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- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan questioned whether the Colombo Port City has met its original expectations of becoming a high-tech and fintech-driven economic hub, and asked how much it has contributed to Sri Lanka’s recovery while noting concerns over sovereignty and past large-scale infrastructure projects. He called for practical development plans, legal reforms, and early realization of public benefits and revenue from the Port City. He also raised issues including fuel and possible power shortages, hoarding of agricultural inputs, disparities in dengue assistant appointments, the TID summons of the Jaffna University Students’ Union President, and the need to apply security laws in a rights-respecting manner. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth questioned why restrictions on Muslim religious rights and institutions continue in the aftermath of the Zaharan incident. He raised concerns that Qur’an translations remain unreleased, madrasas and mosques on State lands are being asked to obtain leases while other religious institutions receive grants, and routine administrative processes such as registration updates, grading, and name or address changes have been halted. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on Development Officers, arguing that graduates recruited to these posts were placed in a cadre without adequate legal arrangements, service minutes, duties, grading, promotions, or career prospects. He urged the Government to create a lawful framework, with Attorney General’s advice, to absorb or regularize them and provide at least a basic path for their future. He also offered to assist in developing such a framework, citing the hardship faced by many Development Officers and their families. Adjournment Debate: Status of Development Officers and Parliament Adjournment Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns over a remuneration anomaly under the Anti-Corruption Act, arguing that the CIABOC Director General’s salary being made comparable to the President of the Court of Appeal could create inappropriate parity with senior judicial officeholders and asking that the matter be reviewed with the Management Services Department. He then referred to the Iran-Israel conflict, thanked a Minister for attributing its escalation to a US–Mossad strike, and criticized the President, Foreign Minister and Muslim MPs for not condemning it or expressing condolences. He called on Muslim MPs to boycott the President’s Iftar in protest and urged prayers for the war to end. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the resolution to strengthen the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, arguing that corruption and fraud were central causes of Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy and that the Commission needs adequate staffing and facilities, including 971 officers and salary provisions. He said the NPP Government is fulfilling its pledges, including the eradication of corruption, while managing economic recovery, natural disasters, refugee-related issues, and international humanitarian obligations. He also criticized the Opposition for alleged inconsistencies on issues such as the rescue of Iranian sailors and for lacking credibility on anti-corruption matters. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman argued that anti-corruption institutions were strengthened under the 2015–2019 Yahapalanaya Government and further in 2023, and said current prosecutions should acknowledge those earlier reforms. He alleged unequal treatment in CIABOC processes, questioning why a Minister facing indictment was not handled like other suspects, and asked why CIABOC had not acted on complaints involving containers, wind power, salt and garlic tenders, and coal procurement. He said the coal issue had caused major losses, fuel diversion, and possible power cuts, and demanded transparency and the Minister’s removal. He also criticized the Government’s current association with Sri Lanka Cricket officials whom its leaders had previously condemned while in Opposition. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara welcomed measures to strengthen CIABOC, including improved salaries, recruitment, and district-level anti-corruption programmes, while urging the Commission to act impartially on allegations against senior parliamentary officials. He raised concerns that complaints against the Speaker had not produced visible action, cited provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act relating to media responses by persons facing allegations, and requested action over interviews conducted within Parliament premises. He also referred to an alleged attempt to submit a Cabinet paper regarding the Speaker, and questioned the handling of a coal procurement controversy, including comments by the COPE Chair and technical issues at the Norochcholai power plant. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister moved approval under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, for the remuneration and service conditions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption’s staff, stating that this is necessary to establish an independent 971-member cadre. He said legal clarifications had confirmed that the State Finance Management Act does not restrict appointments under the Anti-Corruption Act, and outlined related anti-corruption measures including dedicated courtrooms, FATF-linked procedures, and improved investigative capacity. He also urged that allegations such as those concerning coal procurement be referred to the relevant independent authorities, cited recent action by the Commission as evidence of independence, and briefly referred to economic reserves, contingency planning amid Iran–US tensions, and resolving issues with the QR Code system. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that CIABOC is not under any ministry and that a ministry cannot determine its salaries. He said any salary-related issue could be discussed with the Prime Minister and, if necessary, with the President, who holds the relevant powers. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary As Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised the unresolved issue of salary parity for the CIABOC Chair and Commission members, noting that although it was accepted in 2023 that their salaries should be comparable to those of the President of the Court of Appeal, subsequent judicial salary increases had not been reflected for CIABOC. He stated that the matter requires parliamentary action rather than action by the Ministry of Finance, and asked whether the Government would honour the 2023 undertaking. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill for its Second Reading on 7 April 2026. The Bill was ordered to be printed and referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. Bills Presented and Points of Order Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj – Minister of Women and Child Affairs AI summary In response to a question, the Minister tabled details on children without parental care identified as high risk, stating that 13,521 such children were identified in 2025 and that individual care plans and support in areas such as education, nutrition, medical needs and emergency relief are being implemented. She said the National Policy on Alternative Care, child participation mechanisms, village-level Child Development Committees and awareness programmes support family-based care and child protection. The Minister also reported that 393 Child Rights Promotion Officers and Assistants are deployed through Divisional Secretariats to cover all Grama Niladhari Divisions, while noting cadre vacancies and a request to attach Development Officers to fill gaps. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara acknowledged that inadequate court facilities are unacceptable and said long-standing infrastructure issues in courts are being addressed systematically. Referring to the specific court raised, he stated that the work is expected to be completed within the year and that efforts will be made to move the court into the proper building, avoiding continued rent payments. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Lal Premanath requested urgent completion of the relevant court facility, stating that current court proceedings are being held at a location lacking basic sanitary facilities for the public, witnesses and sureties. He also noted that holding sittings at Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya has disrupted religious activities at the heavily visited temple. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister responded that the Morawaka court has operated since January 2021 in a rented building at Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya due to cracks and slope instability above the original court building, with a monthly rent of Rs. 440,000 and limited facilities. He said NBRO recommendations and updated designs have led to Cabinet-approved stabilization works, including reducing the retaining wall height and soil nailing, to be implemented with NBRO consultancy under an AIIB–Government of Sri Lanka funded landslide risk project. The work is expected to begin in April, be completed within six months, and allow repairs and reinstatement of the court in its original building by December. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked a supplementary question to the Minister, noting that public officers are typically barred from duties when indictments are filed against them. He asked whether, given indictments against the Minister, the Minister would continue in office or step down to allow justice to proceed. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Condolences were conveyed over a boat accident near Paalai Theevu in Kilinochchi District, in which two people died and more than ten were injured, with concern raised about alleged inadequate safety measures. The need to address unemployment in the North and East was emphasized, including by urgently developing the Kankesanthurai harbour using India’s USD 61 million grant and concluding related Sri Lanka-India MoUs on trade, transport, connectivity and investment. The speech criticized the Government’s stance on wartime accountability, arguing that Tamil civilian losses in Mullivaikkal and Vakarai remain unaddressed, and opposed emergency regulations and PTA-related investigations as continuing repression of Tamil youth and students. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda questioned the rationale for extending emergency regulations, arguing that the Government had not demonstrated that it could deliver justice or relief more effectively under emergency powers, including for those displaced by Cyclone “Ditwah.” He raised concerns about the Middle East crisis affecting tea exports, apparel, fuel, gas, tourism and the wider economy, and asked the Government to state its contingency plans and clarify the terms of a defence pact signed with the United States. He also criticized the arrest of former intelligence chief Mr. Salley while questioning the handling of Easter attacks investigations, and urged justice for the victims. He requested attention to the transfer of a female Ceylon Petroleum Corporation security officer with an autistic child and to postings of women police officers over 50 to distant districts. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam stated that his party would call for a Division and vote against extending the emergency regulations, arguing that the cyclone no longer justified emergency powers and that the extension was being used to restrict democratic activity. He said emergency rule had historically enabled abuses against Tamils, with continued militarization and lack of accountability in the North and East, citing the Allaipiddy killing as evidence of ongoing impunity. He also requested the Fisheries Minister to intervene with Indian authorities to secure the repatriation of two Jaffna fishermen rescued near Kachchativu and the return of their boat and property without legal action. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof welcomed the President’s remarks and urged the country to take a just position that promotes national unity. He called for the Government and Opposition to work without division in formulating and adopting a common action plan to address the challenges ahead. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →