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- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna questioned the Defence Minister under Standing Order 27(2) on the continued military occupation of private and public lands in the Northern Province, particularly in Valikamam North and around Palaly. He sought district-wise details of lands held as “High Security Zones,” the legally gazetted and actual extent of Palaly Airport, lands used by the military for agriculture or business, and Grama Niladhari divisions in Mayilitty where civilian return is prevented. He also questioned the construction of a military base hospital on private land east of Palaly Road, requested budget and land-use details, and asked whether the Government would immediately release those lands to owners, with a specific date. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran asked for immediate action to provide the promised postal vehicle for Mullaitivu, noting that Mannar had already received one following an assurance given during oral questions on 08.04.2026. He stated that the delay of about a month showed unequal treatment of Mullaitivu in provincial postal services and said the designated vehicle was reportedly in Jaffna. Oral Question 7 (1457/2025): Post Offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe raised concern over 13 Sports Officer vacancies in Ampara, noting that Attalaichenai Divisional Secretariat lacks a Sports Officer and therefore cannot hold its divisional sports meet. He argued that the Ampara district sports meet should not proceed before the Attalaichenai divisional meet is held, tabled the programme, and requested that the divisional meet be conducted first. Oral Question 6 (1337/2025): Sports Officers and District Youth Service Officer in Ampara Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Asked the Minister to ensure that ongoing recruitment of Youth Service Officers includes a permanent District Youth Service Officer (Tamil) for Tamil-speaking areas in Ampara, noting that the current arrangement is only a temporary appointment. Oral Question 6 (1337/2025): Sports Officers and District Youth Service Officer in Ampara Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan raised concerns over whether deposits collected by banks in the North and East are being reinvested locally to support production, livelihoods, and post-war development. He called for stronger Central Bank monitoring of microfinance institutions, citing excessive interest rates and borrower distress, and urged relief for depositors affected by failed finance companies such as The Finance Company. He also requested legal and regulatory measures to improve access to finance in the North and East, and briefly referred to political developments in Tamil Nadu and their relevance to Tamil communities. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Bill as a modernization of Sri Lanka’s outdated insolvency framework and a measure to shift from punitive action to restructuring and rescue. He highlighted the proposed Insolvency Regulatory Authority, protections for small borrowers and essential assets, temporary stays on creditor action, and penalties for fraud. He argued that the Bill would support MSMEs, protect livelihoods, improve investor confidence, and address financial distress in the North and East, including issues linked to predatory microfinance, non-bank finance institutions, and post-war industrial decline. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif spoke during the debate on the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, focusing largely on the conditions of Malaiyaha estate communities and pledging that the Government would address long-standing needs such as roads, housing, land titles and basic facilities within its term. He said proposals were being prepared through the relevant Ministry to ensure Tamil communities receive services on par with other communities, and rejected claims that the Government was obstructing Muslim Udhiyah rituals except on Poya days. He also referred to development work under the Clean Sri Lanka programme and urged the Gampola Municipal Council to promptly remove accumulated garbage along the Gampola–Skandza Road to protect public health. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman welcomed the Tamil Nadu election result and urged the incoming Chief Minister to engage with Sri Lanka on issues including Katchatheevu, fisheries disputes between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan Tamil fishers, Sri Lankan Tamils in camps, and recognition of the distinct identity of Malaiyaha Tamils. He criticised the Government’s performance on estate-sector issues, alleging it had not delivered new housing despite citing the Indian Housing Project, and questioned its response to incidents in plantation areas. He demanded clear answers on whether the Government will grant land titles to estate residents, implement housing programmes, and ensure that the Police, rather than private actors, handle estate disputes, while stating that allegations of past corruption should be investigated rather than used to avoid these questions. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran linked the debate to the Tamil community’s continued demands for justice, remembrance of civilians killed in the war, political detainees, and missing persons, and appealed to the international community for accountability. Addressing the Bill on rescuing and rehabilitating distressed enterprises and individuals, he welcomed its objective of reviving MSMEs and protecting jobs, but urged that its procedures be equally accessible to MSMEs and individuals in the Vanni and other affected regions. He cited the exclusion of broadcast-seeded paddy cultivation from relevant agricultural and insurance circulars as an example of regional neglect, and called for the Bill’s implementation to ensure regional equity, awareness, and access. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to expand preschools operated by local authorities, especially in poor and war-affected areas in the North and East, where private preschool fees limit access for children. He requested an appropriate circular and funding arrangements through the Government or local authorities. He also called for a province-wise committee to review 300–400 former volunteer teachers allegedly denied appointments for political reasons, and to provide relief through permanent appointments or teacher assistant positions by revising past circulars where necessary. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Points of Order Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan congratulated the incoming Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and marked the 40th remembrance of Sri Sabarathinam and TELO cadres, describing the period as Unity Week. He recalled divisions within Tamil militant and political movements, the formation of the Tamil National Alliance with LTTE recognition, and later fractures during local government politics. He argued that disunity had weakened Tamil representation, cited defeats linked to symbol-related propaganda, and urged the reconstitution of the TNA, stating that TELO is ready to support renewed unity among Tamil parties. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan congratulated Vijay and the TVK in Tamil Nadu, then raised concerns over the assault on hill-country Tamils at Neelagama Estate, linking it to the continuing lack of land and housing rights for plantation communities. He urged the Government to secure justice, residential land, and housing for hill-country Tamils. He also questioned the detention by Sri Lanka Customs of books by Kilinochchi author Thambi Theepachelvan, arguing that it restricted freedom of expression. He connected these issues with disputes over Kurunthoor Malai and called on the Government to reform its approach, respect minority communities, and promote reconciliation. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna congratulated the newly elected Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and then raised concerns about inadequate electricity supply in the island areas of the Northern Province, particularly Neduntivu (Delft). He stated that some residents receive no proper electricity for most of the week and asked when reliable power would be provided to those communities. He also referred to the Katchatheevu issue and the President’s position that it cannot be ceded. Oral Question Q.5 (642/2025): Committees Investigated into Nationwide Power Failure on 09.02.2025 Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that decisions regarding the multipurpose conference hall were not racially motivated and noted that an audit query in 2023 had raised several issues. He said the land status must first be surveyed and verified with the District Secretary, after which the building could be vested in the Pradeshiya Sabha for maintenance and made accessible to all communities. Once the land is regularized, further action would be taken in consultation with district-level stakeholders. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir objected to a proposal to transfer a community centre built on mosque waqf land to a local authority, noting that it was constructed with Government funds in 2017 and 2023 and has been maintained by the mosque. He argued that the mosque had already arranged access for all communities and questioned why similar buildings managed by temples in Sinhala-majority areas were not treated the same way. He urged the Deputy Minister to ensure the centre is handed to the mosque for management in line with waqf law and communal harmony. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had made progress in investigating the Easter Sunday attacks and welcomed Opposition acknowledgement of that process, while criticizing political figures associated with earlier narratives about the attacks. He argued that the attacks were preceded by preventable governance failures, communal polarization after 2009, and incidents such as Dharga Town in 2014, which he said had State patronage. He contrasted Sri Lanka’s response with New Zealand’s handling of the Christchurch attack, urging political leadership that isolates perpetrators without stigmatizing entire communities. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir argued that the Easter Sunday attacks were used to stigmatize the Muslim community and to justify arrests and restrictions against Muslims, including alleged attempts to implicate Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen. He questioned the Government’s delay in identifying and prosecuting the alleged mastermind despite earlier presidential promises and election commitments, and rejected reliance on pending court cases as a reason for inaction. He requested urgent action to reveal those responsible and secure justice for victims and affected Muslim communities. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister reflected on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, emphasizing the loss of life, trauma to families and children, and the damage caused to national security, public trust, and inter-religious harmony. He called for the truth to be established, accountability for failures, justice for victims’ families, and the rejection of religious and political extremism. He also described a post-attack sports-based psychosocial programme at St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, and commended religious leaders and the Catholic community for promoting peace while seeking justice. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister said the Easter attacks should be addressed by ensuring non-recurrence through stronger national security and social cohesion, rather than by politicising communal fears. He argued that previous political forces used narratives of LTTE resurgence and Islamist extremism to promote chauvinist politics, while the current Government is pursuing inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony, equality before the law, and non-discrimination. He stated that independent investigations have been revived, prior inquiry reports and recommendations are being reviewed, legal action has begun against responsible persons, and intelligence reforms are being implemented, citing the prevention of a recent planned incident in Arugam Bay. He also criticised former Cabinet members involved in the debate for questioning current actions despite allegedly failing to act responsibly on intelligence at the time. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe called for legal action against those promoting racism and urged attention to efforts he said were harming inter-ethnic harmony. He questioned the Government’s failure to reveal the alleged masterminds of the Easter Sunday attacks despite election pledges, and called for full disclosure of inquiry findings and a fair investigation leading to prosecutions. He said the Muslim community condemned the attacks but was subjected to arrests, discrimination, and communal vilification afterward, and urged action against individuals he accused of spreading racism or obstructing independent investigations. He also noted Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s continued calls for justice and said public confidence requires the present Government to bring all responsible parties before the law. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →