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- 23 July 2025 Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan used the Companies (Amendment) Bill debate to mark 42 years since Black July, alleging the absence of accountability for anti-Tamil violence, prison killings, disappearances and mass graves, and referring to past reports and commissions that he said had not led to justice. He urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government, with its parliamentary majority, to use the opportunity to pursue reconciliation by acknowledging past wrongs, addressing military occupation of Tamil memorial sites, and providing guarantees for Tamils to live with sovereignty in the North and East. He also questioned why Easter Sunday-related investigations focused on Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan while not questioning former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and others, and tabled a 2019 Reuters report. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Workers’ National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would benefit private sector workers such as drivers, security officers and cleaners, alongside earlier public sector salary increases under the Government’s Budget. He said the Government was also discussing wage increases and arrears for plantation workers, and indicated that further pay measures would be included in the forthcoming Budget. He criticized previous governments and the Opposition for failing workers and urged cross-party support for national reconstruction, while also condemning communal politics and calling for unity among all communities. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran welcomed the Workers’ National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill and the Government’s salary increases, but said wage rises must keep pace with sharp increases in the cost of goods and services, including for plantation and private sector workers. He then raised concerns about ongoing mass grave investigations, alleging widespread massacres of Tamils in the North and East from Independence to 2009, and called for investigations to be conducted to international standards with international cooperation. He argued that domestic mechanisms had failed to earn public trust and appealed for international justice for those killed. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Welcoming the wage amendment Bills, he said the Rs. 6,000 increase and incorporation of relief allowances into basic pay would improve benefits such as EPF/ETF, though the resulting Rs. 30,000 minimum wage from January 2026 remained very low. He urged progress on the delayed USD 65 million Indian grant for developing the Kankesanthurai harbour, arguing it would support investment, logistics, and national economic recovery. He also raised a Vavuniya North land dispute involving displaced farmers, Forest Department cases, Mahaweli Authority leases to settlers, and alleged large-scale forest clearing, calling for immediate government intervention to allow returning residents to cultivate their own lands. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister stated that he could address the issue concerning the five perches of land because it falls under the Ministry of Justice, while broader proposals would require a feasibility assessment. He said the Ministry could mediate, upon receiving an official request, to support community needs within its mandate of promoting inter-ethnic cooperation, but could not specify the exact intervention at that stage. Oral Question: Mosque at Mahara Prison Premises Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa — Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary The Minister stated that Batticaloa Teaching Hospital is the only Central Government hospital in the district and the only teaching hospital in the Eastern Province, while other hospitals remain under the Provincial Council and would require provincial concurrence to be taken over by the Centre. He said procurement is underway to provide an MRI scanner by the end of the year, a CT scanner will also be provided, and steps are being discussed to expedite a cath lab. He added that, given constraints in specialist staffing for base hospitals, the immediate priority is to strengthen Batticaloa Teaching Hospital with the necessary specialists, staff, and equipment. Oral Question: Establishment of Rajya Osusala - Batticaloa District Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about inadequate resources in hospitals in the Batticaloa District, noting that the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital has ADB-backed approvals for a cath lab, MRI machine and CT scanner. He referred to a 2021 incident in which cath lab equipment intended for Batticaloa was allegedly diverted to Kalutara, and asked for assurances that the currently allocated cath lab, MRI and CT scanner would be provided. He also asked whether the Central Government, including through the Line Ministry, could supply necessary resources to district hospitals despite limitations in the Provincial Council system. Oral Question: Establishment of Rajya Osusala - Batticaloa District Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the motion on youth self-employment while highlighting unemployment among graduates in the Northern Province and urging replies and action on pending appointments for indigenous medical graduates. He argued that the North and East could build economies through agriculture and marine resources, requested removal of large Indian fishing vessels from Mayiliddy harbour to create opportunities for local youth, and called for the release of Rs. 10 million in decentralized funds to Jaffna District MPs. He also referenced concerns over Thayiddi and Mayiliddy viharas and the Chemmani exhumations before being timed out. Private Members' Motion No. 4: Making Every Youth Gainfully Employed Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Supported the motion in principle but argued that implementation depends on macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, and stronger growth, noting World Bank projections of about 3.1 percent growth in 2026. He raised concerns about limited university access, youth unemployment, competition in three-wheeler livelihoods, and brain drain, calling for reforms including constitutional change, devolution, and empowered local administrative units to attract investment. He also tabled a letter from the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi to President Anura Kumara on truth-seeking, international collaboration, and justice in the Chemmani mass grave investigation, linking accountability to retaining Tamil youth and building trust. Private Members' Motion No. 4: Making Every Youth Gainfully Employed Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that co-operatives are an exclusively devolved Provincial Council subject under the Thirteenth Amendment, so central government supervision would be inappropriate. He noted that entities calling themselves “banks” are legally co-operative societies under the Co-operative Societies Law, No. 5 of 1972, and cannot function as banks, though they can support microfinance and member lending. He supported improving and expanding co-operatives through greater provincial powers, funding for incentives and development, and called for long-overdue Provincial Council elections. Private Members' Motion No. 1: Co-operative Rural Banks Supervision Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government on long-standing issues in the Government Translators’ Service. He cited constitutional and policy commitments to official languages and multilingual communication, and argued that failures to recruit, promote, train, and resolve salary anomalies have weakened the service. He questioned why a proper Service Minute has not been prepared despite circular requirements, asked whether the Ministry accepts responsibility for nearly two decades of delay, and sought remedies including recognition of past salary structures and justice for officers who had to seek Supreme Court relief for promotions. Points of Order and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka condemned the Easter Sunday attacks and argued that they must be understood in the context of political extremism, failures in national security, and attempts by former power blocs to regain authority through fear and communal narratives. He alleged that false claims about an LTTE resurgence, including in relation to the Vavunativu police killings, were promoted with the involvement of some intelligence elements, while responsibility also lay with the Maithripala Sirisena–Ranil Wickremesinghe Government’s internal power struggle and inaction. He criticized former officials and Ministers who, despite prior warnings or responsibility at the time, now use national security arguments in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna alleged that mass graves such as Chemmanni reflect continuing injustices against Tamil people and criticised what he described as political theatre in Parliament. He referred to LTTE leader Prabhakaran and fallen fighters, expressed concern over Pillayan being in prison, and objected to remarks reportedly made by Minister Harshan Nanayakkara characterising the Chemmanni mass grave issue as hearsay. He argued that raising such matters in Parliament through adjournment motions should be protected under parliamentary privilege. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said post-Easter political alignments had shifted, referring to former associates of Pillayan now seeking justice through ITAK. He alleged that, during UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s visit, he was prevented from speaking in Parliament despite requesting time as leader of an independent group to call for an international investigation into Chemmani. He criticized the Speaker’s refusal, through Right to Information responses, to release parliamentary videos, and urged the Speaker to act neutrally. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Minister Abeysena said the Easter Sunday attacks occurred under the Yahapalana Government and argued that responsibility lay with that administration, while noting that the current Government has been in office for only seven months. He stated that investigations into issues such as Sara Jasmine, “Sonic Sonic,” Jameel, Ibrahim, and alleged links involving security and political figures are ongoing, and cautioned that prosecutions should not be rushed without complete evidence. He said the Government is implementing reforms on depoliticizing education and policing, maintaining national security, and supporting victims, including by establishing a dedicated clinic at Katuwapitiya with home-visit nursing services. He reaffirmed that the judiciary and Attorney-General’s Department are independent, while saying the Government expects efficiency and remains committed to finding the truth. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Stepni (Stephanie) Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando said the Easter attacks harmed both Catholics and Muslims, causing 274 deaths and about 600 injuries, including 115 deaths and around 300 injuries at Katuwapitiya in her district. She argued that previous leaders had prior intelligence warnings but failed to protect the public, and said attempts to provoke ethnic violence after the attacks were restrained by Catholic leaders, including the Cardinal. She stated that the National People’s Power Government would investigate the attacks fully, punish all perpetrators, and pursue justice while promoting national unity. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan said the Muslim community had suffered continuing consequences from the 2019 Easter attacks and called for expedited investigations to identify and disclose the true mastermind, rather than continued political blame. He argued that post-attack fear and suspicion had damaged communal harmony, with Muslims facing collective punishment, arrests over Arabic materials, and other restrictions, while also acknowledging the Cardinal’s role in preventing reprisals. He raised concern over Customs obstacles to 20,000 Qur’an copies imported from Saudi Arabia and urged the Government to uphold its promises on justice, human rights issues, and repeal or reform of the PTA, citing the detention of a youth named Suhail. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar linked the Easter Sunday attacks to a broader history of communal violence in Sri Lanka, thanking Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for helping prevent further unrest after the attacks. He recalled personal losses from the Zion Church and Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church bombings and said he had sought to protect Muslims in Jaffna amid fear and tension. He argued that decades of racism, pogroms, insurrections, and mass graves had harmed the country, and called for transforming Sri Lanka into a better country for future generations. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister, speaking in the adjournment debate on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, recalled the deaths, injuries, and subsequent social distrust, particularly the suspicion faced by Muslim communities and women wearing Islamic attire. She argued that politicians had exploited language, ethnicity, and religion for power, drawing parallels with Sri Lanka’s war experience and global conflicts in which civilians became victims. She stated that the Government is committed to social justice, equal citizenship for Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, and ensuring justice and punishment for those responsible for the Easter attacks. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu described the Easter Sunday attacks as a politically motivated and divisive act that damaged inter-ethnic harmony, linking it to earlier episodes of communal conflict in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the impact on Batticaloa’s Zion Church and cited economic consequences, including declines in tourism revenue, employment, GDP growth, government revenue, investor confidence, the stock market and foreign investment. He said that if Pillayan is proven to be connected to the attacks, the government would allow legal action to proceed, and rejected allegations of political deals in the Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha while counter-alleging misconduct in Kaluwanchikudy. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →