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- 19 June 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Welcoming the debate on the dairy cow import scandal, K. Kader Masthan called for punishment of those responsible for alleged fraud involving the planned importation of 20,000 cows from Australia, of which he said only about 5,000 arrived. He urged that anti-corruption commitments not be undermined in local authority arrangements and that corrupt individuals not escape accountability. He also cited a Human Rights Commission finding that a PTA arrest over a pro-Palestinian sticker was wrongful, asked that such action not recur, and criticized the refusal of an adjournment debate on the Israel-Iran conflict. He condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, questioned Sri Lanka’s lack of condemnation, and called for the safe repatriation of Sri Lankans working in Israel, including after reports that a Sri Lankan nurse was injured. 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. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Presidential pardons have not been stopped, and no procedural change has been made to the existing pardon process. An illegal release allegedly made outside the President’s approved list is being investigated by the CID, and the public should not be misled about the matter. 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. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a Point of Order regarding a letter dated 18 June 2025 by the Commissioner General of Prisons halting all prisoner pardons until further notice. He said this had left thousands of prisoners, including those who had paid fines, unable to be released, and urged the Minister to correct the issue and ensure eligible inmates are released under proper procedures. 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. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that investigations are ongoing and related matters are before court, so details can be provided only after those processes conclude. He asked that the relevant Member clarify where he worked and how payments were made, noting that this issue is also under inquiry. He also referred to allegations involving gems and murders, saying there are sufficient fraud-related concerns and noting that Namal Rajapaksa had acknowledged them. 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. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that Presidential pardons are based on lists prepared by the Prisons Department and forwarded through the Ministry of Justice, with the President approving them on recommendations rather than personally verifying each prisoner. He said an investigation by the CID is underway into a case where a person not on the approved list was allegedly released, and that responsibility should fall on those who effected any illegal release. He added that past releases, including cases involving serious offences, are also being investigated, while maintaining that action is being taken according to law and not to target officials. 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. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake congratulated retiring public officials before raising allegations arising from the COPE report on the 15,000 dairy cattle import advance, specifically naming the current National Lotteries Board Chairman and calling for COPE to summon relevant officials. He alleged irregular salary payments, mishandling of a performance bond, and increased sitting fees at the National Lotteries Board affecting funds such as Mahapola. He also expressed concern that the remanding of the Commissioner General of Prisons could demoralize and paralyse state administration, urging the Justice Minister to appoint a committee of retired officers and ensure a fair inquiry. He framed his remarks as an attempt to correct administrative errors rather than attack the Government. 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. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem sought clarification from the Deputy Minister regarding the large military camp in Silavathurai within the Musali Pradeshiya Sabha limits in Mannar, stating that it covers the village and bazaar. He said he had raised the matter repeatedly at the Consultative Committee and requested a response to ensure justice for the affected residents. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Pallimunai Land and Military Camp Issues Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan opposed the acquisition of privately titled lands for Navy use, stating that the owners would not accept compensation in place of their land. He urged that the plots be returned to their owners and that, if necessary, adjoining land be allocated to the Navy instead. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Pallimunai Land and Military Camp Issues Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised the case of 24 displaced families from Pallimunai, Mannar, whose privately owned coastal housing lands are now occupied by security forces and used as a Navy camp. He said the owners hold deeds and have filed cases to reclaim the properties, while moves are being made to acquire the lands under the Land Acquisition Act. He submitted a dossier to Hansard and urged the President, as Minister of Defence, to stop the acquisition process and return the lands to the affected families. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Pallimunai Land and Military Camp Issues Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana stated that a remaining portion of land near a court complex, owned by the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, contains shops and stores leased long ago without proper valuation and later unlawfully subleased at higher rates. He said notices to vacate had been issued, but occupancy was extended until December 2025 while valuations and revised rent agreements are completed. He indicated that the Government intends to regularize the leases and turn the property into a productive State revenue-generating asset. Oral Questions: Land in Wattala and Sri Lanka Railways Income Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the regulations under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, stating that Sri Lanka must align with international legal norms given its global connections and citizens living abroad. He linked the debate to broader claims that the current administration has improved public life, cultural participation, and inter-communal harmony. Referring to Colombo Municipal Council election results, he argued that voters had rejected divisive politics and endorsed the National People’s Power, while noting that local election voting patterns can be influenced by neighbourhood-level candidate preferences. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the regulations on foreign judgments, long requested including by Opposition Members, would complete the legal framework needed to give effect to such judgments once approved from the Gazette. He also criticized the Opposition for shifting debate to recent local authority election outcomes, particularly in relation to the Colombo Municipal Council, and for challenging and allegedly intimidating public officials such as the Provincial Commissioner of Local Government over lawful decisions. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Orders under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, stating that recognition of judgments from 53 countries would help address difficulties faced by Sri Lankans, particularly in enforcing foreign divorce decrees. He urged the Government to consider legal reform allowing divorce by mutual consent, noting that current Roman-Dutch law requirements oblige parties to lead evidence even where both spouses agree. He also called for action to protect judges from defamatory social media attacks, including through a possible Select Committee, and requested a review of the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024, noting that Sri Lanka would recognize specified court judgments from 53 countries, including Australia and Canada. He used the debate to argue that the NPP Government had strengthened law enforcement and ended selective application of justice, contrasting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s conduct with that of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He also defended the NPP’s post-local election conduct, citing its victories in 267 of 340 local bodies and saying secret ballots in council administrations were sought to protect members from intimidation. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Member clarified that the debate concerned Gazette No. 2429/51, issued under Act No. 49 of 2024, listing 53 countries whose judgments may be recognized, registered and enforced in Sri Lanka, rather than a new Bill. She said the framework would assist Sri Lankans abroad, particularly in matrimonial matters such as divorce, while excluding criminal penalties, taxes, fines and penal orders, and noted safeguards including time limits, objections, appeals, and court powers to set aside registrations. She also responded to Opposition criticism on public service performance, stating that the Government was pursuing economic stabilization, efficiency improvements and anti-corruption action, and called for more responsible conduct by the Opposition in relation to international crises and parliamentary debate. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister linked the debate on regulations under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement, Registration and Execution) Act, No. 49 of 2024, to broader themes of legal reform, justice and social inclusion. She argued that recognition of foreign judgments, particularly in debt and matrimonial matters such as divorce, maintenance and property division, would benefit citizens, including women, while urging reciprocal recognition of Sri Lankan judgments abroad. She also called for faster legal and administrative processes relating to family law, foreign marriages, citizenship and spouses separated by overseas employment, and referred to recent government measures on political privileges, pensions and illicit assets. She additionally noted the National People’s Power’s control of the Colombo and Nuwara Eliya councils and described the election of Vrai Kelly Balthazar as Mayoress of Colombo as significant for reconciliation and women’s political leadership. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement, Registration and Execution) Act, No. 49 of 2024, noting that they would allow certain foreign judgments, such as divorce decrees and contractual dispute decisions, to be recognized and enforced in Sri Lanka without re-litigation. He rejected allegations about injustices faced by Muslims, criticized Dayasiri Jayasekara’s conduct, and disputed opposition claims about local government voting arrangements and alleged dealings with the SLPP. He also warned that the Gaza conflict and Iran-Israel tensions could harm Sri Lanka through wider economic effects, particularly given reliance on Middle Eastern remittances, oil supplies, and regional-funded projects, while calling for opposition to wars and cooperation to protect economic stability. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported scrutiny of the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, but asked the Government to explain how Sri Lankan citizens involved in foreign proceedings would receive consular coordination, legal support, due process safeguards, and practical assistance, especially in countries without embassies or in cases such as fishermen detained in India. He argued that a procedural framework and dedicated programme should accompany reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments to ensure citizens can effectively participate before judgments are recognized or enforced. He also raised concerns about recent local authority power formations, alleging that a Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha member was arrested before a vote and denied the opportunity to vote, and questioned the handling of open versus secret voting requests by the Commissioner. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the traditional general amnesty system has become conflated with Presidential pardons, disrupting predictable relief mechanisms such as remission for prisoners held for non-payment of fines. He said prison officers are reluctant to act due to fear of repercussions and urged the Government to correct the situation immediately. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that, while supporting the recognition of foreign judgments, the Government must also uphold judicial independence and avoid political interference in judicial appointments. He questioned the handling of Justice Bandula Karunarathna’s pre-retirement leave, the appointment of an acting Court of Appeal President, and the repeated non-elevation of Justice Mohamed Laffar to the Supreme Court despite seniority, asking why a recent recommendation for Laffar’s appointment was reportedly withdrawn. He also raised concerns over the implementation of Vesak prison remissions and pardons, citing alleged procedural irregularities and confusion arising from a 1 May 2025 circular, and called for the restoration of proper procedures for general amnesty and prisoner remission. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →