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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
  • 24 October 2025 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs moved the adjournment of Parliament. The motion “Parliament do now adjourn” was then proposed. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 22 October 2025 AI summary The Minister presented the 2024 Performance Report of the Department of the Chief Registrar. 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. Presentation of Reports and Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 21 October 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the Government accepts the need for the Holy Qur’an to be made available and has taken steps within the existing legal and administrative framework. He explained that the Review Committee was appointed by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs as a voluntary advisory body, not by gazette, and invited written objections for formal review. He said discussions chaired by the President considered options for addressing issues with the Al-Madina-printed books, including clarifications or reprinting in Sri Lanka, while noting concerns about removable correction pages and future circulation of altered editions. Ministerial Statement: Tamil Translations of Holy Qur'an Religion & CultureLaw & Order Read →
  • 21 October 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the detention of imported Qur’an translations, explaining that post-2019 Defence Ministry guidelines require review by qualified Muslim scholars to ensure translations and Islamic books do not contain unclear or potentially harmful interpretations. He said 25,000 Arabic Qur’an copies from the relevant container were released, while 26,560 Tamil and Sinhala translations remain with Sri Lanka Customs because the Book Review Committee has not approved them under the required framework. He stated that the decision followed Security Council guidance requiring accurate source references and interpretations, and emphasized that the Government’s aim is to safeguard interfaith harmony while enabling properly clarified translations to reach the Muslim community. Ministerial Statement: Tamil Translations of Holy Qur'an Security & DefenceJustice & Human RightsReligion & Culture Read →
  • 26 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question regarding Tissa Viharaya in Thyiddy, Valikamam North, stating that the site is not registered and that land ownership must be verified. He said no land acquisition process or Gazette notification has been issued under the Land Acquisition Act, and that the matter primarily falls under the Ministry of Lands, requiring coordination with his Ministry. He noted that the President, ONUR, the Justice Ministry, and a committee chaired by Vijith Rohan Perera are involved in ongoing efforts to address the issue, which he described as complex due to questions over registration and multiple sites bearing the same name. Ministerial Statement: Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya Construction Religion & CultureLand & HousingEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
  • 26 September 2025 AI summary The Minister acknowledged the Member’s point as timely, noting that public attention often comes to such issues only after an incident. He said he had discussed the matter with the Ministry Secretary and that his Ministry would intervene where it falls within its remit, while seeking support from the Ministry of Transport and Highways and other relevant bodies where necessary. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Parliamentary ProcedureReligion & Culture Read →
  • 26 September 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a question regarding a disputed premises, stating that the Minister of Public Security and the Police had already intervened following a Divisional Development Committee resolution. He said investigations had been completed and reported to court, and noted that the land had reportedly been purchased by foreigners from a Muslim owner, while the Divisional Secretary indicated the occupants were no longer present. He added that the Magistrate had limited permitted activities to the stated purpose, such as operating only as a restaurant, and that Police had been directed to take strict legal action if public disturbance occurred. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Religion & CultureLaw & Order Read →
  • 26 September 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a question regarding “Shabbat” centres in Pottuvil, stating that the Divisional Secretary had reported the operation of an institution called “Shabbat House” on privately owned land. He said no further reported information was available on certain matters raised, and that removal of the institution was outside his Ministry’s powers, with relevant authority lying with the Ministry of Defence. A Divisional Secretary’s report was tabled, and the Minister offered to provide further details at the supplementary stage. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Religion & Culture Read →
  • 25 September 2025 AI summary The Minister informed Parliament of a fatal accident at the Na Uyana Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Melsiripura, where seven monks died and six were injured, including two in intensive care. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and Parliament, identified the deceased Sri Lankan and foreign monks, and outlined the immediate involvement of government, provincial health, and local officials. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is being consulted on permission to conduct funeral rites in Sri Lanka for the three foreign monks, and that a committee on funeral arrangements would meet that evening. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Religion & Culture Read →
  • 24 September 2025 AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi supported the amendments proposed by Hon. Saroja Savitri Paulraj, describing them as a progressive step in protecting children from physical and psychological punishment. He linked the Bill to education reforms, arguing that parents, teachers, wardens, prefects and student leaders must move away from punitive discipline and be trained in constructive approaches. Citing examples from cinema and the situation of children with disabilities, he stressed that childhood trauma can have long-term social and psychological consequences, and said the law should reflect a genuine commitment to safeguarding children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading EducationJustice & Human RightsWomen & Children Read →
  • 21 August 2025 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs presented the 2024 Annual Performance Report of the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Reports and Agreements Tabled Parliamentary ProcedureReligion & Culture Read →
  • 20 August 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a question raised by Hon. K. Kader Masthan under Standing Order 27(2), requesting two weeks to provide an answer. He stated that the Ministry had been addressing the matter and that delays were due to language clearance processes, and undertook to submit a firm written response within two weeks. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Tamil Qur'an Translations Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 20 August 2025 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs presented the 2023 Performance Report of the Department of the Registrar General and the 2024 Performance Report of his Ministry. He moved that both reports be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour Force and Human Resources, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Tabled: Annual Reports and Performance Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 7 August 2025 AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi acknowledged the land-related hardships arising from ancient sannasas and large extents of land, including the 832 acres referred to, noting similar issues elsewhere. He said amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance and antiquities laws should be considered, alongside better coordination between parties and proper court action to expedite cases. He undertook to intervene and seek urgent Government attention for a policy decision covering Humbuluwa and comparable situations. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Religion & CultureLand & Housing Read →
  • 7 August 2025 AI summary The Minister said the Humbuluwa land dispute reflects wider issues in Ratnapura District requiring detailed study and policy decisions, while noting that related matters are before court. He outlined the complexity of the 832-acre dispute, citing long-term occupation, permanent buildings, cultivation, tax payments, Janma Bhoomi grants, National Housing Authority sales, private and public auctions, temple lands, and historical sannasas. He stated that both villagers’ grievances and temple claims contain evidence, and said the Ministry and Department of Buddhist Affairs seek a fair outcome through expedited court proceedings and mediation. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Land & HousingJustice & Human RightsReligion & Culture Read →
  • 7 August 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a question on land ownership relating to Humbuluwa village and Humbuluwa Raja Maha Viharaya, stating that historical records, including an 18th-century sannasa registered in 1893, identify the village as temple property covering about 832 acres. He said legal proceedings are ongoing, including appeals against a judgment declaring certain lands as belonging to the temple, and that ownership disputes have arisen among villagers as a result. He added that a ministry-appointed committee inspected the copper sannasa and obtained an Archaeology Department report confirming its archaeological value, but further administrative action will await the establishment of rights by court. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Religion & CultureLand & HousingJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 23 July 2025 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs presented the 2022 Annual Report of the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. He proposed referring it to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resources Development, and the House agreed. Papers: Annual Reports and Performance Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 19 June 2025 AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs presented the 2024 Annual Performance Report of the Department of National Museums. He proposed referring the report to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resources Development, and the House agreed. Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 June 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said Jewish visitors may enter Sri Lanka as tourists for religious or cultural purposes, and the Government has a duty to facilitate their basic needs and observances, as it does for all tourists. He acknowledged complexities regarding the relevant institutions, noting that two were registered in 2022, and stated that the Government would regularize the matter as new information becomes available while ensuring equal treatment of tourists. Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) Foreign AffairsReligion & Culture Read →
  • 5 June 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that concerns previously raised to the Prime Minister had not been ignored and that he had consulted the Minister of Public Security. He said STF protection for the centre at Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 07, had been withdrawn, and further details could be provided. He noted difficulties in identifying and regulating such entities because some are registered as businesses, including restaurants, while conducting other activities, and said his Ministry is verifying registration status through relevant departments and Divisional Secretariats. Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) Security & DefenceReligion & Culture Read →