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 April 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake supported the intent of proposed Standing Order amendments but argued that existing COPE and COPA mechanisms under Parliament’s fiscal powers should be corrected and expedited rather than creating a new process. He raised concern that public officers are deterred from taking discretionary decisions due to overlapping scrutiny from audit, anti-corruption and law enforcement bodies, and urged that international recommendations be adapted to Sri Lankan conditions. He also called for urgent scrutiny of Central Bank bank supervision following reported irregularities at NDB, references to Cargills Bank and Sampath Bank matters, and questioned the role of CBSL supervisory and audit functions, requesting ministerial and Cabinet attention to strengthen bank balance sheets and the supervisory framework. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised a question of parliamentary privilege, stating that police correspondence and a Senior DIG report had confirmed an assassination plot against him by organised criminals, but that his police protection was later withdrawn. He tabled related documents and alleged the withdrawal occurred contrary to directions from the Speaker and Defence Minister, while noting pending Fundamental Rights and damages proceedings. He denied claims that he had organised a bus strike and requested an investigation, summoning of those responsible, and safeguards to prevent similar action affecting other Members. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary COPE’s Chair reported that the Committee had held 29 meetings over the past year and examined 21 public enterprises based on audit observations from 2022–2024, identifying instances where financial regulations and procedures may have been manipulated or overridden. He argued that referring wrongdoing for investigation does not undermine the public service, but protects lawful officials and addresses possible political or administrative interference. He proposed amendments to Standing Orders 119 and 120 to allow COPE and COPA, after Parliament considers their reports, to directly refer prima facie serious matters to the CID or the Bribery Commission for further investigation and due process. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the anti-doping regulations while recalling past institutional strengthening of Sri Lanka’s anti-doping apparatus. He raised concerns over the National Olympic Committee’s failure to hold a 2025 AGM, pass a 2026 Budget, and submit the 2024 audit report, and alleged financial irregularities and misuse of ethics procedures to disqualify election candidates, calling for an immediate ministerial investigation. He also congratulated the men’s hockey team on recent success but criticized the current reimbursement system for overseas sports travel, arguing that athletes should receive airfare and accommodation support in advance. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary During debate on fiscal and regulatory measures, Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about alleged intimidation of Tamil university students and ITAK officials, citing police and TID summonses issued to named individuals and submitting related letters to the Chair. He also objected to an attempted survey of about 30 acres in Oorvanikanpathu, Iyakkachchi, which he said are ancestral lands occupied by the Army after displacement, and submitted a petition from residents. He asked why the Government was continuing land surveys and military-linked land acquisition in a post-war context and called for the immediate release of the land to its owners. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the names in the two Gazettes issued by former President Maithripala Sirisena in December 2016 did not include any names from Gazette No. 123 issued during British administration. She noted that the names referred to by the Member appear in a different Gazette and include many differing or duplicate names not found in the Sirisena-era Gazettes, and said the matter requires further investigation before a decision is taken. Ministry Statement: Direct Ferry Service between Mannar and India Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya answered a question on persons declared traitors by British colonial authorities, noting that the seven Muslim leaders referred to were among 190 leaders named in the British Gazette No. 123 of 7 June 1804. She stated that the 2016 and 2017 Gazettes issued by former President Maithripala Sirisena did not appear to include any of those 190 names, and that further action would follow after confirmation from historical experts. She tabled the annexed details and placed them in the Library. Ministry Statement: Direct Ferry Service between Mannar and India Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe (on behalf of the Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy) JJB AI summary Darmapriya Wijesinghe, on behalf of Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy, asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for annual data from 2020 onward on cybercrime complaints involving offences against women, both island-wide and in the Northern Province. He sought district-wise figures for Northern Province complaints received through official Government reporting portals or police cyber units, and details of measures to improve reporting access and victim support services for rural women, particularly in the Northern Province. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Refers to the Human Rights Commission staying certain transfers. No further details, reasons, or requests are provided in the statement. Oral Question: School Safety - Abuse and Violence in Educational Institutions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about poor educational performance and teacher shortages in Kilinochchi and other northern districts, noting that many teachers seek transfers to Jaffna. He referred to the Governor’s recent transfer of 190 teachers to Kilinochchi under “service exigency,” which was stayed by the Human Rights Commission, and said over 360 teachers had reportedly been transferred from Kilinochchi to Jaffna. He asked the Prime Minister to clarify the situation and address the impact on staffing in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar. Oral Question: School Safety - Abuse and Violence in Educational Institutions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary A total of 1,026 incidents of abuse and violence were reported, resulting in 425 school dropouts and 6 suicides. The response outlined measures including strengthened school counselling, activation of attendance committees, teacher and principal training on professional ethics, coordination with child protection, social services and police authorities, and awareness programmes for school communities and parents. The Minister also noted the issuance of Circular No. 11/2026, reaffirming the Supreme Court ruling in FR 461/2012 prohibiting corporal punishment and any physical or mental harm to children, and said a common action plan is being developed with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs following an expert review. Oral Question: School Safety - Abuse and Violence in Educational Institutions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for annual data from 2015 onward on reported abuse and violence in government and private schools. She also sought separate figures on related school dropouts and suicides, details of measures taken in response, and the steps being implemented to prevent abuse and violence within the school system. Oral Question: School Safety - Abuse and Violence in Educational Institutions Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected criticism that the Government had neglected the Chemmani mass grave investigation, stating that while only 15 remains were recovered from 1999 to 2024, 224 had been recovered since the current Government gained a parliamentary majority in November 2024, under judicial and official supervision. He said arrests in decades-old cases must follow proper procedure, that excavations at Chemmani were expected to resume on 20 April, and that investigations would also cover other mass graves such as Matale. He also referred to Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu, welcomed reported proposals in India to grant them citizenship, and noted past parliamentary action to provide Sri Lankan citizenship to stateless persons. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is committed to securing justice and closure for families of missing persons across all regions, while acknowledging the pain related to disappearances at the end of the war in 2009. He said concerns about appointments to the Office for Reparations would be raised in appropriate forums, and noted that the CTUR Act has been referred to the Law Commission because some provisions conflict with the Office for Reparations Act and the OMP Act. He affirmed that disappearances and killings would be addressed under local criminal law, with new laws if needed, and said the Government is seeking international expertise, assistance and training to support enforcement over the coming years. Oral Question: Accountability for Disappeared Persons and UNHRC Engagement Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam challenged the Government’s response on wartime disappearances, arguing that official figures are far below estimates cited by Tamil communities and international organizations, and questioned why internationally recognized DNA testing has not been permitted for remains from sites such as Chemmani. He said victims reject domestic mechanisms and criticized the Government’s emphasis on reparations, welfare, and the Office on Missing Persons without addressing justice, accountability, or a judicial process. He asked whether the Government is categorically opposed to any international accountability mechanism and, if it proceeds domestically, where alleged perpetrators would be tried. Oral Question: Accountability for Disappeared Persons and UNHRC Engagement Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations have been strengthened through new recruitment, budget allocations and Cabinet approval to extend the OMP mandate to cases beyond 2000 and newly reported complaints. He said Rs. 375 million has been allocated for a 75-member inquiry panel, with plans to complete 5,000 complaints this year and 6,000 next year, while referring identified perpetrators to relevant authorities. He outlined OMP work on mass grave cases, forensic training, database development, Certificates of Absence, regional outreach and family engagement. He also described the legal framework and activities of the Office for Reparations, including revival payments to 4,456 claimants by end-2025 and collective reparation initiatives in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Oral Question: Accountability for Disappeared Persons and UNHRC Engagement Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government recognizes that many persons remain unaccounted for after the final stages of the conflict, but noted that figures vary due to differing records and methodologies, citing 2,764 based on records since 2009 while acknowledging it is debatable. He outlined steps by the Office on Missing Persons, with ICRC support, to consolidate records, develop a comprehensive database, strengthen data collection and coordination, and build forensic capacity for mass grave investigations. On the Chemmani mass grave and other sites, he said investigations are being conducted under judicial supervision with allocated funding, trained personnel, forensic procedures and international technical support. He rejected the UN’s SLAP initiative as an external mechanism not accepted by Sri Lanka, and said the Government is strengthening the OMP after a period of insufficient political support. Oral Question: Accountability for Disappeared Persons and UNHRC Engagement Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the Minister of Justice and National Integration on accountability for missing persons from the final stages of the 2009 conflict, citing the UNHRC Core Group statement and families’ rejection of domestic mechanisms. He sought detailed information on missing persons estimates, the absence of a consolidated database, Chemmani and other mass grave investigations, international forensic assistance, the use of Sri Lanka Accountability Project evidence, and the work of the Office on Missing Persons and Office for Reparations. He also asked whether the Government would commit to a time-bound accountability process with international involvement and raised concerns over the lack of forensic analysis at Chemmani and the non-release or non-recognition of political prisoners. Oral Question: Accountability for Disappeared Persons and UNHRC Engagement Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri called for an investigation, noting that Article 54 specifies the manner in which the relevant provision should be enforced. Oral Question: Migrant Workers Hardship Statistics (Q.24/2024) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda criticized the Government for relying on QR and odd-even fuel management systems it had previously opposed, and said implementation remained inadequate despite an existing template. He called for improved fuel allocations for three-wheelers, agriculture, logistics, tourism, fisheries and generators, and urged delivery of the promised April 2025 goods basket if funds are available. He condemned an incident involving a German national berating nurses at Karapitiya and requested diplomatic action, while also raising concerns about reported Army-linked commercial activities and accounts allegedly removed from Auditor General scrutiny, calling for oversight and rectification. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →