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- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the large remand population, including around 27,000 remandees, cannot undergo rehabilitation while on remand. He said rehabilitation work is being coordinated with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, and the Justice Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division has been gazetted under the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to prevent duplication and pool resources. He added that intensified drug prevention efforts are producing about 700 arrests daily, with many persons directed to voluntary rehabilitation centres, and that combined ministerial allocations will be supplemented if necessary under the President’s direction. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Citing the large number of drug-related offenders in prisons, the Member argued that rehabilitation is essential but underfunded and under-implemented. She noted that only 18% progress was achieved from the Rs. 500 million allocated in 2025 for drug-dependent rehabilitation, while the 2026 allocation of Rs. 10 million for prison rehabilitation amounts to about Rs. 300 per inmate, and asked whether funding would be increased. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Community-based corrections placed about 17,000 offenders under supervision without custodial sentences last year, and the Ministry plans to expand this programme. The Minister said NGOs and voluntary groups assist those unable to pay fines, but emphasized that prison overcrowding is driven mainly by remandees rather than fine defaulters. He stated that Government Analyst report delays are being addressed through Public Service Commission-approved recruitment of 50 analysts, with 32 more to follow, aiming to issue reports within about three months to support bail decisions. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella highlighted prison overcrowding, noting around 37,761 inmates, including approximately 27,000 remandees, and attributed the situation partly to court delays and inability to pay bail or fines. She asked whether the Government would consider measures such as bail funds and good-behaviour remissions, citing South Africa’s recent bail fund, to reduce remand populations and the estimated daily cost of Rs. 1,000 per inmate. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary As of 4 January 2026, Dumbara Prison held 2,246 inmates, including 699 remand prisoners, against a broader prison system facing overcrowding above 300 per cent. The Minister stated that the new Dumbara Prison project, replacing the former Bogambara Prison and Kandy Remand Prison, is planned for 400 female and 2,500 male inmates with 102 official quarters, at a revised cost of Rs. 4,360 million, and that completed works currently allow accommodation of 2,139 inmates. He said further construction will depend on annual allocations, while measures including referring drug dependents to rehabilitation camps and using selected government buildings for temporary inmate accommodation are being arranged to ease overcrowding. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration to provide the current inmate population and official capacity of Dumbara Prison in Pallekele. She also requested details on measures to expedite new prison construction and reduce overcrowding, or reasons if such information or action cannot be provided. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned the Minister of Health on measures to ensure the supply of quality-assured medicines, the establishment of an international-standard pharmaceutical testing laboratory, and steps to prevent shortages in State hospitals. He raised concerns over NMRA-registered medicines causing adverse outcomes, unregistered hand-carried medicines being sold to patients, and alleged defects in diagnostic tests such as Troponin-I at the National Hospital. He also called for support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, price regulation, standardisation of diagnostic testing, and better oversight of essential equipment and supplies in both State and private hospitals. Adjournment Debate and Adjournment Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth requested the Minister to issue Pooja Oppuwa deeds to all religious institutions. He referred to the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat area, where land relating to Mugudumaha Viharaya and archaeological sites was declared a sacred area by Gazette Extraordinary No. 2332/40 of 19.05.2023, and stated that compensation for 0.9263 hectares acquired from named individuals remains unpaid. He urged the Government to pay the outstanding compensation promptly, noting that the lands were relinquished to maintain peace and prevent conflict. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed regulations facilitating imports of essential goods for those affected by Cyclone “Dicha,” but questioned why detained consignments of the Holy Qur’an had not been released through specific Cabinet approval, particularly after flood damage and ahead of Ramadan. He alleged continuing unfair treatment of Muslims in government appointments, including Cabinet representation, diplomatic posts, and National List nominations, and called for qualified Muslim professionals to be appointed. He also urged urgent action over disrupted medical services in Akkaraipattu and criticized the reported influence of a “Prajashakthi” group over local administration. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticized the Government’s education reforms, stating that the Opposition had moved a No-Confidence Motion against the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister over the process. He alleged that Comprehensive Sexuality Education content, including material on sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation, was being introduced for Grade 6 and 7 students without adequate transparency, and called for the Minister’s resignation or support for the motion. He also raised concern over a reported assault on five students at Waters Edge on 12 September and urged Government action to protect students. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera criticized the handling of a proposed special committee on judicial promotions and transfers requested on 21 November 2025, stating that it was never placed before the Committee on Parliamentary Business and was instead rejected through an externally prepared ruling. He said the proposal was intended to examine administrative safeguards, not interfere with court decisions or individual judicial acts, and linked it to concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka about departures from seniority-based promotions without transparent merit criteria. He argued that recent appointment practices have created unease within the judiciary and called for protection of judicial independence, fairness, and Parliament’s procedural role. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Speaker’s Ruling on parliamentary discussion of the Judicial Service Commission, arguing that the JSC is an administrative body funded and scrutinized by Parliament rather than a court, and that precedent and Erskine May had been misapplied. He called for transparent procedures for judicial transfers and promotions, alleging that senior judges had been bypassed in higher court appointments and that affected judges lacked an independent remedy. He also questioned reported instructions by the CIABOC Director-General to Magistrates on bail, raised concerns about proposed appointments of Tamil judges without stated necessity, and urged reforms consistent with international judicial conduct principles and Bar Association concerns. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticised the Government over several issues, including the proposed appointment of the Auditor General, alleging unsuitable names had been sent while senior audit officers were ignored and urging that a qualified nominee be submitted to the Constitutional Council. He called for a special parliamentary committee to examine judicial transfers, saying judges lacked an effective mechanism to challenge unfair transfers. He also alleged irregularities and major financial losses in a 550 MW wind and solar power allocation approved by Cabinet, comparing the proposed Rs. 18 per unit rate with lower recent tender prices. He further raised concerns about education materials, including references to obscene websites in a Grade 6 module and the use of an incorrect symbol resembling Ashoka’s wheel instead of the Dharmachakra, and referred to alleged political pressure on officials in a gravel enforcement case. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake addressed the Speaker’s Ruling on a proposed Special Select Committee concerning judicial affairs, arguing that constitutional separation of powers requires Parliament to avoid overreach into areas such as the Judicial Service Commission. He contrasted past Executive-Judiciary conflicts with what he described as an unusual Opposition attempt to scrutinize the Judiciary at a time when investigations into past political and financial crimes are advancing. He alleged that the move was intended to pressure judicial and investigative institutions and shield former officeholders facing scrutiny, while also defending the Government over the Auditor-General vacancy by noting that the Constitutional Council had rejected four presidential nominations. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister moved an amendment to the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act regulations to include food and beverage stewardesses in residential hotels among categories of women over 18 permitted to work before 6.00 a.m. or after 6.00 p.m., with mandatory safeguards on transport, accommodation, health, safety and welfare. He said the measure supports women’s labour force participation and the expanding hospitality sector, and cited recent approvals and complaint-resolution figures relating to women’s night work. He also noted Sri Lanka’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment at work, recent wage increases, and the reconvening of the National Labour Advisory Council, before requesting approval of the regulation. In closing, he rejected allegations of media suppression, said the Government would challenge misinformation, and referred to past attacks on journalists and media institutions. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the death of 12-year-old Kuganeshan Dinoja in Mullaitivu on 21 December 2025 is under investigation, clarifying that it is recorded as a death rather than a murder. He said preliminary hospital and provincial inquiries have been completed and submitted to the Ministry of Health, with further investigation focused on whether there was negligence by hospital staff. He undertook to provide further information without prejudicing the ongoing inquiry. Questions by Private Notice under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Health regarding the death of 12-year-old Kuganeshan Dinoja at Mancholai hospital after a reported food allergy. He requested detailed information on admission and treatment timelines, staffing and specialist availability, the role and whereabouts of the Medical Superintendent, consent and communication with the parents, police reporting, post-mortem findings, and whether legal or disciplinary inquiries had begun. He also asked whether any fault had been identified, whether the treating doctor had been interdicted, and sought a response to public allegations that the hospital administration was protecting the doctor. Questions by Private Notice under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought an urgent explanation from the Prime Minister regarding UK unilateral travel bans and asset freezes on Sri Lankan nationals, including former senior military officers, imposed outside UN or bilateral legal processes. He asked for details on the Government’s ministerial committee, any Cabinet decisions, diplomatic or legal responses, representations made to the UK, and safeguards against extra-territorial measures without due process. He also called for a clear foreign policy position on unilateral sanctions and for reaffirmation of support for Sri Lanka’s armed forces and Police. Questions by Private Notice under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Minister’s earlier statement about cancelling media licences, noting that media institutions carry significant responsibilities and may report critically on the Government. He asked whether the Minister still holds that position and whether the Government intends to cancel licences already issued to media organisations. Oral Question: Department of Government Information (Q.3) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister rejected allegations that the Government was selectively protecting individuals or evidence, citing ongoing cases against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe as evidence to the contrary. She stated that prosecutions would proceed according to due process and affirmed that the Government would not shield anyone from legal action. Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) Read →