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- 3 February 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper said the Deputy Secretary-General’s approach to CIABOC should be treated as a matter for investigation and justice. He informed Parliament that he had submitted his first Private Member’s Bill, the Nurachcholai Housing Project (Special Provisions) Bill, intended to enable the Housing Minister to allocate long-stalled Saudi-funded tsunami houses in the Eastern Province to those actually affected, notwithstanding prior court outcomes. He said the project had been blocked for about 14 years following litigation over beneficiary allocation, and argued that Parliament has the legislative authority to resolve the issue. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta rejected Opposition allegations regarding CIABOC complaints, judicial transfers, and claimed injustices to Buddhism, arguing that such claims were made without evidence and that investigations should proceed independently and equally. He cited ongoing inquiries involving Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the “Siriliya” account, the Airbus deal, and other figures as examples of the law being applied irrespective of status. Addressing the telecommunications regulations before the House, he said they would empower the TRC to oversee infrastructure sharing among licensed operators, approve agreements, resolve disputes, prevent anti-competitive practices, and enforce compliance, with the aim of improving coverage, service quality, competition, and consumer costs. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the handling of the removal of the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, arguing that procedural issues involving officials should be addressed appropriately rather than brought before Parliament in a punitive manner. He warned that proposed rent legislation was creating fear among tenants and landlords, particularly in Badulla after cyclone-related displacement, and urged the Government to explain the law to the public before proceeding. He also raised concerns about remarks and actions attributed to a Deputy Solicitor General in relation to former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, questioned the extension of the Department of Motor Traffic Commissioner-General’s tenure despite an audit query, and asked why imported barley for Thriposha remained unreleased at the port despite approvals. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration responded to Members’ concerns on a Bill, stating that some criticisms were based on misunderstandings and that consultations would continue before enactment. He undertook to verify whether Fundamental Rights cases had been filed, clarify the Bill’s applicability and related concerns, and improve the Bill through the consultation process. The sitting was then suspended for the lunch interval until 1.00 p.m. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake addressed the Minister of Justice regarding the Bill under discussion, noting that rental evictions in Badulla had occurred after Cyclone “Michaung” even before the Bill was introduced, including from houses rented for Rs. 25,000. He urged the Minister to reconsider aspects of the Bill where necessary rather than assuming all measures are correct. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Tenant Protection Bill is intended to prevent unlawful “self-help” evictions, such as cutting utilities or blocking access, and does not stop landlords from evicting tenants after a lease ends or after lawful notice under a contract. He rejected claims that the Bill would undermine the rental market, stating that it protects only tenants facing illegal pressure without a court order. He noted that the Bill was gazetted in September 2025, public submissions were invited, the Bar Association’s proposals are being considered, and the Government will allow another month for input before proceeding to the Second Reading and correcting any technical issues. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that Parliament cannot unilaterally increase salaries, noting that financial decisions fall under the Government’s authority and that the Ministry of Finance is represented on the Staff Advisory Committee. He cited the previous change to unlimited fuel allowances as an example of such decision-making. He also argued, as a matter of basic logic, that a judge should not hear a case in which a litigant has filed a complaint against that judge. Points of Order regarding Parliamentary Secretariat Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that the inquiry process involving Mr. Kularatne and Mr. Liyanage was procedurally flawed, noting that Mr. Liyanage was junior in the public service to Mr. Kularatne. He invoked the principle of natural justice that no one should adjudicate their own cause, citing the inquiry officer’s inability to determine whether allegations of the Speaker’s animosity toward Mr. Kularatne were true. He urged the Speaker to withdraw from guiding or presiding over decisions in the matter and to refer it to an independent process. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa defended the appointment of Mr. S. K. Liyanage as the Preliminary Investigating Officer, stating that he was selected from the Ministry of Public Administration roster and appointed by the Staff Advisory Committee, which includes the Leader of the Opposition’s representative. He argued that objections raised after the inquiry report and Committee decision were procedurally late, noting that the officer concerned would have an opportunity to respond in the disciplinary process. He clarified that the inquiry concerned the legality and qualifications related to the appointment of the Deputy Secretary-General as Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General, not allegations involving the Speaker. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam criticised the removal of a parliamentary officer, saying it was done without a charge sheet or opportunity to make representations. He argued that the action undermined the offices of Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament and set a damaging precedent for parliamentary administration. He also referred to a complaint against the Speaker at the Bribery Commission and accused the Speaker of acting unfairly toward officers. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the handling of the matter involving Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, particularly the apparent divergence between the Speaker and the Deputy Secretary-General and questions about whether the inquiry process is independent and procedurally proper. He asked whether it is appropriate for an officer junior to an equivalent post to conduct such an inquiry, and urged all parties, including the Speaker, to “take a step back” and re-examine the process. He called for action that safeguards parliamentary procedure, democracy, and Mr. Kularatne’s fundamental and human rights. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected to the Government seeking additional time to respond on an issue concerning women’s rights and Sri Lanka’s obligations under CEDAW. He argued that, given the Government’s stated commitments to protecting women’s rights and the presence of women in senior political positions, an immediate answer was required due to the issue’s international implications. Parliamentary Announcements and Ministerial Statement Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara said the project was beneficial but had generated a dispute between two farmer organizations, with Eru Wewa-linked farmers opposing it due to waterlogging and sand accumulation in their fields after recent extreme weather. He urged the Deputy Minister to conduct a ground-level re-examination and ensure fair compensation, including for farmers classified as having only “partial damage” despite incurring costs to remove sand from their fields. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government’s progress on a proposed forensic audit, stating that letters from the CID and National Audit Office indicate a lack of witnesses, insufficient evidence, and limitations in proceeding with the investigation, and tabled those letters. He argued that, as in the coal tender issue, responsibility appeared to be shifted to officials, and asked what mechanism would be used to hold the actual perpetrators accountable and whether the matter had been used as an election slogan or to protect those involved. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera stated that matters raised by Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe have been referred to the CID and that investigations are ongoing. He said support for a forensic audit will be provided in line with the Auditor General’s guidance, and that the CID is proceeding accordingly. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary On behalf of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Public Administration, Justice and Civil Security, Najith Indika presented two committee reports to Parliament. The first covered multiple annual and performance reports from justice, courts, prisons, language, legal aid, witness protection, corrections, and debt conciliation institutions, while the second concerned the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. The reports were ordered to lie upon the Table. Presentation of Petitions Read →
- 3 February 2026 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice and National Integration AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice and National Integration is listed as meeting on 3 February 2026 with Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara as Chairman and the named Members in attendance. No substantive speech content, proposals, questions, or decisions are provided in the excerpt beyond the committee membership/attendance details. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan asked for time to raise a sensitive issue relating to remand prisons, noting that he and Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera had visited them, discussed matters, and observed conditions. He stated that detainees have high expectations of the Government and urged the Government to take action. Adjournment Debate: Stock Exchange Activity and Ministerial Response Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan urged the Minister to reconvene the Ministry Consultative Committee meeting, noting that it had not been held since July despite prior meetings, reminders in Parliament, and written requests. He said the delay had prevented discussion with officials on an amendment initiated by former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and previously considered by Cabinet, and requested that the process resume from where it had stalled, describing the matter as sensitive and democratic rather than political. Adjournment Debate: Stock Exchange Activity and Ministerial Response Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister responded to concerns raised by Hon. Mano Ganesan on criminal justice and prison issues, stating that the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, No. 25 of 2024 applies only to judgments after 3 May 2024 and that retrospective application may be unconstitutional, with the matter referred to the Law Commission for review. He said Cabinet approval has been obtained to create 50 temporary Scientific Research Officer posts to address Government Analyst’s Department backlogs contributing to case delays and prison overcrowding. He also stated that a general amnesty has been proposed to the President for Independence Day 2026, including provision for prisoners over 65 years of age. Adjournment Debate: Stock Exchange Activity and Ministerial Response Read →