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 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that, under the Code of Criminal Procedure, daily trials are the norm and are necessary to expedite cases, particularly the Easter attack cases involving 23,000 charges, which could otherwise take eight to ten years if heard monthly. He said the court is open but located outside the main Hulftsdorp complex due to space constraints, with efforts to move matters into the complex as facilities improve. He declined to comment on judicial promotions, noting that they fall under the Judicial Service Commission. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about alleged involvement of ruling party local authority members in drug trafficking despite the Government’s “Country Together” operation. He requested urgent provision of toilet facilities at the new Colombo District Court complex and proposed scheduling reforms for Special High Courts to address difficulties faced by counsel. He also questioned the requirement for SIS reports in Wakf Board appointments, calling for the rule to be formally removed if unnecessary, and asked the Government to resolve issues concerning the Kattankudy mosque appointment and the release of Qur’ans held at the port. He further called for a fair and transparent system for judicial promotions, citing concerns raised by Justice Gihan Kulatunga. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara thanked the Presiding Member and the Minister of Justice for presenting the Bills for debate. He indicated that he would speak plainly on the Bills rather than respond to criticisms or lectures directed at his side over the past year. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Darmapriya Wijesinghe referred to the Amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, noting that views had been expressed by both Government and Opposition Members and that a further summary would be given later. He focused on procedural concerns, alleging that some Opposition MPs were misusing oral questions and Standing Order 27(2) time in the morning to delay Government business. He argued that Parliament’s primary function is to legislate and urged the Opposition to allow proceedings to continue peacefully and in line with public expectations. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, describing drug trafficking and abuse as a national crisis affecting many sectors of society and a large proportion of the prison population, especially youth. He argued that past political and official protection enabled drug networks, and cited Government enforcement data from 2025 and the “Country Together” operation, including raids, arrests, seizures, and persons identified for rehabilitation. He said the proposed amendment would strengthen action against drug production, possession, and trafficking in Sri Lanka’s maritime zones, and called for cross-party support for the reforms. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Priyantha Wijerathna supported the proposed amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, arguing that they address a legal gap in prosecuting narcotics offences committed on the high seas. He cited recent large-scale seizures of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and pills, noting that most narcotics enter Sri Lanka by sea rather than being produced locally. He said the amendments would give the Supreme Court jurisdiction over such offences, enabling arrests, transfer of suspects to Sri Lanka and prosecution, in support of the Government’s “Country Together” anti-drug programme and its focus on prevention, rehabilitation and community-level action. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, arguing that drug trafficking has deeply affected Sri Lankan society and has been linked to politics and criminal networks. He said the National People’s Power Government had a mandate to address the drug menace alongside broader economic, political, and social reforms, and cited the “Break Free” national operation as part of a plan to eradicate drugs through legal, political, cultural, and social measures. He thanked the Minister of Justice for introducing the amendments and said the Government would act decisively, particularly against drugs entering the country by sea. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported amendments extending jurisdiction over drug trafficking by ships and stateless vessels, arguing that drug cartels operating from the high seas must be brought within Sri Lankan law. He urged the Justice Minister to establish a legal “decoy” mechanism enabling police and security forces to engage undercover with major traffickers, and called for stronger protection for lawyers, judges, and witnesses, including possible relocation measures in drug cases. He also raised concerns about overcrowding, sanitation, nutrition, and facilities for remand prisoners, and noted that drug operations continue from prisons due to ineffective communication-blocking measures. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Welcoming the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill under “Clean Sri Lanka,” Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to show measurable results by the following year. On the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, he highlighted prison overcrowding and criticized the absence of customary Christmas inmate releases as a sign of administrative inefficiency. He also warned of a serious gas supply risk, arguing that the selected supplier lacks sufficient logistics and shipping capacity despite only a small price advantage, and urged the Government to ensure stable supply, assess technical capacity, and consider bringing Litro Gas Lanka fully under state operation. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera supported amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to address drug trafficking on the high seas, citing legal gaps that hinder prosecution when narcotics are transported via multi-day fishing trawlers and small craft. He rejected allegations against NPP MPs in Puttalam and said credible information would be acted upon, while outlining Navy and Police Narcotics Bureau operations, international cooperation, and seizures from 2019 to 2025. He noted challenges such as vessels operating under powers of attorney, switched-off Vessel Monitoring Systems, and offenders being released due to inadequate legal tools, and said new procedures would be introduced by March to expedite certified sampling and destruction of seized drugs. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Welcoming the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, the member said stronger legal provisions are needed because narcotics enter Sri Lanka largely through the high seas, while noting that maritime seizures occurred under previous governments as well. He urged the Government to incorporate earlier proposals on inter-agency enforcement at sea and remove implementation obstacles. He also highlighted severe prison overcrowding linked to remand prisoners in drug-related cases, calling for faster Attorney General’s advice and Government Analyst reports to expedite prosecutions or releases. He further requested consideration of amendments to extend sentence-related relief to prisoners convicted before previous reforms, including those with pending appeals, as a measure to reduce congestion. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns over a fatal shooting of two youths from Mannar in Colombo, requesting urgent action to prevent such killings, ensure medical treatment for the survivor, and compensate the affected family. He asked the Attorney General’s Department to expedite long-pending cases against officials linked to a bus transport case in which he said he had already been acquitted. He also alleged weaknesses in anti-narcotics enforcement, including inadequate action against implicated officers and political links to smugglers, and called for investigations. Additionally, he urged removal of restrictions on importing Qur’ans and Islamic books, reopening of the Mahar Mosque during Ramadan, and reopening or providing an alternative to the Mannar–Puttalam road, warning of protests if the issue remains unresolved. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla argued that narcotics trafficking had expanded under past political patronage and said the Government would further amend laws if needed to eradicate drugs, while dismantling related criminal networks and expanding rehabilitation for affected youth. He stated that since the Government took office, 51 tons of heroin and other narcotics had been seized, attributing this to the removal of political protection. He also outlined relief and reconstruction measures in Badulla District following the “Ditva” cyclone, including cash assistance to families and students, livestock compensation, industry support, concessional credit, grants, and rebuilding fully damaged houses. He urged the Opposition to offer constructive, evidence-based criticism rather than “mudslinging.” Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s “Rata Ma Ekata – Iwath Wenu” anti-narcotics programme and the NPP policy objective of a drug-free country. He said the amendments would criminalize drug manufacture, possession and trafficking on the high seas and give the High Court jurisdiction over such offences, particularly to disrupt transfers from mother ships to smaller vessels. He linked the measures to wider proposals on surveillance, rehabilitation, education, community monitoring, asset seizure and international cooperation, citing drug flows through the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka’s use as a transit and redistribution point. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised concerns over the Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya at Thayiddi, alleging it was built illegally on privately owned Tamil land through militarized involvement, and criticized government discussions held without the affected landowners. He also objected to alleged “shadow minister” arrangements involving NPP MPs in Northern Provincial Council functions while provincial elections remain suspended, arguing that all Northern MPs should be invited to such official meetings. He further urged intervention regarding PTA detainee Nimalan, who he said faces threats when held in outstation prisons after court appearances, and referred to another PTA-related case involving Morris where he alleged reliance on an illegally obtained confession. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath said the Opposition supports the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, arguing they will strengthen action against narcotics trafficking, including interdiction and prosecution beyond Sri Lankan territory and on the high seas. He linked the need for reform to past political protection of drug networks and said police action was previously constrained by political pressure, while maintaining that the current administration would not allow corruption or crime. He also clarified that DNA testing can be sought in maintenance cases where paternity is denied, and said drug policy must combine enforcement against traffickers with rehabilitation, sports, and public-space programmes to address addiction and reduce demand. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Jeevan Thondaman said his party supported the Budget on the basis of the Government’s promise of a Rs. 1,750 daily wage for estate workers and a Rs. 5 billion allocation, but demanded transparency over the agreement underpinning the wage payment. He stated that the document was an MoU, not a collective agreement, and tabled it, objecting in particular to Clause 4.1, which makes gratuity conditional on completing 180 days of work. He argued that plantation companies could use this condition to deny registration and statutory benefits such as EPF, ETF, gratuity and maternity or death benefits, and urged the Government to publish the MoU and reject provisions that undermine workers’ protections. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to criminalize narcotics offences on the high seas and vest jurisdiction over such offences in Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court. She cited UNODC findings and national arrest and prison statistics to argue that Sri Lanka’s maritime position has made it vulnerable to drug trafficking, with youth and women increasingly affected. She referred to the “The Whole Nation Together – Let’s Get Out” national anti-drug operation launched in October 2025, noting seizures, arrests with INTERPOL support, and rehabilitation efforts as part of a coordinated response. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman, speaking during debate on the Judicature and dangerous drugs amendment Bills, questioned a 9 February 2026 Gazette requiring re-registration of pre-2019 SIM cards, arguing that telecom operators were already obliged under TRCSL licence conditions to retain customer identity data. He linked the issue to investigations into the killings and disappearances of Lasantha Wickrematunge, Wasim Thajudeen, Prageeth Ekneligoda, Sivaram and others, saying missing telecom data had affected those cases and asking whether the Gazette would enable operators to avoid responsibility. He urged the Government to take legal action against operators if they failed to maintain required records, rather than create a process that could undermine prosecutions, and called on the President to honour campaign promises on these cases. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, linking them to the Government’s mandate to restore rule of law and reform justice institutions. He argued that past governance had allowed criminal networks and drug trafficking to penetrate state institutions, and said the Government was improving judicial infrastructure, recruitment, investigations, policing, prisons, and rehabilitation. He noted severe prison overcrowding and said Budget allocations would support modernization and rehabilitation, while further legal reforms would be presented by December. He also highlighted the “The Whole Nation Together” anti-drug programme and Public Security Committees in all 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions as part of a community-based response to drugs. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →