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- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman urged the Minister of Justice to intervene to withdraw what he described as politically motivated cases against Aragalaya activists and trade union leaders, noting ongoing summonses and practical consequences such as difficulty obtaining police clearance. He also called for the withdrawal or conclusion of allegedly baseless Easter Sunday-related cases, citing the detention and prosecution of figures including Hijaaz Hisbullah and Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen. While acknowledging progress in some corruption-related cases, he asked for faster action on matters such as the VFS deal and passport issuance allegations. He further raised concerns about the handling of a proposed impeachment of the President of the Court of Appeal, arguing that any action affecting judicial independence should follow proper parliamentary due process. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath argued that justice sector reform must address both court efficiency and the broader social and political conditions that affect public trust and crime. He cited the special High Court in Anuradhapura for child sexual offence cases and the reported backlog of over 1.1 million cases to show that speedy convictions alone are insufficient. He supported digitalization of the justice system, noting that better technology, investigations, and data systems are needed to reduce delays and strengthen credibility, and said the Government is committed to building a stronger political and legal culture. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha urged reforms to judicial promotions, calling for reasons and due process when senior judges are overlooked, and asked that Standing Orders prevent parliamentary privilege from being used to attack judges outside established disciplinary mechanisms. He proposed legislation requiring reasons when appellate courts refuse leave or notice, reallocating some Supreme Court jurisdiction to ease its caseload, restoring appellate flow through the Court of Appeal, and creating subject-specific benches in the Supreme Court. He also called for expedited relief for prisoners whose remand periods pre-date the 2024 amendment, greater use of community service, relocation and improvement of urban prisons, continuous legal education, and skills-based rehabilitation for prisoners. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi argued that the Government’s mandate is to restore justice, transparency, institutional independence and public trust following past misuse of public assets and funds. He outlined a series of proposed laws and reforms, including measures on public procurement, public asset management, state enterprises, investment protection, AML/CFT, proceeds of crime recovery, disability rights and other regulatory areas. He noted Budget allocations of Rs. 80.2 billion for law and order and Rs. 14 billion to strengthen Mediation Boards, stating that the objective is to protect and recover public assets and hold those responsible for corruption accountable. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam said the Ministries of Justice and National Unity are central to nation-building in a country affected by decades of war and communal tensions. He stated that institutions under the Ministry of National Unity have been allocated Rs. 2,895.5 million and argued that resolving the national question, promoting harmony, addressing corruption, and ending impunity are necessary for development. He highlighted Budget measures to assist 1,350 people with war-damaged properties, 5,000 families of the disappeared, and victims of the Easter bombings, saying the Government would use these mechanisms to pursue justice and unity. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged expedited bail or release for long-term detainees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and questioned delaying its replacement pending new organized crime legislation. He argued that genuine reconciliation is necessary for economic progress and requires careful handling, accountability, adequate funding for the Office on Missing Persons and Office for Reparations, and stronger attention to the Geneva accountability process. He called for a new Constitution to address reconciliation and the national question, proper implementation of language policy, and special attention to the families of the disappeared. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe said a proposal reportedly approved by the previous Cabinet should be resubmitted, gazetted and brought before Parliament, with implementation from May if necessary. He urged upgrading prison-based production, including the Welikada laundry for hospital linen, and expanding private-sector partnerships to establish 10–20 industries in each prison to help offset operating costs. He also proposed CSR coordination to pay small outstanding fines for long-detained inmates and requested action on Welikada Prison’s long-unrepaired drainage system under the Municipal Council. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe urged attention to staff retention in the Attorney General’s Department amid high taxes and living difficulties, linking the issue to prosecutorial capacity and deficiencies in police investigations. He called for urgent digitalization of court processes to reduce litigation costs and improve access to fundamental rights remedies, and supported reforms to reduce case delays to about 18 months. He also requested prison and sentencing reforms, including remission for long-term prisoners based on good conduct, deduction of remand time from final sentences, retrospective implementation of Cabinet-approved measures, and relief for inmates imprisoned for minor drug offences or inability to pay fines, citing overcrowding and rehabilitation considerations. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe congratulated Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and urged cross-party cooperation on eliminating corruption and ensuring justice. He praised Sri Lanka’s judicial independence, noting available mechanisms such as recusals and transfers where bias or conflicts arise, and thanked the judiciary and Ministry staff for maintaining standards. He also defended the Attorney-General’s Department as principled and non-political, while acknowledging pressures and limits affecting the Attorney-General’s role. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara raised concerns about an alleged conflict of interest involving a judge connected to an Opposition MP and requested that the Minister ask the Judicial Service Commission to examine the matter or clarify the allegation. Speaking on reconciliation, he cited his experience in Kilinochchi to argue that unresolved language issues continue to hinder administration and national integration, linking this to the legacy of the 1956 Sinhala Only Act and the marginalization of English. He urged practical reconciliation measures and supported the Government’s initiative to promote a common Sri Lankan identity, including a proposed “Sri Lankan Day” cultural festival. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the President had not sought to restrict attorneys from meeting clients in prison or intimidate lawyers performing professional duties, while noting that lawyers should be mindful of professional boundaries. He apologized only for any personal hurt caused by his remarks about a referenced individual, not for the substance of what he said. On rental payments, he said extensions were due to the lack of alternative premises and that funding for the Adhikarana Piyasa project was intended to consolidate departments and reduce recurring rental costs. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised concerns over the large court backlog, citing IMF and committee findings that delays, judicial administrative burdens, shortages of judges, and delays in indictments undermine justice and investor confidence. He urged reforms to reduce case delays, strengthen the Attorney-General’s Department through recruitment and training, and address vacancies in the Prisons Department and Rehabilitation Authority. He also highlighted recurring rental costs for justice-sector buildings and judges’ quarters, supported the move to consolidate offices through the “Adhikarana Piyasa” project, and questioned revenue-raising from courthouse canteens. He further requested respect for the legal profession, noting that lawyers must be able to represent and consult suspects while maintaining ethical distinctions from judicial officers. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Dr. S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported the Ministry of Justice and National Integration’s role in advancing equality, reconciliation and minority rights, urging remedies for those affected by past abuses, including under the PTA, and answers for families of the missing. He called for expedited trials or amnesty for long-remanded political prisoners, action on missing commission reports, and priority investigations into mass graves. He also requested practical justice-sector measures, including filling Jaffna Prison vacancies, appointing pharmacists, adding a Magistrate at Mallakam, recruiting court interpreters, appointing more inquirers and Justices of the Peace, and reducing the national case backlog. He further urged a rehabilitation centre in Jaffna, stronger action against drugs and gang violence, curbing police bias, and returning military-occupied private lands and reopening closed roads in areas such as Palaly, Myliddy and Kattuvan. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said he had met two groups regarding the Kandy lawyers’ offices on UDA land and had assisted them, inviting any unresolved matters to be referred to him. He also stated that court digitization is being advanced through Justice Arjuna Obeysekere’s Committee, with Kandy selected as one of the model courts and therefore likely to receive the programme earlier than many others. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella addressed delays in the justice system, citing about 1.1 million pending cases across courts and noting their social, economic, and investment-related impacts. She proposed establishing administrative tribunals, digitizing court processes through e-filing and e-payments, and empowering judges to award realistic costs to discourage frivolous litigation. She also requested repairs to the Kandy Court Complex, support for additional lawyers’ offices on UDA land with extended payment terms, and a part-time Commercial High Court in Kandy for high-value commercial matters. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Votes of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, citing Budget allocations for court digitization, infrastructure, judicial education, and Law Commission work to improve legal development. He highlighted remand prison congestion, particularly in drug-related cases after bail jurisdiction was moved to the Court of Appeal, and said proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure would allow broader use of online testimony and speed up handling of court exhibits. He also raised concerns about past misuse of the ICCPR Act and political interference in the judiciary, arguing that reforms, stronger oversight by the Judicial Service Commission, vacancy filling, and judicial training are intended to build an independent and efficient justice system. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration responded to concerns about mass graves, stating that funding had been allocated for investigations at Kokkuthoduvai, Mannar, and Colombo sites. He said the recent Chemmani matter would be examined and that evidence would be protected. He affirmed that justice should apply to all Sri Lankans, while indicating he would provide a fuller response in his winding-up speech. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam welcomed the idea of an Independent Prosecutor’s Office but argued it must be genuinely independent, adequately resourced, and empowered to direct investigations and prosecute, particularly where the Attorney-General’s Department faces conflicts of interest in cases involving State actors. He cited habeas corpus cases, alleged mass graves at Kokkuthoduvai, Mannar and Chemmani, and contested antiquity/religious site disputes as examples where evidence preservation, credible procedures and institutional independence are needed. He also raised concerns about the predominance of former Attorney-General’s Department officers in apex court appointments, arguing that it affects perceptions of judicial credibility and disadvantages career judges. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Welcoming the Government’s absence of racist rhetoric, Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and justice for families of the disappeared, including investigations into alleged disappearances at Vattuvagal and the Kokku Thoduvaai mass grave. He urged action on PTA detainees and political prisoners, citing the case of Anandhasuthakar, and demanded the release of Tamil prisoners. He also raised concerns over post-2009 land acquisition by the Forest Department and military in Mullaitivu and other northern districts, calling for mechanisms to return cultivation, residential, and livelihood lands to civilians before supporting the Ministry’s Votes. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala defended the Government’s record on judicial independence, prison administration, and criminal accountability, stating that courts now function independently and prison institutions have been opened to public scrutiny. He said Singapore had informed Sri Lanka in December 2021 that Arjuna Mahendran could not be extradited under its law, but that proceedings would continue through available legal routes, including trial and enforcement of judgment if extradition fails. He urged that the Attorney-General’s Department and Police be allowed to act independently in complex cases, noted that major public finance suspects are before court, and challenged the Opposition to prove any misuse of public funds by Government members. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →