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- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about private media institutions, noting alleged ethical breaches, misconduct complaints, and journalists facing unpaid dues for long periods. He asked whether the Government has a programme to protect private-sector journalists affected by media outlet closures and the absence of redress. Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Sugath Wasantha de Silva raised concerns about persons with disabilities facing administrative barriers in hospitals, including being required to bring companions at personal expense. He asked whether the Ministry would intervene to reduce the cost of assistive medical devices such as canes and walkers when they are obtained outside state provision. Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva thanked the Deputy Minister for the response and acknowledged the islandwide health programme to reduce disability. He raised concerns about communication barriers between health staff and persons with disabilities, particularly regarding sign language. He also asked the Ministry to address the requirement in some hospitals for disabled patients to have a paid companion caregiver before admission, and to consider alternative arrangements. Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake accused the Opposition of undermining Easter Sunday attack prosecutions by describing repurposed state properties used for daily hearings as “jungle courts,” and argued that such venues are intended to clear backlogs and assist victims. He alleged that the Opposition was attempting to equate the Government with past corruption, cited the Mahaiyawa tunnel project and alleged demands for payment under a former Highways Minister, and defended the current Speaker’s integrity. He also said the Government supports free education, respects the armed forces while addressing post-war abuses, and plans transparent use of recovered gold for North and East development funds. Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister stated that under the Code of Criminal Procedure, criminal trials should proceed on a day-to-day basis, with long adjournments being exceptional and proceedings held in open court. He said state properties, including former “Minister bungalows,” were being repurposed as court facilities to expedite cases because new courthouses cannot be built immediately. He noted that several courts had already been opened and a further five or six were planned, framing the measure as part of the Government’s pledge to reduce delays in criminal justice. Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the need to extend the emergency after Cyclone Ditva, arguing that disaster management and compensation were said to be completed and alleging the emergency was being used to curb public protests. He said the no-confidence issue involving the Prime Minister was rendered moot by the President’s own decision to halt her programme and appoint an experts’ committee. He raised concerns over the Easter Sunday bombings trial, demanding that the alleged mastermind be arrested and produced, and criticised daily hearings, restricted access, and the venue as undermining fair trial rights and open justice. He called for transparent, open proceedings, including possible live telecasting, and urged the Government to ensure an independent and fair trial. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake commended the President’s use of a helicopter for travel to Kandy as consistent with Head of State security arrangements. He criticized the JVP’s past role during the 1988–89 period and alleged that the present Government is creating excessive dependence on India, while questioning whether Emergency powers and rule of law are being applied equally or selectively against the Opposition. He also raised concerns about Civil Security Department recruits from the North and East being transferred to the South without fair payment, and urged attention to unresolved graduate employment and teacher recruitment issues. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy questioned the Government’s use of Emergency powers, warning that they should not be used to intimidate individuals, social media users, or MPs, while urging proper action on national issues. He criticized the Government’s handling of war heroes, Independence Day commemorations, and the reported rebuilding of Prabhakaran’s house, contrasting this with alleged inadequate support for cyclone victims. He also demanded a stronger response to incidents involving Indian Navy action against Sri Lankan fishermen and raised concerns about unresolved questions in the Easter Sunday attacks investigation. Additionally, he referred to a leaked private audio clip involving an MP and called on the President to investigate its source while protecting the Government’s claimed clean reputation. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected Opposition claims that the Government was misusing emergency powers, stating that protests had been allowed and that emergency measures were used to manage disaster recovery after widespread landslides. He argued that the economy and district-level development had improved, while accusing the Opposition of communal agitation and inconsistent positions on education reforms, which he said were intended to strengthen state responsibility and expand opportunities for students. He also challenged the Opposition Leader to table observations from visits to shelters and criticized remarks made to Development Officers. Referring to several ongoing corruption and criminal cases involving former political figures, he said prosecutions were proceeding through legal processes without political interference, though public expectations for speed were higher. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that disaster response powers under the Disaster Management Act would have been sufficient, making the continued extension of emergency regulations unnecessary and open to abuse. He cited landslide and rockfall risks in Udunuwara and surrounding areas, alleging inaction by officials despite deaths, damaged homes, destroyed roads, and concerns over quarrying permits, and tabled residents’ representations to the President while calling for proper inspections and valuations. He also raised delays and permit issues affecting the Eastern Province palmyrah industry, including mechanization approvals and compensation for damage. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary During debate on the Public Security Ordinance, Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran argued that continued reliance on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, including during the “Ditva” disaster, is unnecessary and risks suppressing legitimate claims for justice, and urged the Government to repeal it as previously promised. He also called for equal treatment of all religions in legal and public security matters, while acknowledging Government action on drugs, bribery, and corruption. He raised concerns over severe delays and alleged corruption in passport renewals at Sri Lankan missions abroad, proposing digital monitoring, databases, and performance oversight. He further urged immediate fair pricing and procurement arrangements for paddy farmers in Ampara District affected by reduced yields and inadequate storage and purchasing systems. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Sunil Rathnasiri supported extending the Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that they are intended to empower essential services during disaster relief and not to curtail democratic rights. He criticized Opposition actions and allegations, including claims about arrests and disaster assistance, while saying historical abuses of emergency powers explain public suspicion. He also defended the Government’s 2026 education reforms, citing major budget allocations, teacher training, administrative recruitment, and action taken over an error in one curriculum module, including inquiries by education authorities and referral to the CID. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara opposed the extension of Emergency Regulations issued under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that cyclone “Ditwah” recovery does not require emergency powers and that existing institutions can address issues such as landslide risks and administration. He highlighted concerns over provisions on essential services, restrictions on entry, competent authorities, misinformation, immunity for officials, and possible media suppression. He also raised issues relating to alleged damage or mishandling of archaeological and cultural heritage sites, the remand of monks in Trincomalee, and high leasing rates affecting citizens. He concluded that the regulations were being used for repression rather than reconstruction. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam questioned the need to extend Emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance and Essential Public Services Act during the post-Cyclone “Ditwah” recovery phase, citing past misuse of emergency powers and the PTA against minority communities. He argued that new security legislation risks broader rights violations if “terrorism” is not clearly defined, while affirming that all persons, including clergy, should be subject to ordinary legal processes when laws are breached. He urged the Government to approach legislation and development projects in ways that support reconciliation, specifically calling for consultation on Mahaweli “L” and Kivul Oya-related settlements affecting local communities. He also requested immediate Paddy Marketing Board procurement at the guaranteed Rs. 120 price, noting that farmers in his district had been forced to sell paddy at Rs. 80 after cyclone-related losses. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition argued that emergency regulations are unnecessary for disaster relief payments and said the Government should instead use and amend the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, establish a dedicated Disaster Management Ministry, and strengthen relevant technical agencies. He called for IMF programme renegotiation, an international pledging conference, and a fuller assessment of disaster damage, citing future external debt servicing pressures and the World Bank GRADE report. He also criticized the use of emergency powers in relation to arrests of monks, raised questions on the Easter attack investigations, and challenged alleged inconsistencies in education reform explanations, including a disputed Grade 6 English module link and the absence of early ICT education. He concluded that extending emergency law reflects a repressive approach and urged repeal or replacement of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill with a national security law consistent with human rights standards. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara opposed extending the Emergency Regulations, arguing that normal laws are sufficient for cyclone relief and that the Gazette provisions appear aimed at restricting publications, communications, protests, and dissent. He cited arrests of monks in Trincomalee, protests by professional and sectoral groups, and alleged media suppression as examples of misuse, and requested investigations into the treatment of the remanded monks. He also demanded detailed reporting and faster action on Cyclone “Ditwah” deaths, missing persons, compensation, housing, rent support, agricultural losses, and alleged politicization of relief distribution. He further rejected Government claims that the Opposition obstructed Grade 6 education reforms, saying the Government itself had acknowledged implementation problems and deferred the reforms. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to consider pursuing reparations from former colonial powers for economic harm caused during colonial rule. Citing international efforts by formerly colonized countries, African initiatives, and Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s Oxford lecture on the subject, he urged the Minister to examine a programme for Sri Lanka to seek redress for specific colonial-era wrongs. Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on UK travel bans imposed on Sri Lankans, stating that the measures are unilateral actions under UK domestic law and are not legally binding on Sri Lanka. He said the Government had raised objections diplomatically, including with the British High Commissioner after the UK’s March 2025 sanctions announcement, and argued that such measures complicate domestic reconciliation efforts. He reiterated that allegations concerning past human rights violations should be addressed through strengthened domestic accountability mechanisms, while rejecting international accountability processes and external evidence-gathering mechanisms. Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said Rs. 2.85 million would be released to the relevant High Court and then to the Kaluwanchikudy Magistrate’s Court by 9 February for excavation work. He attributed the delay to procedural requirements, court vacations, Cyclone Ditwah, and the need to clarify budget rates for audit purposes, and apologized to the affected families. He said subsequent funding tranches should be faster, noted his personal involvement in the excavations, and stated that DNA analysis would proceed simultaneously with excavations, followed by required religious rites. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, raising a matter under Standing Order 27(2), requested action on the alleged mass grave at Kurukkalmadam linked to the 1990 abduction and killing of Muslim pilgrims returning to Kattankudy after Hajj. He noted that although the Kaluwanchikudy Magistrate had ordered excavation in 2014 and funds had reportedly been allocated, the work remained delayed due to non-release or insufficiency of funds. He urged the Minister of Justice and National Integration to release the required funds to the Kaluwanchikudy Divisional Secretariat so that the remains can be exhumed, identified through DNA testing, and reburied according to Islamic rites. Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site Read →