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- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister warned that political outcomes can be unpredictable, citing the experience of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and others who were forced to seek refuge or leave the country. He used the example to caution that anticipated developments may not occur and unforeseen events can change political circumstances. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that Independent Commissions must be preserved to protect democracy and citizens’ rights, particularly in the context of Budget allocations for key constitutional offices and institutions. He criticized reported moves to return police transfer and promotion powers from the National Police Commission to the IGP, saying any inefficiency should be addressed through resources and staffing rather than reducing Commission powers. He also accused the Government of shifting from its previous support for independent institutions after coming to power, while acknowledging public expectations for higher standards, reduced waste, and anti-corruption measures. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan addressed the expenditure heads relating to the presidency, prime minister’s office and independent commissions, arguing that both the executive presidency and earlier parliamentary systems had failed to resolve corruption, economic mismanagement, crime and the national question. He welcomed some current government action against the underworld, narcotics and corruption, but urged repeal or reform of the PTA, accountability for wartime abuses and disappearances, truth and remedies for victims, and a just political solution. He cited several killings, abductions and disappearances involving academics, journalists, politicians, teachers and children, demanding investigations, prosecutions and convictions regardless of ethnicity or status. He also criticised the composition of the Archaeological Advisory Committee, calling for representation reflecting Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic society. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara said he had complied with Standing Order 83(1) and argued that any process affecting judges should observe fairness, natural justice and a proper inquiry, without referring to personal conduct or defending any individual. He cautioned that judicial removals and restorations have occurred under different administrations and stressed the need for consistent lawful procedure. He also urged that the Speaker not relinquish the gazetted official residence allocated under the Establishments Code, and thanked retiring Parliamentary security officer Mr. Ranasinghe for 33 years of service. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 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 Judicial Service Commission and the Chief Justice were not present to respond to allegations made in the debate. He said that around twenty removals had taken place only after investigations and were not reprisals, and cautioned that contrary assertions could undermine the perceived independence of the JSC and the Chief Justice. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order objecting to repeated references linking him to certain containers, stating that he had already gone to court and the CID over the matter. He claimed the containers were released during Minister Bimal Ratnayake’s tenure and referred to documents received in Europe alleging weapons in “Container 323.” He requested the appointment of a committee to investigate the matter and said he was prepared to answer any authority, including Interpol. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan urged the Minister to address the poor condition of a coastal road in the Jaffna District serving Maruthankerny DS Division, including Thalaiyadi, Uduthurai, Kattaikadu and Vetrilaikerny. He asked that any political interference or official negligence behind substandard work be investigated and those responsible held accountable, and called for a durable reconstruction rather than repeated temporary repairs for communities affected by the tsunami and the war. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 91(k) and Points of Order Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that he had submitted five documents alleging fraud and corruption and asked the Deputy Minister whether any inquiries had been initiated. He argued that inaction on such matters erodes public trust and defended the credibility of his interventions by referring to his medical qualifications. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa requested a government response on illegal online lending apps, citing harassment by such operators and the reported suicide of Gimhaya Sewwandi from Welagedara, Attanagalla. He named several alleged illegal loan apps, tabled a letter listing them, and asked what measures the Government will take to stop these operations and inform Parliament. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan complained that online outlets, fake social media accounts and individuals had circulated manipulated audio and false allegations linking him to a suicide death and possible arrest, damaging his reputation and parliamentary dignity. He named IBC Tamil TV and Kalaikathir, alleged breaches of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act and related offences, and requested an investigation by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. He stated that anyone with evidence should present it in court and said he was prepared to face such proceedings. Privilege Matters and Procedural Issues Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said development funds in the Vanni are difficult to implement when allocations are released late, especially during the rainy season, and urged the Government to address administrative barriers created by the Forest Department, Wildlife Department and similar agencies over land needed for housing, agriculture, hospitals and other projects. He questioned delays or obstruction to Indian-supported development at Palaly, Kankesanthurai and the Talaimannar–Rameswaram ferry, arguing that such assistance would support tourism and economic growth. He called for the immediate repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, saying it deters investment including from the diaspora, and raised urgent concerns about Mannar General Hospital, including shortages of specialists, non-reporting of transferred anaesthetists, ambulance limitations and risks to pregnant mothers and emergency patients. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera denied an allegation concerning the Opposition Leader’s sister, stating that she had been defrauded, that the offender was prosecuted in the High Court, imprisoned, and ordered to pay her compensation as the victim. He criticised Government-side Deputy Ministers for making what he described as false and improper statements in Parliament. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama defended the NPP Government’s first year in office, citing economic stabilization, fiscal discipline, improved revenue collection, targeted welfare support, tourism recovery, and the holding of two elections. He said the Government had strengthened social cohesion, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the independence of judicial and investigative institutions. He praised President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Budget presentation and criticised the Opposition for failing to offer substantive or constructive criticism. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that Government policy on pursuing serious legal cases should not depend passively on the Attorney-General, and called for the AG to be directed to identify such cases and seek the Chief Justice’s approval. He stated that applications and approvals are not currently being pursued, and asked the Government to clarify the status of its promise to introduce a new Constitution. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the decision to assign a case to the Permanent High Court-at-Bar is made by the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission upon application by the Attorney-General, not by the Minister of Justice or any political authority. He added that such selections are made expeditiously by the Chief Justice. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration responded to a question regarding the number of trials-at-bar referred to the Permanent High Court-at-Bar. He indicated that he wished to address that specific point raised by the Member. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera criticized the Government for failing to enact the legislative programme announced in the 2025 Budget, stating that none of the 11 promised economic and regulatory Bills had been passed and that Parliament’s legislative output had fallen compared with recent years. He questioned the adequacy of funding for CIABOC and the absence of corruption cases referred to the Permanent High Court-at-Bar, arguing that anti-corruption commitments were not being matched by action. He also urged the Government to proceed with its manifesto commitment to introduce a new Constitution abolishing the Executive Presidency and establishing a parliamentary system, noting that the Budget speech was silent on this issue. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to provide details on the takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by the Department of Archaeology under Question No. 1347/2025. The request sought information on the status, legal or administrative basis, and related particulars concerning the Department’s acquisition or management of the historic property. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath acknowledged irregularities in land instruments, including duplicate instruments for the same plot, long-term occupants being bypassed in favour of persons from other districts, and instruments issued without site inspections. He said discussions are under way with Legal Affairs to introduce a standardized instrument and strengthen the legal framework to address about 600 related court cases lawfully and fairly. Oral Question 1289/2025: Lands belonging to Land Reform Commission - Transfer Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake sought clarifications under Standing Order 27(2) on the April 2022 suspension of external debt service, arguing that the “pre-emptive default” was announced without prior parliamentary approval despite Parliament’s constitutional control over public finance under Article 148. He asked who authorized the decision within the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance or Executive, whether Cabinet, the Attorney-General, the Monetary Board or Parliament approved it, and whether relevant documents would be tabled. He also requested details on measures to restore fiscal credibility and credit ratings, possible legislative reforms such as a Sovereign Debt Management and Accountability Act, recalibration of the IMF programme to protect citizens, lender conditions for renewed borrowing access, and an assessment of the economic and fiscal costs of the default. Procedural: Question by Private Notice - Financial Bankruptcy Declaration (SO 27(2)) Read →