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- 8 October 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary As of 23 September 2025, prisons held 34,765 inmates, comprising 10,509 convicted prisoners and 24,256 remand prisoners. The Minister stated that there is no procedure to release prisoners solely after 20 years, as releases depend on court-imposed sentences and sentence calculation under Prison Rules, with remission not applicable to death or life sentences. He also reported that 2,122 prisoners were in custody as of 31 August 2025 due to inability to pay fines, and noted that such prisoners may be released only through normal sentence completion or Presidential pardons under Article 34 of the Constitution. 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 asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration for data on the current prison population and on inmates eligible for release after 20 years of detention, including whether they will be released and, if not, the reasons. He also requested information on prisoners serving long terms due to inability to pay fines, and whether the Government will adopt a fair, systematic procedure to address their cases. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Major General (Rtd.)) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence said commissioning authority rests with the President and that some service personnel have gone abroad without lawful discharge while owing bonds, sureties, or loans, creating difficulties in tracing them and coordinating with relevant institutions. He noted concerns that a small number may be linked to criminal or service-related offences, and highlighted the State’s investment in military training and controls such as service certification for passports. He said a general amnesty had been discussed with the President but rejected by service commanders as setting a wrong precedent, while procedures would be developed to enable lawful discharge without undue delay for returnees found not connected to crimes or misconduct. Oral Question No. 1 – 1180/2025: AWOL Service Members Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to the handling of his question to the Prime Minister, stating that he had amended it under Standing Order requirements rather than withdrawing and replacing it at the last minute. He argued that the Government was avoiding answering on its position at the Geneva Human Rights Council, despite international calls for concrete action rather than assurances. He requested that Members be allowed to question the Prime Minister without such interventions being treated as attempts to initiate a debate. Oral Question: UN Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised an oral question to the Prime Minister regarding the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ recent report on Sri Lanka and related statements following his visit. He asked the Government to clarify its position and intended actions on the report, state whether it will present and implement the report’s recommendations, and explain its view on the recommendation to consider alternative international legal options concerning Sri Lanka. Oral Question: UN Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that any alleged legal violation by the chairman should be addressed through the courts and established legal procedures, rather than political intervention. She rejected the relevance of linking the issue to the LGBTQ community and biodiversity, and noted that the Government’s policy had already been stated by the President and the relevant Minister. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Asked whether the tourism authorities are pursuing Government policy in relation to promoting LGBTQ tourism, arguing that Sri Lanka should instead emphasize existing attractions such as wildlife, flora, history and heritage. He also questioned whether the politically appointed Chairperson was implementing the Government’s policy framework and, if not, whether any legal action had been taken, raising concerns about unequal enforcement of the law. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and the Ministry are reviewing prison reforms concerning female inmates and children under five, with attention to safety, development and welfare. The speech emphasized that reforms should focus on preventing children from remaining in prison, particularly by expediting judicial processes, since most affected women are remand detainees rather than convicted prisoners. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage asked for assurance that future progressive reforms will protect the rights of all children, regardless of their place of birth or upbringing. She linked the question to the Government’s first Budget, which she said aimed to prevent exclusion or stigmatization and to ensure children’s access to rights such as education and health. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary From January to August 2025, 425 women were serving prison sentences and 4,686 women were on remand, with 38 children living with incarcerated mothers. The Prime Minister stated that separate child-care centres operate in women’s prison sections for children under five, with arrangements for food, early childhood education, welfare support, and donations. She said Government measures include funding development work at the Welikada women’s section child-care centre, providing trained early childhood advisers, amending Prison Regulations to ensure nutritious food, renovating existing centres, and following up on the education and health of children transferred to guardians after age five. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The member raised a question to the Prime Minister concerning media reports that 47 young children were incarcerated with their imprisoned mothers in the early months of 2025. She sought details on the number of women imprisoned during that period, how many were detained with children, and what measures the Government has taken or plans to take regarding the children’s safety, nutrition, education, welfare, and future. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe stated that the Minister had acknowledged the Commission’s existing powers, but said these powers were being removed through a Gazette. He objected that authority over transfers and related matters was to be vested in the Inspector General of Police. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Police transfers were made by the Police Commission, not by another authority. The issue raised was that there is currently no appeal mechanism for individuals who may suffer an injustice as a result of a Commission decision. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara raised a privilege concern, stating that alleged threats to his life had not received any recorded attention or decision. He asked the Speaker to consider the implications for ordinary citizens if even MPs’ privilege-related complaints remain unresolved. Opening and Speaker's Announcements Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage clarified that athlete selection and logistical arrangements are the responsibility of sports federations and their selection committees, while the Ministry may only fund or facilitate. He highlighted government support for para-sports, including engagement with India’s visually impaired cricket sector and investment in accessible equipment and infrastructure. He said the Ministry is pursuing inquiries and legal action involving several federations, and presented the Amendment Bill as a measure to strengthen the sports governance framework; the Bill was then read a Second time, referred to Committee, and reported without amendment. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, noting that doping can lead to bans and annulled results, while using the debate to criticise Opposition responses to issues of narcotics and past criminal investigations. He defended the Government’s mandate to ensure public safety and referred to ongoing inquiries into the Wasim Thajudeen murder, alleging past suppression of evidence and questioning the conduct of former administrations and Opposition figures. He also rejected claims that the Government intended to jail teachers, stating that education-related proposals could be amended or withdrawn and citing existing circulars, including Circular 12/2016, prohibiting corporal punishment in schools. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported the amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport and emphasized sport as a means of post-conflict coexistence, urging equal sporting opportunities and facilities across all provinces while avoiding politicization. He proposed dedicated funding for athletes with disabilities, including a 10 per cent allocation from Sri Lanka Cricket resources for disabled cricketers and support for disabled war heroes to participate in international events. He also called for comprehensive reform of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 to reduce ministerial control over selections and associations, strengthen independent governance and audits, establish clear election mechanisms, and give greater attention to football. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the urgent amendment to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with WADA requirements after delays had made existing law non-compliant. He argued that Parliament was an appropriate forum to discuss the national drug crisis, citing large seizures in 2025 and alleging that organized networks with past political protection had enabled narcotics to reach schools and children. He called for cross-party support for law enforcement, due process in investigations including the 323-container issue and the Thajudeen case, and a unified national effort to dismantle drug networks and protect children. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the Gazette amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport, arguing that Sri Lanka must align with global anti-doping standards while expanding sports opportunities beyond urban schools. He linked the lack of a strong sports culture to the spread of drugs, underworld activity, betting syndicates and match-fixing, citing recent drug and weapons seizures in Hambantota and calling for investigations into alleged political and criminal networks. He stated that the government would not protect traffickers and would work through district and security mechanisms to eradicate drugs and organized crime. He also referred to the Wasim Thajudeen murder investigation, claiming renewed inquiries would pursue justice and help remove criminal influence from sport. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake argued that sport in Sri Lanka had been politicized and distorted during the Rajapaksa era, citing alleged political interference, violence, and the murder of Wasim Thajudeen as examples of abuse. He said the government was seeking to restore the rule of law, investigate corruption, and remove political and criminal influence from sports administration. He called for fair opportunities and facilities for athletes, stronger action against doping and narcotics networks linked to sports and politics, and broad public support to reform sport and combat organized crime. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →