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 November 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka argued that media freedom remains weak, citing Sri Lanka’s low press freedom ranking, state media politicization, restrictive laws including the Online Safety Act, misinformation on social media, and the need for media literacy, independent public service broadcasting, wider internet access, affordable data, fair compensation from global platforms, and safeguards on AI in news. He called for the Right to Information Commission to be properly funded and staffed in line with the Act, and asked the Government to justify the benefits and expenditure of its new media policy. On health, he highlighted medicine, equipment, staffing, and service shortages nationally and in hospitals across the Galle District, including long waits for scans and surgeries, and requested urgent corrective action and the appointment of substantive directors to major hospitals currently led by acting officials. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Urging justice for journalists killed, abducted, attacked or oppressed during the war, Ravikaran called for stronger media freedom and linked the health budget to reconciliation and psychosocial support for war-affected families, including children of long-term Tamil political prisoners. He demanded the release of political prisoners and asked what relief the 2026 Budget would provide to such families under the Government’s “Healthy Living towards a Healthy Society” theme. He highlighted health inequities in Mullaitivu and Mannar, citing high transfer rates, vehicle shortages, a lack of permanent specialists and allied health staff, and requested at least two new ambulances for Mullaitivu and permanent appointments in key disciplines. He also urged completion in 2026 of recruitment for 454 Health Service Assistants whose earlier appointments were cancelled, and called for equitable health resource allocation to the Vanni. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva marked the first anniversary of the current Government and urged support for its anti-narcotics efforts, arguing that youth protection is essential to national development. He focused on disability rights reforms, stating that amendments to the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28 of 1996, aligned with the UNCRPD, will be taken to the National Council and then to the Legal Draftsman and Parliament. He cited increased allowances, expanded beneficiaries, vocational training, a proposed three per cent public service employment quota, and a private sector wage subsidy as measures to empower persons with disabilities. He also highlighted support for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and called on social service officers and state institutions to help integrate persons with disabilities into social and economic life. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Raised a point of order citing Standing Order 92(2), questioning whether permission had been obtained to refer to a Member who was absent from the Chamber. He also invoked the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, alleging that he had been threatened within the parliamentary precincts and demanding immediate arrest, stating that previous CID complaints had not resolved the matter. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government’s treatment of MSMEs, citing large-scale closures and urging expedited loan restructuring, improved ease of doing business, a clear export strategy, and dialogue with MSME representatives. He argued that Aswesuma alone cannot eradicate poverty and called for a comprehensive poverty strategy based on production, savings, investment, consumption, and exports, while also proposing support for traditional industry villages to access global markets. He raised an alleged foreign employment fraud involving a licensed agency in Maharagama and requested action by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and relevant ministers to support victims. He also questioned whether projected growth, remittances, exports, and FDI would be sufficient when debt servicing resumes in 2028, and asked the Government to explain the macro-linked bond feature in the IMF agreement. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary A complaint was raised that a Member had allegedly threatened to kill the speaker near the canteen entrance after he asked a question regarding the Puttalam District. He requested that camera footage be reviewed and an inquiry be initiated into the incident. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera rejected allegations of government inaction, stating that poverty reduction and renewable energy development are being pursued while protecting media freedom. He contrasted the Government’s position with past attacks on journalists and media institutions, and argued that critics lack credibility on media freedom. He cited overstaffing, political recruitment, and tariff-related political decisions as causes of CEB losses, and said the Government is allocating recurrent and capital funds to secure energy supply and expand renewables. He also referred to IRENA projections and commentary on green hydrogen to argue that Sri Lanka has significant potential in solar, wind, and future renewable energy carriers. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. D. V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D. V. Chanaka said he takes full responsibility for a document he tabled and intends to release it to the media. He urged that if media institutions are to be summoned before the Ethics and Privileges Committee, the relevant Minister should also be summoned. He also alleged unlawful large-scale transfers at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and CPSTL through trade union influence at Muthurajawela and called on the Minister of Power to stop them immediately. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Complaints of this nature should be referred to the Computer Crime Division, with specific details provided on any long-pending cases so that separate inquiries can be conducted. The Jaffna sub-unit began operations in April, and the public should be directed to lodge complaints with the relevant authorities, with cooperation from the Ministry of Defence and joint investigations pursued where necessary. Oral Question No. 3 (Q.812/2025): Financial Cybercrime Complaints (Second Round) Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised a supplementary question about an alleged fraud attempt using the name “Ministry of Digital Economy, Sri Lanka” and a government 1020 code to obtain bank and personal details. He tabled documentary evidence, including a phone number, for inclusion in the Hansard and asked the Minister to take the matter into consideration. Oral Question No. 3 (Q.812/2025): Financial Cybercrime Complaints (Second Round) Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary The Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that a CID Computer Crime Division sub-unit was established in Jaffna only in April, with complaints now being received and investigated there. He said the division has been upgraded under a Deputy Inspector General, trained officers are being deployed to sub-units, and measures are being taken to make investigations more efficient despite their complexity. He noted that about 25 computer-crime complaints are reported daily nationwide, investigations are initiated in each case, and completed matters are referred to court for determination. Oral Question No. 3 (Q.812/2025): Financial Cybercrime Complaints (Second Round) Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised concerns about rising financial cybercrimes in the Northern Province, including bank and WhatsApp hacks and overseas money-transfer scams. He argued that low official figures for 2020-2024 reflect the previous absence of a functioning cybercrime unit in Jaffna and noted difficulties victims face in obtaining information from banks and police while cases remain delayed. He asked the Minister what future measures would be taken and called for stronger laws to prevent such crimes. Oral Question No. 3 (Q.812/2025): Financial Cybercrime Complaints (Second Round) Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to provide annual data from 2020 to date on financial cybercrime complaints reported to the Sri Lanka Police, including separate figures for the Northern Province. He also requested district-level Northern Province data on online banking scams, phishing, and unauthorized electronic fund transfers reported through official channels, and details of measures to improve access to reporting mechanisms in rural and underserved areas. Oral Question No. 3 (Q.812/2025): Financial Cybercrime Complaints (Second Round) Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns over the President’s statement that documents related to the Easter Sunday attacks investigation had been removed, warning that such an act would obstruct justice and constitute a serious offence. He asked how the alleged removal of files is being investigated and requested that the Government report to Parliament on the matter. He also urged that the investigation not be handled solely by the Government, but treated as a shared responsibility of Parliament. Oral Question No. 1 (Q.680/2025): Environment - Deputy Minister Response and Adjournment Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera questioned the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development on alleged irregularities involving Asha Minerals, including a 30-year agreement with the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation at Aruwakkalu, alleged mining without a valid licence, and a police raid. He also asked about a salvage contract with Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd., possession of ilmenite cargo reportedly worth Rs. 300 million despite Attorney-General objections, and alleged diversion of mineral assets. He sought details on measures to protect State resources, ensure accountability, and restore the rights of legitimate licence holders. Written Answers to Questions and Administrative Notices Read →
- 19 November 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka moved a resolution to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the release of 323 import containers from the Port of Colombo without mandatory physical inspection. The proposed committee would examine the legality of the release, accountability of officials and entities, possible illegal or harmful contents, the roles of Sri Lanka Customs and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and the adequacy of existing safeguards. He cited a Treasury-appointed investigation, Customs officers’ concerns, and public security risks, including possible links to narcotics, weapons, revenue loss, and public safety, and proposed recommendations for legal, administrative, and policy reforms. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan requested administrative restructuring in Batticaloa, including splitting Eravur Pattu DS and Kanthiran Kudah GN Division due to their large size and access difficulties. He urged age-limit extensions for public service competitive examinations affected by Covid delays, the prompt holding of long-delayed Provincial Council elections, and relief for low-revenue and war-affected local authorities facing increasing salary burdens. He also called for higher public assistance grants for vulnerable groups and action in the 2026 Budget to address long-standing pension anomalies affecting retired teachers and principals. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena argued that the current local authority electoral system is impractical and requested a return to the former preferential representation system. He raised financial and staffing difficulties in local authorities, calling for excess staff redeployment and full government reimbursement of salary costs. He also sought improved allowances and facilities for Grama Niladharis, a male recruitment quota for difficult areas, and administrative and judicial reallocation of four remote Grama Niladhari divisions in Madulla to improve public access and legal administration. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman challenged the President’s remarks on the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that key volumes and testimony from the Easter Commission report, allegedly retained during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency, should be sent immediately to the Parliamentary Library for MPs’ review. He also rejected the President’s allegations linking the media to drugs, urging him to present evidence publicly and act responsibly in his capacity as Executive President. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman called on the Government to table in Parliament the defence agreement signed on 14 November between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence and the Montana National Guard, disputing a statement by the US Ambassador that it had already been tabled. He rejected the President’s claim that the Opposition feared Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekara, saying SJB MPs had defended them when they faced reprisals under the previous Government. He further alleged that the two officers were being obstructed by the Public Security Ministry and questioned the promotion or appointment of officials whom he said had previously hindered or harassed them. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →