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- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala challenged claims made by the Opposition, alleging they were spreading falsehoods about a legal case filed at the Labour Tribunal. He acknowledged that the case did not succeed, but questioned why damages would have been paid if the case had been lost and asked for clarification on what was actually paid and where any such adverse judgment existed. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala rejected Opposition allegations regarding the coal tender, stating that the Government followed open tender procedures and the lowest evaluated bid principle, as with the gas tender. He argued that the motion contained incorrect figures on Lakvijaya’s coal requirement and said claims about money being sent to a Minister’s relative or a court finding against the Minister had not been substantiated with evidence. He maintained that any technical issues in the tender were being addressed, that liquidated damages would fall on the supplier, and that institutions such as CIABOC, the Attorney-General’s Department and the CID were acting independently and equally under the Government. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s handling of CEB employee promotions, citing more than 550 pending promotions, a 2025 circular halting new recruitment, and Labour Department recommendations, and tabled related documents. He criticized the Government for failing to deliver promised electricity tariff reductions and for proposing additional levies for street and public lighting. He alleged irregularities in recent coal procurement, arguing that South African coal cargoes were of low quality based on Norochcholai generation and consumption data, and asked whether the cargoes achieved 300 MW per unit and the standard 0.37 kg/kWh consumption rate. He called for a transparent investigation into coal procurement and said consumers should not bear resulting costs through higher tariffs. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged that the Inspector General of Police be contacted to ensure those involved in crimes are investigated, arrested, and dealt with under the rule of law. He stated that the Opposition would fully support such enforcement action. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa rejected allegations that his party promotes or supports underworld activity, stating that it opposes murder, robbery and corruption. He asked that the Inspector General of Police be directed to investigate those involved in such activities and bring them before the law, pledging his party’s support for such action. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - State Minister (Public Security) JJB AI summary The State Minister said authorities have analysed communications where politicians or close relatives are allegedly linked to criminal dealings, and that arrests will not be made without sufficient intelligence. He criticized the appointment of persons with direct links to criminals to political office and urged cross-party cooperation against organized crime and drugs. On a separate CID summons issue, he said the Senior DIG was not aware of any such summons, but he would re-check and report back while withholding details that could affect investigations. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said he had specific information that the CID’s Special Investigation Unit 2 had summoned several individuals from Dhenagama to record statements on 20 February 2026, citing names, times and the issuing officer. He questioned why messages were being conveyed to him regarding alleged wrongdoing by two SJB politicians, stating that authorities should investigate and take action directly if crimes are suspected. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said the Opposition supports pursuing and punishing criminals within the law, but objected to PSC Chairpersons and recipients of character certificates being summoned to the CID after he raised the issue in Parliament. He urged the Government to focus on arresting criminals and strengthening law and order, public safety, national security and the rule of law. He proposed a new community-centred security programme involving all communities beyond political, ethnic, religious, caste or class divisions to help prevent and uproot criminal activity. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought clarification on the Government’s plan to recruit 10,000 police personnel against 35,116 vacancies and proposed increasing recruitment further in view of law and order, public security, justice, rule of law and national security concerns. He expressed support for community policing and action against criminals, but alleged that Public Security Committees were being appointed in a partisan manner and that their chairpersons were being used to provide recommendations for police reports and character certificates, which he said could obstruct effective crime prevention. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that current controversy could have been avoided if cases from the 2015–2020 period had been properly prosecuted. He also requested order in the House so he could read out answers, and asked Hon. Ajith P. Perera to be seated. Oral Question: Drug Raids and Asset Seizures (Q.1649/2025) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala provided a detailed list of individuals whose assets had been suspended or frozen in connection with narcotics and organized crime investigations. He identified properties, vehicles, boats, bank accounts and cash holdings, with stated values ranging from under Rs. 1 million to hundreds of millions of rupees, including cases where valuation was still pending. He said the listed assets had been deactivated or frozen accordingly as part of the relevant enforcement action. Oral Question: Drug Raids and Asset Seizures (Q.1649/2025) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister stated that he would respond only to supplementary questions arising from the main question and limited his answer to the requested statistics rather than individual cases. He declined to address individual matters and added a political remark referring to conduct during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked why approximately 42 corruption-related cases, allegedly withdrawn against powerful individuals including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, had not been refiled despite a presidential election promise. He questioned whether the delay was due to fear, political arrangements, or other obstacles. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised the issue of case selection, indicating concern about how cases are chosen or prioritized. No further details, proposals, or questions were provided in the excerpt. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that his first supplementary question had not been answered and specifically asked whether the case involving Gotabaya Rajapaksa would be recommenced. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Permanent High Courts-at-Bar remain operational, with case assignments handled by the Judicial Service Commission and the Chief Justice, and trial-at-bar references decided by the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice. He said the Ministry of Justice is responsible for infrastructure, including seven additional High Courts, and assured that recruitment of stenographers and support staff would enable more expeditious hearings by mid-year. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera referred to the 2018 Judicature Amendment and the establishment of Permanent High Courts-at-Bar for day-to-day trials in serious cases, stating that such references are made on the gravity of offences with the Chief Justice’s approval. He questioned why the part-heard case against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over alleged use of public funds for his parents’ memorial, withdrawn during his presidency due to immunity, has not been recommenced after that immunity ended. He asked whether the Government has discussed the matter with the Attorney-General and what steps will be taken to re-file and proceed with the case. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on the Permanent High Court-at-Bar, citing Section 127C(1)(a) of the Judicature (Amendment) Act, No. 9 of 2018 and stating it commenced on 4 July 2018. He provided case statistics for the two courts, including pending and concluded matters, and listed currently active cases with next hearing dates. He said the Government expects to re-establish the FCID and anticipates more bribery and corruption cases, while seven additional High Courts are planned, including five at Hulftsdorp, to function as trial-at-bar or single-judge courts to expedite proceedings. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration for details on the legal basis, commencement date, case backlog, concluded cases, and annual filings of the three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court in Colombo. He also sought clarification on whether the court’s anti-corruption proceedings had become defunct and what steps were being taken to expedite bribery, financial crime, and corruption cases. Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment), stating that it strengthens penalties for methamphetamine offences and closes legal gaps for prosecuting drug interdictions on the high seas. He outlined the Government’s anti-drug programme, including supply-chain action against international traffickers, district-level public security committees, voluntary rehabilitation centres, measures to destroy seized drugs promptly, possible bail restrictions for traffickers, and asset freezes under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He also criticised Opposition claims about drug prevalence, court access, and other allegations, arguing that the Government is implementing a comprehensive enforcement and rehabilitation strategy. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →