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- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s handling of tourism, stating that questions he submitted to the Minister remained unanswered and arguing that the Foreign Affairs Minister could not adequately manage tourism without a strategic programme. He questioned claims of economic progress, alleging that increased revenue came through burdensome taxation on poorer citizens, and raised concerns about the use of state institutions, judicial and police transfers, and drug enforcement narratives. He also opposed provisions in the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill relating to corporal punishment, arguing that they could criminalize teachers and principals and undermine school discipline and cultural values. He urged the Government to reflect on whether it was fulfilling the expectations of underprivileged voters or external interests, including in its foreign policy posture. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala said the Narcotics Control Unit had examined the matter based on received information and that a fresh investigation was underway. He stated that the Government investigates incidents rather than predetermining “drug deals,” and that any wrongdoing would be addressed according to law without serving personal agendas or pursuing political revenge. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa called for an investigation into Sampath Manamperi and said maximum punishment should be imposed if he was found involved. He demanded clarification on why action had not been taken on the UNODC intelligence report. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister rejected claims by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, stating that military officers and others are taken into custody only under court orders, including the remand of the former Navy Commander over intelligence-related actions. He said all container-related complaints are being investigated and argued that allegations on drug issues against the Government are politically motivated, noting the custody of Pohottuwa organizer Sampath Manamperi and stating that investigations into drug-linked persons are continuing. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Asked what cooperation the Ministry provides to ensure impartial law enforcement in recent operations against narcotics and organized crime, particularly where former or serving military personnel or deserters are implicated. He noted that allegations of a “witch-hunt against war heroes” are raised when such action is taken, despite past political protections and the involvement of only a limited number of military personnel. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned why the matter involving 513 staff had reached court and urged the authorities to meet the trade unions and resolve it without further litigation. He also raised concern that the Employees’ Trust Fund had halted housing loans of up to Rs. 2 million against members’ balances, saying plantation workers depended on this facility for housing repairs, and asked why the new Chairman and Board had stopped it islandwide. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Minister on why the matter had gone to the Court of Appeal and why employees had protested if there was no issue regarding ETF Board salary decisions. He argued that the Ministry of Finance representatives and the Board should be accountable for denying Budget-funded salary increases to about 523 employees, despite a recommendation from the Commissioner General of Labour. He tabled documents from the Labour Commissioner General and the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in support of his claim. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on reported violence against children and women in 2024 and January–August 2025, and stated that cases are classified by risk level. He outlined reporting and response mechanisms, including the 24-hour 109 hotline, email and WhatsApp channels, investigations through the Children and Women Bureau, cooperation with NCMEC on online exploitation cases, awareness programmes, and officer training with UNDP and the National Police Academy. He also described measures to identify and rescue women and children used in drug-related activities, including police-level awareness, intelligence gathering, surveillance near schools, and engagement with parents and teachers. Adjournment Questions and Adjournment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage raised concerns about the reported increase in internet-based sexual exploitation of women and children, linking broader risks to narcotics, underworld activity, and the use of women and children in drug transport and sales. She stated that the Government’s drug detections reflected the removal of political protection for traffickers and asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for data up to August 2025, identification of high-risk groups, immediate response mechanisms, planned control measures, and steps to rescue women and children involved in drug-related activities. Adjournment Questions and Adjournment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara responded to a reference to his name, stating that he had produced two Magistrate’s Court orders relating to arrests after being asked to prove their existence. He also referred to transfers of judicial officers to Colombo Fort and Kesbewa while the matter was ongoing, and challenged another member to state that India was not involved in the Easter attacks. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa disputed claims made by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara that a Kalutara Magistrate had been transferred due to a judicial order involving alleged government pressure. Citing the document tabled, he argued that the relevant magistrates, dates, and transfers had been conflated, and that Magistrate A.D. Chathurika de Silva had not issued the order alleged. He called on Hon. Jayasekara to acknowledge that inaccurate information had been presented, stating that the claim unfairly implicated the Judicial Service Commission and the judiciary. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara disputed claims made by another member, stating that he had proved there was no relevant order and rejecting the assertion that a transfer from Magistrate’s Court to District Court in Kesbewa constituted a promotion, citing differences in the judicial cadre structure. He also challenged accusations about forming a government with the UNP by alleging that the opposing side had themselves formed local authorities with UNP members and others, including through inducements and controversial alliances. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister criticized a member for confusing the Magistrate’s Court with the District Court. He argued that the two courts should be clearly distinguished in the discussion. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister questioned how an order to arrest and produce individuals could be issued when they had not been named as suspects, urging that Parliament not be misled on the matter. He also referred to comments made by Subhashini Yoganadan at a London summit calling for women’s unity, suggesting that this had provoked criticism from another group. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister JJB AI summary Sunil Watagala stated that time had been extended until the conclusion of business and responded to an allegation regarding a judge’s transfer. He said the matter cited by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara related to a 2024 order, before the current Government was in power, and that in 2025 there had been no order to arrest and produce anyone, only an order to record statements, which had been complied with. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that the documents and court actions referred to by another Member related to different periods and judicial officers at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court. He stated that orders made in 2024 predated the current Government, while the 2025 controversy concerned Magistrate Chathurika de Silva and did not involve an order to arrest and produce Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe or Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe. He said only directions were issued for them to give statements, and argued that the Member had conflated events from 2024 and 2025. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Penal Code amendments to Sections 308, 314 and 316, stating that they raise age limits and penalties to strengthen child protection. He rejected a proposed amendment to add “good faith,” arguing that Section 74 of the Penal Code already gives that term general application. Responding to allegations about judicial independence, he said discussion of Judicial Service Commission decisions and interference with the judiciary are restricted by Articles 111 and 111C, and maintained that judicial transfers and promotions are handled by the JSC without political involvement. He also noted that a document referred to in relation to Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe and Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe had not yet reached him. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper thanked Minister Bimal Rathnayake for accepting development proposals from all Ampara District MPs without discrimination and for appointing a committee to oversee implementation. On the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, he supported its child protection objective but raised concern that proposed Section 308A uses “knowledge” rather than “intention” as the operative mental element for causing physical or psychological pain, which he said could create uncertainty for parents, teachers and courts. He urged that the Bill be referred back to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection for expert review, including input from the Attorney-General’s Department and child protection bodies, before proceeding. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill as necessary for protecting children from harmful punishment in homes, schools, and communities, but argued that legislation must be accompanied by public education, counselling, and alternative programmes to help parents and teachers guide children without violence. He said punishment can create fear, insecurity, and violent behaviour among children, and called on the Government to take broader preventive action. Referring to suffering in the North and East, including remains found at Chemmani, he also urged the Government to address past injustices against Tamil children and communities through concrete commitments on accountability and resettlement. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe supported the Bill to prohibit punishment and humiliation of children, linking it to Sri Lanka’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and earlier Penal Code amendments on child protection. She argued that despite existing laws, children continue to face abuse, including in contexts of poverty, migration of parents for work, conflict-related orphanhood, and criminal environments. Referring to proposed amendments to Section 308A, she defended the inclusion of non-physical acts causing humiliation and cited examples such as publicly branding a child a thief, stating that such provisions are necessary to protect children’s dignity. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →