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- 23 May 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly the use of technology to take evidence from abroad and excuse an accused’s presence in defined circumstances to reduce delays. He then criticised Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s reported warning of legal action against those alleging genocide during the war, arguing that Sri Lanka has not criminalized genocide domestically or ratified the Rome Statute, and called for the remarks to be withdrawn. He also raised the Kurunthur Malai dispute, questioning the legal basis for arrests of farmers outside the gazetted archaeological area and demanding government intervention to stop the arrests and secure the release of those remanded. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979, arguing that they would strengthen the rule of law and improve the efficiency of criminal proceedings. He highlighted provisions allowing courts to excuse the personal presence of accused persons in specified circumstances, use remote participation to address security, public order, health or rehabilitation concerns, and permit witnesses and experts to provide evidence or reports electronically. He said these measures would help reduce delays caused by shortages of specialists such as Judicial Medical Officers and Government Analysts, while also referencing past alleged abuses of legal process and criticizing the Opposition’s engagement in the debate. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe expressed condolences on the death of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira and thanked voters in Kegalle District for electing him. He said the NPP’s electoral mandate at national and local levels provides a basis for grassroots reforms and cited ongoing changes in transport, education, and health. Supporting the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, he argued that measures such as remote appearances and evidence would help reduce court delays and ease the burden on citizens. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Dr. Najith Indika supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, stating that there was broad agreement on allowing evidence to be given remotely through digital technology, including from abroad or from prisons, and that the measure was timely and necessary. He also addressed the forthcoming constitution of local authorities, arguing that administrations should be formed according to the mandate given by voters in each local body after the 2025 local government elections. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Anushka Thilakarathne stated that the proposed reforms aim to address deficiencies in the court system through a long-term, phased approach. She said the National People’s Power Government would, over five years, take steps to strengthen equality before the law and fairness in the legal system. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne supported the Bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that legal reform is necessary to close loopholes, ensure equality before the law, and address delays in justice. She cited case backlog figures from the Ministry of Justice, including over 800,000 pending Magistrates’ Court cases, and said the reforms would need accompanying improvements in staffing, facilities, equipment, funding, and digitization. She also linked the measure to the Government’s broader priorities of rural poverty eradication, digitization, and Clean Sri Lanka, while criticizing the Opposition’s absence from the debate and calling for cooperation in maintaining peace and improving public services. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, stating that it provides a legal framework for remote testimony and court participation, including for overseas witnesses, elderly and disabled persons, children in care, prisoners, police officers, and persons living far from court. She argued that the measure advances the Government’s commitment to digitizing the justice sector, reduces costs and delays, and improves safety in light of recent shootings and attacks connected to court and prison transport. She described the Bill as an initial step toward a digital court system and requested cooperation from the Bar and the public for its implementation. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, stating that they advance the Government’s digitization policy and give statutory basis for obtaining evidence electronically from outside court premises to reduce delays in criminal justice. He referred to past precedents including the Sathasivam case and COVID-19 court practices, and said further reforms to the Evidence Ordinance and related laws would follow. He also condemned alleged racist and religious incitement on social media targeting Hon. Muneer Mulafer, said legal action was being pursued, and linked the issue to the Government’s broader commitment to communal unity and constitutional and legal reform. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, noting that similar remote-participation mechanisms have long existed in other jurisdictions and that Sri Lanka is belatedly adopting them. He said the Bill would allow accused persons, suspects, witnesses, and expert witnesses to participate by video link, enable overseas testimony through missions, and permit electronic filing, thereby reducing delays caused by non-appearance and saving time and costs. He also argued that remote proceedings would improve safety by avoiding the physical production of high-risk accused or suspects, citing several past shootings linked to courts and prison transport. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, arguing that remote participation and evidence-recording mechanisms would reduce adjournments and improve court efficiency. She highlighted proposed provisions allowing electronic hearings, remote witness testimony, and the use of Commissioners, particularly where security risks, prison production issues, child victim testimony, or health and practical barriers make physical attendance difficult. She cited past incidents of communal unrest, risks to accused persons and witnesses, and delayed abuse trials as examples of why technology-based court procedures are needed. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment), stating that allowing accused persons to appear digitally in specified proceedings would improve safety and reduce transport and security costs, while also noting the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill. He used the debate to raise the continuing closure of the Puttalam–Ilavankulam–Marichchikatti–Mannar road, arguing that it imposes major travel and economic burdens and should be resolved without undermining judicial independence. He requested discussions among the Ministers of Justice and Environment, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Road Development Authority, and proposed a Cabinet-backed solution to reopen or redesign the road without environmental or wildlife harm. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Moved the Second Reading of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and also presented the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill. He said the amendment would give statutory authority to the use of secure contemporaneous audio-visual links in criminal proceedings, including remand extensions, bail applications, interlocutory matters, and witness testimony, in order to reduce court delays, prison congestion, transport burdens, and public inconvenience. He outlined safeguards for accused persons, including mandatory physical production after arrest and where torture or rights violations are alleged, facilities for confidential consultation with counsel, verification of remote witnesses, and procedures for technical failures. He noted that the reform builds on practices used during COVID-19 and would require implementation across prisons and courts despite expected initial difficulties. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the Government, alleging that Ministers are unable or unwilling to speak openly about people being killed because of legal constraints. He described this as a shameful situation and thanked Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy for bringing the Adjournment Motion. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order to clarify remarks attributed to him by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa regarding “war heroes.” He stated that Tamils had regarded LTTE cadres, including under Prabhakaran, as war heroes and argued that those who died for their cause should be respected, while emphasizing that the grief of parents on all sides of the war is the same. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. Namal Rajapaksa SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa accused the Government and the JVP of deflecting blame while failing to address emerging economic and labour issues, particularly the closure of factories and the treatment of existing investors. He urged the Government, the Labour Ministry and relevant agencies such as the BOI to engage with workers and employers, mediate disputes, and prevent further factory closures rather than relying on political rhetoric. He also criticized what he described as politically motivated investigations and arrests, saying such matters should be resolved through the courts, and called on the Government to answer questions and intervene in any investor or labour crisis. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen thanked voters after the local authority elections and said the All Ceylon Makkal Congress had secured 140 local representatives, while urging reform of the local government electoral system, which he said prevents stable council administrations and encourages bargaining. He called on the Government to honour pledges to reopen the Mannar–Puttalam road through the Wilpattu corridor, arguing that its court-ordered closure was unequal compared with other roads through wildlife areas, and requested a review by a five-judge bench. He also asked that Decentralized Budget allocations be released to Opposition MPs as previously promised and urged the Speaker and Government to provide adequate police security for MPs in light of reported threats and wider concerns over violence. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna linked May 18 commemorations to Tamil civilian suffering in 2009 and alleged that later official narratives suppressed evidence of wartime deaths and abuses. He focused on concerns about appointments and management at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, alleging that a doctor without Board Certification was improperly treated as a consultant, that diaspora-funded hospital resources lacked audited reporting, and that Rs. 17 million in claimed equipment could not be accounted for. He also alleged undue influence by the GMOA in health administration, police complaints and strike action, citing incidents at Tellippalai and his own removal, imprisonment and defamation cases after raising corruption allegations. He urged the Government to investigate health-sector corruption and union influence without fear of strikes, and called on judicial authorities in the North to consider the wider context of cases filed against him. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam said he supported investigations into alleged torture sites such as Batalanda and punishment for those responsible. He argued that victims of killings, bombings and disappearances over past decades should be remembered and treated equally, without branding some communities’ expressions of grief as racist. He urged the NPP Government to show empathy and equal concern for all affected people, warning that national progress depends on such equal treatment. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to the Opposition Leader’s question on alleged links between the underworld and politicians, stating that he had already presented relevant names in Parliament. He said investigations are ongoing and that the findings will be tabled once completed, emphasizing that such statements are not made without basis. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Alleged past wrongdoing was widely known and reported, with failures to follow the system despite court orders. The present Government, upon taking office, implemented the relevant requirements immediately, and the remarks framed the previous period as one of lawlessness. Debate: Finance Act Order - Tax Exemptions and Government Policy on Renewable Energy Read →