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- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda questioned the Government’s progress on delivering justice for the Easter Sunday attacks, citing the President’s earlier pledge to identify the mastermind within a year. He alleged that investigations were being politically directed against former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay while ignoring allegations involving Ravi Seneviratne, Shani Abeysekera, State Minister Aruna Jayasekara, and National List MP Mohamed Ibrahim. He tabled Hon. Udaya Gammanpila’s book “Finding the Mastermind of the Easter Attack” and called for the removal of officials with alleged conflicts from the investigative process to ensure accountability for the real perpetrators. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister said the Easter attacks should be addressed by ensuring non-recurrence through stronger national security and social cohesion, rather than by politicising communal fears. He argued that previous political forces used narratives of LTTE resurgence and Islamist extremism to promote chauvinist politics, while the current Government is pursuing inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony, equality before the law, and non-discrimination. He stated that independent investigations have been revived, prior inquiry reports and recommendations are being reviewed, legal action has begun against responsible persons, and intelligence reforms are being implemented, citing the prevention of a recent planned incident in Arugam Bay. He also criticised former Cabinet members involved in the debate for questioning current actions despite allegedly failing to act responsibly on intelligence at the time. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala requested Hon. Rasamanickam to provide details regarding the journalist he had mentioned. He stated that a formal investigation would be conducted once the information is received. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the Government’s investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks and urged the Public Security Minister to examine alleged links between former intelligence and police personnel, Pillayan, Rohan Gunaratna, and individuals he named as connected to information flows and possible obstruction of inquiries. He requested investigations into several related incidents, including the alleged killing of Army intelligence officer Adam Lebbe Mohamed Riyas, murders in Kattankudy and Eravur, and inconsistencies regarding “Sara Jasmine” and DNA evidence. He also asked that evidence be properly recorded and preserved to avoid failed prosecutions, and called for an inquiry into alleged police mistreatment of journalist Sulochana Ramaiya. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Investigations into the matter involving Zahran are said to be proceeding properly, with evidence indicating that an individual or group may have directed him. Due to the sensitivity of the case and ongoing trials, details will not be disclosed in Parliament, but progress reports will be submitted to court and a complete investigation was assured. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister reviewed the ongoing investigations and prosecutions connected to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, stating that the attacks formed part of a conspiracy planned since 2017 by Zahran Hashim’s group and were linked to earlier incidents including the Vavunativu police murders, Mawanella statue attacks, Wanathavilluwa explosives discovery and related attacks. He said renewed investigations had corrected earlier misdirection in the Vavunativu case, led to recovery of police weapons, and resulted in PTA detentions and the arrest of retired Maj. Gen. Suresh Sallay over alleged conspiracy, abetment, prior knowledge and obstruction of exposure of those responsible. He criticized previous administrations for failing to investigate the mastermind and for actions that allegedly obstructed CID work, while stating that the current government is pursuing investigations with assistance from international agencies including Scotland Yard, the FBI, the Australian Federal Police and INTERPOL. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman argued that unresolved evidence from the Easter Sunday investigations indicates possible handlers or a wider conspiracy behind Zahran’s group, and criticised attempts to close the matter by blaming Zahran alone. He said members of the Muslim community had been stigmatized and wrongfully accused, citing withdrawn cases against Rishad and Riyaj Bathiudeen and the acquittal of Abu Bakkar, whom he urged the Minister to reinstate with arrears and to investigate who allegedly framed him. He also questioned the fate of “Sara Jasmine,” referred to recent claims that she did not die at Saindamarudu, and called for clarification of the role of Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekera, suggesting he should step aside if the State is investigating the State. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned reported contradictions between three DNA tests concerning “Sara Jasmine,” noting that a third test indicated her existence while the first two did not. He called for an impartial investigation focused on justice and truth, without politically motivated targeting of individuals. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa called for transparent, depoliticized investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks and related incidents, with assistance from Scotland Yard, the FBI and other international bodies. He raised a series of questions on the Vavunativu police killings, alleged intelligence links and investigative interference, communications involving Zahran and others, the Saindamarudu blast, “Sara Jasmine” DNA evidence, the Galanigama lorry incident, and foreign warnings before the attacks. He also sought clarification on findings of previous committees and the roles of officials, including the then Eastern Province Governor, and urged that all those involved be identified and given maximum punishment. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition moved an adjournment motion calling for all investigative reports on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks to be made public and for justice to be pursued through independent, transparent processes, including assistance from agencies such as Scotland Yard and the FBI. He reiterated earlier demands for the identification and prosecution of the masterminds and raised a series of specific matters for inquiry, including the Vavunativu police killings, alleged intelligence links and obstructed investigations, the actions of Jameel before the attacks, the Saindamarudu blast, and the conflicting claims about “Sara Jasmine.” He said the purpose should be to establish the truth and secure accountability for victims, not to use investigations for political advantage or vendettas. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe called for legal action against those promoting racism and urged attention to efforts he said were harming inter-ethnic harmony. He questioned the Government’s failure to reveal the alleged masterminds of the Easter Sunday attacks despite election pledges, and called for full disclosure of inquiry findings and a fair investigation leading to prosecutions. He said the Muslim community condemned the attacks but was subjected to arrests, discrimination, and communal vilification afterward, and urged action against individuals he accused of spreading racism or obstructing independent investigations. He also noted Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s continued calls for justice and said public confidence requires the present Government to bring all responsible parties before the law. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe spoke during consideration of regulations under the Army, Navy and Air Force Acts and a Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance. He urged the Ministers of Public Security and Justice to identify and take action against individuals openly inciting racism. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about media freedom and transparency at District Coordinating Committee meetings, arguing that discussions on local development and official matters should reach the public. He alleged that Minister Ramalingam Chandraseker switched off his microphone when he spoke about corruption in Kilinochchi, and also referred to a prior suspension of his parliamentary media access following a complaint by Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, which he said was found to be wrongful by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the Government’s response to issues at archaeological sites is guided by the Antiquities Ordinance, while noting that Cabinet approval has been sought to amend the Antiquities Ordinance and the Central Cultural Fund Act due to limitations in the current legal framework. He emphasized balancing religious practices with heritage protection, citing restrictions such as flash photography at Sigiriya, and said instructions had been given to the Department of Archaeology regarding Nelukal. He also asked Members to examine when disputed shops were built and who approved them, stating that the Government would act according to law while seeking mutual understanding. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary No permissions have been granted for the alleged target of 38 temples, and the Department of Archaeology’s role at Kurundikulam is limited to the declared 78-acre archaeological protected area and proposed re-gazetting of 229 surrounding acres, not fisheries or tank administration. Vedukkunar Malai, within a forest reserve, is being processed for declaration as an archaeological reserve, with identified Buddhist monuments supported by early cave inscriptions and legal action already initiated against unauthorized constructions. The Minister emphasized that religious observances may continue, but any damage, alteration or displacement of antiquities is prohibited under the Antiquities Ordinance, and archaeological heritage should be protected as national heritage belonging to all communities. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question alleging discriminatory and exclusionary practices by the Department of Archaeology affecting Hindu and Christian religious sites in the North and East. He sought ministerial clarification on restrictions, land access, new or regularized Buddhist constructions, alleged military or State support, and community consultation at sites including Koneswaram, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai, Kuchchaveli, Kurundurmalai, Vedukkunari Malai and Thaiyiddy. He asked the Government to state the legal and historical basis for these actions, restore access and worship rights, remove biased restrictions, and halt measures he said could alter local demography. He also requested that Archaeology Department communications in Batticaloa be issued in Tamil and that Tamil-speaking officers be retained or appointed. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the relevant matters raised in parts (a)(i) to (iii) were all affirmed. He said a committee chaired by retired Court of Appeal Judge Ruwan Fernando, including representatives of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, was appointed on 29 August 2025 to study the issue and recommend necessary amendments. The committee is expected to submit its report to him before 1 June 2026, and he indicated that part (c) does not arise. Written Answers to Questions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration about the amendment to Section 9(a) of the Civil Procedure Code made by Act No. 43 of 2024, questioning whether allowing cases to be filed in the District Court based on the plaintiff’s residence is inappropriate. He noted the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s request to restore the previous legal position and asked for the current progress on the promised corrective amendment, or reasons if no action has been taken. Written Answers to Questions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration responded to a question on the Debt Conciliation Board, confirming that a committee had reported on 15 July 2025 and that a Technical Committee was appointed on 22 September 2025 to review existing procedures, proposed amendments, and implementation of recommendations. He stated that legal amendments are expected following that review and provided the composition of both committees and the current Debt Conciliation Board structure, including the main board and branch boards. He also reported that the Board has 19 members, 40 staff members, and an allocation of Rs. 98 million. Written Answers to Questions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera submitted a written question to the Minister of Justice and National Integration on the July 2025 committee report reviewing the Debt Conciliation Ordinance and its procedures. He sought details on whether the report was received, the committee’s membership, its main recommendations, administrative actions taken, proposed legal amendments and their progress, as well as the current composition, staffing, and 2026 allocation of the Debt Conciliation Board. Written Answers to Questions Read →