to Arabic College has been suspended since 2019 pending finalisation of a curricular framework. A common syllabus and framework have been submitted to the Ministry of Education for review, and further regulatory measures are being developed following directions from the National Security Council to regulate religious instruction and private educational institutions, including Madrasas. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Religion & CultureEducation Read →
  • 6 March 2026 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs presented the 2024 Annual Performance Report of the Department. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resources Development, and the motion was agreed to. Tabling of Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the disputed letter from the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs appeared to be an administrative decision rather than a personal action, but should be examined further. He noted that withdrawal of the letter may not resolve the issue due to related court determinations and the Waqf Board’s registration authority, and outlined possible registration avenues under the Waqf Act, Divisional Secretariat, Department of Social Services, or Registrar of Companies. He undertook to discuss the matter with the relevant Cabinet Minister to assess any legal scope for reconsideration. Oral Question by Private Notice: Reactivation of Deregistered Islamic Charitable Organizations (Q.27(2)) Justice & Human RightsReligion & Culture Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary Devotees have offered 3,201 grams of gold jewellery and other gold items to the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya, including items found in tribute boxes during cash removal. The Basnayake Nilame has requested approval for action regarding these items, but no approval or decision to auction them has been made. Part of the gold is held in Safe No. 55 at the Bank of Ceylon, Kataragama Branch, while the remainder is kept in the Dewalaya office safe. Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) Religion & Culture Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary Delays in the matter were attributed to differing views among multiple stakeholders, which led to the postponement of some meetings. The Minister stated that he would continue efforts to resolve the disagreements and finalize the process. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration Religion & Culture Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary Approval can be granted for registering Qur’an madrasas, and that process is continuing, while the main outstanding issue concerns Arabic colleges. Following initiatives begun in April 2024 and accelerated by the current President in October 2025, legislation and curriculum revisions are being finalized for madrasas and Arabic colleges, with 321 Arabic colleges registered and about 82 applications pending. Three review committees are working on regularization measures, and the Minister said he would intervene to expedite completion of the Bill, curriculum, and registration process. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration EducationReligion & Culture Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question before the House. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Questions: Various (Q.8, Q.9) Parliamentary Procedure Read →