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- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa linked the debate on prohibiting doping in sport to the broader need to teach children right and wrong, arguing that parents and teachers must be able to guide children while all forms of cruelty and degrading punishment are eliminated. He called for an inclusive, non-partisan dialogue to create a legal framework that protects children from violence while allowing humane correction. He also raised education-sector concerns, including the incomplete teachers’ salary increase, high interest rates under the “Guru Seta” loan scheme, and delays in integrating 16,600 development officers into the teacher service, urging prompt implementation of the court-mediated process. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, noting that they update the 2013 law by shifting doping violations from High Court criminal prosecution to disciplinary adjudication within the anti-doping framework. He argued this aligns with international practice but criticized what he described as policy inconsistency, contrasting the decriminalization of doping sanctions with recent Penal Code amendments on child discipline. He also questioned the Government on implementation of Justice K.T. Chitrasiri’s recommendations for reforming Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance, asking which measures had been carried out. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected that Members were not being permitted to raise an alleged violation of the Constitution. His intervention framed the issue as a procedural concern about the right of Parliamentarians to speak on constitutional matters. Privilege Matter: Submission of False Information to Constitutional Council Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that false or misleading information had been presented to Parliament regarding the appointment of Governors and the timing of related recommendations, citing an emailed sworn objection by Prof. Dinesha Samararatne to the Speaker. Referring to the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, he claimed the conduct implicated the Leader of the House and the Speaker, breached Members’ privileges, and damaged the dignity of Parliament. He requested that the matter be referred to the Committee on Privileges and that the Speaker provide a clarification to the House. Privilege Matter: Submission of False Information to Constitutional Council Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised a Point of Order responding to remarks by Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra, arguing that her reference to crimes more serious than the 320/323 container incident effectively acknowledged the incident as a crime. He called for investigations and demanded that the House be informed whether weapons were brought in, by whom, and where they are, describing the matter as a grave threat to innocent lives. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama addressed the adjournment debate on COPE’s Fourth Report, outlining procedural changes under the 10th Parliament’s COPE, including seeking written responses from all 458 institutions on Auditor General findings, issuing institution-specific reports, and proposing Standing Order amendments to enable referrals to the CID or Bribery Commission. He identified recurring governance weaknesses in State institutions and cited findings at the University of Sabaragamuwa, including alleged overpricing of book purchases, removal of soil from university land, and concerns linked to a recent student suicide and possible ragging. He also referred to procurement concerns at the National Youth Services Council and said COPE would pursue fraud, corruption, and illegality beyond mere reprimand. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi rejected Opposition claims that the Government is hostile to private enterprise, arguing that it opposes corrupt “models” used to divert or shield public assets. He cited the CEB’s shareholding in LTL and related audit disputes, alleging that corporate structures and litigation had been used to prevent proper public scrutiny despite State ownership. He also referred to COPE evidence on alleged pressure placed on public officials in the LRC and National Youth Services Council, and said the Government is enabling officials to resist corruption. He stated that LRC land alienation has not been generally stopped but legal action is being pursued where misuse is alleged, and called for support for accountability and protection of public funds through COPE processes. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticised the Government over unfulfilled pledges on the Central Bank bond issue, the Easter Sunday attacks, and anti-corruption, highlighting the case of 323 red-notice containers and calling it a major corruption concern requiring accountability. He objected to the handling of a proposed No-Confidence Motion against a Deputy Minister, said Members’ privileges had been curtailed, and stated that complaints would be made to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He also urged the Government not to weaken dental education at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, requested disclosure of the parliamentary canteen inspection report, and called for stronger protection, guidance, and social support for children. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary As a COPE member, Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah said the Committee had reviewed 14 of 457 institutions in six months and found Auditor General-reported cases of fraud, waste, and misuse of public funds. He focused on alleged corruption at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, citing the immunoglobulin scandal, adulterated eye drops, and irregular fast-track imports without required documentation, and called for expedited investigations and redress for victims. He also highlighted drug supply disparities affecting government hospitals and urged action on cadre revisions, promotions, and transfers to address staffing shortages in Northern hospitals. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over the BIA Development Project tender process, citing past delays, consultant payments despite limited progress, and repeated extensions that he said appeared to accommodate deficiencies in Sojitz’s Power of Attorney documentation. He questioned the involvement of Sojitz and Larsen & Toubro, referring to alleged problems in other projects, and urged that the airport project not be undermined by further delays. He also called for action by the Bribery Commission regarding reported foreign currency and cryptocurrency holdings by public figures under the Anti-Corruption Act, and sought clarification on allegations about political links involving a Bribery Commission official, arguing that anti-corruption laws must be applied equally. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary COPE’s work and ongoing judicial processes were cited as evidence that accountability mechanisms are functioning, particularly against corruption in state institutions. The Deputy Minister rejected claims that he, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, and Mayor Ranjan Jayalal were to be arrested, stating that the case file and minutes contain no such decision and that the Mount Lavinia Court had found no disclosed offence warranting an arrest order. He warned against efforts to portray the Judicial Service Commission and Bribery Commission as politically influenced, arguing that such allegations undermine public confidence in independent institutions. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman argued that COPE findings should be followed by legal action to effectively reduce fraud and corruption, citing the Anti-Corruption Act and the Government’s mandate for transparency after 2022. He raised concerns about alleged selective enforcement and lack of inquiry in matters including the Mannar wind power project, the release of 309 unexamined containers, a liquor distillery licence, appointments in the Bribery Commission, and reported delays in corruption cases. He also questioned refusals to provide Right to Information details on Presidential Secretariat matters and warned that perceived shielding of government-linked individuals would undermine public trust in rule of law. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka stated that he had initiated legal action against a television channel and social media figures over allegations linking him and his father-in-law to the underworld, and urged MPs to respond to accusations outside Parliament rather than relying on privilege. He argued that COPE should examine why major projects, including those funded by JICA and other development projects halted after 2015, failed or caused large losses. He also alleged serious irregularities in the release of 323 containers under the current Government, citing findings from a Presidential Committee report and calling for its tabling, a forensic audit, and CID and Police investigations into possible security and public health risks. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha used the Adjournment debate on COPE to defend LTL as a profitable and technically capable enterprise, while calling for COPE scrutiny of current issues including alleged misuse of LRC land in Pasikuda, the release of Customs containers, flagged containers at Mideniya, and alleged VAT and CESS evasion on crude edible oil imports. He argued that public officials are being intimidated through investigations and COPE processes, contributing to administrative paralysis and service shortages, particularly in the health sector, and cited reported losses from emigration of medical staff. He also questioned the independence of the Bribery Commission, alleged politicization of law enforcement and police transfers, and raised concerns over a vehicle number plate tender allegedly tailored for a Chinese company, urging adherence to proper systems and a non-aligned foreign policy. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that amendments to the Online Safety Act are needed to address continuing hate speech and defamation on social media. He said the amendment process has been expedited through a committee coordinated by four Ministries, while current investigations are being conducted under existing law, and asked the Member to provide specific details so he could inquire and respond further. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran raised concern about defamatory and false content targeting MPs and Ministers through foreign-based websites, fake social media accounts, Facebook and TikTok. He said police complaints have not produced timely results, citing recent false news about a Deputy Minister from the Vanni District, and asked whether the Government would introduce legislation or other legal measures to address such misinformation promptly. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala said the Government could examine the matter if the relevant complaint numbers and details are submitted. He noted that amendments to the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, are being prepared by a committee chaired by Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, as existing provisions, including Section 5B, are sometimes inadequate for effective action on computer crimes. He acknowledged shortcomings in following up some complaints and undertook to look specifically into the issue raised. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised concern about a recent case in which a person from Jaffna was allegedly lured to Colombo with a false job offer and then robbed of his phone and money. He asked what action is being taken to address such financial scams, noting that similar incidents are occurring frequently in the country. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that legal action on hate speech is taken under Section 3 of the Computer Crimes Act, No. 24 of 2007, while content inciting communal disharmony or violence is addressed under Section 120 of the Penal Code. He indicated that further details would be provided in subsequent parts of the response. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised several service-delivery and compensation issues affecting Pottuvil and surrounding areas in Ampara District, including unpaid relief supplier bills from the January 2024 floods and unpaid compensation for 14 fishermen affected by a mini-cyclone in October 2024. He requested action on water shortages through bowser allocations and the Keda Oya project, a fire engine and beach-cleaning machine for Arugam Bay, school infrastructure and staffing improvements, reduced fruit import duties, and proper staffing for the Pottuvil Divisional Veterinary Office vehicle. He also thanked the President for supporting recognition of Palestine at the UN and noted the commemoration of the International Day of Sign Languages. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →