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- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Jeevan Thondaman questioned the need for emergency powers and alleged that plantation workers are not properly receiving wage increases, calling for direct payment mechanisms, enforcement against estate companies, and a monitoring committee for government allocations to large estates. He disputed government claims on hill-country housing, saying an India-funded scheme had already been revived and approved under his tenure but was delayed after the change of government due to beneficiary-list changes, and claimed no promised new houses had yet been built. He also called for a Parliamentary Select Committee, involving party leaders and the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, to address child abuse following the alleged rape of an 11-year-old linked to a religious institution. He further criticized selective use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and reiterated concerns over increased workloads and targets for plantation workers. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam opposed the extension of emergency powers, arguing that they are being used for political purposes and to suppress dissent in the North and East rather than to address genuine emergencies. He cited the delayed response to missing fishermen from Point Pedro and questioned the continued occupation of coastal lands by the Navy if such forces cannot assist in emergencies. He also condemned the use of the PTA or emergency regulations against expressions of opinion, including songs or praise of the LTTE, and argued that such enforcement reflects the Government’s failure to address Tamil political grievances. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra defended the use of emergency provisions following Cyclone “Ditva” and amid Middle East tensions, arguing that they were needed for coordination and national risk management rather than repression. He said the Government respects the right to protest but would lawfully counter attempts to destabilize governance, and cited the conviction of former MP Sarana Gunawardena as evidence of institutional independence. He also stated that Easter Sunday attack investigations were progressing without political interference, addressed the arrest of a Kilinochchi youth as being under legal review, and urged the public not to be drawn into efforts by racist or corrupt groups to undermine the Government. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s use of existing security laws in the context of investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that the Prevention of Terrorism Act was being used to identify those responsible and would be repealed in due course. He criticized Opposition reactions to the custody of Suresh Sallay and related protests, arguing that they reflected concern among those facing accountability rather than threats to democracy. He also cited recent convictions of several former politicians and officials as evidence of anti-corruption action, while asserting that emergency powers and the PTA would not be used to suppress democratic rights. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan addressed the extension of emergency regulations in the context of the Ditva cyclone, warning against their partisan or unfair use. He raised concerns about rising drug distribution, murders, robberies, and violence in plantation areas, calling for strict and impartial law enforcement, including scrutiny of retired military personnel allegedly employed as plantation authorities. He also questioned the disappearance of a murder suspect from hospital custody and urged preventive action to stop youth being criminalized through escalating conflicts. He opposed using the PTA or emergency powers against artists such as the arrested Kilinochchi rapper Sangeethsan and called for his release. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that emergency powers are needed to provide rapid relief and expedite permanent rehabilitation, including resettlement and land transfers, following cyclone damage in Matale. He said the Government has used emergency powers only for public safety and not to suppress dissent, despite past misuse by previous governments. He also addressed investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks, stating that the Government is proceeding lawfully and with due process to identify and punish those responsible rather than acting arbitrarily. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera challenged the Justice Minister’s reference to “500 files,” arguing that current convictions stem from cases initiated during the 2016 Yahapalana period and asking that pending corruption complaints, including those on coal procurement and emergency procurement audio, be pursued under ordinary law. He questioned the need to extend Emergency Regulations after Cyclone “Ditva,” asking the Government to specify the sectors, functions, and incidents that justify their continued use. He also raised concerns over vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, delays in judicial appointments, and opposed a proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of serving judges, calling instead for any such change to apply broadly rather than selectively. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister supported extending the State of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating that it was introduced after Cyclone “Ditva” to coordinate relief, housing reconstruction and essential services, and may also be needed to respond to possible energy disruptions arising from international tensions. He said the Government would use emergency powers only for public relief and not repression, while emphasizing that freedom of expression carries responsibility. He stated that the Prevention of Terrorism Act is at its final stage of repeal and replacement, defended a recent PTA-related arrest as based on alleged glorification of the LTTE rather than artistic expression, and said concerns over a judge’s transfer should be addressed to the Judicial Service Commission. He also referred to ongoing investigations into the Easter attacks and related matters, saying legal action would proceed without government interference. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan opposed extending the State of Emergency and criticized the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, citing the arrest of Kilinochchi artist Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan over a song and restrictions on books, speech, assembly, and school activities in the North and East. He recalled past abuses under the PTA and wartime atrocities, arguing that the Government had failed to honour earlier pledges to repeal the law and was instead expanding repression. He also raised concerns about judicial transfers involving judges in Jaffna and Mullaitivu and demanded Sangeethsan’s release, warning of wider protests if this did not occur. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake criticised former government advisers and linked past governance to the economic crisis, while also calling for accountability over the Easter attacks. Referring to the COPA report on the Department of Motor Traffic, he highlighted alleged vehicle registration abuses, including motorcycles registered as luxury vehicles, misuse of 120 out of 158 vehicle import licences issued for religious institutions, and an alleged Rs. 931 million fraud involving number plates. He commended public officials, the Auditor General and audit officers for exposing these matters, and said the current Government would not repeat the practices that led to economic damage. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of the economy, citing increased poverty, high fertilizer and fuel costs, import policies affecting farmers and fishers, electricity and coal issues, and alleged port irregularities. He questioned the lack of progress on graduate employment, education scheduling, and post-Cyclone Ditta relief and reconstruction, including the use of announced Indian grant and loan support. He also raised concerns over selective use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, contrasting an arrest over a rap song with alleged LTTE-related campaign material used by government-linked figures, and urged that investigations not be politicized. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake rejected allegations about “hackers” by arguing that corruption and economic mismanagement had caused Sri Lanka’s crisis, citing Supreme Court findings against former leaders and noting IMF engagement followed bankruptcy. He said tourism arrivals and private sector credit were improving, while acknowledging seasonal occupancy dips and fuel cost pressures. He outlined reforms at the Department of Motor Traffic, including referrals to the Attorney-General and CIABOC, clearing driving licence backlogs, reforming number plate issuance, expanding one-day services, integrating Customs, Ports Authority and DMT systems, and developing a genuine e-motoring platform. He also announced road-safety measures including medical-centre licence renewals, a demerit points pilot, updated Highway Code rules for expressways, quarterly inspections for passenger vehicles, and regulation of driving schools. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne said the Government remains committed to pursuing justice for the Easter Sunday attacks and other serious crimes through independent investigative and judicial institutions, rejecting attempts to create public agitation over the investigations. She then addressed Orders under several tax-related laws, highlighting the Stamp Duty exemption on receipts for Government payments to people affected by natural disasters. Referring to damage caused by Cyclone “Ditti,” she said the Government had provided about Rs. 500 billion in relief and gave progress figures for grants, rent support, schoolbook assistance, and death compensation, noting some delays due to documentation and practical issues. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Under Standing Orders 27(2) and 92(1), Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised the arrest in Kilinochchi of a person named Sangeerthanan under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, allegedly for singing an LTTE song. He stated that the individual had no connection with the LTTE and directed the matter to the Minister of Defence. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a matter under Standing Order 92(2) regarding alleged harassment of an officer in the Parliament IT Department and noted that six months had passed since Hon. Sujatha Alahapperuma submitted a report with no apparent action. He questioned the appointment of another lower-level committee despite an earlier committee headed by a Supreme Court Judge, and requested the Speaker to take a decision on disciplinary action or ensure appropriate committee leadership. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman noted that the Human Rights Commission had recently stated that estate workers were not being paid their wages properly. He raised this as a brief follow-up to the Minister’s response, drawing attention to wage payment issues in the estate sector. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Requested that, if an international human rights organization’s report is inaccurate, Parliament be informed at the next opportunity. Also asked what percentage and amount of Government-allocated additional wage support is received by private companies, and requested that information if available. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna responded to concerns raised from an international human rights organization about conditions on some plantations, stating that the matter is being discussed with the Ministry of Labour and that a formal response will be provided. He said the Government must handle such issues carefully due to international market competition and the economic importance of plantation crops. He cited measures including a Rs. 400 daily wage increase for estate workers and accelerated provision of house and land ownership to line-room residents, with the land allocation increased from 7 to 10 perches. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, raised concerns that private plantation companies are profiting from government-owned land, infrastructure, and public wage support while allegedly mistreating estate workers. Citing a recent Amnesty International report describing conditions akin to debt bondage, he asked the Minister whether action would be taken against these companies. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva corrected the figure for residential constructions to 87 and asked that it be checked. He proposed converting the 2018 National Policy on Involuntary Resettlement into law, noting that current application varies by funding source and is often enforced only under ADB or World Bank projects. He argued that legislation would better protect resettled communities by addressing schooling, employment access, housing conditions, and multi-ethnic coexistence. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →