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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 19 March 2026

10th Parliament· 16 debates· 162 speeches· 56 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23381 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) 8 speeches
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      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.

      Religion & CultureEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC

      AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth briefly acknowledges the Minister, offering thanks without making a substantive argument, proposal, or question.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB

      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.

      Religion & CultureEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC

      AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked whether the new Government would appoint Maulavi teachers to teach Islamic religious subjects in government schools, noting that such appointments have not been made for decades. He also requested the resumption of the pre-2015 Al-Aalim Muthawassitha and Al-Aalim Sanaviyya examinations under the old scheme, stating that the certificates are relevant for college admission points.

      EducationReligion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB

      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.

      Education Full speech →
    • The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC

      AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth questioned why restrictions on Muslim religious rights and institutions continue in the aftermath of the Zaharan incident. He raised concerns that Qur’an translations remain unreleased, madrasas and mosques on State lands are being asked to obtain leases while other religious institutions receive grants, and routine administrative processes such as registration updates, grading, and name or address changes have been halted.

      Religion & CultureJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB

      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.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →