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 April 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera supported the No-Confidence Motion by alleging that the coal procurement matter, cited by the Auditor General, reflected major corruption despite the Government’s anti-corruption mandate. He highlighted findings on Trident’s alleged lack of accreditation for sample verification and the expiry of umpire samples, and argued that those involved should face prosecution under the Public Property Act, Penal Code, and related corruption and conspiracy provisions. He called on COPE, the Bribery Commission Director General, and the Attorney General to act promptly against those responsible. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Called for stronger protection of women and criticized Government members for alleged insults, while expressing disappointment in the President and the Government he had previously supported. He argued that allegations against Ministers should be investigated through bodies such as COPA and COPE, with the accused temporarily resigning until cleared, rather than remaining in office. He also rejected the Government’s presentation of partial fuel price reductions after larger increases as “relief” to the public. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne challenged the Government’s account of the coal testing process, citing COPE evidence that the laboratory was not accredited when certificates were issued and referring to a Special Audit finding of Rs. 22.4 billion in losses from non-scheduled power generation. He questioned whether responsibility was being shifted to the Lanka Coal Company General Manager while Ministers, the Chairman and the Secretary avoided accountability, and urged the Bribery Commission and other agencies to act impartially under the Anti-Corruption Act. He also referred to the LCC Chairman’s resignation letter and argued that, given the allegations, the relevant Minister should not continue in office. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a matter of privilege, alleging that unanswered questions to the Central Bank and other authorities on financial regulation, reserves, debt policy, governance, and alleged irregularities are obstructing his parliamentary duties and undermining oversight under Article 148. He asked the Speaker to rule on whether such delays breach privilege, to direct public institutions to provide complete and timely information, and to consider referral to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges or another authority. He also questioned whether the Central Bank’s independence should be re-examined for lack of corresponding accountability, and informed the House that he would complain to police about misuse of his social media byline. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Rasamanickam questioned the adequacy of the Aswesuma welfare targeting system in the absence of an updated domestic poverty survey since the 2019 HIES, noting post-crisis poverty increases cited by the World Bank. He asked the Finance Minister whether a post-2019 national poverty estimate exists, when the 2025 HIES will be published, and whether Aswesuma eligibility criteria will be revised before the next phase. He also requested district-level data on beneficiaries and appeals, and asked what further measures and delivery mechanisms would protect households affected by cost-of-living pressures linked to the Middle East crisis. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government would pursue accountability for the Easter Sunday attacks, including filing cases against alleged masterminds and concluding trial-at-bar proceedings. He stated that injustice to victims must not recur and that the Government would not politicize the matter. He also referred to the harassment faced by the Muslim community after the attacks and said such treatment should not happen again under any government. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and related preceding incidents are now progressing, including a daily Trial-at-Bar against 25 accused and inquiries into alleged diversion of earlier investigations. He argued that the 2018 Vavunativu police murders were wrongly attributed to rehabilitated LTTE cadres and are now being linked to Zaharan Hashim’s group, suggesting that proper investigation at the time could have prevented the Easter attacks. He criticized opposition figures for calling the debate after the arrest of “Saleh” and questioned political attempts to frame Zaharan alone as the mastermind, while also referring to the post-attack victimization of Muslim communities and rejecting racism and extremism. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticized successive governments and security agencies for blaming each other over responsibility for the Easter Sunday attacks while justice for the victims remained unresolved. He referred to conflicting allegations involving the CID, military intelligence, the Yahapalana Government, the Rajapaksa administration, and Ibrahim Nawas, and said investigations had failed to identify the mastermind. He noted that he and other Opposition Members had taken the matter to the UN Human Rights Council and the Vatican, and tabled a CID letter dated 22 January 2026 stating that an investigation based on a complaint about Wimal Weerawansa’s claims could not proceed further. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Government’s handling of investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that the inquiries are “99% complete” and in their final stage, and assuring victims, including the Catholic community, that justice will be pursued. He rejected suggestions that the Government is under pressure or delaying action, and accused previous administrations, particularly the Maithri-Ranil-Sajith Government, of failing to act during the months after the attacks. He also criticized attempts to raise court-related matters or publish books on the issue as efforts to confuse the public, while thanking several Opposition members for constructive contributions to the debate. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe criticized the Opposition and Hon. Sajith Premadasa for bringing the motion on the Easter Sunday attacks while associating with figures he said were implicated politically or legally in related controversies, including Maithripala Sirisena and members of the Rajapaksa camp. He argued that the attacks followed a wider chain of communal falsehoods and political manipulation, citing allegations against Dr. Shafi and other anti-Muslim narratives. He questioned whether the Opposition could credibly seek justice for victims while failing, in his view, to respond to recent accusations made against Hon. Mujibur Rahuman and to acknowledge political mistakes. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticised the Government for failing to identify the alleged mastermind of the Easter Sunday attacks despite previous pledges, and accused it of using the issue for political purposes. He rejected claims linking SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman to the attacks, challenged statements about Pillayan, Sara Jasmin and Ibrahim, and asked what action the Government had taken on these matters. He said the SJB had supported proper investigations and security officials such as Shani Abeysekara and Ravi Seneviratne, while urging the Government not to politicize the victims and expressing objection to the title of Udaya Gammanpila’s book. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had made progress in investigating the Easter Sunday attacks and welcomed Opposition acknowledgement of that process, while criticizing political figures associated with earlier narratives about the attacks. He argued that the attacks were preceded by preventable governance failures, communal polarization after 2009, and incidents such as Dharga Town in 2014, which he said had State patronage. He contrasted Sri Lanka’s response with New Zealand’s handling of the Christchurch attack, urging political leadership that isolates perpetrators without stigmatizing entire communities. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen corrected media reports, stating he had not alleged the presence of US military bases in Saudi Arabia and emphasized Saudi Arabia’s assistance to Sri Lanka. In the debate on the Easter attacks, he expressed confidence in Shani Abeysekara and Ravi Seneviratne, said the Opposition should support credible investigations, and urged the Government to identify the forces behind Zaharan and the attacks. He called for compensation not only for affected Catholic victims but also for Muslims who were unjustly detained, humiliated, or economically harmed, citing cases involving Hejaaz Hizbullah and his brother as examples of alleged misuse of investigations. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir argued that the Easter Sunday attacks were used to stigmatize the Muslim community and to justify arrests and restrictions against Muslims, including alleged attempts to implicate Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen. He questioned the Government’s delay in identifying and prosecuting the alleged mastermind despite earlier presidential promises and election commitments, and rejected reliance on pending court cases as a reason for inaction. He requested urgent action to reveal those responsible and secure justice for victims and affected Muslim communities. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Minister Chrishantha Abeysena opposed further parliamentary proposals or debates on the Easter Sunday attacks while related court cases and investigations are ongoing, arguing that such interventions could politically influence proceedings. He said the Government is pursuing new investigations, including into intelligence and security failures, and referred to the arrest of former State Intelligence Chief Suresh Sallay. He stated that the Government is acting on its pledges to identify and prosecute those responsible, including any officials or politicians involved, and noted that the Presidential Commission report has now been released for public scrutiny. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem urged the Government to repatriate young Iranian cadets rescued from a ship during the Middle East ceasefire, questioning Sri Lanka’s claimed neutrality and the handling of the incident. Turning to the Easter Sunday attacks, he expressed confidence in Shani Abeysekara and Ravi Seneviratne and called for full government and Attorney-General’s Department support for their investigations. He questioned prosecutorial gaps, including the absence of Attorney-General’s officers in court, the handling of evidence from Sara Jasmin, and unexamined matters such as foreign hotel guests, the Vavunativu incident, and Azad Maulana’s Channel 4 claims, urging further investigation under existing legal provisions. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister reflected on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, emphasizing the loss of life, trauma to families and children, and the damage caused to national security, public trust, and inter-religious harmony. He called for the truth to be established, accountability for failures, justice for victims’ families, and the rejection of religious and political extremism. He also described a post-attack sports-based psychosocial programme at St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, and commended religious leaders and the Catholic community for promoting peace while seeking justice. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna recalled visiting St. Sebastian’s Church after the Easter Sunday attacks and said the SJB would support any genuine government effort to identify those responsible and prevent recurrence. He criticized the Government for focusing on a book launch and attacks on Hon. Sajith Premadasa, while failing to fulfil President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stated commitment in March 2025 to reveal the mastermind before Easter. He said public confidence in the investigations had eroded, cited past failures under Gotabaya Rajapaksa including transfers of CID officers and actions against Rishad Bathiudeen and Dr. Shafi, and urged the Government to expedite the inquiry, obtain international expert assistance if needed, and complete the process properly. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. (Attorney-at-Law) Sunil Watagala JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala questioned the motives behind Udaya Gammanpila’s recent book on the Easter Sunday attacks, suggesting its timing and contents may be politically driven and potentially intended to influence or misdirect ongoing investigations and court proceedings. He argued that Gammanpila had remained silent during earlier inquiries, litigation and compensation processes, but was now attempting to present himself as exposing the “mastermind.” He referred to past political assassinations and unresolved cases to warn that partial disclosures and contradictory claims in the book and its foreword could obscure the truth rather than assist accountability. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala criticized recent publications and public claims concerning the Easter Sunday attacks, suggesting they were politically motivated and should not prejudice ongoing investigations. He said former CID officers, including Shani Abeysekara, were targeted after the previous government took office, citing transfers, travel restrictions and detention, and argued that proper investigation of the Vavunativu incident could have helped prevent the attacks. He stated that reports have been retrieved and given to the CID, trials are proceeding daily, and investigations are underway into ten individuals based on the Janaka de Silva Commission’s recommendations. He called on those alleging failures or political betrayal of national security to name the responsible officials and politicians, while affirming that investigations would continue on an evidence-based basis. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →