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 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera questioned why cases withdrawn during the previous administration have not been re-filed, specifically citing the Permanent High Court-at-Bar case against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after his presidential immunity ended and the Greek Bonds case involving former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal. He urged the Government to examine these withdrawals seriously and to prioritize re-filings through a tiered approach. Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) 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 stated that, of 102 cases, 65 had been re-filed and 3 were under consideration, while noting that she did not have details of each case available. She rejected claims of a “shield of protection,” saying cases were being reactivated even against current and former powerful figures, and that decisions were being made on available evidence rather than rank or status. She added that some cases were 15 to 20 years old and required time for review before re-filing. Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised concerns that corruption cases against politically powerful or wealthy individuals withdrawn under the previous government by CIABOC or the Attorney-General on “technical reasons” were not subsequently re-filed despite reservations made in court and election pledges to do so. He questioned why, although 65 cases had reportedly been re-filed, the most serious and politically connected high-value cases had not been pursued, and asked the Prime Minister to clarify the government’s position. Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government’s 2024 policy framework included a commitment to review cases withdrawn by the Bribery Commission and the Attorney-General and re-file suitable cases. She said 102 cases were withdrawn between 2019 and 2024, of which 65 have been re-filed, 34 will not be re-filed, and three remain under consideration. Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education whether the policy statement “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life” included a commitment to review cases withdrawn by the Bribery Commission and the Attorney-General and re-file suitable cases. He requested the number of Bribery Commission cases withdrawn between 2019 and 2024, and how many of those had been reviewed and re-filed, or the reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa responded to the Speaker’s ruling, stating that he was not challenging it but emphasizing the supremacy of people’s sovereignty and the role of Parliament within the system of checks and balances. He argued that the Constitutional Council and Parliament have responsibilities to safeguard institutional independence, and said the Opposition’s request for a Select Committee was intended to protect and promote the independence of the Judiciary. Speaker's Ruling on Motion Inclusion in Order Book Read →
- 9 January 2026 Mr. Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne] AI summary The Speaker ruled on a motion submitted by 31 Members seeking a Parliamentary Select Committee to examine the Judicial Service Commission’s exercise of powers over judicial officers’ appointments, promotions, transfers, dismissals and discipline from 1 January 2025 onward. Referring to Standing Order 27(3), the constitutional separation of powers, judicial independence, and a 2001 Speaker’s ruling involving a parliamentary select committee, he framed the issue as whether Parliament may create an oversight mechanism over the JSC’s constitutionally assigned functions. He outlined the motion’s proposed inquiries into legality, natural justice, reasons for decisions, possible extraneous considerations, effects on public confidence, and recommendations for reforms. Speaker's Ruling on Motion Inclusion in Order Book Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Motion and highlighted malnutrition, educational gaps, and safety risks affecting hill-country children, drawing on his experience as a doctor and teacher. He urged stronger state oversight of orphaned and war-affected children, particularly in the Northern Province, including surveys of private childcare homes and faster child protection interventions. He also called for an investigation into the reported death of a 12-year-old girl at Mancholai Hospital after alleged improper medical treatment, and requested that any childcare programme explicitly include low-income and war-affected districts in the North. Adjournment Motion: Child Safety in Urban Housing Complexes Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the Motor Vehicles Intoxicants Regulations and Expressways Regulations, arguing that they are necessary to reduce road deaths and improve public safety in the transport sector. He framed the measures as part of the government’s broader effort to address inherited failures in transport, infrastructure and governance, while criticizing the Opposition for past mismanagement and for qualifying support for reforms. He also responded to references to Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, stating that the government had a mandate to pursue accountability for past abuses under the rule of law. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Contributing to the debate on two regulations under the Motor Traffic Act, Dr. Sandaruwan Madarasinghe said the Government was pursuing justice over the Lasantha Wickrematunge assassination without political interference. He outlined road and bridge development allocations and ongoing works in Hambantota, including RDA, Southern Provincial Road Development Authority, and district-level projects, while criticizing district Opposition MPs for not attending transport coordination meetings. He argued that drug use among drivers is a preventable cause of road accidents, cited accident statistics from 2023 to November 2025, and said regulations, enforcement, awareness, and mobile medical screening by the National Transport Medical Institute are being used to address the issue. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera supported the regulations but raised concerns over the Lakvijaya coal procurement tender, alleging altered tender conditions, substandard coal imports, and losses of about Rs. 100 billion, and said the Parliamentary Energy Subcommittee would investigate responsibility. He also called for transparency and due process in judicial appointments, transfers and promotions, referring to BASL concerns and urging that the Opposition’s proposal for a Special Parliamentary Committee be placed on the Order Book. He marked the 17th anniversary of Lasantha Wickrematunge’s assassination and urged the Government to deliver justice in the case. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Government is making maximum efforts to investigate the 2009 assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge and attacks on media institutions, including the “Sirasa” institution. He noted that previous Governments and Ministers had failed over 17 years to identify and prosecute those responsible, and said the current Government would take necessary action to find the perpetrators and deliver justice. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a matter under Standing Order 38 concerning the 17th anniversary of Lasantha Wickrematunge’s assassination. He questioned why his request for an answer from the Prime Minister was refused on the basis that the matter is sub judice, while answers are provided in Parliament on other matters before courts, such as the Easter attacks, the “X-Press Pearl” incident and substandard medicines. He expressed concern over what he described as inconsistent treatment of parliamentary questions. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns under Standing Order 27(2) about the rollout of new subject-module reforms, particularly the Grade 6 English module, arguing that problems may affect children’s educational rights and calling for education, health, and related areas to be recognized as fundamental rights. He questioned the Government on the studies, standards, and procedures used to develop the syllabus and select website references, including whether any procurement process or financial benefit to private entities was involved. He also sought details on teacher training, ICT facilities, school infrastructure readiness, funding for future terms, and transparency over the framework for including or changing module content. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa referred to a Threat Assessment Report by the State Intelligence Service, Police Special Branch, and North Central Province Senior DIG concerning alleged threats to MP Rohana Bandara Wijesundara, stating that it recommended deploying security officers for him. He laid the relevant letter before the House and questioned why Cabinet approval was required to implement the recommendation, citing the provision of security to MP Jagath Withana following a similar assessment as precedent for equal action. Oral Questions to Ministers (Q.117/2024-(2) through Q.1715/2025) Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over trading in Wealth Trust Securities Limited, stating that its share price rose from Rs. 7 to Rs. 25,000 without a price band, with over 6.3 million shares traded before the market was halted. He argued that this reflected a failure of stock market regulation, damaged investor confidence during discussions on investment, and called for an inquiry and the resignation of responsible officials. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported amendments to Act No. 11 of 2021 concerning the Port City framework, arguing that stronger provisions are needed to make it a competitive Special Economic Zone and financial hub. He outlined investment routes through BOI-facilitated FDI, forthcoming PPP legislation, joint ventures, and the Port City, and said reforms would introduce a single-window mechanism, clearer incentives, tax fairness, and Central Bank-regulated offshore banking. He highlighted changes ending employment income tax exemptions for new zone employees, transitioning existing registrants over three years, and setting time-bound, criteria-based incentives for Businesses of Strategic Importance. He also cited recent economic growth figures and criticized opposition to certain public appointments, urging cooperation in national development. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order on the application of the parliamentary Code of Conduct and the role of the Ethics and Privileges Committee in addressing misconduct by Members. He then presented a privilege question alleging that Hon. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam used obscene and abusive language against him at the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee meeting on 26 December during a discussion on provincial hospitals. He requested that the matter be referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee, that the Member be removed from that Committee pending inquiry, and that his parliamentary seat not be placed next to him. He also asked the Speaker to respond to a previously raised matter concerning “Sudatta.” Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns over an alleged Rs. 860 million fraud in which people lost their life savings, noting that the relevant agency’s licence had been cancelled but that irregularities occurred both before and after that action. He asked the Minister to focus on specific matters including the Rainbow case, employment opportunities in Italy, and the Korea listing issue, while clarifying that he was not making a personal accusation against the Minister. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Minister to seek an extension from HRD Korea and the Korean Government for the expiring web-listing of about 10,000 Sri Lankan candidates who had completed language tests, interviews and medicals for Korean employment. He also requested intervention to enable departure of candidates already approved for jobs in Italy but delayed due to issues between old and new agreements. He further raised allegations that two foreign employment agencies defrauded over Rs. 860 million from more than 640 people over promised jobs in Romania, calling for a transparent investigation and action against those responsible. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →