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 January 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa cited Articles 153(1) and 154(8) of the Constitution to argue that the Auditor-General must meet the defined qualification of being a practising qualified auditor. He stated that the President had submitted four nominees, including two serving officers of the National Audit Office, who met these constitutional requirements, and said the Constitutional Council should assess only whether nominees satisfy those qualifications rather than compare them with other potential candidates. He criticized the rejection of nominees, including acting appointees, on grounds such as educational background or prior service, and said the President would proceed according to law. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri raised a procedural point under Standing Order 92(2) and argued that appointments to key offices must follow constitutional procedures, particularly Article 41 governing the Constitutional Council’s role. He said the Council is not obliged to approve a name sent by the President and warned against bypassing its Chair or officials. Citing Article 154(3), he emphasized that Parliament’s committees require a duly appointed Auditor-General to conduct pending 2025 audits, and urged the Speaker to ensure an independent nominee is appointed rather than one intended to protect the Government. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a procedural and constitutional concern that Sri Lanka has been without an Auditor-General since 6 December, leaving the Audit Service Commission unable to function as required under Article 153A of the Constitution. He said this affects the preparation of National Audit Office estimates, Gazette publication of rules, and the functioning of public finance oversight after the year-end closure of Government accounts. Referring to Standing Order 119(2), he argued that COPE and COPA must be assisted by the Auditor-General personally and that meetings under a Deputy Auditor-General would be improper, requesting the Speaker to examine the matter with the Secretariat. Procedural: Points of Order on Auditor-General Appointment and Parliamentary Matters Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Based on documents under review, legal action will be taken if unlawful use or violations of the agreement are established. The statement signals an intention to enforce the agreement through legal proceedings where breaches are found. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned how the Government can effectively protect reserves, forests and buffer zones, including Sinharaja and the Hakwatunawa Tank Reserve, if officials enforcing conservation laws are transferred or obstructed. He cited the transfer of Wildlife officer Chathura Gunaratne in Herathgama and alleged obstruction of Forest Department officers in Galgamuwa and Kumbukwewa who opposed illegal soil excavation. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns over alleged improper relief distribution in Verugal, Trincomalee, including arrests and remand of residents who questioned non-receipt of assistance. He criticised unfulfilled government promises on compensation and relief, opposed providing vehicles to MPs amid public hardship, and urged Ministers to engage directly with affected communities. He also called for proper investigation of Dr. Bellana’s complaint regarding alleged procurement irregularities at the National Hospital, questioned reported deaths linked to ondansetron, and referred to administrative issues at the NMRA. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan urged the Government to give special attention to hill-country Tamil and estate worker communities severely affected by landslides in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Matale, noting their existing socio-economic vulnerability and unsafe settlements. He called for safe land allocation and permanent resettlement, including possible land acquisition under Emergency Regulations, to address long-standing land rights and integrate these communities into public services and administration. He also asked the Government to prevent estate companies or officials from pressuring displaced people in camps to return to unsafe areas for labour needs, and said he was willing to help identify suitable estate lands for resettlement. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni stated that Dr. Bellana’s interdiction was based on two complaints—leaking sensitive patient information and making statements that caused public unrest—and that the Public Service Commission had approved the action. He said the interdiction was unrelated to the allegations raised by the Member. Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara disputed the basis for removal, noting that former hospital directors had previously provided information to the media, and requested that Dr. Bellana’s submissions and the related issues be properly investigated. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan expressed condolences to disaster-affected families and commended relief efforts by officials, MPs, civil society and the public, while urging proper and transparent implementation of government assistance. He raised concerns about statements made to the President at the Puttalam DCC regarding the Puttalam–Elavankulam–Mannar road, arguing that the route has historical public use, significantly reduces travel time to Jaffna, and was wrongly closed following litigation and Wildlife Department assurances. He questioned the basis for restricting public transport through Wilpattu when other roads through wildlife areas remain open, tabled related Supreme Court documents, and urged action to protect and reopen the road, including measures against future flood damage. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha raised a question of privilege alleging that false statements about him had been circulated on social and electronic media by named police officers, a local government member, and Hon. Ajith P. Perera. He argued that these actions obstructed his parliamentary duties and violated the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act. He requested that those responsible be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for appropriate action. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya expressed sorrow over the deaths of two women and stated that the Government is investigating the matter and will take necessary action, while avoiding detailed comment until the inquiry is completed. She said further information could be provided by the Health State Minister. She also affirmed support for expanding the Fundamental Rights chapter to include economic, social and cultural rights alongside civil and political rights, supported by strong institutions. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Welcoming the Government’s stated position on constitutional reform, Sajith Premadasa urged that any new constitutional framework expand Fundamental Rights to include socio-economic and cultural rights such as health, education, culture and religion. He raised concerns over reported deaths of two women in Habarakada and Matugama after receiving a contaminated batch of Ondansetron, arguing that access to quality medicines under free healthcare should be protected as a fundamental right linked to the right to life. He also questioned the interdiction of Dr. Bellana after he spoke publicly on alleged health-sector corruption and substandard drugs, tabled the relevant Health Ministry letter dated 18.12.2025, and asked what action and justice would be provided for the deceased women and to safeguard patients’ rights. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson urged Parliament to pass the Animal Welfare Bill, citing an incident in Kumana National Park involving cruelty to wildlife. He also addressed a disaster with many deaths and missing persons, requesting that compensation be extended fairly to those reported missing, noting that in such circumstances they are unlikely to be found. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson referred to the killing of a trapped wild elephant in Seepukulam village, Mihintale, describing it as inhumane. He urged Parliament to pass the Animal Welfare Bill, arguing that such incidents may continue without the legislation. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Jagath Vithana briefly urged the House to collectively ensure justice for an unnamed woman. The intervention was a short appeal rather than a detailed policy proposal or legislative argument. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns over the death of a 23-year-old woman after receiving Ondansetron from a batch he said had already been banned by the NMRA, questioning whether the hospital received the directive and what action is being taken regarding the large number of vials reportedly already used. He linked the incident to broader concerns about drug safety, procurement, alleged contamination, and past medicine-related controversies, and called for accountability and assistance to the family. He also referred to recent natural disaster relief efforts, describing assistance provided by him and local volunteers, and offered remaining relief goods to Members who can arrange transport for affected constituents. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa urged the Government to expedite procedures for returning people in relief camps to their homes and to clearly state compensation and support measures for affected farmers, damaged houses, land purchase, house construction, schoolchildren, and rent. He specifically questioned whether proposed payments such as Rs. 100,000 per acre, Rs. 500,000 for land, Rs. 1,000,000 for a house, and Rs. 25,000 allowances would be implemented. He also requested the appointment of a Special Select Committee, prioritizing Members from disaster-affected districts, to investigate the causes of the severe devastation. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera expressed condolences over a national disaster and urged the Government to act under the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005. He questioned whether the President had formally declared a disaster situation under Section 11, noting that any such declaration must be placed before Parliament for approval, and said no such instrument appeared on the Order Paper despite several sittings. He argued that formal action under the Act is necessary to provide aid, empower officials, protect public officers, and ensure lawful fund management. He also queried the legal basis of recent disaster-related circulars and notices issued by the Ministry of Defence and other authorities. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim said the Budget does not adequately address the country’s crisis but should be passed to meet IMF commitments, while urging the Government to present an urgent Supplementary Estimate for public works and recovery, with Opposition support. He questioned why the National Council for Disaster Management was not convened in mid-November despite rainfall warnings, arguing that earlier political leadership, a possible disaster declaration under the Disaster Management Act, and systems such as cell broadcast alerts could have reduced losses. He also objected to any privately managed disaster fund, insisting on parliamentary oversight through public funds, and warned against using emergency powers to intimidate social media users. He called for recovery efforts to involve Parliament and the Opposition and to be conducted without politicization. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Opening and Scheduling Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that actions required under paragraphs 897(xiii) and 897(xiv) of the relevant Supreme Court judgment had been reported to Court on 25 September 2025. She said directions had been issued to agencies responsible for marine environmental protection and coastal conservation, and outlined measures by the Ministry of Environment, including proposed amendments to the Marine Pollution Prevention Act, revision of the national contingency plan to cover chemical spills, creation of a digital dashboard and 24-hour MEPA operations room, and work on policies for distressed vessels and transboundary marine plastic pollution. Ministerial Statements - X-Press Pearl Vessel Liability Case Read →