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- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer — Deputy Minister of National Integration AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that alleged misconduct by a senior police official undermined public trust and showed the need to prevent State officials from acting improperly under political influence. He linked the issue to events during the Aragalaya, including attacks on protesters and subsequent public violence, and said past political practices had placed officials in damaging positions. He rejected allegations that the Government was continuing practices such as misuse of official vehicles or patronage appointments, and cited action against Presidential Security Division officers as evidence that wrongdoing was now being addressed through proper procedures. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that the motion to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon reflects inconsistent and selective standards, claiming that others allegedly connected to the W15 Hotel incident and past bribery or misconduct cases have not been treated equally. He warned police and security officials that political protection changes with governments, and questioned fairness in disciplinary action, military command appointments and extensions, and the imprisonment of a former Navy Commander. He also raised allegations of unequal enforcement over encroachments on the Anuradhapura tank reserves, demanding that government buildings and politically connected individuals be treated the same as poor residents if removals are carried out. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi argued that action against Deshabandu Tennakoon should address not only the individual allegations but also the political culture that enabled misuse of public office. He cited the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, referring to charges of misconduct and gross abuse of office, and linked the matter to broader concerns about politicization of the Police and past abuses under previous administrations. He rejected claims that Public Safety Committees are being politicized, stating that their structure follows the relevant circular, and said the Government would protect honest public servants while taking decisions on alleged wrongdoing. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara said he supported removing Deshabandu Tennakoon but argued that Parliament must follow proper procedure and consider pending Supreme Court cases and sub judice concerns. He questioned the fairness of related accountability over the Easter attacks, arguing that officials who gave, received, or failed to act on intelligence were being treated inconsistently. He also alleged that new Public Safety Committee arrangements politicize local policing structures, and raised concerns that agreements with India are being withheld from public access despite assurances under the Right to Information framework. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake — Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Government is facilitating court-supervised investigations into mass graves, including Chemmanni, and has asked the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to consider accrediting a Sri Lankan laboratory for carbon dating. He argued that the present Government is moving away from communal politics and criticized the Rajapaksas, the SJB and others over past violence and the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP. Referring to the motion under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, he said Parliament had followed the required legal and Standing Order procedures, rejected claims of sub judice, and urged Members to vote against Deshabandu before the Speaker notifies the President if the motion is passed. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam said the Tamil National People’s Front supports the motion to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, arguing that he functioned as a political agent and should not remain in office. He said Tennakoon’s case reflects a wider politicization of the State, but argued that successive governments have also used state institutions against Tamils, particularly through the police and military. Referring to the Chemmanni mass grave excavations, he alleged political interference by the Justice Ministry Secretary and intimidation by police presence near the site, and called for accountability through an international criminal investigation, noting Sri Lanka’s non-accession to the Rome Statute. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the motion to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, arguing that the Committee of Inquiry had addressed claims that the matter was sub judice and that the charges against him involved serious misconduct, including alleged abetment, conspiracy, and evasion of court. She cited the Supreme Court’s 14 December 2023 judgment concerning torture allegations against Tennakoon, including the “Siddhalepa” incident, and said the motion was necessary to address impunity in the Police. She criticized both the Rajapaksa-aligned Opposition for attempting to obstruct the debate and the SJB for not fully acknowledging the Government’s role in bringing the removal motion forward. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the debate on the motion to remove T.M.W. Deshbandu Tennakoon as IGP, noting that it was based on the 206-page final report of the committee appointed under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002. He described the process as unprecedented in his parliamentary experience and said it sends a message to public officers not to act for political ends. He cautioned against blaming the entire Police or public service for the actions of one officer, while stressing that officials in authority must guide officers properly to avoid future consequences. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan stated that he would support the motion to remove IGP Deshbandu Tennakoon, linking it to concerns over police brutality, torture, judicial independence and equality before the law. He recounted his own detention and alleged torture in 1998 and criticised abuses under the PTA and by police and security authorities against Tamils. He also raised the Chemmani mass graves and the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case, submitting related newspaper and letter material, and called for an international inquiry, including facilitating testimony by Somaratna Rajapakshe. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the removal proceedings against IGP Deshbandu Tennakoon under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, arguing that the holder of the office must meet a high standard given the Police’s role in law and order. He cited Supreme Court guidance in the Express Pearl case on public officers’ duties, discretion and accountability, and referred to findings against officials as examples relevant to police leadership. He rejected objections based on Standing Order 91(1) and sub judice, contrasting the present procedure with the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, and said the NPP had previously pursued legal and public action on related concerns. He also referred to SC (FR) 107/2011, in which Deshbandu Tennakoon was fined Rs. 5 million, as further evidence supporting the case for removal. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the lawful removal of Deshbandu Tennakoon, arguing that serious allegations and court findings concerning torture, failures during the Galle Face attacks, the Weligama W15 Hotel incident, and arrests under “Operation Yukthiya” justified action within a democratic framework. He tabled statements from police officers alleging suppression of investigations, political interference, and pressure within the chain of command, particularly relating to the 2022 protest events. He said the Government was seeking to end political interference in law enforcement and hold senior officials accountable while maintaining support for the Police as an institution. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that the debate concerned matters pending before court and had proceeded in violation of Standing Order 91(f), urging the Speaker or Deputy Speaker to take responsibility or formally suspend Standing Orders if such a debate was to be allowed. He said investigations and legal action should proceed fairly without political interference, alleging politicisation of the police, public service transfers, recruitment, and prosecutions of former security officials. He stated that he and his party would abstain from voting because the matter was sub judice, while calling on Parliament and the Opposition to ensure due process and adherence to Standing Orders. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said complaints arising from “Operation Yuktīya” under Deshbandu Tennakoon are being investigated, with relief to be granted where warranted, and defended keeping the report on the 309 containers confidential until investigations are completed. He argued that Deshbandu’s appointment as IGP was procedurally questionable and said the debate should focus on alleged abuses by Deshbandu, while noting that the previous political authority had already been rejected by voters. He outlined charges before the committee, including allegations that Deshbandu gave unlawful verbal orders connected to the Weligama W15 Hotel shooting, and assured honest public officers that the Government would protect those acting in good faith. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister argued that the removal proceedings concerning Deshbandu Tennakoon were being conducted lawfully under the Constitution and the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002. He linked the debate to the Government’s stated commitment to the rule of law, citing public grievances during the 2022 Aragalaya and asserting that the current administration has sought to ensure that Ministers and MPs are not above the law. He rejected Opposition criticisms as baseless and said following legal procedure, rather than using political power summarily, was a strength of the Government. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman said his party supports the resolution to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP, citing its earlier opposition to his appointment and the Supreme Court interim order obtained by party members. He questioned why certain government-aligned MPs had not challenged the appointment earlier and asked why allegations relating to Easter 2019, the Aragalaya cases, and “Operation Yuktiya” were not being fully addressed. He argued that political authorities who directed or enabled Tennakoon should also be held accountable, and called for laws and appointment practices that prevent persons with serious allegations or political loyalties from being elevated to high office. He also raised issues regarding the former Speaker’s claimed doctorate, the release of 309 containers, and the President’s Secretary’s vehicle incident, framing them as tests of the government’s commitment to rule of law. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported the motion to remove former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, stating that a statutory committee found him guilty on 19 of 23 charges after hearing evidence from 38 witnesses. He outlined the composition and process of the committee and argued that its findings justified parliamentary action. The Minister also cited a series of past allegations and proceedings involving Tennakoon, including torture findings by the Supreme Court, alleged failures related to the Easter Sunday attacks, the 2022 Galle Face attacks, and other criminal or disciplinary controversies, to argue that Tennakoon was unfit to hold the office of Inspector-General of Police. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana objected to an allegation that he possessed weapons, distinguishing it from any lawful seizure of weapons. He asserted that making such a claim against him was unlawful. Privilege Matter: Alleged Weapon Possession Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised a question of privilege under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, alleging that Government Chief Organizer Nalinda Jayatissa made defamatory public statements linking him to illegal weapons. He said the remarks caused public disrepute, obstructed his duties as an MP, and referred improperly to an ongoing court matter involving his son. He requested that the statements be treated as a breach of parliamentary privilege, citing the absence of charges or convictions against him or his family. Privilege Matter: Alleged Weapon Possession Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that Standing Order 31 was not applicable but, since time had been granted, requested equal time for his side. He stated that public pressure can shape legal processes and that courts have properly reviewed presidential actions such as pardons and public expenditure where they may conflict with the purpose of the law. He emphasized that judicial oversight and scrutiny of abuses of power strengthen democracy, while noting that any fuller debate should be taken up under the appropriate procedure. Procedural: Standing Order 31 Matter and Question 27(2) on Transport Committee Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a matter under Standing Order 31 concerning a Supreme Court judgment on the 2022 Emergency Regulations, which had been approved by Parliament during a national crisis. He asked for the Government’s position on whether Emergency Regulations approved by Parliament can later be challenged in the Supreme Court for fundamental rights violations, and whether this raises issues under Article 4 of the Constitution relating to separation of powers and parliamentary privilege. Procedural: Standing Order 31 Matter and Question 27(2) on Transport Committee Read →