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- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether the Government accepts that those responsible for the 2019 Easter attacks have not yet been brought before the law and that the Catholic Church and other religious leaders expect the masterminds and others involved to face justice soon. He sought clarification on whether steps will be taken to ensure accountability, justice and fairness for the victims, and if not, the reasons for inaction. Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 Persons Responsible for Easter Attack: Prosecution AI summary An oral question was raised regarding the prosecution of persons responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, seeking information on accountability measures and the status of legal action. The matter was framed in the context of Question for Oral Answer No. 251/2024, with an emphasis on the Government’s response to the attacks and progress in bringing those responsible before the law. Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Companies responsible for importing substandard medicines have been identified, and an internal investigation is under way into the importation process. Following a committee report on 66 patients who lost vision after cataract surgery at Nuwara Eliya General Hospital, the Cabinet decided to provide government compensation to the affected patients and to pursue legal action against those responsible for importing the medicine. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised a supplementary question on reported blindness and deaths linked to medicines used at Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital and the National Eye Hospital. He urged that institutions and importers responsible for the problematic medicine imports be blacklisted, penalized, and made to reimburse the State, seeking government intervention to prevent recurrence. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa stated that investigations have begun into alleged fraudulent activities by unregistered companies. He said that, following an internal inquiry, relevant findings and complaints are expected to be forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department. Oral Question: Software System for Management of Medicine Stocks (Q.236/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera questioned whether continued sale of the society’s properties could realistically repay depositors, noting that two land sales had yielded only about 10 per cent of the Rs. 1 billion owed and that four more sales would add only around 5 per cent. He asked what would happen to depositors and the society after the remaining lands were exhausted, and called for an immediate halt to the sale of these public assets. Oral Question: Maharagama Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (Q.233/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary The Minister said the Ministry is receiving many complaints about lending co-operative societies, including cases in several areas where large deposits have not been repaid, and identified legal gaps in accountability when deposits are misused. He stated that the Commissioner is using existing powers to appoint boards, manage assets and make limited repayments, but that stronger legal reforms are needed. He announced that no further lending societies will be registered under the Co-operative Development Department and said urgent inquiries, audits and legal action will be pursued to protect affected depositors, many of whom are pensioners and retirees. Oral Question: Maharagama Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (Q.233/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara urged the Minister to enforce existing MOH regulations through relevant authorities inspecting dispensaries, rather than placing the burden on the public. He raised concerns that indigenous and homeopathic practitioners are dispensing allopathic medicines without proper supervision, and called for the Ministry to take responsibility for implementing the law. Oral Question: Government Hospitals in Puttalam District Vacancies (Q.132/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that while multiple medical systems operate in Sri Lanka, practitioners must be properly registered with the relevant medical councils, and some registration and misuse issues remain. He said claims of 40,000 “quack” doctors may be exaggerated, but acknowledged unregistered practitioners exist and noted that raids are being conducted through Medical Officers of Health. He urged the public to report unregistered practitioners and said the authorities are prepared to take legal action, including cases already filed. Oral Question: Government Hospitals in Puttalam District Vacancies (Q.132/2024) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned whether the proposed Rs. 6,000 education grant would be sufficient to reduce school dropouts and urged the Minister to give special attention to students’ broader difficulties. He argued that the Government, despite its large mandate, should meet the public’s expectation for prompt change, noting that previous governments also lost public confidence after failing to deliver. He called on the Government to table details on COVID-19 forced cremations, particularly affecting the Muslim community, saying election promises on this issue should be fulfilled consistently with commitments to end racism. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that ethnic-based political identities arose because the idea of “Sri Lankan” had long been equated with Sinhala Buddhist majoritarianism, and that calls for a common national identity must be accompanied by concrete corrective action. He cited the disputed Tissa Viharaya at Thyiddy in Jaffna, alleging that the military illegally built it on six acres of private land under cover of a high security zone despite local objections and a Divisional Secretary’s report stating it lacked authority and permission. He tabled the 22 May 2023 report and demanded that the Government address the alleged illegal occupation and construction as a test of its commitment to equality and a genuine Sri Lankan identity. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa rejected allegations relating to his legal qualifications and Law College examination matters, stating that any claims should be investigated by the Law College and reported to Parliament and the public. He said his degree was from City, University of London and asked that it be verified through the Secretary-General if necessary, while calling for investigations into any alleged threats or pressure. He argued that the issue had been politicized over many years, damaged institutions including the Law College and Parliament, and requested that the relevant remarks be expunged from the Hansard. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe referred to ongoing investigations dating back to 2010 concerning an examination issue. He suggested that if the individual did not sit the exam alone, another person may have written the paper, noting that marks were obtained in the Commercial Law examination. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe reiterated allegations concerning Hon. Namal Rajapaksa’s Law College final-year examination in 2010, stating that a complainant, Mr. Tushara Jayaratne, is expected to pursue formal proceedings and provide evidence regarding the arrangements under which the exam was taken. He also clarified remarks about a rejected postgraduate application to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, saying the alleged threat was made by the Vice Chancellor, not by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa. He called for investigations into both matters, noting that complainants and Hon. Namal Rajapaksa could give evidence. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa rejected allegations made in his absence that his death threats caused a professor to leave the country and that complaints had been made about Law College examinations. He called on the Government to investigate any such threats or exam-related complaints, identify who made them and how they were communicated, and facilitate evidence from any person abroad if necessary with protection. He requested that the previous day’s statement be expunged from Hansard, arguing that unverified allegations under parliamentary privilege harm the Law College and the legal system. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna alleged irregularities and political influence in the appointment of Dr. Sathyamoorthy to an administrative post at the hospital, claiming it blocked opportunities for others. He requested that the complaints he was tabling be accepted, that politically influenced appointees be removed, and that an impartial inquiry be conducted, including into matters raised at DCC meetings. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about 170 volunteer health assistants at Jaffna Teaching Hospital who, he said, had worked for three years without proper contracts or promised pay and were later prevented from returning to work despite assurances from the Health Minister. He alleged mistreatment by the hospital administrator and police when he intervened as the elected MP for Jaffna, claiming this violated his parliamentary privileges and formed part of wider corruption and abuse in the Northern and Eastern health sectors. He tabled letters from the affected workers and urged justice for them. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake explained that Maga Neguma is technically and legally closed, with most employees having retired under a VRS or been compulsorily retired by the previous Government. He said 63 staff were retained to handle pending cases, assets, contractor payments, equipment, and possible transfer matters involving the Road Development Authority. He noted that arbitration costs are about Rs. 3 million per month and said any review would require examining court orders and resolving the matters lawfully after discussions. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that a barrister qualification obtained abroad does not by itself permit appearance in Sri Lankan courts, and that one must pass the local Attorneys-at-Law examination. He argued that “Barrister” is not an accepted local professional title for practice without conversion or local qualification, noting that the “Attorney” examination existed only before 1973. He suggested seeking clarification from the Council of Legal Education on the use of such titles in Sri Lanka. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana stated that he had legitimately completed medical training, internship, and registration before entering full-time politics after his father’s death. He rejected allegations or implications of fraud regarding his medical qualifications and said he could still pursue licensing examinations to practise medicine abroad. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →