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- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, the Deputy Minister tabled a written answer providing complaint data on financial cybercrimes from 2023 to 2025. The data showed increases particularly in online banking fraud, phishing, investment scams, and other related offences, linked to wider use of social media, online payments, mobile banking, online businesses, and freelancing. The answer stated that no Northern Province-specific pattern had been identified, but islandwide methods include impersonation, social engineering, fake bank links, online marketplace fraud, romance scams, and use of third-party bank accounts. It also noted that there is no centralized mechanism to monitor and classify such crimes across districts or provinces, and that the data is not publicly accessible or shared with financial institutions. Oral Question: Financial Cybercrimes (Q.1012/2025) – Second Round Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe (on behalf of the Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy) JJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs seeking detailed data on financial cybercrime complaints by category, including credit card fraud, online banking fraud, phishing, SIM swapping, investment scams, digital wallet fraud and related offences. It asked whether any such offences have significantly increased over the past three years, what trends are evident nationally and in the Northern Province, and whether a centralized monitoring and classification mechanism exists across districts and provinces. The question also sought clarification on whether this data is publicly accessible or shared with financial institutions, and, if not, the reasons for non-disclosure. Oral Question: Financial Cybercrimes (Q.1012/2025) – Second Round Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hector Appuhamy raised concerns about environmental harm from ash generated by coal combustion, noting that while Rs. 7–8 billion had reportedly been earned from selling ash, only Rs. 91 million had been spent on local welfare and related programmes. He said fishers, farmers, and households in the affected area continued to face serious impacts, including ash pollution in daily life. He questioned the importation of low-quality coal with high ash content and requested that an environmental report or licence on coal combustion and the resulting ash be presented to Parliament to assess its effects on society. Oral Question: Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Ash Sales (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Government to amend the Gazette for the teachers’ examination to include graduates who completed degrees up to the end of 2025, not only those within the stated date range. He criticised Independence Day messaging and said the armed forces’ role in ending the war and responding to cyclone-related emergencies should be acknowledged. He also called for equal application of the law, specifically requesting that the Speaker step aside temporarily while allegations regarding fuel misuse are investigated. The speech further accused the Government of inconsistency, deal-making politics, and racially framed rhetoric, while urging responsible governance under its parliamentary majority. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra stated that attempts to spread abuse and disrespect through social media in order to mislead the public would not succeed. She argued that people across religious and ethnic communities, including Sinhala Buddhists, Tamil Hindus, and Muslims, understand such efforts. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara tabled a privilege matter he said had been disallowed by the Speaker, along with a complaint made to the Bribery Commission against the Speaker. He alleged irregular payments for preliminary inquiry work far exceeding amounts permitted by a Public Administration circular, and raised concerns under the Anti-Corruption Act regarding misuse of state property and loss to the State. He also alleged improper use of both the Speaker’s official residence and another official apartment, and called on the President and Government to have the Speaker, and his Private Secretary, refrain from duties until investigations are concluded. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported protecting lawful tenants but raised concerns that the Tenants’ Protection Bill could allow occupants who default on rent or remain after a lease breach to retain access to utilities and common facilities. He argued that the Bill lacks a clear definition of “lawful tenant,” may conflict with condominium management and utility payment arrangements, and could discourage property owners from renting units, particularly affecting retirees reliant on rental income. He noted that condominium sector stakeholders have challenged the Bill in the Supreme Court and urged substantial amendments before its Second Reading. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen opposed the Government’s position on the Mannar–Puttalam road, arguing that it is a long-established public B-class road whose closure would unfairly affect residents and travellers by adding about 100 kilometres to journeys between the North-West and the North. He said that past administrations and relevant agencies had previously supported public use of the road, but alleged that under the current Government the Forest and Wildlife authorities had effectively sided with petitioners seeking its closure, without a court order mandating such closure. He called on the Government to honour earlier commitments, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stated pledge to open the road, and warned that his side would oppose any move to permanently close it. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that he had submitted a Private Member’s Bill under Standing Order 52 to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act. He said the JVP and NPP had promised to abolish the PTA and requested the Secretary-General’s Office and Parliament staff to expedite consideration of the Bill. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna referred to provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, stating that interference with CIABOC investigations or destruction of relevant documents are serious offences. He raised concern over a complaint reportedly made by the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament to the Bribery Commission against the Speaker four months earlier, and cited a letter dated 2026.02.03 from Chameera Gallage to the Secretary-General of Parliament in that context. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake — Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary The Minister said the Puttalam–Mannar B-379 road section through Wilpattu National Park is currently unsuitable for transport and cannot be maintained or opened for public use beyond the limits set by the Supreme Court order in SC/FR/224/2010. He noted that the order prohibits public through traffic and general entry into the Park, while allowing only gravel-road maintenance and limited lawful access. He said the Government would consult Mannar representatives, relevant agencies, and the Environment Minister to seek a solution that balances transport needs with protection of Wilpattu, including considering feasible alternative routes. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question seeking the reopening of the Puttalam–Eluvankulam–Mannar B-379 road for public transport, arguing that it is an RDA-maintained national road historically used as a key North–South link. He disputed claims that court action or wildlife concerns justified its closure, stating that no court ban was imposed and that transport had continued until 2019. He asked whether the Department of Wildlife Conservation had authority to block public transport on the road, alleged officials had misled the President at a district coordinating committee meeting, and requested prompt ministerial action to reopen the route. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that 23 directly and 23 indirectly affected fisheries-related categories were identified following the X-Press Pearl disaster, including damage to gear and aquaculture in the Negombo lagoon. He said USD 56.90 million was initially claimed from the insurer, with a further USD 2.28 million after appeals, and Rs. 2,980.5 million has so far been received, of which Rs. 2,794.96 million was sent to District Secretariats for beneficiary payments. He clarified that no special compensation plan exists for Puttalam District, but verified gear and equipment damage there has been paid, while livelihood-loss compensation was limited to the scientifically determined fishing-ban area from Negombo lagoon to offshore Negombo-Panadura. Oral Question: State Land in Alankalagala and X-Press Pearl Disaster (Q.7-9/2025) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a privilege issue concerning the security of Hon. Rohana Bandara, stating that repeated delays in addressing it could endanger him. He requested that security be provided immediately in accordance with the report submitted by security authorities led by the Anuradhapura Deputy Inspector General of Police, rejecting claims that the matter was an internal party issue. Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Annual Reports of the Office on Missing Persons for 2022, 2023 and 2024, along with the 2024 Annual Report of the Office for Reparations. He proposed that the reports be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Public Governance, Justice and Civil Security, and the House agreed. Papers Presented: Government Reports and Annual Reports Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked whether the matter under discussion had been referred to Court. No further argument or proposal was made in the recorded intervention. Opening: Speaker's Certificate on Universities Bill Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika said the debate on telecommunications regulations had been overshadowed by issues concerning investigations and the Speaker. He referred to ongoing or renewed investigations involving Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa and Yoshitha Rajapaksa, including the “Siriliya Saviya” account, alleged links arising from a CID inquiry, and the Airbus transaction, arguing that suspects should face investigative agencies like ordinary citizens and that facts should be established through due process. He criticized the SJB for focusing on allegations against a parliamentary officer and the Speaker rather than supporting investigations into alleged wrongdoing by members of the Rajapaksa family, and stated that inquiries should proceed transparently regardless of status. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda accused the Government of curtailing political freedoms and exerting pressure on public servants and institutional employees, citing alleged dismissals at the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation over criticism of the Government. He also criticized the summoning of Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Namal Rajapaksa to investigative bodies, arguing that such actions would not deflect attention from unresolved allegations involving imports, coal, medicines, Easter attacks, and procurement. He demanded a Government response to an alleged multibillion-rupee fraud in tri-forces food supply tenders, specifically citing Cabinet approval of a higher-priced bid for dried turmeric than a competing offer. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan raised concerns that expanded powers under the Telecommunications Amendment, alongside the Online Safety law, could restrict online freedom of expression. He proposed appointing an independent professional as Chair of the Commission through the Constitutional Council rather than a Ministry Secretary, and emphasized the need to strengthen technical capacity, protect consumer rights, and ensure neutral handling of market competition in implementing the law. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary The MP rejected Independence Day celebrations for Tamils, stating that the North and East would mark February 4 as a Black Day until a durable political solution to the national question is reached. He accused successive governments, including the present NPP Government, of continuing land seizures, settlement schemes, and failure to release Tamil political prisoners or repeal the PTA as promised. He specifically criticised the Kivul Oya and Mahaweli-related projects, alleging they divert land and water resources from Tamil areas to benefit majority-community farmers while obstructing rehabilitation of Tamil village tanks. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →