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- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Dr. Elayathamby Srinath supported education reform but argued that implementation must first address infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and unequal resources, particularly in rural, hardship, and war-affected schools in the North and East. He said reforms should reduce student stress, align school and tertiary education with labour-market needs, and help graduates find employment locally and abroad. He called for clear regional implementation plans and the meaningful inclusion of Tamil history, traditions, and equal representation in curricula to ensure reforms benefit every child. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported education reforms but urged that they be undertaken carefully to avoid repeating past discriminatory or flawed policies affecting Tamil-medium students. He called for equal opportunities for Sinhala- and Tamil-medium learners, greater engagement of qualified Tamil-speaking academics and Hindu scholarly institutions in curriculum and religious content, and stronger proofreading and review of Tamil-medium textbooks. He also proposed government responsibility for preschool teacher training and supervision, and emphasized science, technology, research, ICT, mathematics, and vocational education, particularly in disadvantaged and estate-sector schools, to improve employability and develop knowledge, attitudes, skills and practice. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif thanked communities, religious institutions and NGOs for assistance after Cyclone “Ditva” affected Kandy District, particularly Gampola, and rejected allegations that he and the Government had failed to respond. He disputed Opposition claims on relief payments, stating that most Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 payments had been made, with additional support planned for damaged houses, lost livestock and businesses. He also said Gampola town waste clearance was about 90 per cent complete, defended plans to bring Ambuluwawa under State control for development, and urged MPs to use accurate information when speaking about disaster relief. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged a collective, non-partisan response to the post-“Ditva” disaster situation, citing the Rajanganaya bus flood tragedy and questioning whether responsibility should extend beyond the driver to water management, police, the employer, and disaster management authorities. He then objected to the Cabinet-approved restart of the Kivul Oya reservoir project in Vavuniya, arguing that its planned water benefits and land releases would primarily serve Mahaweli settler communities while affecting ancestral lands, tanks, and fields of local communities in Vavuniya and Mullaitivu. He asked the Government whether the project contradicted pledges to prevent demographic engineering and protect minority land and economic rights, and tabled related project documents. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman said the Government had ignored an action plan submitted by estate civil organizations after the “Ditva” disaster and had failed to provide alternative land or housing for affected Hill Country families, instead allowing people to be sent back to unsafe estate houses. He urged land ownership through deeds for estate families, arguing that allocating a small portion of estate land would be more feasible than relying only on housing schemes, and questioned the shifting and understaffing of the Norwood Divisional Secretariat. He welcomed the Cabinet decision on a Rs. 1,750 daily wage but said it fell short of earlier promises and was being undermined by plantation companies increasing daily plucking targets, thereby reducing the benefit to workers. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration about colonial-era Gazette notifications that declared local leaders “traitors” and confiscated their rights and property. He noted that previous Gazettes in 2016 and 2017 exonerated and honoured several freedom fighters, but seven Muslim leaders from present-day Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee remain on the list. He requested that these seven individuals be officially cleared and declared “National Heroes” and “Patriots” by Gazette. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order clarification Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath rejected the suggestion that land permits are being withheld on ethnic or religious grounds, stating that the Government acts without distinction among Sinhala, Tamil, or Muslim citizens. He said the Government would inquire into alienated lands, Mahaweli lands, and other State lands in the relevant area and, where appropriate, take steps to issue permits. He requested that relevant information be submitted so the responsible institutions can be notified and the process regularized. Procedural matters - Supplementary questions and Standing Orders dispute Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe requested urgent action to issue Title Deeds to residents of the Eastern Province. He raised the case of war-displaced Muslim families resettled in the Punani Anicut and Pothanai areas of Batticaloa District, alleging that land documents were issued in 2014 to Tamil residents by the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat while Muslim applicants in nearby areas were refused permits on the grounds that the lands were State or Mahaweli lands. He asked why these resettled Muslim families had been excluded and what measures would be taken to ensure fair issuance of land permits or deeds. Procedural matters - Supplementary questions and Standing Orders dispute Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Under Section 27 of the Office for Reparations Act, reparations are available to persons affected by armed conflict in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, political unrest or civil disturbances, serious long-term harm, enforced disappearances, or property damage. The Minister stated that incidents described as “mob violence” would need to fall within these defined categories, particularly political unrest or civil disturbances, to qualify for assistance under the Government’s 2022 reparations policy. He added that compensation schemes are implemented without district- or province-based distinctions. Oral Question No. 3 (1009/2025) - Government reparations and compensation Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the Aswesuma amendment, stating that the Government is extending benefits by six months and increasing assistance as part of a welfare-oriented programme to improve living standards. He said welfare should be timely and targeted, citing the increase in the chronic kidney disease allowance from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000, while also emphasizing that beneficiaries should be empowered rather than made dependent. He also referred to a proposed post-cyclone “Diththa” reconstruction package intended to rebuild homes to better standards, and criticized identity-based and protest-driven politics. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the President’s visit to the North, arguing that Tamil communities sought justice rather than symbolic gestures, and demanded land releases around Palaly, action against Indian trawlers, housing for displaced persons, and attention to missing or detained persons. He raised concerns about alleged unequal law enforcement involving an NPP Member and highlighted disruptions in Eastern Province hospitals over fingerprint attendance requirements for doctors. He also alleged serious service failures and corruption at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, including non-functioning CT scanners, and said he would raise the matter at the Sectoral Oversight Committee. He urged the Government to address unresolved political issues, including implementation of the 13th Amendment and equality for Tamils within a united Sri Lanka. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran outlined the Government’s continuation and expansion of Aswesuma welfare payments, including support for poor and very poor families, vulnerable households, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, CKD patients, and students in Jaffna. He said “at-risk” payments would continue until June 2026 and core benefits until 2027, while the Government’s longer-term aim was to reduce dependency through employment and economic growth. He also referred to recovery from bankruptcy, improving state enterprises, and plans for Northern Province development, including restarting the Paranthan Chemical Factory and promoting equitable development across communities. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that education reforms are necessary but risk undermining free education unless implemented through a structured pilot programme. He criticised the current Grade 1 reforms, citing the abolition of copybooks, lack of printed teacher guides, reliance on QR codes and digital equipment, and requests for schools to procure TVs and sound systems, and said children were being used as test subjects. He also raised concerns about delays in school uniforms and urged the President to retract a statement made in Jaffna if it had caused ethnic or religious tension. He referred to the remand of Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and alleged vilification of the Sangha, while calling for protection of all religious and ethnic communities. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah responded to a previous statement by Hon. Sanakiyan disputing his claims about Karamunai in the Vakarai DS Division of Batticaloa District. He asserted that Karamunai is a Muslim village whose residents face problems over land, deeds, roads, electricity, and basic facilities, and alleged that the Divisional Secretary is obstructing services. He cited a ziyaram, mosque, registered associations, permits, and a 1983 letter about displaced families as evidence of longstanding Muslim residence, and urged action to resolve the community’s problems. Personal Explanation - Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah and Procedural Interruptions Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Legal action and court orders related to the area are not being pursued on an ethnic basis but against any parties linked to unlawful activity, regardless of ethnicity or status. Ministry of Lands officials, including officers of the Land Commissioner General, are conducting site inspections and field studies to gather information and prepare a formal response to the concerns previously raised. Oral Question: Land-Related Actions in Manmunai Pattu and Vakarai Divisions (Q.36/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah alleged that land administration in the Manmunai Pattu and Vakarai Divisional Secretary’s Divisions is being applied discriminatorily against Muslims, including eviction cases filed only against Muslims occupying State lands. He asked the Deputy Minister for an update on the previously promised inquiry team, to be appointed through the Land Commissioner General, to investigate the matter and report back. Oral Question: Land-Related Actions in Manmunai Pattu and Vakarai Divisions (Q.36/2026) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about flood-affected Muslim families in Puttalam, citing 319 families in Puludivayal, Virudodai, under the Mundal Divisional Secretariat who he said had not received even the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant despite continuing inundation and significant losses. He questioned disparities in relief payments compared with other areas and alleged partisan distribution of assistance by some local representatives. He also objected to Colombo garbage being dumped at Aruvakkadu and defended his position as speaking for justice across communities, while referring to unresolved issues including land release in Vali North, the Thaiyiddy temple matter, and an indoor stadium controversy. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan questioned whether plantation and hill-country communities are being included in the Government’s post-disaster housing and relief measures under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme. While welcoming the President’s housing initiatives and announced relief payments, he said affected estate workers in districts such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kegalle and Matale appear to have been sidelined. He demanded that the Government clearly state whether these communities will receive the promised land and housing assistance, including the Rs. 5 million allocations. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the regulation permitting women over 18 to work extended hours in the food and beverage sector with safeguards, while affirming his party’s support for women’s employment and political rights. He said ITAK has serious concerns about proposed education reforms, including rural impacts and curriculum content, but condemned personal attacks on the Prime Minister, especially gendered attacks. He disputed claims about Karaitheevu lands in Batticaloa, argued they are historically Tamil lands, and urged proper local inquiry before proposing solutions. He also condemned the reduction of Batticaloa-Colombo train services, citing cancelled or curtailed services and inconvenience to passengers, and asked why existing public transport services were being cut. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe thanked the Transport Ministry, RDA and officials for restoring transport links after the recent disaster, and urged continued development of road and transport infrastructure in the Eastern Province. He requested that planning begin for a Batticaloa–Pottuvil railway extension, including through possible foreign funding, and tabled correspondence indicating that the Railways Department had not yet received such a proposal. He also called for further rural road and bridge improvements in Ampara, the immediate return of the Sainthamaruthu bus sub-depot from Kalmunai, and revival of the proposed bridge linking Muttur Vedathitivu–Majidpuram to address local transport hardships. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →