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- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that the Government is implementing a planned operation to suppress underworld activity and drug trafficking, which he described as interconnected and previously enabled by political patronage. He reported 79 shootings between 21 September 2024 and 7 May 2025, resulting in 52 deaths and 35 injuries, with 260 suspects arrested, while declining to disclose details of suspects still at large due to ongoing investigations. He outlined measures including intensified patrols, intelligence and data systems, prison and airport monitoring, international cooperation, naval interdictions, and action against police personnel involved in crime. He also announced forthcoming steps such as new organized crime legislation, forensic laboratories, expanded surveillance and analytics capacity, a Central Criminal Investigation Unit, and provincial Criminal Divisions to be implemented shortly. Adjournment Debate: Law and Order and Crime Prevention Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concern over the increase in shootings, killings, narcotics trafficking and underworld activity, particularly in the Western and Southern Provinces, arguing that public security has deteriorated despite government promises to restore the rule of law. He alleged that some police and prison officials may be compromised while officers who act against criminal networks are threatened, and urged the Government to take joint and effective action. He also questioned the propriety of appointing sitting Supreme Court judges to executive or legislative-related committees, citing concerns over natural justice and separation of powers. He requested detailed information on shootings since September 2024, related deaths and injuries, arrests, suspects at large, and measures being taken to suppress underworld violence. Adjournment Debate: Law and Order and Crime Prevention Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna alleged that the Government was protecting an individual connected to the death of a hill-country student because he was an NPP district coordinator. He appealed for the matter to be considered from a parental perspective and urged that justice be delivered for the student’s death. Private Members' Motion (P.38/2025): Utilization of Abandoned Development Projects Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri welcomed cross-party support for his Motion and noted Government Members’ acknowledgement that addressing institutional legal and accountability issues would require time, despite earlier claims that wrongdoing could be punished quickly. He emphasized that Parliament’s Standing Orders and committee powers are insufficient to ensure implementation of committee recommendations, and urged the Government to create a legal framework giving Parliament and its committees binding implementation powers. He also proposed that once matters are charged or surcharged, they should be referred directly to court rather than returned to Parliament for further discussion. Private Members' Motion (P.19/2024): Course of Action for Implementing Audit Recommendations Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam supported the Private Member’s Motion calling for action to implement Audit Report recommendations, arguing that non-implementation of official recommendations and even constitutional provisions reflects a broader failure in public administration. He linked this to the Government’s unfulfilled pledge to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, noting that it continues to be used despite being described by Government leaders as draconian. He specifically requested action on the cases of detainees S. Kirupakaran and Aravinthan Ananthavarman, including Kirupakaran’s transfer request and Ananthavarman’s prolonged detention and ill health. Private Members' Motion (P.19/2024): Course of Action for Implementing Audit Recommendations Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama defended the Government’s record during its first six months, citing elections, the Budget, and the passage of the Proceeds of Crime law as evidence of progress. He said the Motion to implement Audit recommendations was consistent with Government efforts to strengthen institutions, but argued that such reforms require time and ethical governance as well as legislation. He referred to recent and ongoing corruption-related proceedings, including a sentencing in the North Central Province case and delays in a 2018 bribery case, to argue that the rule of law is now being applied more equally. He also stated that action would be taken against those responsible in the case of the deceased schoolgirl and that relevant institutions would be strengthened. Private Members' Motion (P.19/2024): Course of Action for Implementing Audit Recommendations Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman said allegations that a former Colombo District candidate insulted a child should be determined through investigations, noting that police protection had reportedly been provided because of those allegations. He argued that institutional responses to such incidents were too slow, citing a transfer made only after six months, and urged immediate action and broader “system change” while supporting Chaminda Wijesiri’s Motion. Private Members' Motion (P.19/2024): Course of Action for Implementing Audit Recommendations Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman supported the motion on COPE recommendations but argued that public institutions suffer from weak implementation and inadequate internal financial and disciplinary checks. He said corruption includes sexual bribery and raised concerns over the handling of a schoolgirl’s suicide linked to alleged child abuse by a teacher, citing delays in the police complaint process, arrest, interdiction, and transfer. He questioned why the Education Ministry acted only months later and alleged unequal treatment and protection for the accused because of political connections. Private Members' Motion (P.19/2024): Course of Action for Implementing Audit Recommendations Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri argued that audit queries should not be treated as proven findings or used for political purposes, noting that only matters established through replies and surcharges should lead to legal action. He urged the Government to disclose surcharged cases, seek the Attorney General’s advice, and refer proven corruption, fraud and bribery matters to court regardless of political affiliation. He also called on the Justice Minister to introduce necessary legal processes and criticized the lack of visible action on alleged corruption despite prior promises. Private Members' Motion (P.19/2024): Course of Action for Implementing Audit Recommendations Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that if the matter in question is disputed or alleged to be unlawful, it should be taken before the courts. His remark framed the issue as one for judicial determination rather than parliamentary assertion. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Urged the relevant authorities to take appropriate action, warning that failure to do so could have serious consequences. He also thanked Hon. Hesha Withanage for providing the opportunity to speak. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said his parliamentary privileges had been violated when live telecasts of his speeches were blocked for eight days over statements he said he had not made. Citing the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, Section 5, and Penal Code Section 190, he requested equal enforcement of the law and Standing Orders, protection of minority voices, and fair consideration by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a matter of privilege, reading from a letter to the Speaker dated 8 April 2025 regarding restrictions on broadcasting his parliamentary speeches. He denied allegations attributed to Hon. Bimal Rathnayake that he had made derogatory or offensive remarks, and argued that the resulting restriction and denial of speaking opportunities violated his parliamentary privileges without due process. He requested a formal inquiry, restoration of his speaking and broadcasting rights, possible corrective action if the allegations were found to be misleading, and permission to raise the matter under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act. Ministry Statements and Privilege Matter Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Prime Minister AI summary The Prime Minister addressed the Sabaragamuwa University student death, stating that the UGC has initiated an inquiry through a committee with UGC representatives, separate from the police investigation. She outlined existing and strengthened complaint mechanisms, including a 24-hour helpline, online portal, university gender focal points, and reporting requirements to the UGC. She said Vice Chancellors and relevant university officials have been instructed to enforce existing law while a Task Force identifies short-, medium- and long-term preventive measures on ragging, bullying, harassment and online violence, with possible legislative review if current laws are found insufficient. She also noted the establishment of a Survivor Support System to assist victims and witnesses in reporting violence and harassment. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on higher education capacity following the 2024 GCE A/L results, asking for data on State university intake, per-student costs, options for qualified students not admitted, overseas study-related foreign exchange outflows, and the possible expansion of quality private universities and interest-free student loans. He also asked whether Sri Lanka could attract more foreign students and develop educational tourism, citing regional examples. Separately, he sought details on action taken after a reported Sabaragamuwa University death linked to possible ragging, including investigations, prevention mechanisms, enforcement of anti-ragging laws, awareness programmes, complaint systems, student welfare measures, and a list of registered university student unions. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over a reported abuse incident on 23 October 2024, subsequent pressure on the victim, humiliation at a tuition class, and the victim’s suicide on 29 April 2025, noting that the relevant teacher was transferred only on 8 May 2025. He said the matter was being raised based on direct information rather than social media, and called for proper procedures to prevent similar tragedies, while noting the Prime Minister’s assurance that action would be taken. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that an investigation is underway into the incident and that a proper mechanism with appropriate skills and resources is being established. She said the Ministry had already initiated action before the demonstration, including transferring the teacher and seeking explanations from the principal on reporting failures and related decisions. She urged that conclusions not be drawn from social media accounts, and emphasized protecting the child’s best interests, supporting the family and affected school community, and avoiding politicization of the tragedy. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over the handling of a child’s case involving alleged misconduct by a teacher, subsequent police action, and the school principal’s pressure on the parents to remove the child without a proper inquiry. He said the child later suffered public humiliation at a tuition class, contributing to severe psychological trauma, and questioned reports that police had provided protection to the tuition teacher despite serious allegations. He requested a joint investigation by the Ministry of Education and the Police to restore public confidence. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that the Police and the National Child Protection Authority should not wait for formal complaints before acting, as regulations allow investigations to begin based on available information. He supported the Prime Minister’s proposal for a protocol on reporting and investigation, arguing that the burden to initiate action should not fall on victims or their families and that prompt action is required. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister addressed the suicide of a 13-year-old child, calling it a collective social failure and urging that the matter not be politicized. She said the school principal had been asked to explain inadequate initial reporting and identify the teacher involved, while discussions had begun with the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, the NCPA, the Police, and the Education Ministry. She proposed an immediate notification and coordinated response mechanism covering education measures, police investigations, NCPA oversight, and psychosocial support, and said Parliament would be informed once it is established. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance Read →