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- 3 March 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a Question by Private Notice to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs regarding the 2019 mass deregistration of approximately 350 Islamic charitable organizations registered under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. He said the cancellations, made without individual inquiries or published reports, disrupted religious, cultural, educational, youth, sports and social services and caused concern within the Muslim community. He asked whether the Minister acknowledged the cancellations, whether steps would be taken to reactivate the organizations’ registrations, and what action had already been taken to restore them. Oral Question by Private Notice: Reactivation of Deregistered Islamic Charitable Organizations (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Rishad Bathiudeen acknowledged the Government’s anti-drug efforts and the President’s stated firmness, but questioned whether ministers were acting consistently and without racial bias. He cited funds allocated under the previous government for Muslim refugee returnees in Jaffna—Rs. 80 million for resettlement and Rs. 40 million for road development—which he said were returned and not restored despite assurances. He urged the Government to stop discriminatory actions affecting returnee communities. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised concerns over the Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya at Thayiddi, alleging it was built illegally on privately owned Tamil land through militarized involvement, and criticized government discussions held without the affected landowners. He also objected to alleged “shadow minister” arrangements involving NPP MPs in Northern Provincial Council functions while provincial elections remain suspended, arguing that all Northern MPs should be invited to such official meetings. He further urged intervention regarding PTA detainee Nimalan, who he said faces threats when held in outstation prisons after court appearances, and referred to another PTA-related case involving Morris where he alleged reliance on an illegally obtained confession. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about Mahaweli land allocation in the North and East, alleging demographic impacts on traditionally Tamil areas and questioning compliance with ethnic-ratio requirements under the 13th Amendment. He requested district-wise and community-wise details of land allocations, beneficiary families, and the extent and methodology of settlements under projects such as Kivul Oya, System “L”, and a proposed Mahaweli “C-a” area. He also asked about the status of farmlands and pasturelands in Mayilathamadu and Mathavanai, measures to prevent displacement or marginalization of local communities, and relief for Batticaloa farmers affected by flooding and crop insurance issues. Oral Question: Hospital Attendants Shortage and Mahaweli Land Allocation (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson asked the Minister to inform District Secretaries about the amended circular on decentralized funds, stating that they are currently unaware of it. He said decentralized funds are the main means for Opposition MPs to serve local communities and noted that such funds were not provided the previous year. He referred to changes allowing projects of Rs. 200,000 and allocations to temples, preschools and schools, and requested that District Secretaries be instructed to implement the new arrangements. Oral Question: Kaduruwela Market Complex (Q.) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna criticized low attendance during the debate and called for fingerprint-based attendance recording to improve public accountability for MPs. He contrasted requests for official vehicles with shortages in essential services, citing Anuradhapura Hospital’s lack of an ambulance, and urged stricter enforcement of decorum and Standing Orders during proceedings. He also referred to past ethnic conflict and objected to certain Provincial Council appointments, while several portions of his remarks were ordered expunged by the Chair. Adjournment: State Free from Corruption, Bribery and Fraud Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized what he described as political interference and corruption in state institutions, referring to alleged conduct involving the SLTB in Vavuniya. He objected to the reported appointment of “shadow” ministers for the Northern Province under the Governor’s presence, arguing that these posts bypass elected provincial authority and questioning the competence and suitability of named appointees. He demanded that the Government hold the Northern Provincial Council election and appoint only competent persons, particularly for health and agriculture-related responsibilities. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj supported the Special Commodity Levy regulations, Customs resolution, and Motor Traffic regulations, arguing that the NPP Government had restored economic stability, increased exports, and enabled measures such as vehicle imports after the earlier crisis. He cited export growth, service export earnings, and sectoral improvements as evidence of progress toward a production economy. He also highlighted the abolition of parliamentary pensions, wage increases for estate workers, and programmes for workers’ welfare, while rejecting Opposition criticism. He said the Government was promoting ethnic, religious, and linguistic harmony through support for major religious and cultural observances, and framed its agenda around building a “prosperous country” and improving citizens’ lives. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam sought clarification on whether the Motion would be amended to remove reference to the “Provincial Council Elections Act.” He argued that, since a Special Committee on Provincial Councils already exists and Government members would have a majority on any new Select Committee, Parliament should either delete that reference and pass the Motion or bring a new Motion rather than creating another committee on the same subject. Select Committee on Electoral Laws - Motion with Amendment Read →
- 17 February 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that he had acted in response to Members’ requests and did not wish his Motion to hinder the holding of Provincial Council elections. He expressed support for resolving matters related to those elections and suggested removing references to the “Provincial Council Elections Act” from his Motion if the relevant Special Committee completes its report within three months, enabling his Select Committee’s work to conclude in a similar timeframe. Select Committee on Electoral Laws - Motion with Amendment Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to proceeding with a Motion establishing a Parliamentary Select Committee that would cover the Provincial Council Elections Act while an existing Select Committee on Provincial Councils was already in place. He requested a ruling, arguing that having two committees on the same matter with different reporting timelines could create procedural and legal confusion. He proposed either postponing and amending the Motion or deleting the reference to the Provincial Council Elections Act so it could be passed that day, warning that otherwise it would be opposed. Select Committee on Electoral Laws - Motion with Amendment Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, stating that it fulfils the Government’s promise to establish a new political culture without harming current beneficiaries. He argued that the special pension scheme and past parliamentary privileges had not improved governance, addressed corruption, or resolved ethnic discrimination and reconciliation issues. He said abolishing such entitlements is part of restoring public trust in Parliament and encouraging representatives committed to public service and sacrifice. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill in line with the Government’s mandate, while cautioning that abolishing MPs’ pensions could make future parliamentary entry harder for candidates without wealth or major-party backing and could be reversed by a future government. He urged the Government to increase public service pensions, repeal or properly reform the PTA in line with human rights concerns, introduce a new Constitution, abolish the Executive Presidency, and provide a political solution for Tamil-speaking people in the North and East. He also called for disclosure of the mastermind behind the Easter attacks and noted positively the recent Independence Day celebrations. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had a five-year mandate and had not promised to fulfil all policy pledges within one year, in the context of the debate on abolishing MPs’ pensions. He rejected media claims attributed to an SJB MP about appointments to Wakf and related bodies, saying any specific allegations should be addressed through corrective action rather than casting suspicion on the Muslim community. He stated that the Shura Council had not yet been appointed and that proposed nominations and any past irregularities would be reviewed to strengthen the Wakf Board. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Over 1,656 Carnatic Music graduates are said to be available, with Mullaitivu able to meet its own staffing needs, but the current Gazette reportedly prevents their recruitment. The Prime Minister is urged to correct the allocation process quickly to prevent the Vanni from being disadvantaged. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is taking measures to develop sports in the North and East, including introducing and supporting leather-ball cricket in districts such as Trincomalee and Ampara. He said equipment has been provided, budget allocations have been made to identify deficiencies in school cricket facilities, and necessary renovations are planned to be completed within the year. Oral Question: McHeyzer Stadium, Trincomalee - Development (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. Deepthi Wasalage supported extending the national emergency declared after the 27–28 November disaster, arguing that it had been used for recovery rather than to restrict democratic processes. She described severe damage in Matale, including 29 deaths, blocked roads, power and communication failures, and disrupted Water Board projects, and said government MPs and local representatives worked across ethnic and religious lines to restore normalcy. She identified remaining recovery needs, including the Alkaduwa–Ukuwela road, Bambarakiri Ella water project, and relocation of Gammaduwa Hindu National School, and called for state officials to be protected in taking necessary land acquisition and development decisions. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam opposed the extension of the Emergency and said he would call for a Division, arguing that emergency powers and the PTA are being used to suppress political activity and protests in the North and East, including over the Thayyiddi vihara issue. He rejected the Government’s justification that the Emergency was needed for cyclone relief, citing past unaddressed cyclone damage in the North and asking why relief had not been provided without emergency powers. He also criticized the Government’s handling of Indian trawler incursions, questioned the low number of seizures and prosecutions, and asked whether affected Northern fishers would be compensated. He further raised concern over the cremation of a Buddhist monk at McHeyzer Ground in Trincomalee and appealed to the Government to stop action against Rajkumar Rajeevkanth over a Facebook post expressing Tamil cultural concerns. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, raising a matter under Standing Order 27(2), requested action on the alleged mass grave at Kurukkalmadam linked to the 1990 abduction and killing of Muslim pilgrims returning to Kattankudy after Hajj. He noted that although the Kaluwanchikudy Magistrate had ordered excavation in 2014 and funds had reportedly been allocated, the work remained delayed due to non-release or insufficiency of funds. He urged the Minister of Justice and National Integration to release the required funds to the Kaluwanchikudy Divisional Secretariat so that the remains can be exhumed, identified through DNA testing, and reburied according to Islamic rites. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna — Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary In response to a parliamentary question, the Minister provided the expiry dates of all Provincial Councils and stated that, under Section 7 of the Provincial Councils Act, No. 42 of 1987, Chairmen remain in office until the first meeting of the next Council even after dissolution. He tabled expenditure details for Chairmen from 2021 to 2025, covering salaries and allowances, and noted that North Central Province has no Chairman due to the former Chairman’s death. He also said the Act does not specify post-dissolution functions for Chairmen and that Governors and their staff are currently carrying out provincial functions without hindrance. Adjournment: Adjournment Questions and House Closure Read →