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 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake called for all communities, including Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher citizens, to be treated equally as Sri Lankans. He stated that his position was constitutional and indicated that he wished to correct a misinterpretation by quoting relevant material. Business of Parliament: Private Members' Motions - Point of Order on Motion P.30/2025 Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said he opposed the Motion not personally against Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, but because the unresolved national question still necessitated the continued existence of parties representing those issues. He referred to a court decision and the Attorney-General’s earlier agreement during the 2009 Parliamentary Elections Law Committee Stage, when a similar clause was removed. He requested that the Speaker seek the Attorney-General’s opinion or refer the matter to the Committee on Parliamentary Business instead of debating it in the House and creating public misconceptions. Business of Parliament: Private Members' Motions - Point of Order on Motion P.30/2025 Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake objected to linking his Motion with matters not determined by court, stating that doing so violated his parliamentary privileges. He said the Motion was only an expression of legislative intent and not law, and called for national unity across ethnic, religious, and party lines. He emphasized that no major political party should be characterized as racist or religious and affirmed his opposition to any violation of the Constitution. Business of Parliament: Private Members' Motions - Point of Order on Motion P.30/2025 Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna responded to questions on the tea industry, stating that some factory closures were due to accidents or management and workforce shortages, and affirmed the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the sector. He said the Kahagalla facility processes waste tea and is operating below capacity because only 20 workers are available out of the 155 needed. He also outlined a housing deed programme for the Malaiyaha community, saying 2,056 houses built with Indian assistance, each with basic infrastructure and 10-perch plots, will receive ownership deeds, with 237 ready for initial distribution at Bandarawela under the President’s leadership. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the Government must hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections as a democratic requirement under the 13th Amendment, not as a test of party popularity, and urged adequate budgetary allocation to the Election Commission for that purpose. He rejected suggestions that elections could be deferred because other polls were held recently, noting prior government assurances to hold them. He also called for a legislative solution to the Norochcholai housing issue, proposing that houses be allocated to all tsunami-affected eligible communities in Ampara District, irrespective of ethnicity. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns over illegal sand mining, deforestation, land issues, and what he described as Sinhala-Buddhistization in Mullaitivu, while acknowledging recent and planned government infrastructure projects such as the Vettuvaykal and Kokkilai-Pulmoddai bridges. He argued that Mullaitivu remains underdeveloped despite its tourism potential, citing inadequate transport, amenities, promotion, investor confidence, and the continuing presence of explosive remnants, and urged expedited demining. Referring to regional disparities in the 2024 Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority data, he requested that the Government establish and support effective tourism facilities in Mullaitivu, while also addressing memorialization, land, worship, and disappeared persons’ issues affecting the district. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman reviewed the Government’s first year against the President’s “Hatton Declaration” commitments to plantation communities, questioning progress on housing, land rights, public services, education, health, and plantation company accountability. He argued that planned housing “entitlement” certificates do not amount to legal land grants, urged land titles for all residents where they live, and criticized moves affecting the Norwood Divisional Secretariat and the possible closure of the New Villages Development Authority. He also raised concerns about halted or incomplete initiatives such as Grama Niladhari divisions, government takeover of estate medical assistants, STEM teacher training, creche breakfast provision, and scrutiny of plantation companies, while requesting action after a fire at Lakshapana Estate tea factory. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that travelling to Switzerland to discuss federalism would not produce any practical outcome. He implied that such efforts are ineffective or irrelevant in the Sri Lankan political context. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam criticised the Government over the involvement of the TID in inquiries about a school sports meet decoration in Kilinochchi, arguing that such action contradicts promises to repeal the PTA and allow war commemorations. He said commitments on the Palaly Airport upgrade and the release of military-held private lands in the North had not been fulfilled, contrasting this with faster progress on Ratmalana Airport. He also raised concerns about alleged illegal military-backed construction on private land near Palaly and the Thayyiddy Vihara issue, urging the Government to act early on North-East commitments if it is to retain trust. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar welcomed the adjournment motion as an opportunity to outline the Government’s first year under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arguing that it has begun addressing corruption, drugs, economic instability and public distrust. He contrasted the Government’s record with past administrations, including references to communal violence, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Jaffna Library burning, while stating he would focus on current work. He said economic confidence had improved, ethnic and religious tensions had reduced, and development in the North was being accelerated through projects including the KKS jetty, Myliddy harbour, sports facilities, land title grants, return of military-held civilian lands, and proposed industrial zones in Iranamadu, Parantan and Mankulam. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan called for action against corrupt officials who he said remain in government institutions, including those using legal cases to block new appointments and avoid accountability despite audit reports being sent to the Ministry. He urged a just resolution to longstanding ethnic issues, including the rights of families of the disappeared, and noted that the President’s UN remarks on Palestine did not address Sri Lanka’s unresolved ethnic question. He also raised local infrastructure concerns in Batticaloa, particularly the delayed bridge linking Paduwankarai and Eluvankarai and the collapsed Magilavettuvan bridge, and called for stronger measures against drugs, corruption and fraud. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Government and Opposition Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government’s first-year priorities were shaped by the need to stabilize a stalled economy, restore public and investor confidence, and begin implementing the policy framework “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life.” She highlighted the peaceful conduct of three elections, the functioning of independent commissions, and the establishment or revival of bodies such as the National Commission for Women and the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO as evidence of strengthened democracy. Referring to the Education Ministry, she said policy implementation is focused on reducing inequalities in schools, easing burdens on children, teachers and parents, and expanding higher education. Adjournment Motion: Implementation of Manifesto "A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life" - Opening Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman sought clarification on the Government’s position and timetable for holding Provincial Council Elections, including the proposed delimitation process referenced in Geneva. He also asked about the composition of the Office for Reparations, specifically whether its membership consists only of ex-servicemen, whether others are included, and whether additional members will be appointed. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath stated that, during his visit to Geneva, he had clearly set out the Government’s position on the Provincial Councils Election. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath reviewed the history of UN Human Rights Council resolutions on Sri Lanka, arguing that successive governments failed to address post-war human rights, reconciliation and accountability issues domestically, leading to continued international scrutiny and mechanisms such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. He said the current Government inherited this situation in 2024 and intends to “de-internationalize” the process by protecting the rights of all communities and resolving issues through strong, independent domestic institutions. He also noted that the composition and voting dynamics of the Human Rights Council make it difficult for Sri Lanka to defeat such resolutions, with Sri Lanka having won only the 2009 vote on its own resolution. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan supported the Adjournment Motion on releasing Sri Lanka Ports Authority lands in Trincomalee, describing the proposed return as a correction of past land dispossession in Town and Gravets areas such as Linganagar, Palaiyootru, Poombuhar, Kappalthurai, Munthunagar and China Kuda. He said lands originally occupied by about 800 families were taken around 1979, and urged the Government to release the maximum possible extent, noting that 4,672 families are now affected and only 790 hectares are proposed for return while 1,219 hectares remain with the SLPA. He also called for urgent attention to alleged land seizures and associated religious-site developments in Kuchchaveli, Thiriyaai and other Tamil areas, while pledging cooperation for the initiative. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said a longstanding land issue in the Trincomalee Town and Gravets DS Division, dating from the 1980s, is now being addressed through coordination with the Divisional Secretary and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. He stated that lands in 11 GN divisions have been identified, with permits being prepared for about 4,500 to 5,000 families and around 800 hectares to be released. He added that in Muththunagar, permits for homestead lands for about 186 families are being arranged, while agricultural land matters will be handled separately, and said other Trincomalee land issues will be addressed through a structured process. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion to release lands in Trincomalee vested under a 1984 Gazette for Sri Lanka Ports Authority purposes, noting that the vesting affected homesteads and paddy lands across Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities and restricted even basic improvements for four decades. He welcomed the Government’s move but raised concerns about reported allocations of some land to four solar power companies and asked for clarity on demarcations, acreage, and Gazette procedures. He requested that, once criteria are set, priority be given transparently and fairly to genuine residents and cultivators occupying the lands between 1970 and 1984. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran said the Government had begun major development work in the North within the past five months, including urgent rehabilitation of the Vattuvagal bridge, initial works at the Nainativu jetty, and road improvements to support tourism. He argued that projects were being implemented transparently and without corruption, contrasting them with allegedly defective road works carried out under the previous Good Governance Government. He highlighted concerns over neglect of the Northern islands and higher goods prices there, citing a new fuel filling station in Neduntivu as part of efforts to address disparities. He also stated that increased funds would be allocated for the East in the next Budget and that development in the North and East would accelerate in the Government’s second year. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to Mano Ganesan by noting that he had opportunities in earlier discussions to pursue changes. He stated that the Government would not abolish institutions serving the hill-country people and would instead protect and strengthen them. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →