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- 19 March 2025 Hon. Sivasakthy Ananthan AI summary Hon. Sivasakthy Ananthan argued that rice imports during harvest periods, particularly in the North and East, depress paddy prices and enable traders to exploit farmers, while inadequate storage facilities worsen food security and distribution. He called for stronger financial and institutional support for cooperative societies, including approval of long-pending fuel station licences and funding to purchase and mill paddy, citing examples from Kilinochchi and Jaffna. He said cooperatives had played a critical role during wartime embargoes but have since been politicized and under-supported, and referred to earlier unimplemented proposals such as a Northern cooperative plan and a Palmyrah Fund. He also briefly raised reports on the Pattalanthe torture camp and past abuses during 1988–1989. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister outlined Budget allocations and programmes to strengthen youth institutions, sports governance, infrastructure, and athlete development. He said new sports legislation and gazette provisions would address corruption, irregularities, and prolonged disputes in national sports associations, while legal steps would be expedited for suspended bodies including motor sports, cycling, netball, and rugby. He highlighted major investments in sports facilities in the North and East, village-level sports and youth clubs, women’s participation, national athlete support, nutrition, competitions, and fitness initiatives, stating that the Ministry would not interfere in elections but would act against fraud and corruption. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya defended the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry, arguing that problems inherited from previous governments cannot be resolved within four months and asking the Opposition to allow time for results. He highlighted Budget allocations for youth programmes, including Rs. 7 million to identify district-level artists and relaunch the National School of Drama in 2026, Rs. 12 million for domestic youth exchange to promote ethnic coexistence, Rs. 10 million for a Youth Film Festival, and Rs. 40 million for National Youth Awards. He also said the Government intends to revive the Belwood Aesthetic Resort under the National Youth Services Council as a centre for rural youth talent development. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan argued that Sri Lanka’s industrial and agricultural sectors have declined and urged the Government to prioritize reviving defunct industries in the North and East to create employment for youth. He specifically called for plans, data collection through Government Agents, and investment to restart the Kankesanthurai cement factory, Parantan chemical plant, Kurinjatheevu and Aanaivilunthaan salt works, Ottuchuddan brick factory, and Valachchenai Paper Mill. He also requested engagement with India for technology and support, particularly for the Kurinjatheevu salt works, and asked the Government to clarify plans and expected benefits regarding a possible Talaimannar-Rameswaram bridge. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 17 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the broad remit of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and highlighted Budget provision for artist and media professional housing, including 108 units within the Chinese-assisted Kottawa housing project. He cited the distribution of donated Saudi dates to 2,700 mosques, the National Maha Shivaratri event in Ratnapura, and Hajj arrangements, including efforts to reduce the Rs. 2.1 million recommended fee and improve pilgrim services. He emphasized religious and ethnic harmony, rejected abusive conduct in Parliament, and said the Ministry is planning further 2025 initiatives such as an International Performing Arts Centre, Artists’ Academy, multicultural centre network, and an institute for spiritual and philosophical studies. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer spoke during the debate on the votes of the Ministries of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and Environment, emphasizing that these subjects are sensitive and central to building humane, responsible citizens who respect others and the environment. He noted that allegations had been raised in the debate and referred to recent controversy over Opposition comments on Muslim law, saying public and social media criticism had questioned the silence of Muslim representatives. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana urged the Government to ensure religious freedom and transparency while responding to media criticism of the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. He called for justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks by identifying and prosecuting the masterminds, requested heightened security during religious observances and visits to the Temple of the Tooth, and cautioned against politicizing religious events. On environmental policy, he argued that conservation should be balanced with economic needs, citing expressway delays and calling for regulated small-scale sand mining in the Kalu Ganga if technically sustainable. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 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 said the Government’s electoral mandate reflected public support for coexistence across ethnic and religious communities, and rejected allegations that it sought to change Muslim personal laws without consultation. He defended Minister Saroja Paulraj against what he described as unfair attacks, stating that any legal reforms affecting religious communities would be undertaken only after discussion with relevant stakeholders. He urged Muslim scholars and leaders to help address misinformation, and called for protection of all religious and cultural rights, greater institutional diversity, and inclusive recognition of Islamic, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist and other heritage. He also proposed broader scholarly oversight of archaeological work and education reforms that present Sri Lanka’s history in a way that affirms the belonging and contributions of all communities. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary The Minister discussed the role of religion and culture in Sri Lankan society, stating that children should be able to study their chosen religion in schools and that inter-religious harmony should be promoted through an inter-religious council and comparative religious studies. He said religion and ethnicity had been used politically, referred to the Easter Sunday attacks as requiring a proper investigation, and pledged that the Government would consolidate evidence and pursue justice through the Attorney General. He noted increased allocations for Christian affairs and overall religious affairs, proposed designating Madhu Church as a centre for peace and harmony, and said constitutional reform must be accompanied by changes in attitudes in both the North and South, while the economy remains the immediate priority. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi responded to Opposition concerns about religious and archaeological interventions in the North, including Buddha statues, Tissa Viharaya in Jaffna, land issues, and resettlement. He said the current Government has not initiated the cited interventions, many of which occurred earlier, and clarified that the Ministry of Buddhasasana has no authority to alienate land. He stated that issues such as land regularization in Thondamanaru/Thayiddy should be examined and resolved with harmony and patience, while rejecting claims that the Government is fostering hostility towards minorities and noting Budget emphasis on Northern development and inter-community harmony. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that child marriage should be treated as a national issue affecting all communities, citing 2012 Department of Census and Statistics data to reject claims that it is mainly a Muslim community problem. He defended the continued recognition of personal laws such as Muslim law, Kandyan law and Thesawalamai, while saying any shortcomings can be discussed and corrected, and urged Members to use statistics responsibly in Parliament. He also drew the Minister’s attention to a 122-year-old Muslim place of worship within the Mahara Prison compound, indicating a concern relating to its status after the 2019 Easter attacks. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. Dr. Elayathamby Srinath argued that religious and ethnic equality are necessary for stability and development, and called for equal State support for Hindu, Christian and Muslim religious heritage alongside Buddhism. He asked the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to allocate funds and programmes for ancient temples and churches in the North and East, cited obstacles by the Archaeology Department and a Habarana bus stand blocking a Hindu temple frontage, and requested explanations on who approved such projects. He also urged the Government to involve Tamil academics and experts in archaeological work to protect Tamil heritage, and raised concerns that Forest Department control over village tanks and lands in Batticaloa is affecting irrigation and inland fisheries. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that upholding dignity and responsible conduct in Parliament could help reduce racism, religious extremism, and narrow political aims in society. He expressed hope that the Government would have the strength to foster a country where people can live well. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda argued that religious and cultural affairs require stronger State attention amid rising violence and social hostility, and said the Budget does not provide sufficient support for places of worship or Dhamma schools. He urged the Government to uphold constitutional protections for Buddhism and other religions by resolving disputes at historic Buddhist sites including Tissa Viharaya in Jaffna and Kurundi Viharaya in Mullaitivu, proposing a special committee, alternative land for unauthorized occupants, and expedited legal protection. He also called for around 600 identified archaeological sites in the Northern Province to be gazetted and preserved, and noted stalled road development to Sapumalgaskada Viharaya. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera referred to the Easter Sunday attacks, arguing that continued political focus on identifying a “mastermind” could harm interreligious and ethnic relations unless handled with sensitivity and agreement. He said Buddhism’s non-competitive character should be used to build an inclusive nation, while acknowledging past political mistakes. He also welcomed State patronage for Buddhist religious events and urged similar support for other communities, including proposing a large Iftar during Ramazan. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that Sri Lanka’s nationhood should be understood through its Sinhala-Buddhist-rooted civilizational heritage while emphasizing that identity should be based on conduct rather than birth. He said misunderstandings and politicization have damaged interreligious harmony, called for any restrictions on religious or cultural freedoms to be corrected, and cited examples of shared cultural influence among communities. He welcomed the President’s engagement with the Mahanayake Theras and the planned exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, urging similar respectful observances at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. He said the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs should do more than administer grants or publications and should help shape the cultural and civilizational foundation of the country. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran expressed willingness to cooperate with the Government on rebuilding the country, but alleged that state agencies and extremist Buddhist monks have contributed to ethnic tension, land seizures, and disruption of religious harmony in the North and East. Citing incidents at Semmalai Pillaiyar Temple, Kokkilai, and Kurundur Malai in Mullaitivu, he claimed that court orders were disregarded, Hindu worship was obstructed, private and temple lands were taken over, and Buddhist structures or symbols were installed with state support. He called for justice, transparency in archaeological work, and an end to the use of archaeology and religious sites for demographic or territorial changes. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the government remains committed to reconciliation, including a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and strengthened domestic mechanisms, noting that the JVP had proposed such measures shortly after the war ended in 2009. He said accountability institutions such as the OMP and ONUR, now under the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, would be strengthened with Budget allocations, alongside initiatives such as restoring the Jaffna Public Library and promoting cultural harmony. He argued that judicial independence, rule of law and domestic accountability reduce the need for external intervention and have improved international and diaspora confidence. He also outlined foreign employment measures, including proposed social security MoUs with Cyprus and India and discussions with the Maldives to improve formal remittance channels. Papers: Annual Reports - Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem commended former MP M.S.M. Nazeer’s service and urged party members to win local-level mandates as a route back to Parliament. He asked the Foreign Affairs Minister to urgently operationalize visa-free entry for listed countries, citing the UAE, and to resolve difficulties faced by Iranian diplomats in opening bank accounts and obtaining credit cards in Sri Lanka. He called for a clearer, modern and balanced foreign policy, especially in the Indian Ocean, with better alignment between security, development and sustainable use of marine resources. He welcomed constructive engagement at the UNHRC but sought substantive action on reconciliation and accountability, including strengthening domestic mechanisms, avoiding surveillance of civil society, and addressing omissions such as the PTA, a Public Prosecutor’s Office, the 13th Amendment and Easter Sunday justice. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary The member cited Human Rights Watch and witness accounts alleging shelling of hospitals, including Putumattalan, during the final stages of the war despite visible Red Cross markings, and criticised former and current governments for defending the State internationally. He rejected reliance on domestic accountability mechanisms, arguing that past commissions such as Paranagama and Udalagama had not led to action, and questioned whether the Government would pursue justice for Tamil victims after tabling the Batalanda Commission Report. He also referred to a JDS report alleging 219 wartime torture sites and demanded investigations into more recent alleged torture and atrocities, not only the Batalanda-era cases. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →