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- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera responded to remarks made in his absence, clarifying that his earlier reference was to naval cadets on a ship near Sri Lanka and that the number was later identified as 208 rather than about 300. He said his position was that they should be brought to port and assisted on humanitarian grounds, irrespective of nationality, and thanked the President for ultimately taking that action. He criticized opposing calls not to admit them as inhumane. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the President’s reported reference to Sri Lanka as “hundu” and questioned the effectiveness of government initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” while expressing concern about the use of emergency powers and CID action against online content creators. He alleged continuing irregularities and misconduct in hospitals and mortuaries, citing the case of a deceased 23-year-old woman from Hatton, delays in post-mortems, and unresolved inquiries relating to Akkaraipattu Base Hospital. He also raised concerns over coal-related controversies, the absence of protests under the current Government, the reported refuge sought by two Vadamarachchi fishermen in India, and requested an in-depth inquiry into a boat capsize near Palaithivu that caused three deaths. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a procedural objection that the Emergency Gazette should have been presented with its applicable regulations and said the House should not permit repeated lapses. He argued that due process was being applied unevenly, contrasting the bribery proceedings against Ranil Wickremesinghe with those against Minister Kumara Jayakody, and cited High Court case HCB 481/2026 and Bribery Commission file 1059/2015. He also alleged misuse of the PTA in Mr. Saleh’s case, noting uncertainty over his suspect status despite detention, and called for equal application of the law and an end to such practices. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported continued investigations to bring those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks to justice, while distinguishing that from broader use of emergency and anti-terrorism powers. He condemned war in general, referred to the Gulf conflict and Sri Lanka’s own history of oppression and conflict, and rejected attempts to blame India over the reported sinking of an Iranian warship, noting India’s role as a first responder in crises. He argued that the Prevention of Terrorism Act had been misused against communities and political movements, warned against using it to suppress public protests, and demanded its repeal while accepting its use only against those genuinely connected to the Easter attacks. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s handling of a recent maritime and diplomatic incident involving India, Iran and the United States, questioning the Navy Commander’s responsibility and urging greater assertion of Sri Lanka’s interests while expressing relief that a second ship was saved. He questioned the timing and purpose of emergency measures in the context of Easter Sunday attack investigations, citing unresolved claims of a “grand conspiracy.” He also called for investigations or corrective action regarding alleged forged deeds in UDA land payments, cancellation of 700 small sand mining permits in Trincomalee in favour of one company, unfair allocation of JICA training opportunities, and inadequate planning for gas supplies. He urged the Government to heed Opposition warnings and convene Parliament collectively during national crises. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran acknowledged the potential impact of Middle East instability on Sri Lanka’s fuel, foreign exchange, employment, tourism and maritime sectors, and said MPs from the North and East would support measures to protect the country from global economic shocks. However, he opposed extending emergency regulations under Gazette 2477/46, warning that extraordinary powers must not be used to restrict peaceful protests, Tamil political expression, land rights campaigns or demands relating to the disappeared, political prisoners and wartime accountability. He highlighted the families of the forcibly disappeared in Mullaitivu entering their tenth year of protest, and urged that any use of emergency powers align national security with citizens’ rights and equal protection. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala opposed the motion to extend the emergency, arguing that the Government had not presented concrete reasons and that normal laws and administrative mechanisms were sufficient for public security, disaster relief, and service delivery. He alleged that the extension was intended to suppress public demands, trade union action, and democratic dissent, including concerns raised by village-level officials following the “Dittu” cyclone, and tabled a related letter. He also urged the Government to address substantive issues such as alleged substandard coal imports affecting the Norochcholai power plant and the risk of a wider power crisis. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister to investigate an alleged fraud involving funds for a Children and Women protection centre. He cited claims that Rs. 49.8 million had been received for tenders and procurements, but only about Rs. 12 million worth of goods had been purchased, leaving around Rs. 35 million unaccounted for, and referred to alleged involvement of senior police officers while requesting that the matter be ascertained and acted upon. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Asked whether the proposed upper age limit of 75 years for Justices of the Peace is fair, given that the role is honorary and comparable public or legal functions, such as lawyers appearing in court and Governors serving, have no similar age bar. The question sought clarification on the rationale for imposing an age restriction on JPs. Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government is establishing a new mechanism to depoliticize Justice of the Peace appointments, following large numbers of appointments made near elections. He stated that existing appointments will not be cancelled wholesale, but a modern database will be created with biennial data updates, certification through Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretariat channels, and complaint mechanisms via WhatsApp, email and telephone. The system will also allow verification of a JP’s seal and identity. Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi asked whether the Ministry could extend regulation of Justices of the Peace beyond appointments made after 2025 to review all existing appointees, given concerns that many past appointments were political and that the total number may approach one million. He proposed a robust verification mechanism to confirm qualifications, capacity, and authenticity of current JPs, citing difficulties in verifying JP stamps on documents at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration said a formal system for appointing and guiding Justices of the Peace has been introduced from 2025, including an updated handbook available online and by QR code. He stated that 66,315 JPs have been appointed since 2013, though records cannot distinguish appointment categories, and that about 40,000 vacancies were identified using a new methodology based on population density and terrain, with 500–750 appointments being issued monthly since June 2025. He outlined new minimum educational, age, health, and integrity requirements, complaint mechanisms for public accountability, and formal training for new appointees from November 2025. Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration for details on the appointment and training of Justices of the Peace in Sri Lanka. He sought confirmation on whether some JPs lack adequate training, requested figures for Whole Island and jurisdiction-specific appointments and annual new appointments, and asked what compulsory qualifications and formal training apply to new appointees, including reasons if such training is not provided. Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Adjournment Motion on recognizing women’s unpaid care work and preparing a National Care Policy, linking it to International Women’s Day and the theme of rights, justice and action for women and girls. She outlined government measures including the establishment of a Women’s Commission under the Women’s Empowerment law, proposed reforms to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, amendments enabling women’s night work, recognition of sexual bribery under the Anti-Corruption Act, and microfinance regulation to protect affected women. She also noted programmes for low-income women and women-headed households, and said the Ministry is working to professionalize caregiving and recognize care work as economically valuable human-capital development. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the Adjournment Motion on International Women’s Day, arguing that Sri Lanka must move from rhetorical support for women’s equality to practical measures, including improved political representation and protection from violence. He cited past conflict-related abuses, disappearances and unresolved justice claims affecting women, and urged accountability for cases involving figures such as Sandhya Eknaligoda and the family of Lasantha Wickrematunge. He also called for urgent action on human-elephant conflict in Batticaloa after recent deaths of women in their homes. Additionally, he requested appointments for B.Ed. graduates, pension-related relief for long-serving volunteer teachers appointed late, promotions for sports officers, and the filling of vacancies. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva argued that Sri Lanka’s political representation of women is inconsistent with their majority share of the population, noting their low presence in Parliament and local government and calling for reforms to increase women’s political power. He highlighted the economic contributions of women in tea, garments and overseas employment, while questioning whether they receive fair social, economic and cultural benefits. He focused particularly on women with disabilities, describing their exclusion from representation, education, employment and family life, and called for equal and, where necessary, affirmative rights to address economic, patriarchal and disability-based barriers. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy marked Women’s Day by urging the Government to protect the environment as part of safeguarding women’s dignity and health. He raised concerns about dense black smoke and ash emissions from the Norochcholai coal power plant, alleging substandard coal combustion and possible removal of filtration systems, and said communities in Kalpitiya and surrounding areas were being harmed. He requested a statement to Parliament on decisions taken to control emissions and mitigate environmental damage. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana said the Government is reviewing the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, No. 34 of 2005, and the National Child Protection Authority Act, No. 50 of 1998, to update them in light of social and technological changes and strengthen protections for women and children. He noted that steps are being taken to establish the Women’s Commission under the Women’s Commission Act, No. 37 of 2024, including providing premises, staff, and budgetary support, with a mandate that includes formulating a National Women’s Policy. He also marked the forthcoming International Women’s Day by acknowledging women’s contributions to rights advocacy and the role of women Members of Parliament. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman urged the Government to investigate allegations involving the mortuary of a major Government hospital in Nuwara Eliya following the death of a young woman, and requested the Prime Minister’s direct supervision and a formal position at the next sitting. He raised concerns that plantation-area children are being denied access to preschools or that civil society-run preschools are being taken over by estate management, and called for intervention by the Women and Children’s Affairs Ministry. He also asked the Government to implement an earlier Cabinet decision to bring plantation residential areas under State control, publish the Gazette and agreement on estate wage increases, and ensure that casual and private-sector workers are covered fairly. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam sought information on investigations into alleged wartime and post-war abuses, including matters raised in Channel 4 broadcasts and the 2014 Nedunkerni killings of Selvanayagam Kajeeban, Sundaralingam Kajeeban and Navaratnam Navaneethan. He asked which authorities are investigating those deaths, what findings have been made, and whether alleged State-linked groups such as the “Islamic Centre” and “Tripoli Platoon” were supplied with arms by the Government. He further requested that official records on weapons issued, recovered or returned be tabled, linking the questions to the detention of Suresh Sallay and to recent weapons recoveries in Batticaloa District. Oral Question (Standing Order 27(2)): Justice and Accountability for State-Connected Violations - Deferred Read →