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 February 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa supported the motion’s concern over the COVID-19 cremation policy, arguing that compulsory cremations were politically driven and lacked scientific basis. He said the policy caused serious suffering to Muslim families and others whose religious rites were denied, while acknowledging that health officials nevertheless worked to control the pandemic under difficult conditions. He stated that the current government would follow expert guidance, protect religious and national freedoms, and prevent similar incidents from recurring. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Private Member’s Motion by Hon. Rauff Hakeem concerning the mandatory cremation of COVID-19 victims, stating that the policy caused grave injustice to Muslims and appeared politically motivated rather than scientifically based. He argued that past governments used ethnic and religious divisions for political gain and called for health, agricultural, and economic policies that would prevent such incidents from recurring. He urged opposition cooperation in implementing policies that protect all communities and ensure peaceful coexistence. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran supported the motion for a proper procurement programme for co-operatives and urged the Government to revive dormant multipurpose co-operative societies. He cautioned against reclaiming powers devolved under the 13th Amendment, including areas related to co-operatives, arguing that this would especially affect the North and East. He requested controlled-price goods, concessional supplies, and working capital or credit lines through local administration to strengthen co-op outlets and enable local paddy purchasing, milling, and fair-price rice distribution in areas such as Thirukkovil, Navithanveli and Karaitivu. Private Members' Motion 2: Proper Procurement Programme for Co-operatives Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri supported the motion on cooperatives, arguing that past mismanagement, land grabs, and unlawful decisions had undermined institutions originally built from members’ savings. He noted that cooperatives are a devolved subject under the 13th Amendment and urged the Government to pursue legal or regulatory changes through provincial mechanisms if it intends to revive the sector. He also questioned whether cooperative financial institutions issuing loans and accepting deposits have Monetary Board approval, calling for action to address banking-like activities without proper authority. Private Members' Motion 2: Proper Procurement Programme for Co-operatives Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi welcomed the Minister’s response to his Private Member’s Motion on long-standing issues affecting Tamil communities, particularly in estate and village areas, and urged that responsibility be shared by all MPs rather than treated solely as a matter for Tamil representatives. He argued that decades of neglect should not be used to justify further inaction, highlighting the need for practical measures such as road development to ease tensions and improve access. He thanked Members who supported the debate and requested that an earlier postponed motion be given time on a future occasion. Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that longstanding issues affecting the plantation community had remained unresolved for 76 years. He assured Parliament that, during the Government’s five-year term under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, it would seek to advance fundamental rights and improve conditions for these citizens as equal Sri Lankans, even if all problems cannot be fully resolved. Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government accepts responsibility for addressing long-standing rights and infrastructure issues in plantation communities, including roads, housing, land, documentation, education and health-related deprivation. He outlined planned measures such as rehabilitating 75 line-rooms under Clean Sri Lanka, providing legal addresses, birth certificates and NICs on-site, constructing 5,400 houses with Indian assistance using need-based criteria, and establishing 60 smart classrooms for Tamil-medium plantation children. On the proposal to vest plantation roads in the Government, he noted legal obstacles because many roads lie within private or leased estate lands under agreements extending to around 2045, but stated that the Government would pursue a systematic solution without waiting until then. Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri apologized to the Deputy Speaker for any earlier offence and addressed a motion by Hesha Withanage concerning road access in plantation areas. He argued that estate road construction and related facilities are obstructed by long-term plantation lease arrangements, with estate authorities restricting movement, imposing controls, and blocking government-funded works such as roads and toilets. He urged the Minister and Government to resolve the legal and administrative powers held by plantation authorities through a collective mechanism to address hardships faced by estate communities, particularly Tamil residents. Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj supported Hesha Withanage’s Private Member’s Motion on hill-country estate roads while criticizing the UNP’s 1992 privatization of plantations and the absence of binding development plans for estate infrastructure. He said estate-connecting and internal roads remain neglected despite the national road network’s classifications, and argued that past governments and allied hill-country Tamil political figures had failed the community. He stated that the NPP Government is studying hill-country issues and is committed to improving education, housing and transport. Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel supported the Private Member’s Motion on acquiring estate roads to the Government, arguing that successive past governments and plantation portfolio holders had failed to improve estate infrastructure and living conditions. She said the NPP Government was implementing programmes to integrate hill-country communities into the national mainstream, including land with secure title, infrastructure, and 5,400 houses, with attention to displaced families in areas such as Kabaragala and Meeriabedda. She also stated that the Clean Sri Lanka programme would cover hill-country communities, including interim renovation of line rooms and provision of roads, bridges, and other facilities. Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi moved a Private Members’ Motion urging the Government to vest under Provincial and Local Authorities estate roads that pass through plantation company lands and serve estate worker settlements. Citing Ratnapura and other plantation areas, he argued that unclear ownership and company control prevent road development and access, and called for discussions with estate companies, resources, and legal changes to empower authorities. He also requested broader measures for plantation communities, including action on line-room housing, equitable allocation of facilities across districts, A/L science education for Tamil students in Ratnapura, and inclusive mechanisms that treat Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities equally. Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified that he was not annoyed by questions raised by Rauff Hakeem and rejected the suggestion as unfair. He stated that he and his party had consistently supported the issue concerned, including the rights of Muslim people, and noted that he accepted Hakeem’s apology. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister outlined planned cultural sector programmes under the theme “A noble cultural life and a compassionate citizenry,” noting that inspections had identified incomplete large concrete structures at cultural centres, including an auditorium shell at the Kurunegala Jana Kala Foundation, which the Ministry intends to complete. He said the Budget-aligned proposals include a central Artists’ Residence in Colombo for regional artists, four fully equipped Multi-Cultural Centres including in the North and East, and an International Translation Centre to promote translation among Sinhala, Tamil and English works. He argued these measures are necessary to strengthen arts and culture as part of national development. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the NPP Government and the Fisheries Minister, alleging intimidation, political targeting, and protection of the military from accountability for wartime killings. He raised concerns about nearly 3,000 unemployed graduates in Jaffna, issues affecting pavement vendors and bus routes, and questioned what elected representatives from Jaffna had done for the district. He also alleged that his phone was tracked and that his arrest was planned to prevent him from attending District Coordinating Committee meetings, stating that he would respond further in coming weeks. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam said staff in the two LRC offices serving the North and East face unfair transfers requiring travel of around 450 kilometres because there are no other offices in those districts. He argued that this practice reflects discriminatory policies of previous governments and called on the Government to end it immediately to establish its credibility. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that the military continues to act with a wartime, anti-Tamil mindset, citing the construction of the Thissa Viharaya in Thyiddi on land he said was confirmed at District Coordinating Committee meetings to be privately owned and built without legal process. He demanded that the Government uphold the rule of law and address the alleged illegality, calling it a test of its commitment not to pursue discriminatory policies. He also raised concerns over reported plans to acquire more land to extend the Palaly Airport runway, arguing that sufficient land exists within the current High Security Zone and that any proposal should be discussed with Jaffna MPs and affected residents. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna emphasized the need for Sri Lankans to live together without ethnic or religious divisions. He noted that, after the 77th Independence Day, he felt able to experience “true freedom” because he had been allowed to speak in Parliament after 77 days, and expressed thanks for the opportunity. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised allegations of medical negligence and lack of accountability in Northern hospitals, citing deaths in Mannar and Kilinochchi and asking why the Health Ministry had not questioned staff involved. He called for investigation and arrest of Dr. R. Sathyamoorthy over alleged irregularities at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, past statements about wartime killings, qualifications, and fundraising for an eye hospital. He also referred to wartime disappearances of hospital patients, the transfer of a doctor from Chavakachcheri, and stressed that his criticisms were not communal, citing his opposition to demolishing the Thaiyiddy Vihara. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, speaking during a debate on import and export regulations, called for the release of 55 acres of land in Keppapulavu and Pulakkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu, still held by the military, stating that 54 displaced families remain unable to return to ancestral livelihood lands used for paddy, coconut and fishing-related sustenance. He linked land displacement to current economic hardship, including high coconut prices, and requested the responsible Ministry to ensure the return of these lands. He also raised concerns about continuing threats to media freedom, citing past killings, disappearances and attacks on journalists and media institutions, and demanded renewed investigations into the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda following recent allegations. He further condemned recent attacks and threats against journalists in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, calling for justice and punishment of perpetrators. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah paid tribute to former MP Dr. Al Haj I. M. Ilyas, highlighting his role in Muslim political activism, minority rights advocacy, and support for Northern Muslims expelled by the LTTE. He recalled Dr. Ilyas’s efforts to seek justice for the 1976 Puttalam mosque shooting victims, his work with Tamil leaders after contesting the 1977 election, and his consistent advocacy for Palestine and Al-Aqsa. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s public service as a doctor, his commitment to minority unity and community welfare, and his final wish for the Palestinian flag to be draped over his coffin. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →