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- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman supported an independent CIABOC under the Anti-Corruption Act regulations, while rejecting claims that anti-corruption action began only under the current Government and arguing that those who enabled past wrongdoers should also accept responsibility. He cited recent complaints against the current administration, including the 323 containers issue, the Mannar wind power project, a Presidential Secretariat vehicle auction, the STC salt matter, and a Sathosa audit tender, and questioned whether the law is being enforced equally. He emphasized the Auditor General’s role in supporting corruption investigations and challenged the President’s attempted appointment of an external nominee as Auditor General, urging that a qualified internal officer be appointed instead and warning against any effort to influence future audits. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised a Point of Order objecting to receiving less speaking time than requested and asked for advance notice when time is curtailed. He then urged the Minister of Justice and National Integration to intervene over the Chemmani cemetery graves, stating that more than three skeletons had been found, the site lacked security, and available JMO funding was insufficient. He requested that the area be declared a potential mass grave site, protected from tampering, provided funds, and supported through international or institutional assistance, citing the 1996 Krishanti Kumaraswamy case and its allegations of mass burials in the area. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala defended the Government against allegations of political vendetta, stating that anti-corruption actions are being pursued by independent institutions under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, and related regulations. He said the Government had repeatedly received a public mandate to “catch thieves” and referred to former Ministers being in custody, court proceedings over the “Containers 323” matter, and claims regarding a North Central Provincial Council vehicle auction. He also questioned whether an alleged sale of a parliamentary seat would fall within the scope of the anti-corruption framework, and urged the Opposition to stop spreading false claims and maintain proper conduct in Parliament. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri raised a procedural objection under Standing Order 23, arguing that Parliament should continue until the agreed adjournment time and that both Government and Opposition Members should receive their allotted speaking time. Speaking on Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act, he questioned the Government’s anti-corruption stance, citing allegations over a cancelled 50 MW wind power tender, property valuation issues, and import-related decisions affecting sugar and salt. He also criticized alleged restrictions on independent media access and urged the Justice Minister to explain how the Regulations would be implemented in practice, stating that genuine anti-corruption measures would receive support. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar argued during the debate on regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act that anti-corruption enforcement should prioritize recovering stolen public funds, not only arrests and prosecutions. He questioned accountability over alleged wasteful spending, unresolved issues concerning 323 containers, and claims of Governors engaging in partisan activity by pressuring opposition councillors. He also called for project decisions to be based on return-on-investment assessments, warning against debt-generating infrastructure, and said the Opposition would support legal amendments needed to recover proceeds of crime. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath supported the Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act, arguing that they are necessary to build a transparent, corruption-free State after decades of misuse of public funds and state resources. He cited alleged abuses including luxury lifestyles funded by public money, irregularities in Hambantota road projects, vehicle registration fraud noted in Auditor General reports, and payments for a non-functioning Colombo Municipal Council sewage project. He said the Government would protect honest public officers, pursue cases with evidence through the courts, and invited genuine support from the Opposition while rejecting efforts to shield wrongdoing. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary He supported the presentation of Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act and said he had complied with asset declaration requirements, but urged the Minister of Justice to respect the Judiciary and avoid public statements implying political responsibility for court-ordered remands. He criticized the Government’s performance, citing concerns over “Clean Sri Lanka,” public events, appointments, statistics, and what he described as reliance on publicized arrests through anti-corruption processes rather than substantive delivery. He called on the Government to correct course, heed Opposition criticisms where valid, protect public confidence in the President, and focus on measurable economic results, including bringing revenue to the Treasury. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that allegations regarding port container releases are being investigated by a committee under the Finance Minister. He said any false statements should be referred to the CID and emphasized that the Government is acting within the law to address corruption and prevent public misinformation. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that a Task Force has been appointed to address ragging as part of a wider issue of violence in universities, noting that it can begin before students enter university and continue beyond the first year. She said the Task Force, which includes police, university authorities and student representatives, will examine gaps in implementing existing law, propose amendments if necessary, and define services for new students. Oral Question: India–Sri Lanka Agreements and Education Policy Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Asked whether the Ministry will ensure that all new university entrants are informed at admission about the 1998 anti-ragging law and related procedures. He noted that little legal action appears to have been taken in recent years and that incidents tend to arise around fresh intakes. Oral Question: India–Sri Lanka Agreements and Education Policy Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Necessary circulars have been issued to implement a victim-centred support system. The system is intended to provide counselling and other psycho-social services to victims. Oral Question: India–Sri Lanka Agreements and Education Policy Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Asked whether the Ministry of Higher Education would provide counselling and related support services for students who suffer psychological and physical harm due to ragging. The question was directed to the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Higher Education. Oral Question: India–Sri Lanka Agreements and Education Policy Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked the Prime Minister for information on the enforcement of the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act, No. 20 of 1998, amid continuing reports of ragging in universities and higher education institutions. He requested details on prosecutions and convictions during the past five years, whether studies have examined the causes of continued ragging, and what measures the Government will take to prevent such incidents. Oral Question: India–Sri Lanka Agreements and Education Policy Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne argued that accelerating digitalization of government services, identity systems, banking, health data and AI makes cybersecurity and personal data protection essential for both privacy and national security. He said the amendments would support implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act by establishing a Data Protection Authority, requiring consent-based and purpose-limited data use, mandating breach notification within 72 hours, and providing remedies including rectification, penalties and compensation. He linked the reforms to wider state digitalization plans such as the National Data Exchange, digital ID, e-driving licences, e-lands, digital payments and AI-enabled services, stating that the Authority is expected to be staffed and the Act brought into force within six months by Gazette. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported the Personal Data Protection amendments, arguing that they are necessary to protect citizens’ personal data and to enable Sri Lanka’s participation in the digital economy. He said the Bill clarifies definitions, strengthens the role of the Data Protection Authority, provides recourse for misuse or breaches by private, state, or foreign entities, and supports cross-border data exchange and interoperability. He also emphasized the need for institutional compliance, public awareness, and future cybersecurity legislation, linking digitalization to greater transparency, efficiency, and oversight in public administration. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Second Reading of the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, arguing that strong data protection laws are necessary for individual privacy, economic development, tourism, digital transactions, and national security. He emphasized the importance of operationalizing the Data Protection Authority and noted that the law provides mechanisms for compliance, privacy protection, and legal recourse. He also linked the debate to broader political themes, criticizing communal politics and urging unity among Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil communities while calling for an end to racism in politics. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi said the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, are intended to strengthen regulation and security of personal data processing in the context of rapid technological change. He noted that the law protects the rights of data subjects and establishes an authority and procedures, drawing on international standards such as the OECD Privacy Guidelines, APEC Privacy Framework, and the EU GDPR to address gaps in Sri Lanka’s privacy framework. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, citing past gaps in laws and systems to address data theft, cybercrime, and technology-enabled bank fraud. He urged the Government to strengthen secure data centres and protection mechanisms as part of its digitalization agenda, while noting the role of Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya in advancing this work. He also called for updated university IT curricula, practical training in AI and cybersecurity, and collaboration with private universities and SLASSCOM to prepare youth for online work opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported the Second Reading of the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka needs an updated legal framework to protect personal data while enabling digitalisation, AI use, and investment. He said the amendments provide grace periods for compliance, adjust requirements on Data Protection Officers, expand the Data Protection Authority’s powers, and create remedies against unfair automated or AI-driven decisions. He highlighted international and local data breaches, the right of individuals to trace how their data was shared and prevent further sharing without consent, and called for a complementary Cyber Security Act to support the digital economy. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned why public corporations and Companies Act entities are excluded from the requirement to appoint Data Protection Officers under Clause 13, noting that many state entities handle IT and work with the private sector. He supported the need for a digital economy and the proposed amendments despite delays in making the Data Protection Authority fully operational by 18 March 2025. He also urged the Government, particularly the IT Ministry, to establish structured and mandatory IT internship programmes for university students, especially those from remote state universities. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →