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- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran supported the regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act but called for separate legislation to investigate the sources, foreign links, and use of funds received by recognized political parties. He urged stronger action against drug trafficking targeting students, including police complicity, and requested gazette recognition of the Kataragama pilgrimage to enable public servants to obtain leave. He also asked that the State-returned Kataragama pilgrims’ rest be handed back to the Ramakrishna Mission, and proposed reforms to public recruitment practices or, alternatively, soft loans and training for graduates and non-graduates to promote self-employment. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran urged the release of privately used lands, including houses, fields, and roads, distinguishing this from requests to clear forest areas. He asked that affected people be given livelihood relief until their lands are released, stating that their families, including children, are facing hardship. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sivagnanam Shritharan questioned the Prime Minister and Minister of Education on the status of the Sri Lanka-German Technical Training Institute in Kilinochchi, established with German assistance for war-affected youth in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. He raised concerns over the absence of Gazette recognition, staff shortages, reduced cadre, incomplete hostel facilities, alleged loss of autonomy through linkage to the Colombo German Technical Training Institute, and language and management issues affecting students. He requested details on current enrolment by ethnicity and course, ongoing programmes, reasons for the delayed Gazette notification, and timelines to address resource and staffing gaps and enable the institute to function independently in Kilinochchi. Private Notice Question: Sri Lanka-German Technical Training Institute Autonomous Status Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is considering previous Bills on Provincial Council elections, including proposals by Hon. Faiszer Musthapha and former MP M.A. Sumanthiran, and acknowledged that the process requires time. He stated that the Government has no intention of postponing elections and is committed to protecting democratic rights and holding Provincial Council elections. He added that while the Government intends to pursue devolution through a scientific process, the existing Provincial Council framework should continue to function, and requested Opposition cooperation to conduct the elections. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister confirmed that the Government intends to hold Provincial Council elections, but said certain legal prerequisites must first be completed. He stated that the Ministry has begun preliminary work and is expediting action after prioritising the recent Local Government elections. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government whether legislation is being prepared to enable Provincial Council elections in line with the President’s pledge to hold them within the year. He noted that all Provincial Councils have had expired terms since 2017–2019 and referred to a previous Private Member’s Bill by former MP M.A. Sumanthiran that was not enacted, seeking clarification on the Ministry’s actions or reasons for any delay. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for justice and accountability for Tamil victims of the 2009 final war, referring to Mullivaikkal commemorations and the continuing demands of survivors 16 years later. He welcomed the unveiling of a Tamil Genocide Memorial in Brampton, Canada, and statements by Canadian leaders supporting truth, accountability, and justice, and appealed for international assistance to secure justice for the Tamil people. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, speaking on the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, urged the Government to repeal the PTA, initiate the promised new Constitution process, and enact laws criminalizing incitement to racism and communal hatred. He called for ethnic inclusivity in the Clean Sri Lanka task force, specifically the inclusion of Tamil and Muslim members, and criticized defects in the local government ward-based electoral system while requesting a revised method. He also sought a separate court for Irakkamam or its reattachment to the Akkaraipattu judicial zone due to language-access concerns, and requested action by the Justice and Fisheries Ministries against sea theft affecting deep-sea fishermen from Trincomalee to Pottuvil. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bills under debate, stating that legal frameworks must adapt to technological development, and then addressed concerns raised around national security and political violence. He argued that recent arrests exposed past links between some politicians, criminal networks and weapons, while claiming the NPP Government had established a non-violent political culture after successive election victories. He rejected allegations connecting him or institutions such as Jamia Naleemiya to extremism, called for investigations into any genuine incitement, and reiterated opposition to racism, extremism and fundamentalism. He urged all communities and political actors to promote peace, coexistence and trust, citing post-Easter Sunday reconciliation efforts and interfaith engagement. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly the use of technology to take evidence from abroad and excuse an accused’s presence in defined circumstances to reduce delays. He then criticised Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s reported warning of legal action against those alleging genocide during the war, arguing that Sri Lanka has not criminalized genocide domestically or ratified the Rome Statute, and called for the remarks to be withdrawn. He also raised the Kurunthur Malai dispute, questioning the legal basis for arrests of farmers outside the gazetted archaeological area and demanding government intervention to stop the arrests and secure the release of those remanded. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, stating that they advance the Government’s digitization policy and give statutory basis for obtaining evidence electronically from outside court premises to reduce delays in criminal justice. He referred to past precedents including the Sathasivam case and COVID-19 court practices, and said further reforms to the Evidence Ordinance and related laws would follow. He also condemned alleged racist and religious incitement on social media targeting Hon. Muneer Mulafer, said legal action was being pursued, and linked the issue to the Government’s broader commitment to communal unity and constitutional and legal reform. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar thanked the Prime Minister for the response and emphasized that trust is essential for harmony and effective functioning. Referring to the reported gap between around 2,000 Tamil teacher vacancies and only 69 recruitments, he urged the Government to complete the recruitments within six months and establish a formal mechanism from 1 January 2026. Oral Question 6: Compulsory Teaching of Languages in Schools (Q.222/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that, while education reforms aim to reduce students’ subject load, learning each other’s languages remains essential. She said the Government is moving to make relevant language subjects compulsory from Grades 6 to 9 and to promote language and cultural learning outside the classroom through joint activities among Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim children, ideally from Grades 1 to 13. Oral Question 6: Compulsory Teaching of Languages in Schools (Q.222/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Prime Minister whether second-language learning is compulsory or optional in schools, noting that Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities often live together across many provinces. He argued that Sinhala children learning Tamil and Tamil and Muslim children learning Sinhala is important for reconciliation, and asked whether the Government intends to make such language study compulsory if it is currently optional. Oral Question 6: Compulsory Teaching of Languages in Schools (Q.222/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education whether the Government has plans to make Sinhala compulsory in Tamil-medium schools and Tamil compulsory in Sinhala-medium schools. He sought details on the implementation timeframe, availability of teachers for this purpose, and measures to fill any related teacher vacancies, or reasons if no such plan exists. Oral Question 6: Compulsory Teaching of Languages in Schools (Q.222/2024) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that the Government is planning a major development programme for the North and East, involving the University of Jaffna, a private IT university in Jaffna, Provincial Councils, and Local Authorities. He said roadmaps have been prepared to start export-oriented industries, particularly in agricultural and fisheries value addition, and noted that current GDP calculations may not fully reflect production from the North that is exported through the South. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe argued that post-war development, accountability, compensation, and non-recurrence measures in the North and East had not been adequately implemented by previous administrations. He said the Government is initiating export processing zones in Mankulam, KKS, and Paranthan, expanding Export Development Board services, and identifying 300 small and medium-scale exporters for support within five months. He also outlined allocations for SME development in the North and East, the need for air connectivity to support exports, and fisheries-sector interventions including facilities for multi-day boats, sea cucumber aquaculture, lobster farming, and seaweed cultivation. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Motion on small and medium exporters in Jaffna but urged that development proposals also include the Eastern Province, referring to the North and East as the Tamil homeland. He proposed establishing a leather-tanning factory in the North or East, specifically suggesting Chavakachcheri, and called for the long-unopened Chavakachcheri Economic Centre built in 2017 to be addressed at the next District Coordinating Committee meeting. He also raised concerns about northern salt being transported south instead of being packed and distributed from the North, criticized remarks attributed to Minister Sunil Handunnetti, and rejected allegations that he was linked to the LTTE while making broader remarks on how different communities regard wartime figures. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Adjournment Motion on empowering SME exporters in the Northern Province, proposing that it be extended to include the Eastern Province due to shared economic conditions and export potential. He argued that agriculture, fisheries, co-operatives, cottage industries and local economic development fall within Provincial Council responsibilities under the Ninth Schedule, and called for long-delayed Provincial Council Elections to restore local institutional capacity. He identified export opportunities in traditional foods, handloom, palmyrah products and seafood, and proposed SME export incubation zones in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Batticaloa and Ampara, along with support for co-operatives, collectives, certification, marketing, credit, cold chains and diaspora trade engagement. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran supported regulations on vehicle imports, arguing that the removal of Luxury Tax for vehicles below Rs. 5 million would help ordinary buyers, support tourism, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings. He said the Government is prioritizing post-war development in the North through investments in roads, harbours, sports facilities, tourism, and land regularization, while pledging that private homes would not be seized and rightful ownership would be restored. He rejected allegations that the NPP is racist, cited past efforts on citizenship rights for Sri Lankan refugees in India, and called for an end to patronage and ethnic politics in favour of reconciliation and people-centred governance. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →