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- 17 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s progress on issues raised in its election policy statement, specifically accountability and governance. He cited the lack of clear action on the Easter Sunday attack investigations, the formulation of a new Constitution, and the holding of Provincial Council Elections. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the Trincomalee Harbour Police removed a recently installed Buddha statue after receiving information about a security threat and concerns that night protection could not be ensured. He said police have been instructed to restore the statue with proper security, while discussions with chief incumbent monks and the District Secretary continue to resolve the matter and prevent nationalist incitement, with legal action to be taken where necessary. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected by all communities and that the Cabinet collectively represents and safeguards the rights of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and Malays. He argued that future leadership should emerge regardless of ethnicity or gender, and told Hon. Imran that many of his aspirations may be realised in this or the next Parliament. Referring to the expenditure heads for the President’s Office, the Leader of the House’s Office and Parliament, he said the Government has a mandate to reduce privileges, forego perks and remove unnecessary facilities. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof called for provincial-level offices for the Bribery Commission, proper follow-up on corruption complaints, stronger implementation of Human Rights Commission recommendations, broader service representation in the Public Service Commission, and measures to reduce court delays. He urged reform of the local government electoral system and said any new delimitation for Provincial Council elections should include minority representation, particularly Muslims from the Eastern Province, to ensure locally informed boundaries. Citing disparities in ward and member allocations in Trincomalee local authorities, he argued for a fairer system and stated the Opposition would support necessary reforms. He also alleged improper political involvement in Kachcheri and Divisional Secretariat administration in Trincomalee and called for corrective action. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about continued police and intelligence actions against Tamil representatives and activists, citing a Kilinochchi court case over commemorative activities and an alleged intimidation incident in Ampara where police reportedly refused to record complaints. He argued that people should be able to remember deceased relatives under transitional justice principles and said the security environment remains unsafe for youth. He also referred to letters sent to the President seeking the release of military-held land, particularly the Theraavai Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam and Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam land, and stated that he had received no response. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah welcomed the inclusion of Muslim and Tamil intellectuals in public processes and said solutions should involve all communities. Referring to the President’s statement that Treasury funds had allegedly been provided to extremist groups, including groups using Muslim names, he called for an immediate investigation and a special commission to identify those responsible and take action. He argued that such groups had harmed the Muslim community economically, socially and personally, and said continuing issues such as restrictions on Quran translations and Muslim women’s attire should be addressed to remove the stigma placed on Muslims. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake responded to claims that no Tamil or Muslim experts had been appointed to the Archaeology Advisory Committee, stating that scholars from Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities are represented. He named Prof. V. Maheshwaran, Prof. B.A. Hussenmia and Mr. Ratna Chelupillai Mayuranandan among the appointees, and said the relevant Minister had indicated that two additional special expert committees are expected to be appointed. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah thanked the President and Health Minister for approving the upgrade of Puttalam Base Hospital to a District General Hospital, following his request during the Committee Stage debate. He expressed support for the President’s anti-narcotics programme led through the President’s Office with the security forces, and requested attention to the absence of a Muslim Cabinet minister. He also urged the President to hold development discussions in war- and disaster-affected Batticaloa, and called for Muslim and Tamil representation on the archaeology-related body recently appointed by gazette, citing land concerns in the Eastern and Northern Provinces. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary During a brief intervention in the month of Karthikai, Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna paid tribute to Tamil martyrs and those who died in the struggle associated with Tamil Eelam. He recited commemorative verses honouring their sacrifice, courage, and role in shaping Tamil identity and remembrance. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar defended the Government’s allocations and appointments, saying Muslim representation is being included in relevant institutions, including the Archaeology Advisory Committee, and rejecting allegations concerning retired Judge Ilanchezian. He argued that the Government has a mandate to change political culture, end discrimination and ethnic or religious division, and build unity after decades of conflict and communal politics. He cited continuing post-war hardships in the Northern Province, including widows, orphaned children, housing shortages, debt and poverty, and said increased allocations to Jaffna aim to support recovery and national unity. He also announced plans to celebrate “Sri Lankans’ Day” in December as a national unity initiative across communities, religions, arts and culture. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe requested the Deputy Minister to ensure equal Muslim representation across all committees. He also extended support and good wishes for the Deputy Minister’s other initiatives. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe used the Budget Committee Stage debate to urge the Government to address the ethnic question, fully implement the 13th Amendment as promised, and avoid repeating what he described as past failures by successive Presidents. He called for the immediate repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, citing recent arrests of two Muslim youths under the law, and requested that the President convene a special meeting to secure the release of confiscated copies of the Holy Qur’an held by Customs. He also referred to grievances faced by the Muslim community under the previous administration, including forced cremations, and tabled a letter signed by 22 Muslim MPs seeking action on the Qur’an issue. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Welcoming assurances on minority inclusion, the Member warned against establishing religious sites in areas where the relevant community does not reside, citing plans for a Buddhist worship site and vihara at Nediyakalmalai near Batticaloa border villages as a source of local suspicion and potential conflict. He alleged that related road works, Forest Department land releases, and confiscation of Tamil farmlands were undermining reconciliation. He said his side abstained on the Budget because, despite some positive measures, it did not address the national question and maintained high Defence allocations in peacetime. He urged the Government to include a just political solution and development of war-affected areas in the next Budget, noting a forthcoming meeting with the President. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that membership of the Archaeological Advisory Committee was not selected on ethnic lines, but included three scholars from the relevant backgrounds to his recollection. He said many scholars were reluctant to serve because of past negative experiences, and that Minister Ramalingam Chandraseker had worked to secure their participation. He invited proposals to add more suitable members if possible. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan addressed the expenditure heads relating to the presidency, prime minister’s office and independent commissions, arguing that both the executive presidency and earlier parliamentary systems had failed to resolve corruption, economic mismanagement, crime and the national question. He welcomed some current government action against the underworld, narcotics and corruption, but urged repeal or reform of the PTA, accountability for wartime abuses and disappearances, truth and remedies for victims, and a just political solution. He cited several killings, abductions and disappearances involving academics, journalists, politicians, teachers and children, demanding investigations, prosecutions and convictions regardless of ethnicity or status. He also criticised the composition of the Archaeological Advisory Committee, calling for representation reflecting Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic society. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara moved the traditional Rs. 10 reduction under the Committee Stage for specified Heads of the Appropriation Bill 2026, while welcoming increased relief for Malaiyaha people and supporting related allocations. He argued that profitable plantation companies should contribute more towards workers and called for a uniform policy covering all companies and small estates rather than ad-hoc benefits. He also urged the Government to appoint a Special Parliamentary Committee on Provincial Councils and electoral reform, noting ITAK’s abstention over unresolved Tamil political concerns and referencing a gazetted Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Bill. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary He cited a Gunadasa Kapuge song to argue against divisions based on ethnicity, religion, and region. He said the Budget should treat all communities across the North, South, and East equally as citizens of one country. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had stabilized an inherited bankrupt economy through fiscal discipline and presented the Budget as part of its policy framework for continued stability. He emphasized Government action for the Sri Lanka Malaiyaha plantation community, citing the Hatton Declaration and commitments on housing, land, wages, education, health and infrastructure. He said the Budget provides for land allocation, housing support including projects under Indian credit lines, firm land titles, and a Rs. 200 Treasury-funded attendance incentive in addition to a Rs. 200 wage increase agreed by estate owners, amounting to a Rs. 400 increase for plantation workers. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said ITAK would abstain on the Second Reading of the 2026 Budget, arguing that it lacks sufficient commitments to Tamil political rights, constitutional reform, Provincial Council elections, land issues, accountability, and targeted development in the North and East. He questioned low utilization of previous Northern allocations, the handling of Eastern Province funds under a Governor, Mahaweli land alienation, and the absence of clear commitments to develop Palaly, Batticaloa, KKS and Trincomalee infrastructure. He said ITAK would support measures against drugs and corruption but not the Budget on the basis of feasibility studies, and raised concerns that estate worker wage and housing proposals did not adequately address dignity, land and secure housing for Malaiyagam Tamils. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Called for Provincial Council Elections to be held without delay so the Councils can be operationalized. He argued that elected representatives are needed to address public needs through a democratic process. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →