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- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan paid tribute to the late Mavai Somasundaram Senathirajah, describing his lifelong role in the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi and his commitment to Tamil rights through non-violent, democratic politics. He recalled Senathirajah’s experiences amid key post-independence political developments, his efforts to maintain links across Tamil political and militant movements, and the risks and violence he faced while campaigning in the North and East. Srineshan said Senathirajah’s death was a major loss to his family, the Tamil community and Sri Lanka, and conveyed condolences to his relatives. Debate: Votes of Condolence for Four Former MPs Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan paid tribute to former MP and ITAK leader Mavai S. Senathirajah, highlighting his education, early involvement in the TULF and Tamil national movement, participation in the 1961 satyagraha, periods of detention, and parliamentary service from 1989 onward. He said Senathirajah worked for Tamil rights domestically and internationally, supported post-war peace efforts, strengthened ITAK in Kilinochchi, and promoted youth and women’s participation. He also recalled attacks and assaults Senathirajah survived during the conflict period and conveyed condolences to his family and the families of the other former MPs named in the Votes of Condolence. Debate: Votes of Condolence for Four Former MPs Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled a written answer detailing Sri Lanka’s prison infrastructure, including 4 closed prisons, 18 remand prisons, 10 open prison camps, 2 open work camps, 2 youth offender rehabilitation centres and 1 youth offender training school. He said annexes with further details were placed in the Library, and outlined measures to reduce overcrowding, including new and planned prison construction, upgrading facilities, informing courts about eligible remandees under the Release of Remand Prisoners Act, expanding rehabilitation programmes, and reactivating mechanisms for special amnesties. Procedural: Second Round and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara submitted a question to the Minister of Justice and National Integration seeking details on Sri Lanka’s prison system and overcrowding. He asked for the current number and names of prisons, the number of detainees in each institution, and the steps being taken to reduce prison congestion, with reasons requested if such information or action is not provided. Procedural: Second Round and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that ministerial answers to parliamentary questions must reflect the facts as at the date the question was asked. He said that if a dual citizen was serving as an Ambassador at that time, this should have been disclosed, along with any subsequent resignation or removal. He further contended that the Government had avoided addressing a conflict of interest issue and called for any mistake to be acknowledged to prevent recurrence. Oral Question: Ambassadors and High Commissioners with Dual Citizenship Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that matters raised regarding the issue should be clarified through the CID investigation, noting that Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara had been summoned to give a statement and had claimed to know relevant facts. He said the investigation should establish the truth and that any evidence Jayasekara provides to the CID would be appropriate. Procedural and Oral Question: Airport and Aviation Services and Standing Orders Clarification Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake clarified that customs duties collected on containers are not part of Sri Lanka Ports Authority revenue, which consists of port service charges such as handling fees, and said Cabinet has received a proposal to revise port service tariffs unchanged since 2022. He rejected claims that containers are released through political or official influence and stated that the CID is investigating the publicly discussed case of 323 containers. He also said investigations have begun into large-scale corruption at the Port and related individuals. Oral Question: Major Ports Revenue and Expenditure (Q.95/2024) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna supported the motion and raised concerns about alleged violence against fishermen in Trincomalee and Mullaitivu, including claims of Navy involvement in an assault and Police refusal to record a complaint. He questioned why citizens would have to approach the Human Rights Commission to lodge grievances and said the security situation for northern fishermen had deteriorated. He also referred to the Minister’s statement that inquiries had been ordered and played an audio recording in which the Minister denied allegations relating to a promised statue for Prabhakaran. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that, under the President’s direction, gold held by the military has been transferred to the Police through the courts and will be subject to proper assay reports. He said the Government intends to return items to claimants who can prove ownership, while using unclaimed gold, along with government contributions, to establish a fund for Northern development with possible diaspora participation. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, arguing that public transport must be standardized, regulated, and made more consumer-oriented to improve safety, service quality, and passenger protection. He criticized attempts to obstruct the constitution of local authorities after the election, describing them as contrary to the public mandate, and said attacks on the Minister of Justice reflected the past conduct of former rulers. He welcomed the introduction of low-floor buses and called for accessible bus stands, terminals, and transport information for persons with disabilities, while also urging regulation of school transport and three-wheelers. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs regarding Azad Maulana’s statement to Channel 4 on the Easter Sunday attacks. It asked for the date of the statement, whether the Minister was aware of the public discussion that followed, and what measures would be taken to bring Maulana to Sri Lanka to record further statements. Oral Questions: Azad Maulana Easter Attacks Statement and Government School Constructions in Monaragala (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna asked a second supplementary question about individuals who had worked as volunteers at Jaffna Teaching Hospital despite lacking formal government appointments. He stated that their service records had been destroyed, that they were being individually victimized, and that they had worked without pay. He asked whether they could be paid for 36 months of service through the hospital welfare society. Oral Question: Jaffna Teaching Hospital Voluntary Workers (Q.668/2025) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a supplementary question regarding 170 workers who served at Jaffna Teaching Hospital from 2021 to 2024 and were later removed after lodging complaints, with a court case now pending. He asked for assurance that they would receive priority in new recruitments, as previously indicated, instead of recruitment proceeding on the basis of a separate name list. Oral Question: Jaffna Teaching Hospital Voluntary Workers (Q.668/2025) Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti supported the Anti-Corruption Act regulations, linking them to the Government’s stated effort to enforce the law and address past corruption. He cited the arrival of a new SriLankan Airlines Airbus as evidence of recovery after alleged mismanagement of the airline and criticised previous administrations over the Airbus deal and attempts to privatize or devalue the airline. He defended the Justice Minister and anti-corruption institutions against Opposition criticism, referred to complaints and alleged rackets involving sugar tax, onion imports, rice, minerals, expressways and public funds, and said investigations and prosecutions should proceed. He also announced plans for a transparent minerals investment process and a digital valuation app for gems and jewellery to improve public access and reduce opportunities for bribery. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Anti-Corruption Act Regulations and urged the Government to expedite the centralized electronic system for asset declarations under Section 87, to avoid reliance on physical storage of forms. He also used the debate to condemn the reported killing of Palestinian civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza on 3 June 2025, calling for Sri Lanka and others to speak against indiscriminate attacks on civilians, particularly children. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna stated that corruption was a major cause of Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy and said the Opposition would support genuine anti-corruption measures. He cautioned the Minister of Justice against commenting on court proceedings or implying government influence over judicial outcomes, arguing that such remarks undermine institutional confidence. He urged the Government to focus on expediting long-delayed court cases through procedural and legal reforms, strengthening independent institutions, and refiling or pursuing past corruption cases, including major projects from the Rajapaksa era, without political vendettas. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif alleged that post-1978 Opposition politicians were linked to corruption and cited recent convictions in the carrom board case as evidence that the current Government will pursue accountability and not permit wrongdoing by anyone, including its own supporters. He called for justice for victims of communal violence in Kandy, Digana and Aluthgama, including a commission to investigate racist propaganda, and stated the Government supports Palestinians while rejecting terrorism. He also raised local governance issues in Gampola, urging that revenues from the Ambuluwawa area be brought under Government responsibility and that action be taken against illegal construction causing drainage and flooding problems. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that allegations regarding 323 containers are already under investigation following a citizen’s complaint to the CID. He said the Fort Magistrate had ordered a broad inquiry and directed media institutions to submit unedited video footage, arguing that claims that no action is being taken are false. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka asked the Government to confirm whether two reported MoUs on an India–Sri Lanka electricity grid interconnection and a Trincomalee energy hub are genuine, and called for their disclosure if they are valid national agreements. While supporting regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act on recovering assets linked to false declarations, he argued that anti-corruption laws must be applied equally to the Government, Opposition and the public. He demanded updates or investigations into issues including the “323 containers” allegation, the use of “Dr.” before Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara’s name, alleged rice import fraud, and delays in connecting temple solar panels to the grid. He also objected to ministerial comments suggesting courts were not independent in the past, saying such remarks undermine judicial independence. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Sunil Watagala rejected claims that no action had been taken in relation to a school incident handled by the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Division. He stated that five statements had been recorded, police were involved, facts had been reported to court, and legal proceedings had commenced. He argued that inaccurate statements had unfairly placed the Minister in charge of Women and Children’s Affairs in a difficult position. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →