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- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, answering on behalf of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, stated that data deletion connected to the NMRA occurred on 9 July 2021 and that two EPIC Lanka officers were arrested in relation to it. He said a case is ongoing in the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court following an NMRA complaint, with the CID Digital Forensics Laboratory investigating and one suspect having given a handwritten statement admitting the deletion resulted from his actions. Digital devices and system snapshots have been sent to the Government Analyst’s Department and University of Moratuwa experts, and investigations remain incomplete pending their reports. Oral Question: NMRA Data Deletion Incident (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, while potentially useful for investment and jobs if properly regulated, is inadequate on anti-money laundering and foreign-exchange safeguards and risks enabling cash-based illicit flows through casinos. He called for mandatory use of authorized banking channels, limits on large cash transactions, player accounts, clear CTR/STR thresholds, and regulation of junkets and VIP promoters, citing FATF obligations, the 2025 mutual evaluation, IMF Article VIII, and practices in Singapore, the UK, the US and Macau. He also urged that sports betting be explicitly covered by the law, referring to recent cricket-related betting concerns and sponsorships by betting entities. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government for increasing taxes and revenue without delivering promised relief, including reduced electricity tariffs, timely fertilizer subsidies, fair paddy prices, rice market reform, and public services. He alleged that farmers’ incomes had fallen while rice imports continued, and questioned the Government’s management of state revenue and cost-of-living issues. He also warned against politicization of the public service, police, military and judiciary, citing concerns over appointments, transfers and law enforcement, and argued that such institutional interference and public insecurity would deter investors. He further criticized proposed tourism measures such as issuing driving licences at the airport, saying they could harm small and medium local tourism operators. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, stating that it would create a single regulator for gambling, betting and casinos, replace existing fragmented laws, introduce licensing and standards, address illegal activity including money laundering and terror financing, and support Sri Lanka’s efforts to exit the FATF grey list by March 2026. He said the Authority would also address social harms, protect children, regulate emerging forms such as online gambling, and exclude the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board. He also presented regulations under the State Debt Management Act, explaining that they would strengthen oversight of guarantees, on-lending, lender agreements and financial leasing by state entities through the Debt Management Office and related coordination mechanisms, with the aim of improving transparency and reducing public debt to 95 per cent of GDP by 2032. In addition, he introduced a direction under the Foreign Exchange Act concerning capital account outflows, noting that temporary controls introduced in 2020 were maintained through 2024 as part of economic stabilization. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Bills Presented AI summary Two Bills were presented to Parliament: the National Building Research Institute Bill, introduced by the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, introduced by the Minister of Justice and National Integration. Both Bills were ordered to be printed, scheduled for Second Reading on 09 September 2025, and referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. Bills Presented: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Physician) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Physician) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) question alleging financial irregularities at the Tellippallai Base Hospital oncology unit, including the use of private bank accounts for public donations and a Rs. 30 million building contract allegedly entered into without due approval. He said complaints had been made to CIABOC and other authorities but no arrests or action had followed. He asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether CIABOC would investigate the alleged misappropriation, why no action had been taken against the doctors and officials named, and whether the Government would now examine the bank accounts and contract and institute legal proceedings. Question by Private Notice: Tellippallai Base Hospital Financial Irregularities Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Every complaint received is under investigation. Continuation of the relevant businesses will depend on court determinations, and further action will be taken in accordance with court orders. Oral Question: Park Properties Fraud Investigation (Q.7/1081/2025) Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Asked whether, in light of an interim order restraining arrests and the large number of complaints across the country, the Government would consider pursuing other legal measures against the directors concerned. Oral Question: Park Properties Fraud Investigation (Q.7/1081/2025) Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The question sought an update from the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs on the progress of investigations into alleged financial frauds involving Park Properties (Pvt.) Limited. It requested information on the current status of the inquiry and any action being taken by the relevant authorities. Oral Question: Park Properties Fraud Investigation (Q.7/1081/2025) Read →
- 19 August 2025 Mr. Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne] AI summary The Speaker informed Parliament that he had endorsed certificates on the Exchange Control (Amendment) Bill on 15 August 2025 and the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill on 18 August 2025 under Article 79 of the Constitution. He also announced receipt of the Supreme Court’s determination on the Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Bill, challenged under Article 121(1), stating that the Court found the Bill not inconsistent with the Constitution and that it may be passed by a simple majority. He ordered the determination, including details of the petition, parties, counsel, and constitutional issues raised, to be printed in the Official Report. Parliament Opening and Speaker's Certificate Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned inconsistent government statements on the “space suit/rocket” matter, emphasizing that both the Prime Minister and Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe had said no State funds were spent but had cited differing revenue figures, which he demanded be clarified. He also criticized Minister Samarasinghe for disputing information supplied through the Finance Ministry and argued that the government had previously dismissed investment-related claims. He further contended that economic indicators had worsened since the current government assumed office, citing growth, reserves, agriculture, industry, interest rates, and imports. He alleged inaction and selective investigation regarding the container fraud issue, calling for proper inquiries through institutions such as the Bribery Commission rather than delayed processes or commissions. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that pardons for prisoners convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act fall under the President’s constitutional powers under Article 34, not the Minister of Justice. He said families of around 11 to 15 imprisoned individuals had submitted names for consideration, and while he is studying the matter, any decision or application for pardon must be directed to the President. Ministry Statement: Release of Tamil Political Prisoners Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Welcomed the Minister’s remarks on considering a general amnesty for political prisoners and appealed for the release of named detainees who have been imprisoned for 14 to 30 years. He urged the President and Minister to take humanitarian grounds into account, highlighting the family circumstances of Sachchithanantham Ananthasuthakar, whose children have lost both their mother and grandmother caregivers. Ministry Statement: Release of Tamil Political Prisoners Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law — Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary In response to a Standing Order 27(2) question by Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, the Minister provided figures on Tamil suspects and prisoners connected to LTTE activities held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, including 4 suspects and 88 prisoners with various sentence statuses. He identified the prisons where they are detained and noted that transfers may occur for court or security reasons. He outlined the legal avenues for release, including completion of sentence, bail, acquittal or discharge by court, appeal outcomes, and presidential pardon or remission under Article 34 of the Constitution. Ministry Statement: Release of Tamil Political Prisoners Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concern over two similar incidents involving children who were allegedly taken, filmed, and harmed. He stated that he had already informed two Ministers about the matters, while withholding location details, and urged that action be taken if his claims are found to be credible. Ministry Statements: Gampaha Wickramarachchi University and Teacher Recruitment Procedures Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on problems at the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine following its 2021 upgrade and expansion into new faculties without adequate facilities. He said students lack laboratories, computer labs, lecture halls and permanent buildings, and alleged that curricula were changed after enrolment, affecting the first intake due to graduate in 2026 and their employment prospects. He questioned why recommendations of a five-member committee submitted to the Prime Minister on 2 July 2025 had not been implemented, and sought government decisions on programme restructuring, possible affiliation to other universities, employment pathways, future admissions, facilities from September, and inquiries into alleged curriculum and recruitment irregularities. Ministry Statements: Gampaha Wickramarachchi University and Teacher Recruitment Procedures Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary A BYD importer has filed a case before the Court of Appeal concerning the matter raised. As the issue is before court, an answer cannot be provided at this time. Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena raised concerns that around 6,000 villagers have been unable to access services such as school admissions, business registration, bank loans, and house plan approvals following a 23 July 2024 letter from the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to the Alawwa Divisional Secretary. He asked what urgent relief the Minister could provide, emphasizing that rights previously enjoyed by the villagers for generations had been disrupted. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister said the Humbuluwa land dispute reflects wider issues in Ratnapura District requiring detailed study and policy decisions, while noting that related matters are before court. He outlined the complexity of the 832-acre dispute, citing long-term occupation, permanent buildings, cultivation, tax payments, Janma Bhoomi grants, National Housing Authority sales, private and public auctions, temple lands, and historical sannasas. He stated that both villagers’ grievances and temple claims contain evidence, and said the Ministry and Department of Buddhist Affairs seek a fair outcome through expedited court proceedings and mediation. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on land ownership relating to Humbuluwa village and Humbuluwa Raja Maha Viharaya, stating that historical records, including an 18th-century sannasa registered in 1893, identify the village as temple property covering about 832 acres. He said legal proceedings are ongoing, including appeals against a judgment declaring certain lands as belonging to the temple, and that ownership disputes have arisen among villagers as a result. He added that a ministry-appointed committee inspected the copper sannasa and obtained an Archaeology Department report confirming its archaeological value, but further administrative action will await the establishment of rights by court. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →