Topic
Justice & Human Rights
2,079 speeches · 258 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. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, M.P. JJB | 162 |
| 2 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 96 |
| 3 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 84 |
| 4 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 79 |
| 5 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 71 |
| 6 | Hon. Ananda Wijepala, M.P. JJB | 67 |
| 7 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 60 |
| 8 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 52 |
| 9 | Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, M.P. ITAK | 48 |
| 10 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 47 |
Speeches
2,079 on this topic- 10 June 2026 Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act for another month, citing the need to maintain uninterrupted water, electricity, fuel, health, communications and transport services after the cyclone and amid global crises. He said a Commissioner-General of Essential Services would coordinate state institutions down to local administrative levels, with sectoral regulations to ensure continuity and economic stability. He also stated that the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund is lawful and auditable, and defended legal accountability for all individuals, including veterans, while stressing the need for justice for victims of the Easter attacks. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the North and East had been further affected by the economic crisis after years of ethnic conflict, and called for a decisive economic recovery plan linked to a permanent political solution and justice for Tamils. He urged the Government to set a guaranteed paddy price of at least Rs. 150 per kilogram, citing high production costs and imminent harvests in Batticaloa, and to urgently release the Mayilathamadu-Madhavanai grazing lands following the President’s assurance. He also requested humane and just action regarding the arrest of singer Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan, stressing freedom of expression and reiterating opposition to the Emergency and the PTA. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Easter Sunday attacks should not be used for political advantage and called for an independent, impartial process to identify and prosecute those responsible, with the law applied equally to all. He criticized the JVP/NPP for past support to the Rajapaksas and questioned attempts to shift blame for their governance failures. He said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund should be legally regularized and asked why donations for disaster victims had not been used while people remained in camps. He also argued that the Government’s economic difficulties predated the Middle East conflict, citing depreciation, weaker exports, slowing tourism, higher import costs and rising living costs, and urged a credible economic plan. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna rejected claims of a continuing national medicine shortage, saying the Government is addressing official inefficiencies and urging reports of any local shortages. He criticised the Fort protest and Opposition parties, linking their actions to attempts to undermine the Government and to sensitivities around renewed investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, including matters related to Suresh Sallay and Channel 4 allegations. He argued that global conflicts are affecting fuel prices and supply, but said the Government has maintained services and welfare support, including compensation of Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses after the “Dittachchi” cyclone, with officials instructed to process claims without political bias. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations on repatriation of export proceeds and the Essential Public Services Act resolution, arguing that export earnings and public cooperation are necessary to protect the economy amid international pressures and conflict in the Middle East. He said the Opposition was politicizing the situation and causing fear among exporters instead of offering alternatives. He also condemned efforts he said were aimed at shielding those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, called for the conspirators to be punished, and urged MPs not to prioritize political alliances over justice and national unity. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda objected to Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s repeated references to the Rajapaksas and protested against remarks made by Hon. Thurairasa Rachikaran during the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill debate, alleging that he had praised an LTTE figure and asking what action the Government and Speaker would take. He contrasted this with the detention of Mr. Salley under anti-terror laws and argued that discussion of the Easter attacks should be handled separately with evidence, without political misuse. He also requested urgent intervention for Security Officer No. 16649 at the Sapugaskanda Refinery, citing alleged harassment and her family circumstances. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised concerns over government actions in Mullaitivu, alleging that permanent housing for 244 seasonal fishing families from Negombo in Kokkilai would alter local demographics and should be halted. He also objected to the Mahaweli Authority’s allocation of land in Kokku Thoduvai–Kunjukkalvelai to a southern trader, claiming it involved privately owned freehold land and further encroachment into mangroves, grazing land, and forest reserves. He requested intervention to stop both the housing project and the land allocation, and to restore the disputed land to its original private owner. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticised rules requiring exporters to convert dollar proceeds into rupees, describing them as a response to currency depreciation, and opposed the continued use of Emergency Regulations and the Essential Public Services Act framework. He raised concerns about reported proposals to extend judges’ retirement age and alleged that delays in nominating judges to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal amount to undue interference with judicial independence and a constitutional failure. He also warned against replacing the PTA with potentially harsher legislation and called for investigation into allegations concerning the wartime killing of Prabhakaran’s son if the facts support a possible war crime. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concern over the arrest and detention of villu paattu artist Kanesukumar Sangeethkan under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, describing it as part of wider intimidation of artists, creators and journalists. He called for Sangeethkan’s immediate release and reiterated a demand to repeal the PTA. He also highlighted severe hardship among Northern Province fishers in Mullaitivu, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna, citing illegal purse-seine and light-assisted fishing as threats to their livelihoods. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister addressed regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act and a resolution under the Essential Public Services Act, while also referring to ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks. He argued that accountability should be pursued through scientific evidence and the courts, rejected political speculation and elite impunity, and stated that investigations into both the Easter attacks and corruption would continue despite obstruction or “theatrics.” On the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, he said public contributions are lawfully received through Treasury accounts and credited to the Consolidated Fund, with expenditure requiring parliamentary authorization, and urged Members not to discourage donors by misrepresenting the mechanism. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised an urgent Question of Privilege alleging failures by the Defence authorities and Police to provide adequate security despite repeated warnings about threats to his life. He cited a land dispute, a related court case involving an issued firearm, and alleged death threats connected to his political activities, arguing that these matters impede his ability to perform parliamentary duties safely. He sought permission to raise the matter against the Minister and Deputy Minister of Defence and the Inspector General of Police, and also objected to unequal application of speaking time limits. Procedural: Questions of Privilege and Motions Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra raised a privilege matter concerning a confidential Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus meeting held on 5 June 2026 about a child abuse case in Anuradhapura involving multiple court proceedings. She said information from the meeting had been leaked and misrepresented in a BBC Sinhala article published on 8 June, despite officials being warned that disclosure could affect the child’s protection, investigations and court proceedings. She requested that the article be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges under Sections 5, 6 and 7 of Part A of the Schedule to the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, and rejected several statements attributed to her as false. Procedural: Questions of Privilege and Motions Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, initiated following a 2024 complaint and conducted with Attorney-General’s guidance under a pending Colombo Magistrate’s Court case, have produced material implicating retired Major General Tuan Suresh Sallay. He said investigators have evidence alleging that Sallay, while in senior intelligence roles, helped steer Islamist extremists towards the attacks, ignored prior warnings, suppressed sensitive information, and was linked to claims made by informants and in a Channel 4 programme. The Minister stated that these matters are being treated as potential offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, rejecting claims that Sallay was unlawfully arrested, detained, or tortured. Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Cannot. Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that 2024 Department of Census and Statistics data on persons with disabilities have been compiled at district level. He said the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, working with the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Department of Census and Statistics, has begun developing a disability classification and related data system, with completion expected by the end of the year. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva asked whether the Ministry has a comprehensive plan to collect accurate islandwide data on persons with disabilities, including the type and severity of disabilities. He raised concerns about disparities in disability living assistance for North, East and plantation communities, noting that the Budget had allocated funds for a national data collection effort, and asked whether it would be implemented within the year. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported a short extension of the State of Emergency, stating it remains necessary to complete resettlement and reconstruction following the November 2025 Ditcha cyclone, including the use of Rs. 500 billion allocated for relief and infrastructure recovery. He said the emergency powers have not been used to suppress speech or detain opponents, and reiterated that the Government intends to abolish the PTA while relying on ordinary legal processes and independent investigations. He also referred to action on past corruption cases, the treatment of Suresh Sale, a Kilinochchi detention under the 2011 Gazette on LTTE promotion, and Government claims on economic stabilization, welfare support, and national unity. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the Government’s use of Emergency Regulations as limited to cyclone relief and said they had not been used against legitimate political activity. He reaffirmed commitments to combat the underworld, investigate corruption, apply the law impartially, and continue the Easter Sunday attacks investigation, including in relation to Suresh Sale, until the alleged mastermind is identified and arrested. He rejected claims of political interference or selective justice, stating that institutions such as the Bribery Commission, Attorney General’s Department and CID were operating independently and that public officials should act without fear. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Arguing against reliance on emergency powers and the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper said the Government must justify why ordinary and disaster laws are insufficient before imposing emergency regulations. He recalled past abuses under emergency law and cited post-Easter PTA detentions, stating that of 548 detainees, most were Muslims and about 418 were later released without charges. He argued that the Easter attacks should not be used to justify the PTA in the absence of convictions, and called for equal application of the law, humane treatment of suspects, and legal redress where rights have been violated. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported extending the emergency regulations after Cyclone “Ditva”, stating that they provide the legal basis for the Essential Services Commissioner-General to deliver relief, housing and rehabilitation to displaced persons. She challenged Opposition claims on poverty figures, asked for sources to be tabled, and said the Government’s Praja Shakthi programme and fiscal measures were aimed at reducing poverty and providing relief. She also said the Government would protect investigators and pursue justice in relation to crimes, corruption and the Easter Sunday attacks, while accusing the Opposition of spreading misinformation on welfare, prices and public finances. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →