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- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Bill reducing former Presidents’ entitlements, arguing that it targets the official residences of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa while larger governance issues remain unresolved. He asked the Justice Minister to address alleged inconsistencies in cases involving Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando and to review prison conditions and remission policies, while also calling for faster police investigations into murders and fair promotions for Police and STF personnel. He urged equal application of the law on land encroachments and old criminal incidents, rejected politicized claims about a fatal Badulla bus accident, and said the Government should focus on justice, public security and people’s problems rather than evicting former Presidents. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported curbing excessive presidential privileges under the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, but argued that the wider issue is the Executive Presidency itself, which he said has enabled authoritarianism, abuses under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and impunity. He said reasonable pensions and security may be appropriate for former Presidents, but extravagant benefits are unacceptable during economic hardship and resources should instead support jobs, factories, and livelihoods, especially in the North and East. He also raised administrative concerns in the Eastern Province, urging action on volunteer teachers appointed late after wartime service, unemployment among traditional medicine graduates, reduced medical admissions under the district quota in Batticaloa, and significant vacancies in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that statutory post-office benefits such as residences, staff allowances, transport and related facilities have enabled misuse of public funds. He stated that the Bill does not affect the presidential pension under Article 36 of the Constitution, and that security for former Presidents is handled separately through Cabinet decisions and threat assessments. Citing Supreme Court cases involving former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Maithripala Sirisena, he said courts had found attempts to expand entitlements beyond the Act to be unlawful or unsupported. He urged support for the repeal as a measure to reduce wasteful expenditure, uphold equality before the law, and treat public funds as held in trust for the people. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed that an expert team is accessing the mass grave site under OMP coordination following Court leave sought on 26 August 2025, with an interim report to precede any Magistrate-ordered excavation and exhumation. He stated that adequate funding will be approved, investigative methods will follow expert opinion and international protocols, and international assistance will be sought if needed. He also outlined Court-led inter-agency coordination involving relevant institutions and said dignified last rites would follow scientific identification processes and consultation with families, religious leaders and civil society, with the process expected to commence by October subject to weather. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised the 1990 Kurukkalmadam massacre of Muslim pilgrims allegedly abducted and killed by the LTTE, referring to Kalawanchikudy Magistrate’s Court case No. B/172/14 and court orders regarding recovery of remains, site protection, and OMP involvement. He asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration whether funds would be provided to the OMP for an expedited inquiry, whether modern technologies such as drones and scanners would be used, and whether coordination with the Attorney-General’s Department and other agencies would ensure exhumed victims receive Islamic last rites. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the Prime Minister on the Government’s response to the Supreme Court judgment of 24 July 2025 relating to the environmental damage from the MV X-Press Pearl disaster. He sought details on implementation of the Court’s orders, the status of related proceedings in the Singapore International Commercial Court and the Admiralty Court in London, and measures to prevent future marine pollution. He also asked what steps the Government would take to ensure greater transparency in the ongoing international litigation. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Based on information from the Central Bank, the Minister said the Financial Consumer Relations Department had investigated Mr. Aslam Marikkar’s complaint over a 2019 lease and secured a waiver and reductions of penal charges. He stated that after payments and negotiations, the outstanding amount was reduced from about Rs. 397,423 to Rs. 197,000 as a final settlement, but the complainant had not settled it and had altered his complaint. The Minister tabled the Central Bank’s correspondence and said further action would be considered, including in light of the matter being before the Committee on Public Finance. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim questioned the Minister of Finance on reports that finance companies charged penal interest and fees during the COVID-19 loan moratorium period in violation of Central Bank Circular No. 9 of 2021. Citing the complaint of Mr. Aslam Marikkar of Kandy and concerns about inadequate action by the Central Bank’s Financial Consumer Relations Department, he asked whether a formal inquiry and relief would be provided, whether the matter would be referred to the Committee on Public Finance for oversight, and what measures would be taken to prevent and expedite action against such financial exploitation. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary He used the debate on the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates agreement to argue that the Government should first address unresolved commitments to Tamil-speaking citizens, particularly on reconciliation, accountability, and political representation. On behalf of ITAK, he criticized the Government’s UNHRC position, citing the continued use of the PTA, failure to repeal the Online Safety Act, opposition to international accountability mechanisms, lack of international assistance on mass graves such as Chemmani, and delays to Provincial Council elections through the delimitation process. He welcomed India’s call for meaningful devolution and urged the Government to support his Private Member’s Bill to enable immediate Provincial Council elections. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza as violating UN General Assembly Resolutions 242 and 338 and undermining the internationally supported two-state solution. He described the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe involving attacks on hospitals, civilians and aid workers, and called for Sri Lanka to state its position clearly in defence of human rights. He proposed that the Government engage through the UN Human Rights Council to support the two-state solution, seek an immediate halt to the violence, and, where possible, play a mediating role. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala rejected an implication that he or the Government was responsible for a grant of bail, stating that bail is a decision of the court. He emphasized that a Magistrate has authority to grant bail even on weekends and urged others to understand court procedure before making claims. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala responded to criticism regarding bail granted on a weekend, stating that Magistrates’ Courts can sit on Saturdays and that Magistrates may grant bail even on Saturdays or Sundays, including in cases involving a hospitalized person. He emphasized that bail is granted by the court, not by the Government or Members of Parliament, and urged Members to understand court procedure before raising such claims. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim questioned the circumstances under which individuals arrested after an incident involving police conduct were granted bail the following Saturday. He asked whether the Government intervened, noting that one woman involved was hospitalized and asserting that bail is normally not granted to hospitalized persons or on Saturdays. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi requested that the Government inform Parliament how the containers under discussion were distributed and investigate where the remaining 321 went, while also calling for an effective plan to address rising murders and drug trafficking. Referring to the recent Tangalle bus accident in Ella that killed 15 people, he thanked local residents, security forces, hospitals, officials, traders and political leaders who assisted in rescue, treatment and funeral support. He proposed tightening bus driver licensing by limiting it to married drivers aged 35 or above, and reconsidering stronger restrictions on tipper and container movement, such as a 6.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. ban, in response to recent fatal road accidents. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim said the Opposition supports the investment agreement with the United Arab Emirates, but focused his remarks on the situation in Gaza during the ongoing UNHRC session in Geneva. He argued that Sri Lanka should take a clearer humanitarian position against Israel’s actions, citing international statements and measures by other countries, and criticized what he described as silence or hesitation by the Government and some Muslim representatives. He also raised concerns about alleged uneven enforcement in Sri Lanka involving pro-Palestine expression and incidents with Israeli tourists, and urged the Government to link its stance on accountability at Geneva to broader questions of international accountability over Gaza. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera stated support for the agreement with the UAE, then referred to Sri Lanka’s position at the 60th UNHRC Session opposing external accountability mechanisms. He warned that proposed domestic laws on an Independent Prosecutor’s Office and a Truth-Seeking Commission could replicate external mechanisms, and urged a sincere domestic reconciliation process through credible national institutions, with international observers invited to assess it. He also tabled a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the National Organizations Collective, signed by Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva supported the investment protection agreement with the United Arab Emirates, noting it was Sri Lanka’s 29th such agreement and expressing hope it would increase UAE investment. He then urged the Government to take a stronger and more principled position on the Gaza crisis, citing Sri Lanka’s historic recognition of Palestine, its non-aligned foreign policy tradition, and the humanitarian impact of the conflict. He argued that Sri Lanka should actively defend Palestinian statehood and the two-State solution in regional, international, bilateral and multilateral forums. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC clarified that public officers travelling abroad privately must obtain prior leave and approvals under Section 12 of the Establishments Code, while official travel requires ministry or departmental authorization. In the context of the Sri Lanka–UAE Agreement, he criticized reported attendance by Sri Lankan officials at a media event in Israel amid the Gaza conflict, arguing it could imply state legitimacy or support. He urged the Government to oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza and to investigate who attended the event and under what authorization. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates agreement as important for attracting investment, but argued that investment facilitation depends on a confident and efficient public service. He said officials are reluctant to make decisions because of the way the Public Property Act is being applied, leading to arrests and remand even where decisions may have been made in good faith, and urged protections for public servants to enable approvals and implementation. He also expressed condolences over the Ella bus accident and asked transport authorities to act against specific offenders rather than impose blanket punitive measures on all bus operators and staff. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva defended the NPP Government’s foreign policy as non-aligned and consistent, rejecting Opposition claims that it was retreating or creating divisions, while reaffirming support for Palestinians and opposition to attacks on civilians. He highlighted the Foreign Minister’s statement at the 60th UN Human Rights Council session and said the Government is drafting a new Bill, now with the Legal Draftsman, to align Sri Lanka’s disability law with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He argued that the existing 1996 Act is inadequate and called for a whole-of-government framework with ministry focal points, coordination mechanisms, and independent monitoring to secure the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →