Topic
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution
885 speeches · 164 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 67 |
| 2 | Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, M.P. ITAK | 51 |
| 3 | Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, M.P. ITAK | 48 |
| 4 | Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam, M.P. ACTC | 37 |
| 5 | Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, M.P. ITAK | 30 |
| 6 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 27 |
| 7 | Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, M.P. SLMC | 25 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, M.P. SLMC | 25 |
| 9 | Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, M.P. JJB | 24 |
| 10 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 19 |
Speeches
885 on this topic- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the North and East had been further affected by the economic crisis after years of ethnic conflict, and called for a decisive economic recovery plan linked to a permanent political solution and justice for Tamils. He urged the Government to set a guaranteed paddy price of at least Rs. 150 per kilogram, citing high production costs and imminent harvests in Batticaloa, and to urgently release the Mayilathamadu-Madhavanai grazing lands following the President’s assurance. He also requested humane and just action regarding the arrest of singer Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan, stressing freedom of expression and reiterating opposition to the Emergency and the PTA. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy rejected allegations about misuse of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” funds, saying they risk deterring diaspora contributions, and linked current economic policy to the need to bring export-earned foreign exchange through the formal banking system after legitimate business expenses. He argued that artistic expressions such as those linked to the arrest of Kilinochchi rap artist Sangeethsan should be understood in the context of unresolved Tamil grievances, including land, disappearances, power-sharing, development, education and employment, rather than treated as a return to militancy. He affirmed the NPP Government’s position against any return to war or ethnic violence and called for inclusive governance, avoidance of provocations, and policies that ensure economic benefits and equality for all communities. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised concerns over government actions in Mullaitivu, alleging that permanent housing for 244 seasonal fishing families from Negombo in Kokkilai would alter local demographics and should be halted. He also objected to the Mahaweli Authority’s allocation of land in Kokku Thoduvai–Kunjukkalvelai to a southern trader, claiming it involved privately owned freehold land and further encroachment into mangroves, grazing land, and forest reserves. He requested intervention to stop both the housing project and the land allocation, and to restore the disputed land to its original private owner. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva asked whether the Ministry has a comprehensive plan to collect accurate islandwide data on persons with disabilities, including the type and severity of disabilities. He raised concerns about disparities in disability living assistance for North, East and plantation communities, noting that the Budget had allocated funds for a national data collection effort, and asked whether it would be implemented within the year. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake pressed the Prime Minister to explain why Provincial Council elections had not been held despite the Government’s two-thirds majority and available funds. He requested that a report by Karu Jayasuriya’s National Movement for a Just Society, noting that 31.8% did not vote at the last General Election, be tabled before the Select Committee on Provincial Council electoral systems. He also urged that the elections be expedited, citing concerns from people in the North about postponement without public consultation. Procedural: Points of Order and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. Harini Amarasuriya replied to questions on overdue Provincial Council elections, listing the expiry dates of all nine Councils between 2017 and 2019. She stated that although the Provincial Councils Elections Act requires a poll notice after expiry or dissolution, elections could not be held because the post-2017 legal framework depends on completion and parliamentary approval of delimitation. She said a Parliamentary Select Committee has been appointed to recommend the electoral system and further action will follow its report, while affirming that all legally due elections will be held and that the Government has not decided to withhold any election. Procedural: Points of Order and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Prime Minister to provide, by Provincial Council, the dates on which terms ended, elections were due, and elections are now intended to be held. He questioned the Government’s position on the postponement of Provincial Council elections, including whether it accepts past postponements as undemocratic, whether it has adopted a policy to delay elections, and why it is not holding them despite earlier opposition to postponements. He also asked whether the Election Commission, international financial institutions, or foreign governments have influenced or commented on the timing of the elections. Procedural: Points of Order and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam opposed the extension of emergency powers, arguing that they are being used for political purposes and to suppress dissent in the North and East rather than to address genuine emergencies. He cited the delayed response to missing fishermen from Point Pedro and questioned the continued occupation of coastal lands by the Navy if such forces cannot assist in emergencies. He also condemned the use of the PTA or emergency regulations against expressions of opinion, including songs or praise of the LTTE, and argued that such enforcement reflects the Government’s failure to address Tamil political grievances. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan opposed extending the State of Emergency and criticized the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, citing the arrest of Kilinochchi artist Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan over a song and restrictions on books, speech, assembly, and school activities in the North and East. He recalled past abuses under the PTA and wartime atrocities, arguing that the Government had failed to honour earlier pledges to repeal the law and was instead expanding repression. He also raised concerns about judicial transfers involving judges in Jaffna and Mullaitivu and demanded Sangeethsan’s release, warning of wider protests if this did not occur. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah thanked the President for allocating about Rs. 300 million to complete the Nintavur cultural hall, but disputed the President’s remarks that the Oluvil harbour had been built without feasibility studies or an EIA. He stated that multiple institutions, including LHI, CECB, COWI, the SLPA technical team and NIRAS, had assessed the project and found it feasible, and that Danish financing and consultants were involved. He argued that the harbour’s present problems arose from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s failure to carry out regular dredging and maintenance as envisaged, rather than from flaws in the project’s approval process. He also defended the late M.H.M. Ashraff’s legacy and said criticism of him was hurtful to the Muslim community. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha paid tribute to the late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, emphasizing his commitment to a Sri Lankan identity and his support for both minority and majority communities. He recalled Prof. Vitarana’s opposition to the forced cremation policy during COVID-19 and noted the Government’s later apology on the issue. He also highlighted Prof. Vitarana’s advocacy for judicial independence, including his opposition to the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and his support for protecting career judges. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Paid tribute to six late former MPs, recalling their public service and extending condolences on behalf of the SLMC and, where relevant, the people of Batticaloa. He highlighted Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s work in science and ethnic harmony, S.C. Muthukumarana’s commitment to inter-ethnic unity, Chandradasa Galappaththi’s social service, Nandana Gunatilleka’s left politics and local government role, and Janaka Mahendra Adhikari’s service to Anuradhapura. He gave particular attention to T. Kanagasabai of Batticaloa, noting his contributions to agriculture, health, the upgrading of Kaluwanchikudy Hospital, support for the Eastern University Medical Faculty, and advocacy for Tamil-Muslim unity. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported condolence motions for six late former MPs, paying tribute to their public service across academia, agriculture, labour rights, rural development, education, healthcare and regional infrastructure. He highlighted Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s role in the All-Party Representatives Committee on the ethnic issue and recalled his support for laboratory improvements at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. He gave particular detail on T. Kanagasabai’s service to Batticaloa, including efforts to develop agriculture, promote Tamil–Muslim unity, support a medical faculty at Eastern University and upgrade Kaluwanchikudy Hospital. He concluded by stating that, despite differing ideologies, all six had served the welfare of the people, and extended condolences to their families and constituents. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Condoling the death of former MP T. Kanagasabai, the remarks linked his political work to the need for a just and sustainable political solution to Sri Lanka’s national question. Citing past Tamil electoral mandates and the post-war context, it urged Sinhala political, intellectual and business leaders to use the current economic crisis as an opportunity to unite communities and address Tamil political demands. Condolences were also extended to Mr. Kanagasabai’s family. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam paid tribute to late Members, highlighting Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s progressive stance on the Tamil national question, role in the APRC, opposition to forced cremations during COVID-19, and support for repealing the PTA. He also recalled Chandradhasa Galappaththi’s effective service as Chairman of the Eastern Provincial Council. He gave an extended tribute to former Batticaloa MP T. Kanagasabai, noting his electoral record, trilingual parliamentary service, health, education and vocational development initiatives in Batticaloa, international experience, and service during a period of threats and violence against TNA Members. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem paid tribute to several late former Members, with particular emphasis on Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s role as LSSP leader, Cabinet colleague, committee member, advocate of devolution, chair of the All Party Representative Committee, and contributor to science and public health. He also recalled Vitarana’s opposition to the compulsory cremation of Muslim COVID-19 victims and conveyed condolences to his family. Hakeem further commemorated Chandradasa Galappaththi, S. C. Muthukumarana, Janak Mahendra Adhikari, and T. Kanagasabai, noting their regional service, political roles, and his personal or political associations with them, and extended condolences to their families. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Navy has released 829 acres of land in the area since 2012 while retaining about 245 acres for Western Naval Command operations, and has provided access, transport, and preschool support for local religious and school communities. He stated that no civilians had been displaced by the Navy and that discussions had already been held with the Divisional Secretary and local representatives. He added that, following instructions from the President, he would visit the area with Ministry officials and consider releasing the maximum possible additional land. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran questioned the Minister of Defence on the continued displacement of Mullikulam residents whose ancestral lands have reportedly been under military control since 2007. He sought details on why more than 300 families have not been resettled, what relief has been provided for housing, livelihoods and basic amenities, and whether their lands, homes, schools and religious sites remain under Navy control. He also asked what steps and time frame the Government has for releasing the lands and enabling permanent resettlement. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj welcomed the Adjournment Motion on land and housing rights for the Malaiyaha plantation community, linking it to May Day struggles and ongoing demands for “land ownership” and “house ownership.” He cited the NPP’s 2023 Hatton Declaration, stating that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had pledged dignity, land and housing ownership, and equal rights for plantation people, and said the Government was prepared to implement those commitments. He criticized previous generations of Malaiyaha political leaders for failing to resolve the line-room housing and land issues, and asserted that the current Government would advance programmes to grant land and housing rights to estate workers. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman said the central issue of the motion was whether the Government would grant land ownership to the Malaiyaha community, distinguishing it from house ownership and urging an equity-based approach rather than a general equality framework. He referred to the community’s history of statelessness and the Sirimavo–Shastri Pact, corrected the Hansard record regarding the ship name to “Aadhilakshmi,” and suggested considering the return of people repatriated to India under that pact. He also raised procedural concerns about District Coordinating Committee invitations not reaching MPs properly, and called for implementation of an existing Cabinet Paper on land ownership while noting concerns over estate workers’ wage irregularities. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →