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 July 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that investigations into the 2011 disappearance of Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan have been reactivated after the case had remained pending since 2014. He said the Acting IGP directed the CID on 3 June 2025 to investigate, relevant police records have been obtained, and the CID’s Homicide and Organized Crimes Division has commenced inquiries. He added that the CID is investigating four post-conflict disappearance cases in the North-East and the Colombo Crime Division six such cases, none of which have yet been completed, with a detailed report placed in the Library. Oral Question: Disappearances in North-East after Civil War (Q. 516/2025) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether he is aware of the President’s announcement to resume seven suspended criminal investigations, and sought the current status of the inquiry into the 2011 disappearance in Jaffna of political activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan. He further requested information on whether investigations into other unresolved post-war disappearances in the North and East have been completed, whether political interference delayed such inquiries, and what measures are being taken if so. Oral Question: Disappearances in North-East after Civil War (Q. 516/2025) Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad expressed concern that current actions against medical professionals are creating fear among doctors and could undermine their ability to perform surgeries based on professional judgment. He compared the situation to the “Dr. Shafi” controversy and criticized social media attempts to justify the decisions. He also alleged that prison guards made derogatory remarks to a doctor’s daughter visiting the prison, arguing that professionals must be protected when necessary. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about the Chemmani mass grave, stating that around 33 skeletons, including those of children, had been recovered and calling for accountability for alleged wartime crimes while emphasizing that Tamil people seek justice, not separation. He criticized restrictions on access to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights during his visit and said victims’ families were prevented from being heard. He also alleged that he possessed information about the contents and origins of 323 containers, claimed he was facing pressure, legal action, and CID questioning over parliamentary statements, and invoked parliamentary privilege to argue that his speeches should not be investigated outside Parliament. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that his name had been mentioned in relation to the “323 containers” issue and indicated that he had further matters to disclose. He alleged that, after a prior speech in Parliament, the CID summoned and intimidated him, and said he was afraid to speak further. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala alleged irregularities in the “Siriliya Saviya” bank account associated with Shiranthi Rajapaksa, citing alleged false information, missing mandate documents, suspended transactions, and balances and transaction totals under investigation. He stated that the Criminal Investigation Department had investigated the matter but that the file was now with the Attorney General’s Department, and demanded that the investigations be resumed under the National People’s Power Government. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala rejected allegations raised by another Member and argued that a previous commission targeting Ananda Wijepala and Anura Kumara Dissanayake was politically motivated and intended to remove their civic rights. He stated that the Court of Appeal and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings rendered that commission unlawful or inoperative, vindicating those targeted. He also questioned recoveries to the Treasury arising from Bribery Commission investigations involving the Rajapaksa family and referred to CSN ownership in that context. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando addressed the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that doubling stamp duty on lease agreements is primarily a revenue measure and should be presented as such. He warned that higher duties could encourage informal, unstamped lease agreements, increasing disputes and adding to court backlogs. He urged the Government, if it intends to “update” the law, to introduce digital or e-stamping systems similar to those in India and Indonesia to simplify compliance and reduce evasion. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha denied allegations concerning an incident at the Welipenna Police, stating that he intervened only to oppose an illegal act by an officer and to seek justice for an individual. He said the Opposition and media reports had misrepresented the matter, and rejected the claim that he attempted to secure the release of an illicit brewer. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that the escalating Israel-Iran conflict should not be fuelled by other states and called for urgent negotiations, while noting risks to Sri Lankan citizens abroad and possible economic effects such as rising oil prices. He linked the conflict to the unresolved Palestine question, stating that the failure to establish a free Palestinian state alongside Israel has prolonged instability and led to severe humanitarian consequences. He urged responsible international action, criticized the justification of military escalation as self-defence, and cautioned against blaming entire populations for the actions of their governments. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna denied allegations that he had acquired property through illicit enrichment, stating that his assets came from family inheritance and that a family petrol shed existed before his birth. He called for lawful investigations and enforcement against any politician who has illicitly earned property, but urged an end to publishing unverified lists that damage reputations. He requested the Speaker’s protection, saying he would cooperate with any investigation. Personal Explanation - Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. [Unnamed Member] AI summary Asked the Prime Minister, as Minister in charge of Constitutional Affairs, to clarify the number and status of Sri Lanka’s independent commissions, including those established under Article 41B. The member questioned whether these commissions have adopted Standard Operating Procedures for matters such as recruitment, discipline, complaints and public engagement, whether such procedures are public or approved by Parliament, and what oversight exists to ensure consistency and transparency. The member also requested information on planned steps and timelines where SOPs are absent, and asked whether the Government would table them in Parliament to strengthen accountability, including clarifying whether commissions are accountable to Parliament or the President. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Constitutional Commissions (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the previous Government had tendered and completed legal and payment processes, amounting to about Rs. 1.3 million, for the removal of buildings and tanks before the current Government took office. He said the contractor later found and attempted to remove underground tanks not covered by the inspection board’s estimate, prompting MPs to intervene on behalf of residents. He added that the work has been halted, a Police complaint has been lodged, and investigations have begun into the disposal process, which he said was based on incorrect procedures and data. Oral Question: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation - New Refinery in Trincomalee (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Government to address the situation of 2,900 acting principals when filling around 4,000 principal vacancies, noting that the matter had also arisen at COPA with Treasury officials. He proposed awarding special marks or recognition to acting principals, arguing that recruitment limited to the Education Administrative Service would disadvantage those already serving in difficult, remote schools. He said such measures were needed to ensure fairness for schools in peripheral and border areas where administrative recruits may be reluctant to serve. Oral Question: Acting Principals in Government Schools (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara responded to points raised by Hon. Ajith Perera, stating that some matters are under CID investigation and should not be discussed in a way that could prejudice the process. He said anti-corruption work is progressing and that results are expected to become visible in about six weeks. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera expressed regret that an urgent motion under Standing Order 19 on the Israel-Iran conflict was not debated after his delayed arrival due to a minor accident. He urged the Government to reactivate the Permanent High Court at Bar mechanism for anti-corruption cases, noting that it was created under the 2018 Judicature Act amendments to enable day-to-day trials but has not received new cases in the past seven months. He also questioned the handling of alleged abuses in Presidential pardons, asking why prisoners unlawfully released under general pardons have not been taken back into custody despite officials being remanded. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister explained that findings raised before COPE require further investigation and legal assessment before they can become admissible evidence or lead to prosecution. He said COPE reports should be sent to the Attorney-General’s Department, which may decide to prosecute, refer matters to CIABOC, seek further information, or direct additional investigations, but this process can take months due to procedural and workload constraints. He proposed attaching an Attorney-General’s observer, a police investigator or observer, and a CIABOC officer to COPE to provide technical support, enable preliminary legal classification, and speed up referrals for action. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera sought clarification on how COPE findings can be moved into formal legal processes, noting public concern that inquiries do not always lead to legal action. He said COPE often hears from officials and former board members, while alleged wrongdoing may originate with political authorities, citing the dairy cattle matter and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority matter. He proposed that, before COPE reports are tabled, relevant legal authorities review them to identify possible legal steps. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Special Audit Report on the dairy cattle importation project indicated that about Rs. 21 billion in public funds had been spent without delivering a successful outcome, reflecting serious issues of fraud and misuse of public revenue. He argued that while the Government is committed to prosecuting corruption swiftly, cases must be investigated and filed according to proper legal procedures and evidentiary standards to avoid acquittals. He also highlighted the need to improve public legal literacy, referring to a proposed JURE Project with the Ministry of Justice, and said disputes over provincial council procedures should be taken to court. On foreign policy matters, including Israel and Iran, he said the Government recognized the humanitarian concerns but would follow parliamentary procedures for debate while focusing on domestic governance. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva supported expediting legal amendments to allow COPE matters to be referred to the Attorney General, and said similar powers should be extended to COPA and the Public Finance Committee. Citing the 2024 e-Visa issue and the dairy cattle importation programme, he argued that parliamentary committee findings should lead to legal accountability but cautioned against targeting only officials. He tabled documents relating to the dairy cattle programme and questioned why only the Secretary was being blamed despite involvement by multiple officials, Ministers, and Secretaries, calling instead for a full forensic audit to identify all responsible parties. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →