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- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi supported the amendments proposed by Hon. Saroja Savitri Paulraj, describing them as a progressive step in protecting children from physical and psychological punishment. He linked the Bill to education reforms, arguing that parents, teachers, wardens, prefects and student leaders must move away from punitive discipline and be trained in constructive approaches. Citing examples from cinema and the situation of children with disabilities, he stressed that childhood trauma can have long-term social and psychological consequences, and said the law should reflect a genuine commitment to safeguarding children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the amendment as a necessary reform to protect children from physical and psychological violence, particularly in schools and early childhood settings. He rejected concerns that teachers and parents could be unfairly victimized, stating that prosecutions would still require evidence and be guided by existing law and precedent, including Sri Lankan and international case law on corporal punishment. He cited research on the harms of corporal punishment and humiliation, and linked the reform to wider efforts to create a safer environment for children, including action against drug abuse and related criminal activity. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill as a modern response to physical, emotional, and public forms of harm against children, arguing that corporal punishment and humiliating language by adults can cause lasting psychological damage. He rejected fear-based objections, cited international moves away from corporal punishment, and said the measure should be aligned with forthcoming Code of Criminal Procedure amendments before passage. He also highlighted cyberbullying and public shaming as contemporary harms the law must address, and proposed that MPs view the film Taare Zameen Par to better understand children’s experiences. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera supported the prohibition of corporal punishment but argued that the Bill’s clause criminalizing non-physical acts likely to cause “humiliation however light” is overly broad and undefined. He warned that teachers, parents, prefects and school authorities could face police complaints, arrests or employment consequences for ordinary disciplinary remarks or actions. He proposed a Committee Stage amendment introducing a bona fide or good-faith protection, so courts and police can distinguish legitimate discipline from harmful conduct. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Moving the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill for Second Reading on behalf of the Minister of Justice and National Integration, the Minister said the amendments seek to prohibit all forms of violence against children, particularly corporal punishment, in line with constitutional obligations, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Sri Lanka’s 2024 international commitment to end corporal punishment. She cited rising and recurring complaints under Section 308A and examples of abuse in homes, schools and care settings, stating that physical, psychological, verbal or sexual violence used for “correction” or discipline would be criminalized except in good-faith emergencies. She said the reforms would strengthen child protection, align policy with international guidance, and be supported by a multi-sectoral mechanism under the National Child Protection Authority, while emphasizing that legal change must be accompanied by cultural, educational and institutional change. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), the Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government on constitutional and institutional reforms, citing the need to protect popular sovereignty and the independence of the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. He asked whether the Government will introduce constitutional reforms, its position and timeline on abolishing the Executive Presidency, and when Parliament will be involved. He also sought clarification on the timing and electoral system for Provincial Council elections and asked about the proposed Provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Government’s view on reported judicial transfers, interdictions and promotions in high-profile cases. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Read →
- 23 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa noted that while no students passed the relevant examination the previous year, the latest results showed 140 out of 225 candidates passing, around 63 percent, which did not indicate the same level of concern. He stated that the Ministry would refer the matter to the Council of Legal Education and allow it to decide on any further action. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said professional bodies such as the Council of Legal Education and the Sri Lanka Medical Council must retain authority to set standards, and ministerial intervention could undermine professional quality. Referring to the 2023 Extraordinary Gazette and the special examination for foreign law graduates, he noted that 140 of 225 candidates passed in 2025, making it difficult to argue that the examination itself was inherently flawed. He said the concerns of about 20 students who failed the Law of Contracts paper should be considered by the Council of Legal Education, chaired by the Chief Justice, rather than by ministries or the Department of Examinations, so that any relief is granted without setting an improper precedent. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper explained that admissions through the Special Law Entrance Examination are governed by Rule 12(c) of Gazette No. 2332/02, with the Incorporated Council for Legal Education determining cut-off marks and admissions based on merit and vacancies. He stated that candidates alleging issues with the Contract paper should petition the Council, which may obtain a report from the Department of Examinations and consider relief, including a revised cut-off if justified. He emphasized that neither Parliament nor the Minister of Justice controls Law College admissions, citing a past misconception during Hon. Rauff Hakeem’s tenure as Minister. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns on behalf of Law College candidates about confusion over responsibility for re-scrutinization, with the Law College and the Department allegedly referring candidates to each other. He requested a timely resolution to avoid candidates losing another year, noting that seats remain vacant. He clarified that the Motion addresses inconsistencies in examination administration and does not challenge the admission authority of the Chief Justice and the Council. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama outlined the existing pathways to enter the legal profession, including Law College, state university law faculties and recognized private LLB programmes, noting that admissions and standards fall under the Supreme Court and the Incorporated Council for Legal Education. He argued that the current requirement of at least 40 marks in key subjects for candidates progressing to final examinations should be maintained, and cautioned that lowering pass marks or relaxing criteria would undermine professional standards. He emphasized that Law College admissions must remain merit-based and compliant with established legal education standards. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said concerns over law students’ examinations warrant serious attention, while also questioning the consistency of those now seeking fairness in Parliament. He linked the issue to wider concerns in the justice sector, including judicial transfers, interventions in legal education, narcotics-related enforcement, and uneven accountability. He urged that fairness be ensured in legal education and related systems, indicating support for Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and the incoming President in addressing these matters. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Susanta Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susanta Dodawatta argued that the Motion contained factual and legal inaccuracies regarding the Law College entrance examination. He stated that no formal defect had been notified in the Law of Contract paper, that there is no legal provision for re-scrutiny in this type of competitive examination, and that the Gazette does not require admission of exactly 201 candidates. He further noted that candidates from foreign or non-UGC-recognized LLB programmes can attend lectures, receive model papers, and re-sit without limitation, and said the available results did not demonstrate unfairness. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando seconded a Motion concerning the Special Entrance Exam required for private university LLB graduates to enter Law College. He questioned the results, noting that all candidates failed last year and that this year some candidates reported unusually low marks in one paper despite higher marks in the other two, while no re-scrutiny appears to be available. He urged consideration of the unfilled vacancies, stating that only about 140 of 217 candidates reached the cut-off despite 201 places being available, to prevent affected students losing another year. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Moved an Adjournment Motion concerning alleged irregularities in the Sri Lanka Law College Special Entrance Examination held on 17 May 2025, particularly the Law of Contract paper, where some candidates with high marks in other papers received 35–39 and became ineligible. He stated that the Law College and Department of Examinations each denied responsibility for re-scrutiny, leaving candidates without recourse despite anomalous results and only about 140 of 201 places being filled. He requested re-scrutiny by the responsible institution, admission of remaining candidates to fill vacancies including those affected by the Contract paper, or alternatively reduction of the paper-wise cut-off from 40 to 35, urging the Minister of Justice to intervene. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported legislation establishing the National Building Research Institute as a statutory body, noting that the NBRO has operated since 1984 without an enabling Act despite its role in disaster prevention, geotechnical assessment, and construction guidance. He highlighted landslide risks across 14 districts, recent casualties, and past disasters such as Aranayake and Koslanda, arguing that the Institute should have legal authority to require concurrence, restrict construction, and transmit hazard maps to local authorities. He also said the law would regulate geotechnical reporting, address risks from high-rise and unstable-site construction, and give legal standing to building condition and impact assessments used in resolving disputes. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem referred to the Supreme Court’s conviction of the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration for contempt of court over delays in implementing an Interim Order in cases challenging the proposed e-visa scheme. He said the petitioners had argued that a 16-year contract awarded without proper procurement could have cost Sri Lanka about US$ 3.4 billion, with further losses from delayed compliance, and noted that the main case is due to be argued on 20 November. He emphasized the judgment as a warning to public officials acting on orders in matters involving alleged fraud and outlined the Court’s findings on contempt and sentencing. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna supported the Bill to give legal authority to the National Building Research Organisation, arguing that stronger institutions and enforcement are needed to reduce disaster risk, particularly landslides. He cited major past landslides and said failures to act on NBRO warnings, including before the 2014 Meeriyabedda disaster, showed the consequences of weak implementation and lack of resettlement options. He also highlighted human-induced damage from the Uma Oya project, noting Cabinet decisions on compensation, water supply, soil conservation and the Talpitigala reservoir. He outlined planned measures for high-risk plantation communities, including housing and land for 2,125 families, relocation of vulnerable schools, and Rs. 1,500 million for landslide mitigation works in Badulla. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva marked the International Day of Sign Languages, emphasizing that communication rights are essential to the dignity and inclusion of Sri Lanka’s Deaf community, and noted that a Sign Language Bill prepared by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities has been sent to the Legal Draftsman. He called for professional recognition and support for sign language interpreters, stating that lack of access to sign language marginalizes Deaf persons in education, health, and daily life. He also raised allegations of sexual abuse of four Deaf children at a school in Anuradhapura, urged strict punishment and systemic reforms in the governance of such institutions, and requested that the school be brought under the North Central Provincial Council while calling for unanimous passage of the forthcoming Bill. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa thanked contributors to the strengthening of NBRI and recalled support given to victims of the Saammasara Kanda landslide, before urging united legal and diplomatic action over the X-Press Pearl disaster and compensation for affected fishing communities. He highlighted a court ruling on disability access in railway station upgrades and called for all public construction to comply with accessibility standards. He also requested the urgent resumption of the stalled wildlife underpass between Ambanpola and Galgamuwa and urged implementation of the mediated settlement to absorb 16,600 school-based Development Officers into the teacher service. On power-sector restructuring, he said reforms should proceed while protecting the jobs of 23,000 CEB workers and called on the Government to honour commitments made while in Opposition. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →