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 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised the 1990 Kurukkalmadam massacre of Muslim pilgrims allegedly abducted and killed by the LTTE, referring to Kalawanchikudy Magistrate’s Court case No. B/172/14 and court orders regarding recovery of remains, site protection, and OMP involvement. He asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration whether funds would be provided to the OMP for an expedited inquiry, whether modern technologies such as drones and scanners would be used, and whether coordination with the Attorney-General’s Department and other agencies would ensure exhumed victims receive Islamic last rites. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary He used the debate on the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates agreement to argue that the Government should first address unresolved commitments to Tamil-speaking citizens, particularly on reconciliation, accountability, and political representation. On behalf of ITAK, he criticized the Government’s UNHRC position, citing the continued use of the PTA, failure to repeal the Online Safety Act, opposition to international accountability mechanisms, lack of international assistance on mass graves such as Chemmani, and delays to Provincial Council elections through the delimitation process. He welcomed India’s call for meaningful devolution and urged the Government to support his Private Member’s Bill to enable immediate Provincial Council elections. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera stated support for the agreement with the UAE, then referred to Sri Lanka’s position at the 60th UNHRC Session opposing external accountability mechanisms. He warned that proposed domestic laws on an Independent Prosecutor’s Office and a Truth-Seeking Commission could replicate external mechanisms, and urged a sincere domestic reconciliation process through credible national institutions, with international observers invited to assess it. He also tabled a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the National Organizations Collective, signed by Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva defended the NPP Government’s foreign policy as non-aligned and consistent, rejecting Opposition claims that it was retreating or creating divisions, while reaffirming support for Palestinians and opposition to attacks on civilians. He highlighted the Foreign Minister’s statement at the 60th UN Human Rights Council session and said the Government is drafting a new Bill, now with the Legal Draftsman, to align Sri Lanka’s disability law with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He argued that the existing 1996 Act is inadequate and called for a whole-of-government framework with ministry focal points, coordination mechanisms, and independent monitoring to secure the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said foreign agreements, including the Sri Lanka–UAE agreement before Parliament, should be evaluated primarily on their contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and development. He rejected reliance on domestic mechanisms for accountability over alleged wartime human rights violations, citing the UN Human Rights Council context, and called for an international mechanism with international support. He also raised the Kalmunai North administrative issue, objecting to plans for a joint Coordinating Committee with Kalmunai South and urging the Government to preserve the long-standing separate arrangement to avoid community tensions. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on vehicles supplied to welfare centres for displaced persons, particularly Menik Farm and other resettlement centres, alleging that some donor-funded or ministry-procured vehicles disappeared from official records after the centres closed. He requested detailed records of vehicles provided, returned, and untraced, including findings from 2014 and 2019 inquiries, and questioned the alleged illegal use of tractor WPRB-2639 linked to the Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha and a politician’s estate. He asked what action had been taken against officials or politicians who may have obstructed investigations or misused public assets, and whether the Government would reopen investigations under the Offences Against Public Property Act and the Anti-Corruption Act. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government had acted on reports that returnees from India were being detained, describing it as an isolated technical issue and asking the UN and international partners to cooperate reasonably while offering assistance. He acknowledged criticisms of the Office on Missing Persons, citing weaknesses noted in the UNHRC report, and said he would submit a Cabinet Paper to appoint a 75-member expert panel and seek allocations to expedite investigations. He also said ONUR is working with the UN on a reconciliation roadmap, and that the OMP is engaged with 17 mass grave sites, including Chemmani and Matale, with support being sought from the ICRC and other partners. He urged members to work together on reconciliation and missing persons issues beyond partisan politics. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Government is moving to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act with legislation based on an international definition of terrorism while safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression, with technical assistance from UN experts. He said a committee chaired by Justice Thurairaja has been appointed to examine sentence remission for long-term prisoners, including those outside PTA cases, with a policy proposal to be brought to Cabinet. He also said the Online Safety Act is considered oppressive and that a ministerial committee is preparing replacement legislation to address cyberbullying and online harm without restricting free expression. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara rejected claims that the NPP Government was racist or inactive on Tamil concerns, arguing that it had adopted an inclusive national approach and begun addressing issues affecting the North, East and South. Referring to the OHCHR report, he acknowledged that concrete outcomes were still limited but said the Government had been in office for only about a year and would deliver on its commitments. He criticized what he described as divisive racial politics and highlighted the appointment of a committee headed by President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne to examine repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Adjournment Motion on protecting the fundamental rights of Tamil-speaking people and argued that it had been mischaracterized as an ethnic division between Sinhalese and Tamils. He criticized the Government and the NPP for claiming to reject racism while, in his view, acting with ethnic bias toward the North, and questioned their electoral and administrative record there. He also tabled a report alleging financial irregularities at Tellippalai Base Hospital and demanded equal enforcement of anti-corruption action, asking whether separate standards were being applied in the North and South. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran argued that Tamil national identity and land rights in the North and East continue to be undermined through land acquisition, settlement, military control, and the imposition of Sinhala-Buddhist symbols, and demanded the immediate return of lands and reduction of troop presence. He called for full implementation of the 13th Amendment, including police and land powers, within a merged North-East, and reiterated support for federal power-sharing. He also highlighted development disparities in districts such as Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Kilinochchi, proposing an Economic Development Authority and increased allocations to achieve parity. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumar JJB AI summary K. Ilankumar argued that human rights violations in Sri Lanka have historically been linked to efforts to gain or retain political power, citing the 1981 burning of the Jaffna Public Library, the 1982 Referendum, the 1983 pogrom, and later incidents affecting Tamils. He said failures and misuse of State machinery contributed to violence and insecurity, including misattribution of the Vavunativu police killings and failures preceding the Easter attacks. He stated that the current Government is working to strengthen democratic rights, allow institutions to function independently, and issue land titles in the North in Tamil, while alleging that some political actors are spreading fear and attempting to destabilize the Government. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan addressed the Adjournment Motion on Tamil human rights issues, describing the death of Kapilan in Muthiyankaddu as a tragic isolated incident rather than one involving ethnic or religious incitement. He said the nearby Army camp had been removed at local request, with land and fencing to be handed over for civilian and temple use, and criticised the subsequent hartal as economically harmful and politically motivated. He argued that people in Mullaitivu prioritise livelihood restoration over separatism or federalism, and cited Government interventions to secure fertilizer subsidies for 1,200 acres and release water under the Muthiyankaddu scheme. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported the Adjournment Motion on human rights in the Northern, Eastern and Central Provinces, stating that the Government is committed to protecting rights across all communities and addressing unresolved issues arising from conflict and estate sector marginalization. He referred to personal wartime experiences and to Rohana Wijeweera’s writings to argue for unity, peace, democracy and development, while criticizing recent hartal activity as not reflecting public sentiment in the North and East. He said the Government would act within its term to release occupied lands, address long-term detainees described as political prisoners, and resolve issues relating to the disappeared. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said the Government was committed to reconciliation and human rights for all communities, linking that commitment to development initiatives in the North, East and Hill Country. He outlined land-related measures including the “Himakama” programme for titles and permits, planned issuance of titles for 700 LRC lands in Mannar, and discussions to release gazetted forest lands being used as farmland. He also cited irrigation and water projects such as Pahala Malwathu Oya, “Chari Mahima,” and the planned Mundeni Aru project as measures to support cultivation, flood control, drinking water supply and reconciliation through development. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra welcomed the Adjournment Motion as an opportunity for the Government to outline its approach to reconciliation, citing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report as evidence of international expectations for reforms on truth, justice, rule of law, and non-discrimination. He said the Government was moving to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, with a Bill expected by early September, while introducing modern laws to address crime without oppressive measures. He also highlighted land-related measures, including a decision in Trincomalee to release over 55 hectares previously demarcated for Forest Conservation but used by local farmers, and called for more Tamil-speaking Archaeology Department officers. He urged the Opposition to identify shortcomings and assist reforms rather than, in his view, attempt to destabilize the Government. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath called for the Government to address longstanding human rights, political, linguistic and cultural concerns of Tamils in the North, East and Hill Country, and asked it to state its framework, timeline and position on a federal solution. He linked economic recovery and stability to resolving the national question, while welcoming anti-corruption and non-violence measures. He raised concerns over excessive troop presence, weak Tamil language implementation, religious and ethnic disparities, political prisoners and the disappeared, and urged concrete proposals to rebuild trust among Tamil communities. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa argued that the Government is committed to protecting human rights by uniting all communities and rejected political approaches based on ethnicity or separatism, including framing issues solely around Sinhala- and Tamil-speaking peoples. He said Tamil and Muslim grievances, including justice for Muslims expelled from the North, should be resolved through discussion with the Government rather than divisive politics. He also cited ongoing development measures in Ampara, including the guaranteed paddy price, road improvements, housing for poor families, and Rs. 900 million for the Gal Oya scheme. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister raised a point of order concerning the recent hartal and the Sainthamaruthu issue. He stated that the hartal was held under the slogan “North and East are the Tamil homeland” and noted that the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress had supported it, while adding that discussions were ongoing with relevant parties regarding the Sainthamaruthu mosque matter. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to appoint qualified people from all ethnic and religious communities to committees and task forces, without political or sectarian bias. He said national progress depends on peace, justice, functioning courts, human rights protection, and ethnic and religious harmony, which he argued are necessary to attract tourism and investment. He called for action against human rights violations regardless of the offender’s background. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →