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- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported establishing a mechanism to prevent the misuse or commercial conferral of “Doctor” and “Professor” titles, arguing that unqualified recipients are being equated with those who earned such titles through study and examinations. He also raised concern over multiple vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, questioning delays in appointments. He urged the Government to table the necessary regulations for the Constitutional Council so judicial appointments can proceed properly and without arbitrariness. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara moved a resolution calling on the Government to develop, through the University Grants Commission, a programme to prevent misuse of titles such as “Professor” and “Doctor.” He argued that public trust in such designations has been exploited in politics and public life, citing controversies over claimed qualifications and the use of titles in election campaigns. He proposed stronger review and regulatory mechanisms to ensure only those who meet proper academic or clearly defined honorary standards may use such titles, in order to protect public confidence and the credibility of institutions that confer them. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri thanked Members who contributed to his Private Member’s Motion on issues in technological and vocational universities, noting proposals on human resources, capital needs, and wider education reform. He urged the Government to move beyond debate and implement the proposed measures so progress could be assessed in the coming years, while cautioning that outreach programmes should be protected from misuse by officials. He also linked education reform to broader social concerns, including rising suicide and mental health-related distress, and said the motion was agreed to. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth seconded a Private Member’s Motion and called for a modern public sports ground on 10 acres of identified State land at Sarvodaya Puram in Pottuvil, as well as playing-field facilities for several named schools in the area. He urged the Youth Services Ministry to appoint long-serving local volunteers in Pottuvil and Lahugala as Assistant Youth Services Officers during the current recruitment process. He also requested implementation of a 2021 recommendation to place court matters from 12 GN divisions in Irakkamam under the Akkaraipattu Court, and asked the Power Minister to establish a separate Electricity Consumer Service Centre for Irakkamam. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan questioned the continued extension of the Emergency, acknowledging its use in anti-narcotics operations but arguing that disaster relief and public order concerns should not justify prolonged extraordinary powers or heavy-handed action against citizens and unions. He cited the arrest of youths in Pottuvil–Arugam Bay and cautioned against possible abuse in enforcement, while calling for the Emergency not to be repeatedly extended. He requested extensions to customs clearance and tax exemption periods for overseas disaster relief consignments, including relief goods affected by shipping delays, and urged correction of gaps in compensation for “Ditwah” cyclone victims, including livestock farmers. He also asked the Government to present details of India–Sri Lanka energy and land-link plans, expedite connectivity for Northern Province economic benefits, and curb illegal sand mining in Mannar through proper regulation. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister justified extending the state of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing ongoing relief and resettlement needs after the “Ditwah” cyclone and possible fuel supply disruptions arising from instability in the Middle East. He argued that emergency powers had been used only to deliver essential services and not to detain, suppress dissent, or restrict media freedom. He rejected Opposition claims of interference with judicial independence, stating that corruption investigations and prosecutions proceed through an independent judiciary and that the Government is committed to equal application of the law. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the 90-day extension of the emergency, stating it had been used only to address public needs arising from the Ditha cyclone and not to suppress fundamental rights. He rejected Opposition criticisms on service delivery, coal procurement, Treasury issues, containers, RDA payments, and fertilizer allegations, saying inquiries, committees, or legal processes were in place and inviting members to present evidence through those channels. He said concerns raised by the Bar Association and an Opposition motion would be considered through parliamentary procedures, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the rule of law and an independent, efficient judiciary. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar opposed the extension of emergency powers, alleging it was being used to intimidate public protests and suppress Opposition scrutiny. He cited alleged irregularities including container, coal, palm oil VAT, Treasury payment, banking, telecom, and solar project matters, and demanded accountability, including the resignation of Treasury Secretary Harsha Suriyapperuma. He argued that ministers and officials linked to the President or government allies were being protected, and warned that public mobilisation would continue despite emergency measures. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan raised a point of order alleging repeated assaults on estate workers in several areas, including incidents on 5 May at Mocha Estate in Maskeliya and Delmar Estate in Nuwara Eliya involving Sivakumar and Sritharan. He said the matter was being brought to the Government for action rather than politicization, and requested an urgent response, the convening of all 22 Regional Plantation Company heads with the IGP, and immediate measures to ensure the safety of the affected people. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concern that plantation communities in Maskeliya Mocha Estate and Nuwara Eliya Delmar Estate are facing serious oppression. He brought the matter to Parliament for attention, indicating the need for action or inquiry into the conditions affecting those communities. Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala tabled a written answer on staffing and transfers in the Criminal Investigation Department, stating that the CID had 222 and 328 officers in the relevant categories queried. He said that after the President elected on 16 November 2019 assumed office, 32 CID officers, including Director Senior DIG S. Abeysekara, were transferred while handling eight sensitive national investigations, and that the CID had reported to the IGP that the transfers were intended to hamper those investigations. He added that, except for retired officers or those unwilling to be seconded for personal reasons, other officers are being used for investigative work. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to provide details on the Easter Sunday attack investigations, including how many officers were initially involved, how many were later removed, and the reasons for their removal. He also asked whether the Government intends to re-engage those officers, and if not, to explain why. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Asked whether mobile units could be established in remote northern villages or public places to help women and children lodge complaints more easily. The question highlighted access barriers faced by women and children in those areas. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that police and cybercrime units, including one in the Northern Province, are responsible for investigating cyber-related complaints and expediting legal action under the existing legal framework. He clarified that compensation in such cases is a matter for the courts to determine. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised concerns about resource gaps in the Computer Crime Investigation Subunit established in Jaffna in 2025 and called for stronger operations in Jaffna and the wider North. He asked whether programmes or budget allocations exist to provide victims, particularly women and children, with compensation and psychological counselling. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided a written-style response on cases against women reported from 2023 to 2025, stating that Police records show 11,004 cases reported, 2,309 resolved, and 7,695 pending, with provincial details maintained by the Ministry. He said resolution times vary from a few months to up to two years depending on complexity. He outlined measures against online violence, including AI-assisted detection with SLCERT and social media platforms, public awareness programmes, expanded regional cybercrime investigations, use of powers under the Online Safety Act, No. 09 of 2024, and emergency assistance through 1938 and 1929. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for province-wise data over the past three years on cybercrime cases involving offences against women, including resolved cases, pending investigations or prosecutions, and average resolution times. He also sought information on whether dedicated cybercrime units exist in each province, including the Northern Province, and whether measures such as AI-based monitoring, public awareness programmes, and stronger enforcement have been implemented to improve women’s digital safety. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill as timely but said it required further corrections to create a practical restructuring mechanism similar to Chapter 11 processes. He proposed extending the 60-day timeframe to 180 days, prioritizing SMEs, establishing specialized district courts, reviewing parate execution separately, and aligning related tax provisions through tax law amendments. He also cautioned that cross-border insolvency provisions require Central Bank assessment of foreign exchange and dollar exposure risks, and argued that business revival, employees, and company continuity should take priority over tax recovery in receivership. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticised remarks by the President that he said appeared to signal pressure on the judiciary, noting the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s objections. He then congratulated Joseph Vijay on his Tamil Nadu election victory and highlighted the importance of linguistic identity over religious identity among Tamil-speaking communities, also extending greetings to elected representatives from Muslim and allied parties in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. He urged Vijay to avoid “emotional and unrealistic” claims on Kachchativu and instead promote stronger India-Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka ties, including engagement with the Indian Central Government. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala said the Bill modernizes Sri Lanka’s insolvency framework, replacing outdated laws and introducing measures such as a 60-day period for distressed businesses to consider revival before liquidation. He linked the reform to the Government’s broader economic stabilization efforts and rejected Opposition claims of judicial interference, arguing that independent institutions and the Constitutional Council have strengthened judicial independence. He cited past incidents as examples of political pressure on the judiciary and said ongoing corruption and criminal cases against public figures are being pursued in line with the Government’s mandate, not as an attempt to influence courts. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →