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- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said foreign agreements, including the Sri Lanka–UAE agreement before Parliament, should be evaluated primarily on their contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and development. He rejected reliance on domestic mechanisms for accountability over alleged wartime human rights violations, citing the UN Human Rights Council context, and called for an international mechanism with international support. He also raised the Kalmunai North administrative issue, objecting to plans for a joint Coordinating Committee with Kalmunai South and urging the Government to preserve the long-standing separate arrangement to avoid community tensions. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman stated that representatives from Rupavahini, KDU, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority participated in an Israel tour, with the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Israel also present, indicating Government involvement because state officials require approval to travel. He framed the matter as a humanitarian issue and criticized the previous speaker’s remarks as insensitive. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne rejected calls to sever diplomatic relations with Israel, noting that the journalists’ visit was privately sponsored by Israel and that around 20,000 Sri Lankans work there. She supported the new bilateral investment treaty, arguing that it improves on earlier agreements by recognizing sustainable investment, the State’s right to regulate, environmental protection, narrower definitions of investor and investment, safeguards during balance-of-payments crises, and investor obligations. Citing past arbitration awards against Sri Lanka, she said the treaty better protects public welfare while attracting investment, and proposed further measures such as dispute-prevention mechanisms and developing Sri Lanka as an arbitration venue. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman urged authorities to address what he described as pressure by the CID on women activists supporting Palestine and online campaigns portraying local activists as terrorists. He said complaints had been made to the IGP in April without action, and registered his opposition and concern over the matter. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on vehicles supplied to welfare centres for displaced persons, particularly Menik Farm and other resettlement centres, alleging that some donor-funded or ministry-procured vehicles disappeared from official records after the centres closed. He requested detailed records of vehicles provided, returned, and untraced, including findings from 2014 and 2019 inquiries, and questioned the alleged illegal use of tractor WPRB-2639 linked to the Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha and a politician’s estate. He asked what action had been taken against officials or politicians who may have obstructed investigations or misused public assets, and whether the Government would reopen investigations under the Offences Against Public Property Act and the Anti-Corruption Act. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asked the Minister to reinstate the officer as Director General, arguing that the officer had issued the correct instructions. He noted that the Minister had now confirmed those instructions were followed. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Over 400 complaints have been received against the agency, with investigations by the SLBFE and referrals to the Police and CID. Eleven warrants have been issued against the agency’s proprietor/licensee, and another warrant against the spouse linked to a separately registered “Rainbow” agency. Approximately Rs. 460 million in alleged fraud has been identified, and while some relief has been obtained for complainants, legal action by the SLBFE, Police, and relevant authorities is continuing. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath raised concerns that youths from districts including Hambantota, Moneragala, Jaffna, and Kilinochchi are being defrauded by foreign employment agencies after borrowing against land or houses to seek overseas jobs. He specifically cited an agency named “Rainbow” allegedly defrauding people of millions of rupees in Hambantota and asked whether the Ministry had identified the issue and what action had been taken. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that the disputed land had been possessed by the State Plantation Corporation and leased to Namunkula Plantation Company in 1992, with the company remaining in possession until 2018. He explained that subsequent Powers of Attorney and a deed produced after the original owner’s death raised questions, and that the validity of the deed is now before Court. He said the matter would be monitored and the concerns of affected families addressed within the law. Oral Question: Bungalow in Kalugalle Estate - False Ownership (Q.?/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj responded to the Minister’s reference to political interference, stating that Mr. Haridaran is not an heir and that any court case claiming ownership in his name would be an improper abuse requiring judicial intervention. He also said that about 19 families had suffered injustice and requested relief for them. Oral Question: Bungalow in Kalugalle Estate - False Ownership (Q.?/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister provided details on the Kalugala land and bungalow linked to Beno/Gidagala Estate, noting its declaration under the Land Reform Law in 1974, an incomplete village expansion acquisition process, and a 2017 order to restore possession to the original owner, though no owner or heirs came forward. He stated that an external claimant, Satasivam Haridaran, obtained possession in 2018, while Namunkula Plantation Company has filed court action over possession and an interim injunction is in place. He said acquisition by the Government is not currently possible because the District Court case is pending and the land has been found unsuitable for village expansion, with any alternative public-purpose action to be considered only after the legal proceedings conclude. Oral Question: Bungalow in Kalugalle Estate - False Ownership (Q.?/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga asked the Minister of Defence to detail the reliefs and allowances provided to disabled military personnel who are unable to remain in active service, and to their dependents after death either following medical retirement or while still in service. He questioned whether the current benefits are adequate and whether steps have been taken to increase them. He also sought clarification on whether personnel dismissed after failing to report for duty due to disability receive any relief, and if not, whether the Government accepts the need to provide such support and what action is being taken. Oral Question: Disabled Military Personnel - Reliefs/Allowances Provided (Q.1118/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Determinations of the Supreme Court AI summary The Supreme Court informed Parliament of its determinations on petitions challenging the “Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal)” Bill. In SC/SD/29/2025, the Court upheld the Attorney General’s preliminary objection and rejected the petition because a copy was not delivered to the Speaker within the mandatory fourteen-day period required by Article 121(1) of the Constitution. The determination noted that “delivered to the Speaker” requires actual receipt by the Speaker, and that strict compliance with the constitutional procedure is required. Papers Tabled and Committee Reports Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government had acted on reports that returnees from India were being detained, describing it as an isolated technical issue and asking the UN and international partners to cooperate reasonably while offering assistance. He acknowledged criticisms of the Office on Missing Persons, citing weaknesses noted in the UNHRC report, and said he would submit a Cabinet Paper to appoint a 75-member expert panel and seek allocations to expedite investigations. He also said ONUR is working with the UN on a reconciliation roadmap, and that the OMP is engaged with 17 mass grave sites, including Chemmani and Matale, with support being sought from the ICRC and other partners. He urged members to work together on reconciliation and missing persons issues beyond partisan politics. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said committees are progressing reforms to the Online Safety Act, the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, and the proposed Independent Public Prosecutor’s Office, with consultation processes planned and the MMDA expected to be finalized by next year. He stated that the Government acknowledges UNHRC concerns as a basis for strengthening democracy, justice and reconciliation, and said the Batalanda Commission Report is with the Attorney-General for consideration of possible criminal charges. He defended the Government’s rule-of-law approach, saying investigations involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe were not politically instigated and that the Judiciary, Police and investigative authorities are independent, while adding that the Government remains open to correcting mistakes. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Government is moving to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act with legislation based on an international definition of terrorism while safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression, with technical assistance from UN experts. He said a committee chaired by Justice Thurairaja has been appointed to examine sentence remission for long-term prisoners, including those outside PTA cases, with a policy proposal to be brought to Cabinet. He also said the Online Safety Act is considered oppressive and that a ministerial committee is preparing replacement legislation to address cyberbullying and online harm without restricting free expression. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna briefly raised the issue of political prisoners, asking what action or consideration was being given to their situation. The intervention was framed as a question, seeking clarification on the Government’s position or next steps regarding political detainees. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara rejected claims that the NPP Government was racist or inactive on Tamil concerns, arguing that it had adopted an inclusive national approach and begun addressing issues affecting the North, East and South. Referring to the OHCHR report, he acknowledged that concrete outcomes were still limited but said the Government had been in office for only about a year and would deliver on its commitments. He criticized what he described as divisive racial politics and highlighted the appointment of a committee headed by President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne to examine repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister thanked the mover of the Adjournment Motion and said the issue was timely ahead of the forthcoming UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva. He emphasized that the NPP treats human rights as a national and inclusive concern, citing the presence and participation of Ministers and MPs from different communities, including the North and East. He criticized the main Opposition, the SJB, for its absence and limited participation, arguing that it appeared to regard human rights as mainly a Tamil and Muslim issue. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna objected to reductions in his allotted speaking time and asked that this not be done. He referred to a report and challenged the authorities to make arrests based on it, questioning why no action was being taken. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →