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- 10 April 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj JJB AI summary Provided statistics on reported victims and categories of offences from 2015 to March 2025, noting that most cases involved sexual harassment and that 148 cases have been instituted in court, with annexed details tabled in the Library. She said the Ministry, the National Committee on Women, and the National Child Protection Authority are preparing ethical media reporting guidelines on gender-based violence with the Ministry of Mass Media. Addressing delays in women’s and children’s cases, she stated that about 40,000 complaints have accumulated over the past decade and that recruitment to add 109 NCPA staff, faster forensic and DNA reporting, and coordination with the Minister of Justice, including on the Corporal Punishment (Prohibition) Bill, are being pursued. Oral Question 579/2025: Sexual Crimes Against Women Serving in Government Institutions Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided data on complaints of sexual harassment and related offences against women in government institutions, stating that no complaints were recorded by the National Committee on Women’s Complaints Centre or the 1938 Women’s Help Line from 2015 to 2021, while nine complaints were recorded through those channels from 2022 to 2025. She said further police data from 2015 to March 2025 and action taken reports had been submitted as annexes to the Library. She outlined ongoing measures, including awareness programmes on laws, redress mechanisms and the 1938 Help Line, and training and sensitization programmes for police, public officers and officials working with women and children, with participation figures for 2023 to early 2025. Oral Question 579/2025: Sexual Crimes Against Women Serving in Government Institutions Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara seconded the motion and argued that government actions and CEB decisions risk undermining the stated target of 70 per cent renewable energy and the promised addition of 2,000 MW. He called for accountability and recovery of losses over the 9 February 2025 islandwide blackout, citing ignored warnings, estimated losses of Rs. 8,463 million, and legal precedents under the public trust doctrine. He criticized a CEB circular restricting Net Plus Plus rooftop solar connections and reports of solar shutdown instructions, saying these would stifle rooftop generation. He urged a clear plan for storage, including utility-scale batteries or pumped storage, and questioned moves toward LNG and coal projects while renewable integration and financing remain unresolved. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the VAT (Amendment) Bill’s objective of strengthening revenue administration but urged broader direct taxation, reduced indirect taxes on essentials, removal of taxes on basic food items, and effective safeguards against malpractice in VAT refunds. He raised concerns about overcrowding and inadequate facilities at Meelad School in Dehiwala, urging the Government and Education Minister to provide a permanent solution rather than transferring pupils to a distant school. He also criticized the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act against a youth arrested over a pro-Palestine sticker, called for his discharge, and urged the Government to honour its commitment to repeal the PTA. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the increase of U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports from 11% to 44% would seriously affect garments, tea, rubber and cinnamon exports, foreign exchange earnings and livelihoods, and called for an all-party response and urgent talks with the U.S. Government. He urged the Education Minister to provide relief to students at Kathankudy Central College who were allegedly made to stop a Tamil Language and Literature O/L examination early. He also requested action to reopen the Kathankudy Jamiul Azhar Mosque, citing confirmation that it had no extremist links, and cautioned against using the PTA for minor protest-related acts, referring to the release of a youth arrested over an anti-Israel sticker. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe alleged that land owned by the Sri Nagananda International Institute at Manel Watta had been fraudulently sold by Shiranthi Rajapaksa on 10 October 2023, misleading monks associated with the property. He cited an electricity bill paid by monks and referred to a related CID arrest over alleged fraudulent documents for a Rajapaksa family residence near the Menik Ganga. He requested action under a recently passed Act addressing illegal activities and said he was prepared to hand over relevant documents to the CID. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed the tabling of the Battalanda torture camp report but urged that accountability follow, with those responsible identified and punished. He drew parallels with past violence against Tamils, including the 1983 pogrom, the Welikada Prison killings and disappearances, and called for a formal inquiry into the 1983 killings and related accountability measures. He also questioned the Government’s position on the appointment of Justice Ilancheliyian to the Court of Appeal, arguing that he had been eligible during the relevant period and warning against discrimination on the basis of ethnicity. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a question of privilege under Standing Order 92(2)(a), citing provisions of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act on misconduct or false statements before Parliament. He alleged that his privileges were breached because a request for speaking time and a submitted letter were not taken up, statements were wrongly attributed to him, and a motion had been made to suspend live broadcasts of his speeches for eight days. He requested permission to address the matter as a serious breach of privilege. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a question of privilege over the Government’s failure to submit to Parliament agreements reportedly signed with India and China, including a recent defence agreement with India. He argued that such agreements, particularly those affecting national security or the economy, require parliamentary scrutiny and, where applicable, approval under constitutional provisions such as Article 157. He requested that all agreements and related documents, including exchange of letters, be tabled immediately and that Parliament and relevant committees be briefed before implementation. Ministerial Statement and Privilege Question; Procedural Motions Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the Prime Minister on the lack of funding for the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations, and urged the Government to act on investigations into violence, release of eligible political prisoners, and alleged ongoing State-backed land appropriations in the North and East. He also challenged the Government’s position on a new Constitution and Provincial Council Elections, asking whether urgent funds would be allocated for constitutional reform despite no Budget provision. Oral Question: Hon. Prime Minister on University Development and Conflict Resolution Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Six months into office, the Government says it cannot be held responsible for 16 years of previous inaction but is working to strengthen State institutions to investigate past injustices and prevent recurrence. It argues that distrust of bodies such as the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations reflects earlier institutional failures, and says it is appointing suitable personnel, providing resources, and considering expanded mandates or new mechanisms if needed. The Minister also states that legislation passed the previous day forms part of this process and invites Members to identify specific cases for follow-up. Oral Question: Hon. Prime Minister on University Development and Conflict Resolution Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Asked the Prime Minister about progress on “emblematic cases” related to alleged killings, abductions, and attacks during the conflict, including the Trincomalee Five case and incidents in 2009. He questioned the reliance on the OMP and Office for Reparations, noting Tamil community concerns about the absence of a judicial process and the lack of Budget allocations for those institutions. He also asked whether investigations, including statement-recording at Mullivaikkal and the recent arrest of Pillaiyan, indicate concrete progress and urged similar due process in the cases he cited. Oral Question: Hon. Prime Minister on University Development and Conflict Resolution Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the Government would investigate specific complaints and emblematic cases, including the Easter Sunday attacks and attacks on media personnel, while noting the difficulty of evidence gathering 16 years after the war. She stated that mechanisms such as the Office on Missing Persons would be strengthened to address enforced disappearances, and requested details on any persons allegedly held for political beliefs so their cases could be reviewed. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to repeal the PTA, said a Cabinet-approved committee would prepare a White Paper on repeal and replacement national security legislation, and noted ongoing identification of military-held land for release without altering ethnic composition. She also said the Government’s initial focus was economic stabilization and elections, with a consultative process for a new Constitution to begin after pending elections, including Provincial Council Elections, are addressed. Oral Question: Hon. Prime Minister on University Development and Conflict Resolution Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the Prime Minister on post-war reconciliation, stating that Sri Lanka has not addressed root causes of conflict or ensured truth and justice 16 years after the war. He asked what action the Government is taking on emblematic massacre cases, enforced disappearances, political prisoners, use and repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, land seizures by State actors and others, and the timeline for a new Constitution. Oral Question: Hon. Prime Minister on University Development and Conflict Resolution Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Justice, Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa presented the 2023 Performance Report of the Government Analyst’s Department. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Public Administration, Justice and Civil Security, and the House agreed. Papers Presented: Customs Resolution, Ministry Reports, Annual Reports Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Proceeds of Crime Bill fulfils the Government’s mandate to combat corruption by identifying, preserving, forfeiting, and returning assets obtained through crime to the State or victims. He emphasized that bona fide purchasers and honest citizens would not be affected, and argued that forfeiture is not a retrospective penal sanction but a mechanism to deprive criminals of illicit benefits, including through non-conviction-based forfeiture. He noted that no fundamental rights challenge had been filed against the Bill and said the legislation creates a unified framework where existing laws were scattered and largely dependent on prior convictions. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, arguing that previous laws and COPE recommendations were not effectively implemented and that the new Government is acting urgently to recover stolen public funds. He cited alleged corruption cases including the Central Bank bond scam, MIG aircraft deal, Gin-Nilwala project, unexplained assets, and embezzlement identified in recent COPE proceedings. He linked the Bill to the Government’s election pledge and the public demand after the 2022 protests for action against theft, fraud, and corruption, stating that further laws would be introduced if necessary. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said the Bill was being rushed to satisfy IMF requirements and drew parallels with the Anti-Corruption Act, which he said he had supported but was now being used against him through politically motivated and unusually expedited proceedings. He stated that laws on illicit assets and corruption should apply equally to all, but alleged selective enforcement and cited complaints against government Ministers that he claimed had not been pursued. He also urged the Justice Minister to address severe overcrowding in remand prisons, attributing much of it to drug-related cases and bail restrictions linked to reported drug quantities. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the objective of the Proceeds of Crime Bill but argued that Sri Lanka already has multiple laws enabling seizure or recovery of criminal proceeds and that the main failure lies in weak implementation and justice-sector delays. He questioned whether the Bill would be effective in recovering assets linked to major controversies such as the Central Bank bond issue, Easter attacks, sugar tax losses, fertilizer payments, and overseas assets, and said he would seek evidence of actual recoveries after one year. He raised concerns that the Bill may undermine the presumption of innocence, have retrospective effects, and permit seizure of property arising from civil transactions, urging the Minister of Justice to consult the Attorney General before passage. He also briefly referred to tariff issues and criticized remarks made by Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna about Islam and Muslims. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra defended the Bill’s asset recovery provisions, stating that they are not retrospective and do not infringe fundamental rights, while enabling the freezing and recovery of property derived from earlier crimes. He cited international examples from the UK, Australia, South Africa, the Philippines, and Nigeria to support the need for conviction- and non-conviction-based recovery mechanisms and international cooperation. He argued that Sri Lanka previously lacked adequate tools to investigate unexplained wealth among politicians, officials, and others, and said the Bill would help create a healthier political culture by requiring proof of lawful acquisition. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →