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- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu supported the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, describing the 2022 Act as a major framework for safeguarding personal data while enabling digital economic development. He said the amendments are needed to extend implementation timelines and give public institutions, from central ministries to local-level offices, time to build the human, financial and technical capacity required for compliance. He argued that stronger data protection would help address misuse of personal information, online fraud, false records, harmful propaganda and loss of public trust, while supporting the Government’s wider digitalization agenda. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala supported the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, stating that they were based on a detailed review of Act No. 9 of 2022 and are intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital economy in line with GDPR principles. He emphasized protections for sensitive personal data, including biometric, genetic, health, religious, political and other categories, and highlighted rights such as access, rectification, erasure, withdrawal of consent and objection to processing. He also linked data protection to broader national responsibility, referring to biodiversity protection measures such as the Nilgala Dome declaration and a reserve for the “Bandula Pethiya” fish in Kegalle. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that issues around data protection and related governance are matters of democratic rights rather than only technical concerns. He criticized the Government, referring to the JVP’s earlier position in Opposition, for not implementing proposals such as an independent Data Protection Authority appointed through the Constitutional Council. He urged the Government to bring forward the civil rights amendments it had previously advocated, stating that his side would support and vote for them. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the Personal Data Protection Act of 2022 has remained ineffective because the Data Protection Authority has not been established, and said the current Amendment Bill does not address key privacy and accountability gaps. Citing the 2025 Cargills Bank cyber breach and concerns raised by the UN Special Rapporteur and local commentators, he questioned whether data subjects are adequately informed, protected, and given remedies when their personal data is misused or exposed. He called for an independent Authority appointed through the Constitutional Council, inclusion of human rights and civil society expertise, limits on broad State exemptions including for national security, and stronger data-subject rights such as erasure, portability, algorithmic challenge, and an appeal mechanism. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the Government for not addressing staff shortages in key justice-sector institutions, including the Government Analyst’s Department, Attorney General’s Department and Prisons Department. He argued that the Government had itself acted without adequate data in relation to issues such as rice and salt imports, and rejected its criticism of misinformation by alleging that it had previously misled the public. On the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, he said the Opposition would support necessary future amendments for a digital economy, but demanded clearer disclosure to Parliament on the digital ID project, related arrangements with India, and what personal data would be shared, processed, retained or subject to the right to be forgotten. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa welcomed amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act but criticised delays in appointing and staffing the Data Protection Agency, arguing that they should not impede national digitization. He questioned the Government’s progress on the Unique Digital ID project funded by an Indian grant, use of the Rs. 3 billion digitization allocation, court automation, data centre arrangements, custodianship and data aggregation. He also criticised past politicisation of personal information, called for stronger privacy protections and regulation of public and private data use, and cautioned Ministers against statements that could politicize the judiciary or create diplomatic issues regarding digital agreements with India. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary The speech supported amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, emphasizing the need to protect personal data amid rapid digitization and widespread collection, processing and sharing by public bodies, businesses and social media platforms. It noted obstacles to implementation of the 2022 Act, including low public awareness, limited computer literacy, insufficient technical capacity and outdated government technology. The member said the Government is advancing digitization and cybersecurity, including through Cabinet approval of the second National Cyber Security Strategy prepared by Sri Lanka CERT, to strengthen data protection and public trust. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the data protection Bill in principle but urged stronger safeguards, clear public remedies for misuse of personal data, and assurances on the independence and capacity of the PDPA Authority. He questioned the Government on responses to recent cyber breaches, technical readiness for secure data systems, availability of skilled personnel, timelines for full implementation, and compliance arrangements for large legacy data holders. He also sought clarity on penalties and appeals, interaction with the RTI and Computer Crimes laws, special protections for health data, public awareness measures, and how the right to erasure would be balanced against public-interest records and accountability. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB AI summary The Government stated that any misuse of properties or unlawful expenditure of public funds will be addressed under existing law. It indicated that legal action would be taken against those responsible where wrongdoing is established. Oral Question: Local Authorities Properties in Galle District (Q.871/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera asked what action is being taken against those who authorized construction and maintenance of facilities on properties not legally vested in the State, using public funds. Citing the “Jnanapradipa” library begun by the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha in 1984, he noted that national funds have been spent for decades despite unresolved legal ownership and ongoing court cases, and questioned how accountability and future ownership will be addressed. Oral Question: Local Authorities Properties in Galle District (Q.871/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Thousands of school infrastructure projects are reported to be incomplete, poorly executed, or halted, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated failures. The priority identified is to complete such works to ensure children’s safety and school functionality, while also pursuing action over losses and non-performance across the system. Oral Question: Kuliyapitiya Central College Function Hall (Q.801/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper noted that clauses 2733 to 2735 allow the Minister to make regulations on taking evidence abroad. He urged that such regulations should not be limited to embassies or high commissions, but could also cover judicial offices such as courthouses or chambers, with the Minister acting in consultation with the Chief Justice. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala supported the Bill’s provisions enabling courts to receive and record remote testimony through contemporaneous audio-visual links, arguing that this would improve security, reduce transport costs, and speed up criminal justice proceedings, especially for high-risk prisoners and organized crime cases. He said existing criminal laws are insufficient to address organized crime and noted that the Ministry of Public Security has submitted a Cabinet memorandum to draft new legislation targeting organized criminal groups, including shootings and related offences. He also framed the amendments as part of the Government’s mandate to strengthen accountability and act against impunity. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to Opposition criticisms before supporting the Bill, rejecting claims of politicizing Community Policing Committees and citing provisions in the Bill on taking evidence abroad, applications by witnesses or victims, and costs. He argued that the Government was giving effect to pending legal reforms, including measures to strengthen prosecution of white-collar and other crime, and said further amendments could be introduced if gaps remained. He stated that the Bill would help protect witnesses and use technology-driven procedures to prosecute offenders more effectively and uphold the rule of law. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Code of Criminal Procedure amendments enabling courts to dispense with personal attendance of accused persons and to receive remote testimony and electronic submissions, citing security concerns such as the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder and the need to expedite cases. He urged the Government to address pending High Court judicial appointments, improve outdated court technology and staff capacity, and establish a supervisory mechanism for technology adoption across justice-related institutions. He also called for parallel amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to permit remote evidence in civil and commercial cases, particularly involving overseas witnesses. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the use of technology to improve court efficiency, noting its potential to enhance access and fairness for persons with disabilities, including the hearing-impaired. He also addressed State debt management, arguing that Sri Lanka’s crisis reflected poor borrowing practices and non-productive expenditure, and cited projects with low returns and Auditor General concerns over unreported debt funds. He said the State Debt Management Act and related measures should improve transparency, parliamentary reporting, coordination among responsible agencies, and the productive use of borrowed resources. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for justice and accountability for Tamil victims of the 2009 final war, referring to Mullivaikkal commemorations and the continuing demands of survivors 16 years later. He welcomed the unveiling of a Tamil Genocide Memorial in Brampton, Canada, and statements by Canadian leaders supporting truth, accountability, and justice, and appealed for international assistance to secure justice for the Tamil people. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, speaking on the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, urged the Government to repeal the PTA, initiate the promised new Constitution process, and enact laws criminalizing incitement to racism and communal hatred. He called for ethnic inclusivity in the Clean Sri Lanka task force, specifically the inclusion of Tamil and Muslim members, and criticized defects in the local government ward-based electoral system while requesting a revised method. He also sought a separate court for Irakkamam or its reattachment to the Akkaraipattu judicial zone due to language-access concerns, and requested action by the Justice and Fisheries Ministries against sea theft affecting deep-sea fishermen from Trincomalee to Pottuvil. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, arguing that Sri Lanka has lagged in adopting technology for justice administration and that audio-visual testimony and electronic evidence are necessary to address organized crime, witness safety, and court congestion. He referred to proposed changes including provisions linked to Sections 144 and 273, enabling remote testimony where there are threats to life or public safety, and cited international precedents from the United States and India. He connected the need for reform to past incidents involving organized crime and violence, including attacks on prisoners and witnesses, and urged all parties to support the Bill as part of broader justice-sector reforms. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera said the Opposition supports the Bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, describing it as a timely measure to enable the practical use of technology in judicial proceedings, including for overseas witnesses, victims, and remand suspects who cannot be brought to court. He proposed clarifications on the rank and authority of diplomatic or court officers commissioned to record evidence, safeguards to ensure witnesses can testify freely and securely, and rules on who bears costs when victims or other witnesses request remote arrangements. He also urged wider court digitalization and briefly raised concern over unparliamentary conduct during the previous day’s proceedings. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →