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- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe noted that court filings in 2025 were also low and referred to the late appointment of the current Chief Justice that year. He stated that differing views on the matter were on record and that the Bench, Bar, and public would assess them. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Clarified that no single counsel should be described exclusively as the party’s lawyer, as many lawyers assist the party. Responding to an inference about 2026 figures, he said leave-refusal data should be viewed historically, noting that 2025 recorded the lowest refusals after the Government took office in November 2024, while earlier years were higher. He added that fewer fundamental rights filings could indicate fewer violations by the Executive and State bodies, and cautioned that 2026 trends may change as eight months remain and the JSC compiled the figures only last month. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Noting that fundamental rights filings in 2026 were very low, Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe warned that the year could record the lowest annual intake if the trend continued and said this may indicate reduced access or deterrence among practitioners. He urged the Minister to convey concerns to the Chief Justice about access to court and the decline in filings. He also referred to Senior President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsakularatne’s view that judicial promotions should follow proper procedure and seniority to avoid politicization. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister emphasized that judicial independence is necessary for the rule of law and noted the limited role of the Justice Minister in matters handled by the Judicial Service Commission, including suspensions, inquiries and discipline. He stated his view that the Chief Justice and the judicial system operate independently and without political interference. In response to a question, he provided annual figures for fundamental rights/human rights cases filed, leave refused, and leave granted from 2021 to 2026 to date. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised concerns about judicial independence and the handling of fundamental rights applications, alleging that some FR petitions are being refused leave to proceed too quickly despite being a key public remedy. He referred to past politicization of the judiciary, reports of suspended judges allegedly without proper inquiry, and concerns about judicial affiliations, promotions, bail decisions, and retirement-age extensions affecting independence. He asked for year-by-year data from 2021 to 2026 on the number of human rights/fundamental rights cases filed, refused leave at the outset, and granted leave to proceed. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised a matter concerning the Judiciary and acknowledged the Minister’s attendance. He referred to the legal backgrounds of those present and asked whether former MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara is also an Attorney-at-Law. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha paid tribute to the late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, emphasizing his commitment to a Sri Lankan identity and his support for both minority and majority communities. He recalled Prof. Vitarana’s opposition to the forced cremation policy during COVID-19 and noted the Government’s later apology on the issue. He also highlighted Prof. Vitarana’s advocacy for judicial independence, including his opposition to the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and his support for protecting career judges. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara paid tribute to Hon. Prof. Tissa Vitarana, highlighting his contributions as a scientist, virologist, former Minister, and left political leader, including work on dengue control, COVID-19 proposals, the Vidatha programme, nanotechnology, and efforts toward devolution through the All-Party Conference. He recalled Prof. Vitarana’s principled opposition to the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake as an example of integrity. Jayasekara then raised concerns over a reported draft Bill to extend the retirement ages of superior court judges, arguing it could affect judicial independence, promotions, and perceptions of influence over the judiciary. He urged the Government not to proceed with such tenure extensions and called for upholding the rule of law. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam paid tribute to late Members, highlighting Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s progressive stance on the Tamil national question, role in the APRC, opposition to forced cremations during COVID-19, and support for repealing the PTA. He also recalled Chandradhasa Galappaththi’s effective service as Chairman of the Eastern Provincial Council. He gave an extended tribute to former Batticaloa MP T. Kanagasabai, noting his electoral record, trilingual parliamentary service, health, education and vocational development initiatives in Batticaloa, international experience, and service during a period of threats and violence against TNA Members. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Weeraratne stated that Sri Lanka currently lacks a mandatory legal framework for reporting cyberattacks on government institutions, leaving reporting to institutional discretion. He said the draft Cybersecurity Bill would establish a National Cyber Security Regulatory Authority to set mandatory reporting requirements and cybersecurity guidelines. Until then, institutions may voluntarily seek assistance from SLCERT and refer suspected crimes to the CID’s Computer Crimes Investigation Division. Ministerial Statement: Cybersecurity Incidents and Response Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya on behalf of the Hon. R.G. Wijerathna AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development regarding whether an officer in the National Accounts Division of the Department of Census and Statistics was interdicted in 2012–2013, the officer’s identity, and whether fair treatment had been ensured. The question also sought details on procedures to prevent distortion of sensitive economic data under the current Government, or reasons if such procedures are not in place. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake supported the Motion, stating that the Government accepts its core concerns about poverty and structural injustice affecting hill country communities. He identified factors such as the 1948 Citizenship Act, plantation enclave structures, line-room housing, geographic isolation, and caste-based vulnerability as causes of long-term deprivation and statelessness. He said housing, land and education issues must be addressed sincerely, noting Cabinet discussions on teacher shortages in hill country schools and the generational impact of past exclusion from citizenship and free education. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Chandrasekar supported the Adjournment Motion and highlighted the historical hardships of hill country Tamils, including their transport from India, loss of citizenship after 1948, and the impact of the Sirima–Shastri Agreement. He recalled efforts through a parliamentary Select Committee to end statelessness and secure citizenship for affected people. He argued that present conditions, including line-room housing, show the need for focused action to improve education, health, housing, water, roads, and modern industry in the hill country. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that while the regulations and appropriation resolutions aim to stabilize the economy, the Northern Province requires structural interventions, particularly in education, given its low GDP contribution. He alleged that the Northern Provincial authorities under the Governor have arbitrarily transferred 193 teachers under “exigencies of service” without meeting legal criteria or consulting unions, citing provisions in the Establishments Code and provincial procedural regulations. He further claimed that appeals and transfer decisions were politically influenced, discriminatory and vindictive, affecting teachers in areas such as the Island Zone and Vadamarachchi East and harming students’ access to education. He urged the Government and President, under whose authority the Governor falls, to end arbitrary and discriminatory practices in Northern education if they are serious about developing the province. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath raised concerns that permitting rice imports, including a licence for 1,040 metric tons of Ponni rice, could undermine local paddy farmers amid high production costs and unsold stocks, and urged the Government to ensure fair Paddy Marketing Board procurement and prioritize domestic production. He also referred to Mullivaikkal remembrance events, calling for justice, a political solution for Tamil people, and Provincial Council elections, while welcoming development approvals following the President’s visit to Batticaloa. He further requested action on district land and security-related issues, including the Thandiyadi STF camp, archaeology and forest department disputes, and additional pastureland allocations for livestock in Batticaloa. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam denied an allegation made on 19 May 2026 by Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna that he had abused Ms. Kowshalya Narendran in the Parliamentary Library. He stated that he had not met, spoken to, or seen the individual and argued that the claim was intended to damage his credibility as an MP. He requested that his parliamentary privileges be protected through disciplinary action against the Member concerned and sought a formal apology. Point of Order: Parliamentary Library Conduct Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration stated that the requested information must be obtained from the Terrorism Investigation Division, the Attorney-General, and Prisons Headquarters. He requested two weeks to provide a full answer, indicating it would be given when the relevant Member is present. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Political Prisoners and Interrogation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Welcoming the arrest of Suresh Sallay in relation to the Easter attacks, Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to clarify its position and question Pillayan to uncover the full truth. He also called for an immediate pardon and release of long-term political prisoners, noting that some have been imprisoned for around 30 years. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Political Prisoners and Interrogation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the continued detention of persons connected to the Tamil political struggle, particularly under the PTA, arguing that long delays and lengthy imprisonment raise issues of fairness, proportionality and equality. He asked the Ministry of Justice and National Integration for details on detainees, case status, steps to expedite indictments and trials, mechanisms to review prolonged detention, action on Presidential pardons, and implementation of the NPP manifesto commitment on political prisoners. He linked the issue to Mullivaikkal Remembrance Week and urged the President to show compassion, while also referring to the need for state support for public services such as the Batticaloa Public Library. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Political Prisoners and Interrogation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Attorney-at-Law stated that, following a recent inspection, the relevant court-related project is about 95 per cent complete after accelerated work over the past one and a half years. He said support had been provided for lawyers to establish chambers, and that auxiliary services such as notarial offices would be introduced to the area as courts are established, though he did not have the full list available. Oral Question: Beligaha Court Complex (Minister of Justice) Read →