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- 9 April 2026 The Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary The Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan raised concerns about rising violent crime, shootings, firearms linked to narcotics, and recent killings in Batticaloa and Jaffna, urging decisive police action without creating ethnic or regional divisions. He requested that upcoming police recruitment include Hill Country youth as officers and constables, noting that the President had agreed to this in a recent meeting. He also referred to economic pressures, calling for effective use of Indian assistance to address fuel and essential goods shortages and for adequate fertilizer supplies to support farmers. He highlighted strong GCE A/L results by Hill Country and Northern students to reject negative stereotypes and called for national unity free of regionalism, sectarianism, and racism. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported extending the State of Emergency for one month, stating it was declared in response to Cyclone Ditva and was needed to manage disaster recovery and wider supply-chain risks linked to Middle East conflicts. He rejected allegations that the emergency was being used to suppress democracy or target Tamils, contrasting it with past abuses under emergency laws and the PTA. He also criticized opposition figures for allegedly inflaming ethnic tensions and said the Government was using emergency powers to address national crises, including narcotics, while maintaining democratic freedoms. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Emergency Regulations and related orders, arguing they are needed to maintain essential services, continue relief after the “Dicha” cyclone, and respond to external risks including the Middle East conflict’s impact on energy security. He rejected claims that the Government was using emergency powers to suppress rights, stating it was acting under law and had stabilized an economy inherited in bankruptcy. He also cited reforms abolishing certain privileges of former Presidents and MPs’ pensions as examples of political morality, and said the Government would resist ethnic or religious divisiveness while pursuing “National Unity through Equality.” Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) about the conduct of District and Divisional Coordinating Committee meetings in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, particularly their chairing by Minister Ramalingam Chandraseker and the participation of media. He alleged that corruption issues raised at these meetings in the Northern Province had not led to government action and questioned whether restrictions on opposition MPs’ speaking time and media access were legally justified. He asked whether elected MPs should chair such committees, whether decisions from the meetings had been implemented, and whether the Government would direct the release of full video records of the meetings. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that the Government has expanded cyclone “Dicha” disaster relief to Malayaha plantation communities living in line rooms, who were initially ineligible because they lacked ownership of houses or land. He said Cabinet decided on 6 April that line-room residents whose homes are totally damaged, certified as high risk by the NBRO, or deemed uninhabitable by disaster authorities will receive Rs. 5 million in housing relief and 10 perches of land, with options to buy or build a house. For partially damaged line rooms, he said the Divisional Secretary, Plantation Human Development Trust, and the Ministry will assess damage and arrange suitable housing assistance. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah noted that the relevant five-member Committee initially had no Muslim representation, despite the existence of Colleges of Education in Addalaichenai and Dharga Town. He thanked the authorities after being informed that a Muslim member had since been appointed to the Committee. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the Middle East conflict had worsened fuel, electricity and commodity price pressures in Sri Lanka, and while welcoming some government relief, urged similar support for farmers as given to fishermen, including measures to address fuel costs and fair paddy prices. He called for practical, non-partisan programmes to reduce the burden on citizens and affected sectors. He also raised concerns about alleged unequal and delayed decisions by the Department of Archaeology in relation to minority religious and cultural sites, citing Nediyakal Malai and Thirukoneswaram in Trincomalee, and urged the Government to ensure lawful, evidence-based and equal treatment of all communities. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns over rising essential food prices, particularly the lack of effective price control for Keeri Samba rice, and urged the Government and Consumer Affairs Authority to ensure fair prices for both consumers and paddy farmers. He called for a permanent, non-discriminatory solution to the long-standing garbage dumping issue at Salambaikulum in Vavuniya, warning against racializing the matter and asking local politicians to support alternative arrangements within one month. He also commented on international developments involving the United States, Iran, Israel and Palestine, expressing hope for fair talks and criticizing actions he said had worsened regional tensions. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam disputed the Minister’s response on archaeology-related sites, arguing that restrictions on Hindu worship practices, alleged illegal shops, and the Thaiyiddy Viharaya issue had not been adequately addressed. He questioned the role of the Department of Archaeology and the Army in developments at Nelukalmalai/Thanthamalai, called for equal treatment of communities, and raised safety concerns over preventing basic facilities such as electricity meters at long-standing Saivite worship sites. He also objected to interruptions by the Chair, citing Standing Orders and understandings on time for Standing Order 27(2) matters. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary No permissions have been granted for the alleged target of 38 temples, and the Department of Archaeology’s role at Kurundikulam is limited to the declared 78-acre archaeological protected area and proposed re-gazetting of 229 surrounding acres, not fisheries or tank administration. Vedukkunar Malai, within a forest reserve, is being processed for declaration as an archaeological reserve, with identified Buddhist monuments supported by early cave inscriptions and legal action already initiated against unauthorized constructions. The Minister emphasized that religious observances may continue, but any damage, alteration or displacement of antiquities is prohibited under the Antiquities Ordinance, and archaeological heritage should be protected as national heritage belonging to all communities. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question alleging discriminatory and exclusionary practices by the Department of Archaeology affecting Hindu and Christian religious sites in the North and East. He sought ministerial clarification on restrictions, land access, new or regularized Buddhist constructions, alleged military or State support, and community consultation at sites including Koneswaram, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai, Kuchchaveli, Kurundurmalai, Vedukkunari Malai and Thaiyiddy. He asked the Government to state the legal and historical basis for these actions, restore access and worship rights, remove biased restrictions, and halt measures he said could alter local demography. He also requested that Archaeology Department communications in Batticaloa be issued in Tamil and that Tamil-speaking officers be retained or appointed. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns over repeated “service requirement” teacher transfers in the Northern Province, noting court and Human Rights Commission interventions, and asked the Government to ensure accountability, equal access to education, and urgent remedies for affected students. On the anti-doping regulations, he welcomed alignment with international standards after Sri Lanka’s WADA non-compliance listing, but questioned whether athletes in all districts, especially the Vanni and Mullaitivu, would receive equal awareness, facilities, coaching, nutrition, sports medicine and monitoring. He requested compulsory island-wide anti-doping education before enforcement, improved sports infrastructure and resources for Mullaitivu, and corrections to typographical and drafting errors in the relevant Gazette, tabling a list of issues. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu supported the doping regulations and called for information on prohibited substances to be made available in Sinhala and Tamil to protect athletes. He urged greater sports development in rural areas, particularly in the North and East, citing Batticaloa’s need for facilities, grounds, equipment, training pathways, and dedicated football clubs, including for girls. He also thanked the Government for fuel management, relief measures announced by the President, and the release of some military-held lands, while requesting the release of remaining occupied lands. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif supported anti-doping measures under SLADA, arguing that testing protects clean athletes and Sri Lanka’s reputation, and linked broader tax and policy measures to national development. He criticized alleged communal politics around the Easter Sunday attacks and opposition figures’ positions, citing the President’s intervention for Muslim sailors as evidence of minority confidence in the Government. He also defended recent fuel price reductions amid global supply pressures and outlined cyclone relief commitments, including Rs. 500,000 for partially damaged houses and Rs. 5 million plus land for fully damaged homes. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary During debate on fiscal and regulatory measures, Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about alleged intimidation of Tamil university students and ITAK officials, citing police and TID summonses issued to named individuals and submitting related letters to the Chair. He also objected to an attempted survey of about 30 acres in Oorvanikanpathu, Iyakkachchi, which he said are ancestral lands occupied by the Army after displacement, and submitted a petition from residents. He asked why the Government was continuing land surveys and military-linked land acquisition in a post-war context and called for the immediate release of the land to its owners. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah urged the Government to remove the names of minorities, particularly Muslims and Tamils, from the British-era Gazette list of “traitors.” He argued that these individuals also fought for the country and should have been included when former President Maithripala Sirisena declared certain persons as National Heroes, requesting the current Government to rectify that omission. Ministry Statement: Direct Ferry Service between Mannar and India Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary A concern is acknowledged regarding the unfair concentration of teachers in Jaffna and the need for balanced teacher distribution. Members are urged not to challenge or appeal transfer and assignment decisions intended to ensure equity, including postings to more remote areas or islets within Jaffna District. Oral Question: School Safety - Abuse and Violence in Educational Institutions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that teacher transfers are carried out according to established procedures, not arbitrarily. She acknowledged significant teacher shortages in the Northern Province, particularly in Kilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu, and said recruitment exams scheduled for May and the placement of graduate teachers this year would prioritize the most deficient areas. Oral Question: School Safety - Abuse and Violence in Educational Institutions Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni stated that ambulance drivers fall under two administrative categories: those recruited by the Central Government and those serving in provincial hospitals under Provincial Councils. He said transfers made by Provincial Councils are within their authority and should be accepted as part of the provincial system, adding that the Ministry of Health does not expect any major issue to arise from them. Oral Question: Aswesuma Programme - Appeals and Objections Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected criticism that the Government had neglected the Chemmani mass grave investigation, stating that while only 15 remains were recovered from 1999 to 2024, 224 had been recovered since the current Government gained a parliamentary majority in November 2024, under judicial and official supervision. He said arrests in decades-old cases must follow proper procedure, that excavations at Chemmani were expected to resume on 20 April, and that investigations would also cover other mass graves such as Matale. He also referred to Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu, welcomed reported proposals in India to grant them citizenship, and noted past parliamentary action to provide Sri Lankan citizenship to stateless persons. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →