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. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Votes of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and said shortcomings in court facilities, record-keeping and photocopying services should be addressed after the allocations are passed. He proposed reconsidering judicial retirement ages, particularly for the High Court and Court of Appeal, to retain experienced judges. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding files and political conduct, stating that files had been referred for lawful investigation, and argued that the Government was safeguarding judicial independence through proper appointments and non-interference. He also cited past incidents involving the judiciary and prisons, including the impeachment of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and the alleged actions of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, as context for reforms to make these institutions independent and accountable. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported prioritising a new court in Panadura and argued that rebuilding confidence in the rule of law requires an exemplary judiciary, impartial judges, and effective justice institutions. She highlighted the Legal Aid Commission’s role under the Legal Aid Law, No. 27 of 1978, noting its 77 offices, staffing vacancies, inadequate facilities, and proposed expansion to additional court areas. She linked crime and social problems to poverty and inequality, citing the Budget’s public sector pay increase as part of addressing root causes, and clarified that the President’s remarks about lawyers abetting crime were not directed at the legal profession as a whole. 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 JJB AI summary The Attorney-at-Law stated that country lists relating to foreign judgments have been prepared and sent to the Attorney General, with a Gazette to be issued after observations are received. He said one condemned building at Kalutara Prison would be demolished and rebuilt with funds allocated this year, and that the previously halted court automation project has been restarted with a further meeting scheduled. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera requested that the relevant law be gazetted with the appointed date effective from the date of passage, and urged special attention to poor prison conditions, particularly at Kalutara Prison, citing dilapidation, overcrowding and inadequate sanitation. He called for implementation of a proposed Special Provisions Act to extend sentence-credit benefits under the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, No. 25 of 2024 to about 1,900 convicted appellants affected by delays. He also supported earlier Sectoral Oversight Committee recommendations on setting 18 as the common minimum marriage age, amending the Maintenance Act, and preventing discrimination against children based on parents’ marital status. He proposed establishing a desk with a designated officer at each Divisional Secretariat for mediation board complaints and records, noting their role in reducing court workload. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the expedited establishment of the proposed Provincial High Court at Panadura and similar measures elsewhere to reduce court delays. He called for immediate implementation of court digitalization and automation, citing prior Cabinet and institutional work since 2017-2019, and said the project had been vetted and could reduce delays, malpractice and inefficiency. He also requested faster publication and digital availability of Sri Lanka Law Reports through a dedicated unit. Referring to the Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, he asked that the required Gazette be issued under section 2(1)(a)(ii), with the appointed date backdated to enactment to avoid complications in cases already decided under the Act. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Justice Minister to present a roadmap for implementing shared constitutional reforms, including a new Constitution, power-sharing, devolution, abolition or reform of the Executive Presidency, and electoral reform, noting that the Government may have sufficient parliamentary and Opposition support to act within the first year. He also raised concern over the 2024 amendment to section 9(a) of the Civil Procedure Code, arguing that allowing cases based on the plaintiff’s residence enables Colombo-registered companies and banks to file money suits in Colombo, burdening that court while reducing work in provincial courts and increasing costs and delays. He requested a prompt remedy to address the jurisdictional effects of the amendment. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that national harmony is essential to restoring the rule of law, the economy and social stability, and said recent elections showed public support for peace and a common Sri Lankan identity over ethnic or religious nationalism. He said the Government would strengthen reconciliation by integrating related institutions, addressing language barriers in public services, recruiting Tamil-proficient police officers, creating translator and interpreter pools, and using technology to promote language learning. He also proposed a “Sri Lankan Day” for cultural exchange and stated that State media would not be used to amplify hate speech. 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 JJB AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara acknowledged the Member’s suggestions and said they would be considered positively. Regarding the Kandy Court Complex, he stated that he had met two groups, would provide necessary assistance, and was still examining how to bring the matter to a conclusion. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne urged that land for a proposed lawyers’ complex in Kandy be provided at acquisition value as agreed with the Urban Development Authority, citing precedents in Matara, Weligama, Ratnapura and Gampola where public land was used for similar facilities. He said the complex would support around 200 new lawyers in the Kandy District and called for further reform legislation. He also thanked ministry officials, the Legal Draftsman’s Department and the Attorney General’s Department for their role in enabling the passage of 36 Acts. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne urged the justice authorities to continue digitizing court services module by module, noting recent POS machine installation and difficulties faced in obtaining court records. He called for action on draft house arrest legislation to reduce remand congestion and requested a retrospective amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure so that remand and appeal periods count toward sentences for prisoners sentenced before 1 July, saying it could lead to the release of over 1,900 inmates. He also raised the Kandy Lawyers’ Complex land issue, tabling a related letter and asking that land be made available to junior lawyers at the original 1990 acquisition price. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne reviewed legislative work undertaken in the justice sector since 2022, stating that 36 Acts and multiple regulations were passed under successive Justice Ministers, with around 90 further drafts in progress. He highlighted laws connected to GSP+, the IMF programme, Central Bank independence, anti-corruption, and election expenditure regulation, and urged effective implementation, including possible amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act and speedy presentation of pending Bills. He also called for phased digitalization of the court system, including SMS court notices and digital record rooms, given fiscal constraints. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne argued that prison policy should address groups excluded by social and economic structures, citing severe overcrowding, the high number of remandees and drug-related detainees, and the low educational attainment of inmates. She outlined Budget allocations for prison infrastructure, sanitation, software, vocational training, staff salaries, recruitment, and the Pallekele Prison Complex, and referred to the Government’s prison policy based on the Nelson Mandela Rules. She also highlighted the Criminal Procedure Code amendment to allow audio-visual testimony, plans to recruit 1,000 probation officers to expand community-based corrections, and measures for children in custody, including separate transport and funding for probation, reform, and child-care institutions. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary The member highlighted infrastructure and staffing deficiencies in courts in Batticaloa District, including delays in the Valaichenai court building, inadequate facilities in Eravur and Vakarai, and shortages of Registrars, and urged the Ministry of Justice to prioritize these under its Budget measures. He also raised severe overcrowding and sanitation issues at Batticaloa Prison and called for its long-term relocation and development of a proper prison complex. He requested an inquiry into alleged Forest Department actions against cultivators in Vakarai and called for justice for affected communities, while also noting the need for a mechanism to address wartime injustices affecting Tamil-speaking people. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Government plans to review problems in bail law and the bail-granting process and introduce necessary reforms. It also aims to improve equal access to legal services, noting the high costs faced by the public, with the 2025 Budget presented as an initial step toward broader legal-sector remedies in future years. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama said the 2025 Budget reflects the National People’s Power mandate to reform multiple sectors, including the justice system. He highlighted inadequate court facilities in the Gampaha District, particularly the Pugoda Court, and stated that funds have been allocated to expedite proper court operations. He argued that the location of courts, police stations, and legal reforms should be based on evidence and policy rather than political influence or personal preferences, citing complications from the Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 43 of 2024. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper criticized the Budget and warned against attempts to entrench political power, drawing comparisons with past constitutional actions affecting the Opposition. He raised concerns over several major criminal investigations, including the Easter Sunday attacks, the murders of Lasantha Wickrematunge and Dinesh Schaffter, the Central Bank bond case, and recent organized killings, calling for consistent use of legal mechanisms, including PTA investigations and trial in absentia where appropriate. He also questioned the President’s remarks suggesting criminal links within the police, armed forces, judiciary, and legal profession, urging the Minister of Justice to clarify and defend confidence in the justice system. He concluded by warning against abuse of power and organized crime while stating that the Opposition would support the State in defending the country’s integrity. 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 outlined Budget 2025 allocations for the justice sector, stating that Rs. 24 billion has been provided despite economic constraints and that the Ministry is addressing major backlogs, including over 1.1 million pending cases as of June 2024. He identified human resource shortages, stalled court infrastructure projects, and weak contract enforcement as key constraints, and said the Government will recruit judicial and non-judicial staff, resume 23 halted projects, construct a new Ministry building, and expand courts in underserved areas. He also proposed implementing pre-trial procedures, expanding Small Claims Courts, piloting digital courts in Kandy and Negombo, and strengthening the Attorney-General’s Department while beginning steps toward a separate prosecution service. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that CPC, Lanka IOC, Sinopec and RM Parks fuel order and delivery figures showed distribution was continuing and there was no basis for a shortage. He tabled a High Court of Civil Appeal decision, noting that the court dismissed appeals with costs and found the public were disadvantaged compared with dealers. He said the Government was acting in accordance with the judgment and urged the business community not to create disruptions, warning that sectors such as tourism could be affected. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law, stated that no court order had been issued and rejected a contrary assertion as incorrect. Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary The President rejected claims that the Government faces a national security crisis or is close to collapse, arguing that earlier predictions of economic failure, currency pressure and internal political division had not materialized. He identified ethnic nationalism, extremism and organized criminal gangs as the main security threats, stating that the Government would repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act while introducing a new legal framework to address organized crime and extremism. He alleged that criminal gangs had developed through political patronage and links with law enforcement and security personnel, citing recent arrests of police officers, missing T-56 rifles, and misuse of licensed firearms as examples. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Continued (Afternoon) Read →