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- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked for the current status of complaints regarding child labour in Sri Lanka and sought details on measures taken by the Ministry to eradicate it. She referenced the Minister’s recent attendance at an international summit on eliminating child labour and requested information on follow-up action. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary A Cabinet-approved 17-member committee chaired by Ministry Secretary S. M. Piyathissa has been appointed to consider reforms with input from legal experts and sectoral representatives. Mahinda Jayasinghe said the committee is functioning effectively, though a scheduled meeting on the 16th was disrupted by a protest by legal professionals, and is continuing its work while considering emerging work trends and international practices. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha asked what steps have been taken to update laws relating to chemical regulation, as a second supplementary question. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel raised concerns about verbal harassment of women estate workers, including by supervisory staff. She requested ministerial attention to establish or enforce legal and administrative remedies to ensure effective action. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel - Question to the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure whether the Government is aware of hazards faced by plantation workers, including wild animal attacks, snake and wasp bites, and chemical exposure, and requested complaint statistics for the past five years by category. She also sought details of measures taken to protect workers from these risks and asked whether the Ministry is aware of workplace harassment by employers, whether legal action has been taken to prevent it, and if not, whether such action will be taken in future. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that the Bill has prospective application and is not retrospective, stating that it complies with the Constitution, which protects the President’s pension but not MPs’ pensions. He also addressed the recent murder of a lawyer, noting that 12 police teams are investigating, four alleged assistants have been arrested, and the Government condemns the act and will pursue the perpetrators. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha urged that the Bill repealing MPs’ pensions should not apply retrospectively, citing constitutional concerns and the reliance of former MPs and their families on such income after years of public service. He proposed introducing a contributory pension scheme funded by deductions from MPs’ salaries, similar to systems in several other countries, to avoid burdening taxpayers. He also raised concern over the recent murder of a lawyer, stressing the constitutional right to legal representation and calling on the Government to ensure the safety of lawyers, judges, Attorney General’s Department officers and police involved in sensitive cases. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said the repeal of parliamentary pensions reflected the democratic aspirations associated with the Aragalaya and the Government’s policy commitments. He raised concerns about ongoing cases against youths and others involved in peaceful protests, noting travel restrictions and police reporting requirements, while stating the Government would not improperly interfere with the judiciary. He distinguished peaceful participation from violence, arson and assaults, called for accountability for attacks on the May 9 protest and related crimes, and said 2026 should be a year in which the innocent receive justice and offenders are punished. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Ayubraj Arul in Allaipitty and said the family had not received justice. Citing the OHCHR report of 13 January 2026 on conflict-related sexual violence in Sri Lanka, he called for Government action to investigate alleged abuses from 1983 to 2009, address impunity, and ensure justice for survivors amid concerns over delays, language barriers, fear of reprisals and militarization. On the Bill to repeal parliamentary pensions, he argued that former MPs who lost previous employment pensions may be left without livelihood support and proposed either a route back to prior employment after parliamentary service or another fair mechanism for income security. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill in line with the Government’s mandate, while cautioning that abolishing MPs’ pensions could make future parliamentary entry harder for candidates without wealth or major-party backing and could be reversed by a future government. He urged the Government to increase public service pensions, repeal or properly reform the PTA in line with human rights concerns, introduce a new Constitution, abolish the Executive Presidency, and provide a political solution for Tamil-speaking people in the North and East. He also called for disclosure of the mastermind behind the Easter attacks and noted positively the recent Independence Day celebrations. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper opposed the Bill abolishing parliamentary pensions without an alternative mechanism, arguing that legally granted rights should not be arbitrarily removed and that needy former MPs should be supported through an independently managed contributory welfare fund funded by Members. He said he had prepared amendments and would bring a Private Member’s Bill to establish such a fund, citing New Zealand and local mutual-aid models as examples. He also criticised the Government for selectively implementing manifesto pledges and said he had submitted a Private Member’s Bill to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and address terrorism offences under general law. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda opposed the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, arguing that the Government had not first tabled or explained the Chitrasiri Report on MPs’ pensions and allowances. He contended that removing pensions while retaining other parliamentary benefits could discourage lower- and middle-class political participation and favour wealthy candidates or parties with large funds. He also questioned the impact on former MPs who had taken loans against their pensions, while stating that his political work would continue regardless of pensions or benefits. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested that the Chitrasiri Committee Report on salaries and entitlements of MPs and former officeholders be tabled before proceeding with the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions. He argued that any reform should be prospective rather than retrospective, citing former MPs, widows and dependents who rely on existing pensions, and said wrongdoing by some Members should be dealt with individually under the law. He also questioned the financial rationale for abolition, stating that MPs’ pension payments form a very small share of government revenue, and urged consideration of contributory or lump-sum pension models used elsewhere. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera opposed the proposed pension reform, arguing that it was motivated by hostility toward former JVP/NPP MPs who had contributed salaries and allowances to the party and now lack financial support, citing former MP Charitha Premasiri Manage as an example. He called instead for reasonable reforms such as need-based assistance or contributory mechanisms to protect financially vulnerable former representatives and encourage clean public service. He also urged caution over statements linking a slain lawyer in the Akuregoda incident to the underworld without proof, and asked government leaders to avoid broad claims that Sri Lanka is a “racist country” without specifying the conduct being addressed. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the Bill abolishing MPs’ pensions as rushed and lacking an informed review of the rationale for pensions, arguing that pensions should remain available at least through a grandfather clause for those already retired or in the system. He contrasted the Government’s criticism of Rs. 34 million in monthly former MPs’ pensions with what he described as larger sums channelled from elected representatives’ salaries to party funds, and accused the Government of selectively invoking its mandate while delaying commitments on the IMF agreement, Development Officers, constitutional reform, the Executive Presidency, and Provincial Council elections. He also raised concerns over the killing of a lawyer near Akuregoda, objecting to official claims linking the victim to the underworld before proof, and asked the Government to table details of alleged underworld figures said to have sought surrender. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to hold Provincial Council elections without delay if it claims to retain public support. He defended pensions for MPs as a measure of social security and anti-corruption, while questioning the Government’s handling of state pensioners, including unresolved teacher-principal pension anomalies and exclusions from recent pay adjustments. He also criticized the cancellation of senior citizens’ higher savings interest, the proposed electricity tariff increase despite prior reduction promises, and the relocation of disabled war veterans from Boossa to Panagoda. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a matter under Standing Order 27(2) concerning the suspension, since a 2020 Ministry instruction, of registration for madrasas and Arabic colleges by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. He argued that, unlike comparable institutions registered under other religious affairs departments, the halt has created difficulties relating to certificate recognition, employment and higher education, administration, banking, funding, and donations. He asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether approval could be facilitated to resume registration and what steps had been taken to address the issue. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Government’s assertion that the shooting location was not a High Security Zone, noting its proximity to the Ministry of Defence and Tri-Forces Headquarters. He argued that recent shootings involving military-grade weapons, followed by killings in Jinthupitiya and Kalutara North, indicate a broader threat to public safety and the rule of law. He called on the Minister to present concrete measures and a new plan to strengthen national and public security. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister expressed condolences for the killing of a lawyer and his wife, while stating that the incident was isolated and did not amount to a national security threat or a general threat to the legal profession. Responding to the Opposition Leader, he said investigations were proceeding on evidence, with several arrests for aiding and abetting and 12 police teams deployed, but further details could not be disclosed. He linked broader violent crime to the circulation of illegal firearms and narcotics-related underworld activity, citing weapon seizures, repatriation of organized crime suspects, and security measures for judges, Attorney General’s Department officers, lawyers, and investigators where threats are assessed. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the killing of a lawyer and his wife near the High Security Zone in Thalawathugoda, questioning whether it indicated a serious national security lapse and whether prior intelligence existed. He challenged the Government’s early characterization of the incident as an underworld crime and asked whether investigations were being influenced or prejudged. He also referred to subsequent shootings in Jinthupitiya and Kalutara North and reports of 111 shootings in the past year, demanding measures to curb gun violence and ensure the safety of judges, lawyers, Attorney General’s Department officers, police investigators, and the public. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →