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 October 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Government is implementing a socialist-Marxist policy direction and linked this to its positions on territorial integrity and the unitary state. He questioned why Sri Lanka did not call for a vote on UN Human Rights Council draft resolution A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1 despite stating opposition to it, and objected to the proposed Independent Prosecutor’s Office, saying it undermines confidence in domestic legal institutions. He warned of consequences for war veterans and national sovereignty, criticized perceived shifts away from alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and tabled a Cardinal’s homily urging development consistent with culture, dignity, and independence from IMF-related dependency. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned whether the Government had fulfilled its first-year promises, particularly on public sector salaries and pensions, arguing that increases were far below commitments and that promised pension adjustments had not been made. He criticized reported moves to reduce the powers of the National Police Commission over transfers and promotions, saying this would undermine the intent of the 19th and 21st Amendments on independent commissions. He also asked what progress had been made on justice for the Easter Sunday attacks, including claims about “Sara” being in India, and challenged the Government over rising borrowing, lack of visible development projects, weak public purchasing power, and unfulfilled commitments to teachers under the Subodinee Report. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government had failed to implement promised changes, citing the unfulfilled pledge for a new Debt Sustainability Analysis framework and IMF agreement, and criticized electricity tariff increases despite earlier promises of a 33% reduction. He questioned the Government’s economic direction in light of IMF conditions, future external debt servicing of about USD 5 billion annually from 2028, weak investment climate assessments, and World Bank concerns on poverty, wages, food prices, health and education. He also challenged the Government to explain why favourable statements by many countries at Geneva were not converted into votes against the Sri Lanka resolution, describing this as a failure of diplomacy and urging national unity and transparent domestic resolution of issues. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 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 matters raised were under investigation and that the individual concerned had responded only to questions from the Committee, not made voluntary statements to the media. He argued that Parliament should not compel disclosure of details related to ongoing investigations, as doing so could interfere with or disrupt the investigative process. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Government and Opposition Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara sought clarification regarding remarks made by Hon. S. J. Senaviratne before the Committee on High Posts on the alleged mastermind of the Easter Sunday attacks. He noted that media reports and a Police Media Division statement had created public queries, and said such claims should be presented to court rather than raised in the Committee. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Government and Opposition Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman sought clarification on the Government’s position and timetable for holding Provincial Council Elections, including the proposed delimitation process referenced in Geneva. He also asked about the composition of the Office for Reparations, specifically whether its membership consists only of ex-servicemen, whether others are included, and whether additional members will be appointed. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath reviewed the history of UN Human Rights Council resolutions on Sri Lanka, arguing that successive governments failed to address post-war human rights, reconciliation and accountability issues domestically, leading to continued international scrutiny and mechanisms such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. He said the current Government inherited this situation in 2024 and intends to “de-internationalize” the process by protecting the rights of all communities and resolving issues through strong, independent domestic institutions. He also noted that the composition and voting dynamics of the Human Rights Council make it difficult for Sri Lanka to defeat such resolutions, with Sri Lanka having won only the 2009 vote on its own resolution. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 9 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister answered that no circular has been issued under the relevant law, as existing legislation does not provide for such a circular, and said Registrar General’s Department officers have not harassed anyone while Muslim citizens have been informed of the current legal position. He stated that amendments to Section 2 of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act should be considered in light of social, cultural, legal and other factors, including its application to Muslims resident and non-resident in Sri Lanka. He added that, given the sensitivity of the matter, any reform should follow consultation with all stakeholders. Oral Question 4: Special Schools and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. M. A. M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M. A. M. Thahir raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on alleged inconsistencies between Sri Lanka’s marriage registration laws and related administrative circulars affecting Muslims and foreign nationals. He asked the Minister to clarify how the General Marriage Ordinance, Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act, and Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act apply where both parties are Muslim or where one party is a foreign Muslim. He claimed these rules create a registration vacuum and reports of officials pressuring Muslims to declare themselves non-Muslim, and requested government action to resolve the inconsistency and prevent discriminatory administrative practices. Oral Question 4: Special Schools and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena asked the Deputy Minister about compensation for people displaced by a dam project intended to support agriculture in the area. He sought clarification on the steps taken by the Ministry to complete compensation payments and the expected timeline for doing so. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna stated that if officials have misused the law or failed in their duties, the matter can be referred to the CID and addressed through departmental inquiries. He requested that specific details be provided so that appropriate action can be taken. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara asked whether, in light of past challenges to the rule of law by public representatives, there had been any abuse of the law in the specific instance under discussion. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna stated that he was not aware of any ongoing investigation and had only explained the applicable legal framework. He said the CID could investigate any evidence of dereliction of duty, while institutional action could also be taken if relevant details are provided. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan supported the Adjournment Motion on releasing Sri Lanka Ports Authority lands in Trincomalee, describing the proposed return as a correction of past land dispossession in Town and Gravets areas such as Linganagar, Palaiyootru, Poombuhar, Kappalthurai, Munthunagar and China Kuda. He said lands originally occupied by about 800 families were taken around 1979, and urged the Government to release the maximum possible extent, noting that 4,672 families are now affected and only 790 hectares are proposed for return while 1,219 hectares remain with the SLPA. He also called for urgent attention to alleged land seizures and associated religious-site developments in Kuchchaveli, Thiriyaai and other Tamil areas, while pledging cooperation for the initiative. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief to SMEs, including abolition of parate execution and restructuring or waiver of accumulated debt, citing widespread business closures and a specific case of excessive bank repayment demands. He also urged action against unregistered online lending operations and unlawful leasing repossessions, calling for stronger enforcement and lawful procedures. He further called for protection of the National Police Commission’s independence and said education reforms toward STEAM, robotics and AI should be accompanied by making History a core subject to preserve heritage and identity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Accepted the need for the Supplementary Estimate but questioned increased allocations under the President’s expenditure head, including funds for “Clean Sri Lanka” and a research project. Raised concerns about the withdrawn Penal Code amendment in the context of incidents involving teachers and students, and argued that the Government should address disciplinary issues within its own ranks before legislating on children. Also questioned matters involving Arjuna Mahendran’s passport release, a delegation to a Geneva trade conference, disputes with doctors and lawyers over vehicle stickers, and the role of commission chairs in controversial policy proposals. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara acknowledged reports of extortion and ill-treatment within prisons and said officers had been transferred, removed, or recruited as part of efforts to address long-standing institutional corruption. He said prison overcrowding, particularly among remand prisoners, could not be solved by infrastructure alone, and outlined measures to expedite Government Analyst reports, facilitate quicker bail, and consider legal reforms enabling High Courts to grant bail more promptly. He added that 50 officers had been recruited to the Government Analyst’s Department, with the aim of strengthening human rights protections and reducing prolonged detention. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about threats to prisoners’ lives, inhuman treatment of new inmates, gang control, contraband trafficking, and alleged involvement of prison officers in illicit activities. He asked the Minister what measures have been taken to curb the prison “mafia,” ensure humane treatment and safety of prisoners, discipline corrupt officials, and address overcrowding in prisons. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration said he did not have details of the specific case raised, but noted that charities sometimes pay bail or fines to secure inmate releases. He undertook to inquire into the matter, requested contact with the lawyers involved, and said he would intervene if necessary information showed that eligible inmates had not been released after fines were paid. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question regarding a fundraising initiative by a group of women lawyers intended to pay fines and secure the release of indigent female prisoners. He asked whether the authorities were aware that the initiative had not been implemented, the prisoners remained incarcerated, and concerns had arisen about the handling of the funds raised. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →