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- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned a Member’s denial that a programme organized by the Political Science Students’ Union at the University of Peradeniya had been banned. He cited a statement by the former Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka as evidence that the event was stopped and urged that the incident not be denied. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala responded to a complaint raised in Parliament, stating that if an assault had occurred it would be investigated and swift action would be taken by the following day. He urged Members not to link every incident to the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, while assuring that the complaint was not being rejected and that necessary steps would be taken to ensure justice. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran alleged serious misconduct by officers at the Periyanilavanai Police Station, including assault, obscene abuse, and acts amounting to sexual violence against a woman who had gone to lodge a complaint with her brothers. He condemned the incident in the context of the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and urged the Minister to take appropriate action against the officers responsible. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala responded to an allegation that police had assaulted a woman, requesting the Member to provide the relevant details. He stated that such assaults are not approved and undertook to initiate an investigation as early as the next day if the information is provided. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Government for failing to fulfil promises to remove VAT from food, health and education items, and accused the JVP/NPP of inconsistency and shared responsibility in past governments and policy positions, including on FTAs and ETCA. He called for protecting university freedoms after the reported cancellation of a Peradeniya student programme critical of the IMF, and warned against political interference in the Attorney-General’s Department through discussions on “special cases.” He also objected to a reported circular restricting Ministers’ and officials’ engagement with foreign envoys, arguing it would hinder local and international cooperation initiatives. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary The Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that the issue of refoulement had not yet been discussed, and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had only reported preliminary exchanges with Myanmar authorities. He said further investigation was needed before decisions were made, taking into account available information, the situation, and the concerns raised. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued against refouling refugees who arrived by boat, noting that payment for passage does not negate their refugee status and referring to violence in their country of origin. He said returning them, particularly families with small children, would be a serious violation, and proposed arranging transfer to a third country through the UNHCR, as done previously by Sri Lankan governments. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to concerns raised about 116 Myanmar irregular migrants who entered Sri Lanka, stating that police investigations indicate they paid smugglers for transport and transit, and that investigations are continuing. He said the Government is providing food and essential facilities through the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and will act in accordance with international law and provide humanitarian assistance if they are identified as refugees. He also noted intelligence reports of possible future attempts by up to 100,000 irregular migrants to reach Sri Lanka, and said health checks would be conducted before allowing access to the Human Rights Commission and other institutions. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara responded that investigations into the killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge and other crimes are progressing, with the Government facilitating independent judicial and prosecutorial processes while avoiding comments that could affect arrests. He stated that cases allegedly obstructed under previous administrations are now being pursued diligently. On Rohingya refugees, he said they are being treated humanely and in accordance with the law, with the relevant Minister expected to provide further details. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem urged the Government not to forcibly repatriate the Rohingya group, noting that it included women and children and warning that such action would damage Sri Lanka’s international reputation. He rejected framing the matter as human trafficking, citing known persecution in Myanmar, and called for the group’s security to be ensured through a humane approach. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem linked economic confidence and investment to the effective enforcement of law and order, urging action on delayed prosecutions and incomplete investigations. He called on the Government and Attorney-General’s Department to expedite accountability in the killings and attacks on journalists, including Lasantha Wickrematunge, Upali Tennakoon and Keith Noyahr, and to ensure media safety. He also raised concerns about reported restrictions on an IMF-related university lecture, describing academic freedom as essential, and questioned the refusal of Human Rights Commission officials’ access to Rohingya refugees held at an Air Force camp, citing the Commission’s statutory powers. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the continued operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, arguing that it is being used beyond its original purpose and may conflict with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations. He asked the Government to state whether it will repeal, amend, or replace the PTA, and requested data on detentions, prosecutions, rehabilitation, releases, and safeguards concerning detention powers, arrest without warrant, and remand procedures. He also called for justice in the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge and attacks on media institutions, including Sirasa and Siyatha TV, urging accountability for those responsible. Procedural: Standing Order 27(2) Question and Exemption Motion Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa raised concern over a public allegation made the previous day that women working in Parliament frequently face sexual harassment, noting that no formal complaints had been received but the media coverage had affected staff, particularly four women in the Information Systems and Management Department. He requested that, under the guidance of the Board of Management, an investigation be conducted and a statement issued to clarify the facts and prevent injustice to parliamentary staff. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra asked what remedies or measures are available to students and student bodies when university administrations obstruct discussions. She also requested the relevant Minister’s position on such administrative interference with student discussions. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra raised a supplementary question referring to a World Socialist Web Site article alleging that a University of Peradeniya conference on opposing the IMF austerity programme was barred because it opposed Government policy and supposedly on ministerial instructions. She asked whether opposition to IMF austerity is considered contrary to Government policy. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper noted the 2024 mid-year recovery indicators but argued that growth remains fragile, citing weak agricultural performance, a widening trade deficit, reliance on tourism and remittances, rising tax burdens, higher VAT and excise duties, and the failure to pass on lower global oil prices. He criticized the Government for continuing policies it had previously opposed, including rice import taxes and IMF-aligned fiscal measures, while presenting earlier fiscal outcomes as its own achievements. He called for urgent infrastructure investment, particularly completion of the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway through possible Chinese grant assistance, and raised concerns over reduced rural road funding and damaged bridges in the East. He also linked human rights to economic standing, urging adherence to non-refoulement obligations for Rohingya refugees and warning against treating refugees as victims of human trafficking. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman informed Parliament that reports had emerged of harassment within the Information Systems and Management Department. He noted that Members had stated the issue exists, indicating concern for parliamentary attention. Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that after the Government assumed office, a new phase of investigations had begun and facts were reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2024 under case number B 35882/2024. He said investigations are ongoing, with statements recorded from 48 individuals, including civilians, Armed Forces personnel, police officers and prison officers, and emphasized that the process is being conducted more systematically. Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan asked the Minister whether, in relation to ongoing cases arising from previous Commission of Inquiry findings and police investigations, the Government would appoint a new commission or take other appropriate action if new evidence emerges. Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department and the Counter Terrorism and Investigation Division into the Easter attacks have led to 747 arrests, with indictments filed by the Attorney-General in 41 High Court cases against nearly 100 suspects. He said further investigations are continuing, including into matters raised in the Channel 4 programme and subsequent inquiries, and that future legal action will depend on their findings. Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) Read →