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- 8 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. (Sasthuri) Gangani AI summary On International Women’s Day, Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. (Sasthuri) Gangani raised an incident of alleged workplace violence against a female teacher at Halwimulla Vidyalaya in the Embilipitiya Education Zone. She said the teacher had been assaulted by a male teacher, reportedly in the Principal’s presence, had made the required logbook entry, and was hospitalized. She asked the Prime Minister whether she was aware of the incident and what action would be taken. Statement on International Women's Day Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne rejected claims that he and former Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe laid the foundation stone for the Kandy Lawyers’ Office Complex without approvals. He tabled UDA correspondence, the Kandy Bar Association’s acceptance letter, related documents, and a Cabinet Memorandum to argue that the necessary approvals had been obtained. He urged members not to make unfounded allegations and said any errors should be corrected so that projects such as lawyers’ and court complexes are not delayed by official inaction. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne urged the Government to create a continuing mechanism to implement Cabinet-approved national development projects, noting that land acquisitions under the Land Acquisition Act are often delayed by court cases and administrative inaction, with funds such as the Rs. 678 million allocated for Gampola urban development largely returning to the Treasury. He asked that officials be empowered to proceed with essential urban development works and requested reconsideration of a UDA decision so land in Kandy can be provided to new lawyers for chambers at acquisition cost rather than market value. He also highlighted gaps in pipe-borne water supply in Kandy and Gampola, called for protection of lands acquired for water projects, and proposed reviewing essential water schemes through a committee and exploring new models, including private-sector participation and a basin-based approach. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka said that action against Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella occurred under the previous Government, noting that he was impeached and remanded then. He questioned the decision to raise the chromium limit for hydrated lime to 12 mg/kg, arguing that repeated test failures, including foreign tests, and inconsistent laboratory results required standardisation, supplier blacklisting where appropriate, and a thorough investigation. He warned that chromium is carcinogenic and said public safety in water treatment must be safeguarded, while also asking why ministerial and chairman statements differed. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Questioned whether imposing large fines and requiring prominent newspaper advertisements for a minor offence is fair and proportionate. Raised concern that such penalties may be unduly harsh in relation to the nature of the offence. Oral Question: Shortage of Pharmacists and External Pharmacist Examination (Q.492/2025) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera raised concerns about penalties under the NMRA Act for pharmacists dispensing medicines without prescriptions, noting that the public commonly seeks chronic medications such as metformin, atorvastatin and losartan without prescriptions. He asked whether heavy court fines and the requirement to publish a multilingual newspaper notice admitting guilt are proportionate, and whether the advertisement requirement can be removed. Oral Question: Shortage of Pharmacists and External Pharmacist Examination (Q.492/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran raised concerns during the Health Ministry Committee Stage debate about staffing, resource and funding shortages at Thirukkovil Base Hospital and other hospitals in Ampara District, and requested adequate supplies of medicines including Factor VII and Factor VIII. He alleged longstanding neglect of Tamil areas in health planning and called for equitable allocations and services. He also urged justice, compensation and housing support for families of murdered journalists, protections for media personnel in the North and East, and action over cases filed against journalists covering the Mayilathamadu and Mathavanai protests. He further requested expedited permanent appointments for eligible dengue eradication officers who have served for several years. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson supported the Health and Mass Media Votes while urging targeted improvements to health infrastructure and staffing, particularly in Polonnaruwa District. He called for a high-tech national laboratory under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority to test imported and local medicines, citing concerns over substandard drugs, and requested maternity wards, mortuaries, anaesthesia facilities, and additional cadres for local hospitals, including the Polonnaruwa Kidney Hospital and Welikanda Hospital. He also raised deficiencies in Ayurveda hospitals, including safety threats, lack of water and quarters, staff transfers, and a proposal for an Ayurveda ward for monks. He tabled documents on homeopathic practitioners’ concerns regarding a Supreme Court judgment and on the Online Safety Act from the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Forum. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed the 2025 Health allocation and national initiatives, but urged targeted development of Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, including provision of an MRI machine, cath lab and CT facilities. He highlighted shortages and infrastructure gaps in Eastern Province health services, including cadre shortages at Kattankudy and Valachchenai Base Hospitals, outdated public health vehicles, unresolved employment status of dengue suppression staff, and the need to upgrade rural hospitals such as Mahiladittivu. He also called for employment pathways in Siddha medicine, an oncology unit in Trincomalee, correction of birth and death registration arrangements linked to Valachchenai Hospital, and improved recognition and protection for journalists in Batticaloa and the North and East. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised urgent deficiencies at Mannar District General Hospital, including the absence of permanent consultants despite an approved cadre of 24, lack of a CT scanner, no Accident and Emergency Unit, and the recent absence of a paediatrician, all of which force patient transfers to other districts. He requested that the Health Ministry or Deputy Minister visit the hospital and prioritize remedies, while acknowledging the service of doctors working under difficult conditions. On media, he called for a housing scheme for journalists, investigations into murdered journalists such as Sivaram, and effective mechanisms to address defamatory online content, including where platforms operate from abroad. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi emphasized that media freedom must be exercised responsibly, balancing freedom of expression with the rights and safety of others. She warned against both unquestioning trust and total distrust of media, citing contrasting reports on a government decision as an example of responsible versus sensationalist journalism. She acknowledged the role of courageous journalists, including Lasantha Wickrematunge, and stated that the Government has a responsibility to uphold high media standards while respecting constitutional freedoms under Article 14 and the Right to Information Act. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman criticized the conduct of debate around health-sector trade union action, urging the Government to avoid personal or “Rajapaksa-style” political attacks and to address underlying salary and service issues. He called for a formal Ministry investigation into the death of three-year-old Hamdi Fasleem following surgery at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, citing medical records, alleged contradictions in doctors’ statements, and unanswered requests to former Health Ministers. He also disputed official claims about nurses’ basic pay and promotion structures, requested review of alleged overpricing in 2022–2023 medical procurements, and urged accountability for companies and officials involved. On mass media, he asked the Government to repeal the Online Safety Act immediately and consult stakeholders before introducing any replacement legislation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna urged the Government to resolve concerns over reductions in public sector and health-sector allowances, warning that such changes could worsen the outflow of doctors and disrupt patient care. He called for clarification and expedited recruitment of qualified indigenous medicine practitioners, stronger support for indigenous medicine institutions, and incentives to retain medical professionals in Sri Lanka. He also raised concerns about medicine shortages in public hospitals, including at the Cancer Hospital, and asked that procurement delays and support for local pharmaceutical manufacturers be addressed. Referring to the Mass Media portfolio, he urged action to ensure justice for past attacks on media institutions and crimes against journalists. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka urged the Government to treat the Media Ministry’s role as broader than managing state media, calling for support for professional journalism, reduced taxes on inputs such as newsprint and ink, and the establishment of a chartered media training institute. He asked the Minister to review and implement the draft National Media Policy, create independent regulatory bodies including an Electronic Media Commission, transform state media into public service broadcasters, and expedite digital broadcasting switchover. He also requested stronger funding and staffing for the Right to Information Commission, reconsideration of the Online Safety Act and the proposed 15 per cent tax on online advertising, and a clear plan to expand internet access. He further called for justice in cases involving abducted and murdered journalists, continuation of national media awards, proper tendering at the Government Printer, and transparent procedures for teledrama slot allocation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) regarding the construction of the “Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya” on privately owned land in Thyiddy, Valikamam North, Jaffna. He asked whether the Government had acquired the land under the Land Acquisition Act, sought details of any Gazette notification and stated public purpose, and questioned the legality of using acquired land for a different purpose. He requested the Government’s response on returning the land to the owners who have been protesting for its release. Private Notice Question: Construction of Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya on Private Land in Thyiddy Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the Government for bringing an Adjournment Motion on drug abuse in the North and East while alleging that authorities have failed to act on trafficking, corruption, and criminal networks in the region. He cited claims involving pregabalin tablets sold to minors, alleged suppression of a case in Jaffna, concerns about judicial independence, a shooting near Mannar Court, and alleged links between officials, security forces, and the movement of “Kerala ganja.” He also questioned appointments and dealings involving local officials and ministers, and demanded accountability for alleged state-linked involvement in drug and criminal activity. Adjournment Motion: Jaffna - Social Impact of Drug Addiction Among Youth Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna objected to being limited to 30 seconds, stating that a point of order should be allowed one minute. He alleged that his phone was tapped in 2021 and that on the 23rd his party Leader wrote to the Police seeking his arrest without informing him, claiming the Leader was acting on another agenda. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that wrongdoing should be openly acknowledged and called out. The remark was a brief assertion of the need to speak up when misconduct occurs. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concern over recent statements by the Minister of Public Security and Cabinet Spokesman alleging radical teachings of children in Kalmunai, saying the generalized claims had caused confusion and suspicion in the community. He said local Islamic organizations and the Muslim community were ready to cooperate fully with lawful investigations into any extremist activity, including identifying funding and patronage, but urged the Government to avoid statements that could revive false narratives against Muslims. He requested a ministerial clarification to Parliament on the investigations and actions taken, and also asked that the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation restore its long-running nightly Islamic programme during Ramadan from 45 minutes to one hour. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera expressed the Opposition’s support, including that of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, for implementing long-pending approved proposals and policy commitments on the rights of persons with disabilities. He also conveyed regret over a distressing incident involving the Deputy Chairperson and said the Opposition would work cooperatively to protect equal rights and address the specific needs of persons with disabilities. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →