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- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed amendments to the Colombo Port City regime that would allow Sri Lanka to derive revenue, while raising concerns that Mannar District General Hospital still lacked the CT scanner previously promised by the Health Minister. He questioned the Government’s appointment of a committee on the Provincial Council electoral system, arguing that elections should be held immediately under the existing system rather than delayed pending reforms. He also requested that fishermen in Mannar who are prevented from going to sea during adverse weather receive dry rations on the same basis as other disaster-affected communities, as directed by the President. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised land and administrative problems affecting Muslims in Karamunai 2/10 in the Vakarai North Divisional Secretariat area of Batticaloa, citing displacement during the war, loss of documents, and unresolved claims to ancestral and agricultural lands. He said old usufruct documents and deeds had not been converted into grants, repeated land kachcheri applications had not resulted in permits, and Forest Conservation reservations continued to restrict land use and access to basic services. He asked the Minister of Lands and Irrigation to immediately appoint a three-member committee through the Land Commissioner General to investigate these issues in Karamunai and related areas and make recommendations. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Reported incidents concerning local authorities have occurred in the Galle Municipal Council, Godakawela Pradeshiya Sabha, Jaffna Municipal Council, Poonakary Pradeshiya Sabha, and Velanai South Pradeshiya Sabha. Inquiries have been initiated or planned by the relevant Commissioners of Local Government, with a police complaint lodged regarding the Galle Municipal Council incident. The Prime Minister stated that, because local government is a devolved subject under the Thirteenth Amendment and Provincial Councils are inactive, the respective Governors will decide on further action after the inquiries conclude. Oral Questions: Prime Minister Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported the proclamation of emergency law following a recent national calamity, stating that the powers are intended for rapid recovery and public welfare, not for suppressing dissent. He contrasted this with past uses of emergency powers and the PTA, which he said were associated with killings, disappearances, abductions, and attacks on media. Responding to Tamil MPs, he rejected allegations of current police brutality against Tamils, said the Thayiddy–Tissa Vihara issue is being addressed fairly, and accused opposition figures in the North of raising such claims to divert attention from inquiries into alleged fraud, liquor permits, and sand mining. He assured that no Tamil citizen had been harmed under the current emergency and said the Government would protect people in the North and East. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, speaking during the debate on a Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance, argued that emergency powers and security policies have historically enabled impunity for killings, disappearances, and unresolved cases involving journalists, Tamil politicians, and students. He alleged selective justice and discriminatory policing in relation to protests at Thayiddy, Jaffna, over private land declared a High Security Zone and the construction of Tissa Vihara, citing arrests of a Saiva priest, local representatives, landowners, and legal action against protesters including himself. He called for the release of occupied lands, removal of militarization in the North and East, accountability for past abuses, and a just political solution for Tamil people. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Upali Samarasingha stated that co-operative matters have been devolved to Provincial Councils since the 13th Amendment, creating shared responsibilities between the line Ministry and Provincial Councils. He said the Government is preparing amendments to the Co-operative Act to establish a unified legal framework, and assured intervention in the district’s co-operative issues to secure justice and take legal action where abuses or legal violations by officials are found. Oral Question: Co-operative Hospital Gampaha Administration and Irregularities (Q. relating to Lasith Bhashana Gamage) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy commended the Suwa Seriya ambulance service but raised concerns about the shortage of Tamil-speaking staff at its call centre and in recruitment or promotion processes. He asked whether steps could be taken to increase Tamil-speaking staff so patients and applicants can communicate necessary information effectively. Oral Question: Batticaloa Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service Operations (Q. relating to Kanthasamy Prabu) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan urged the Government to give special attention to hill-country Tamil and estate worker communities severely affected by landslides in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Matale, noting their existing socio-economic vulnerability and unsafe settlements. He called for safe land allocation and permanent resettlement, including possible land acquisition under Emergency Regulations, to address long-standing land rights and integrate these communities into public services and administration. He also asked the Government to prevent estate companies or officials from pressuring displaced people in camps to return to unsafe areas for labour needs, and said he was willing to help identify suitable estate lands for resettlement. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir called for national unity in responding to the disaster and thanked foreign countries and others who assisted, while conveying condolences to victims. He urged the Government to ensure that the President’s promised relief, including the initial Rs. 25,000 cleaning allowance, housing, land and other assistance, is delivered promptly and humanely through local administration, warning that delays could undermine public trust. He requested special attention for flood-affected fishers and farmers in the North and East, whose livelihoods have been disrupted. He also raised concerns about shortages and counterfeit medicines, opposing the relocation of the Nintavur Osusala branch and asking that it remain open with adequate low-cost medicines. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman tabled a civil society document on relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction for hill-country communities affected by Cyclone “Titva,” and said he had also tabled accounts for nearly Rs. 6 million in assistance provided to 2,137 families. He urged Members to avoid partisan blame over disaster relief and requested Government action over alleged neglect by officials, including the Divisional Secretary in Kotmale and some Grama Niladharis, particularly affecting Tamil estate communities. He also sought clarification of the Government’s land policy after the President’s reference to six perches per family, arguing that previous provisions had allowed seven to ten perches and that estate communities should not be disadvantaged under new circulars. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government will pursue a new Constitution, including abolition of the Executive Presidency and establishment of a parliamentary system with a non-executive President, after public consultation, Cabinet consideration and a referendum. She said Provincial Council elections will be held as soon as possible, but the Government must first decide whether to proceed under the 2017 delimitation-based framework or amend the law to revert to the previous system, with funds allocated in the 2026 Budget. She also outlined Cabinet-approved steps to study and draft legislation for a Public Prosecutor’s Office through a technical expert committee, followed by Legal Draftsman and Attorney-General review before submission to Parliament. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister described the recent disaster response in the Northern districts, emphasizing inter-communal cooperation among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities and support from religious leaders, workers, prisoners, businesses, and citizens from other regions. He reported that in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, officials, security forces, and villagers evacuated residents, cleared roads, managed reservoirs, and rescued about 665 people stranded on rooftops. He highlighted severe losses in Mannar, including around 22,000 acres of damaged paddy and more than 10,000 dead cattle, and said District Disaster Management Committees and central and provincial agencies were coordinating relief, rehabilitation, and future preparedness. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan said the recent disaster exposed failures in environmental preparedness and weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s disaster-response capacity, noting that foreign forces had to assist and that affected communities in the North and East, including island areas such as Neduntheevu, Eluvaithivu, Nainativu and Analaitivu, require greater priority in relief, transport and communications. He alleged unequal treatment, obstruction of officials, and lawlessness by government-affiliated persons during relief efforts. He also criticised the Presidential Secretariat circular on the “Prajashakthi” poverty alleviation programme, arguing that it sidelines elected MPs and local government representatives by empowering presidentially appointed structures and Divisional Coordination Committee Chairs, and urged the Government to respect elected bodies, act democratically, and ensure just cooperation in disaster recovery. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam said the Government had advance warnings before the cyclone and floods and called for an in-depth inquiry into preparedness and response, citing loss of life and alleged failures in coordination, particularly across the Northern Province. He argued that relief efforts disproportionately focused on Jaffna while more affected districts such as Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu lacked proper coordinated attention. He demanded transparency in housing relief payments, including immediate publication of household-level beneficiary lists through Divisional Secretariats, citing concerns about inflated figures and political interference. He also stated that his side would call for a vote at the Third Reading to oppose what he described as disproportionate defence allocations and inadequate allocations for the North and East. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the Government’s Budget priorities and urged that allocations be cut and redirected to war heroes, rescue personnel, and affected households, proposing Rs. 1 million per household through proper administrative channels. He referred to a Sinhala war hero and Colonel Buddhika’s team who assisted him, asked the Health Minister to look into action taken against staff at Kuliyapitiya Hospital after a rescue-related incident, and criticized politicians for not visiting the family of a pilot who died in Kuliyapitiya. He also said he was willing to forgo a vehicle allowance or cab facility and would seek diaspora funds to support people in the North, East, and elsewhere if needed. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe thanked the Sri Lankan diaspora, foreign nationals, assisting countries, state institutions, security forces, local officials, and other workers for their role in responding to cyclone-related damage. He said recovery and rebuilding would take time beyond the initial emergency response, and invited the Opposition to support reconstruction while avoiding remarks he described as insensitive to affected people. He stated that the President and Government were leading the rebuilding effort with international, national, public, private, and civil society support. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasinghe - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister described emergency response efforts in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu, rejecting Opposition claims that circulars or political interference hindered officials. He said Mannar was most affected, with rescues and relief carried out by officials, police and the tri-forces, including air rescues and food drops, and argued that the military’s role in the North had been essential during the disaster. He reported that welfare centres in Vavuniya had closed, many in Mannar had been reduced, health services and dry rations were provided, and work was under way to repair breached tanks, canals, sluices, roads, electricity and water supplies to enable cultivation. He appealed for cooperation across political and ethnic lines, stating that state agencies, volunteers and external assistance were supporting recovery. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir expressed condolences to those affected by floods and landslides and called for national unity beyond party and ethnic divisions in rescue and rebuilding efforts. He thanked political leaders and party colleagues for his appointment to Parliament and noted relief work led by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen in affected regions. He argued that village-level State officials such as Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Officers and Development Officers should be promptly empowered to improve communication and reduce suffering. He also outlined his political career in local and provincial government and emphasized his long-standing work across communities in Puttalam. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka on behalf of the Hon. Imran Maharoof AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Imran Maharoof, asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government for detailed demographic and administrative information on Divisional Secretaries’ Divisions and Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Trincomalee District. He also sought data on electoral divisions and queried the distribution of Divisional Secretaries’ Divisions across Mutur, Trincomalee and Seruwila, asking whether the Government recognizes any injustice to Tamil-speaking majority areas and whether new separate divisions will be created for Trincomalee Town and Gravets, Kinniya and Thopur. Oral Questions - Paddy Marketing Board and Divisional Secretaries Divisions (Q.1349/2025) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera rejected claims that an Opposition visit to Kandy after severe damage from a national tragedy was politically disruptive, stating that MPs went to gather data, identify relief gaps, and offer assistance. He alleged that a Government MP had improperly occupied the District Secretary’s chair during their visit and called for respect for public officials and an apology over the incident. He urged the Government to allow parliamentary discussion of Opposition proposals and to establish a national, participatory strategy with short-, medium-, and long-term measures for relief, recovery, and economic rebuilding. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →