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- 27 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam raised concerns about the independence and effectiveness of the Human Rights Commission, citing unresolved complaints from 2023 relating to arrests of protesters, journalists and lawyers at Thaiyiddy despite court conditions permitting the protest. He argued that in the North and East, where he said police conduct is militarized and mistrusted, the Commission is a crucial domestic avenue for accountability and must be allowed to investigate and complete inquiries. He also criticized the Government’s transitional justice position, saying references to the OMP, reparations, ONUR and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission are inadequate without criminal investigations and prosecutions for wartime atrocities, and urged the President and Government to act differently if they are to sustain claims of “system change.” Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said families of the forcibly disappeared continue to seek truth and justice during the ongoing UN Human Rights Council session, arguing that domestic institutions such as the OMP and ONUR have not delivered meaningful accountability. He called for international criminal justice over domestic or hybrid mechanisms, citing mass Tamil civilian deaths and continuing impunity from the final phase of the war. He also urged a new Constitution with devolution beyond the 13th Amendment, fair delimitation of local government wards affecting Tamil-speaking communities, and decisive action with severe penalties against crime, narcotics and underworld activity. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara commended the President’s reduced use of official privileges but raised concerns about national security, citing a recent courtroom shooting and questioning the roles of the police, prisons, and court processes. He called for a full accounting and recovery of illegal firearms remaining from the LTTE conflict, Tamil armed groups, the 1987–89 JVP insurrection, and anti-insurgent paramilitary groups, arguing that such weapons may now fuel underworld violence. He also referred to past security breaches in Parliament, questioned catering arrangements and food costs, urged approval of leave allowances for overworked parliamentary staff, and called for even-handed accountability in investigations involving parliamentary officials and others. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government inherited a bankrupt economy in September 2024 and is using its first Budget to restore stability, investor confidence and public trust after decades of mismanagement. He rejected claims that independent commissions were being weakened, citing increased 2025 allocations for the Bribery Commission, Human Rights Commission and National Police Commission. He also stated that the Budget includes additional support for national unity and for communities in the North, East and estate areas affected by war and neglect. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government remains committed to repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act after introducing new counter-terrorism legislation consistent with international human rights standards, following a review by a committee chaired by President’s Counsel Rienzi Arsekularatne. He rejected Opposition claims that an independent Prosecutor’s Office reflects distrust of the Attorney-General, arguing it is a manifesto commitment intended to separate prosecution from the Attorney-General’s advisory functions and improve impartiality. He also defended the Budget as a “people’s Budget” and said the Government’s first months had focused on ending corruption, waste, and misuse of public funds. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that debate on the President’s and Prime Minister’s expenditure heads should distinguish necessary institutional and functional spending from personal luxury, while scrutinizing whether the Government is delivering on campaign pledges such as increased education funding and anti-corruption action. He questioned progress on recovering alleged stolen assets, returning Arjuna Mahendran, and strengthening CIABOC, proposing greater resources, coordination with the Attorney-General and CID, divisional-level offices, and regular reviews. He tabled a citizen proposals report on Budget 2025, called for digitizing parliamentary processes, strengthening independent commissions and the Election Commission, and sought clarification on reported procurement and port container release issues. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem urged the Prime Minister and Leader of the House to reconsider rules that exclude some party leaders, including himself, from the Parliamentary Business Committee, arguing that responsible opposition scrutiny should be accommodated. He welcomed the Government’s decision to send a ministerial delegation to Geneva and engage with the UN Human Rights Council, contrasting it with what he described as previous governments’ disengagement from Council processes. He also noted that recent reconciliation-related measures, including Northern infrastructure work, Tamil-speaking police recruitment considerations, and allocations for libraries such as the Jaffna Library, were symbolic steps within the broader need for constructive international cooperation on human rights. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem referred to the President’s Budget speech criticism of the previous interim administration over suppression of the public and postponement of the 2023 Local Government Elections, and called for immediate action on cases arising from the Aragalaya protests. He also questioned the consistency of the Government’s claims of inclusivity in Geneva with parliamentary practice, alleging that Opposition access to the Business Committee was being restricted and urging that such changes not be made unilaterally. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Moved a traditional cut-motion to reduce by Rs. 10 the recurrent and capital allocations under specified Heads being debated at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025. He objected that the reply to the Second Reading debate was delivered by the Leader of the House rather than the Minister of Finance or a Deputy, calling it a departure from parliamentary tradition. He urged the Government to withdraw remaining Aragalaya-related cases and associated restrictions against protesters, and raised concerns that some Opposition party leaders’ access to the Parliamentary Business Committee had been curtailed despite claims of an inclusive Legislature. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question, stating that available data do not show a significant rise in shootings or homicides in early 2025 compared with previous years, and outlining police, STF, Tri-Forces, patrol, roadblock, rapid response, intelligence and surveillance measures against organised crime and drug-related violence. He said guidelines on the safety of suspects taken out of police stations, relevant Supreme Court directions, IGP circulars, offender monitoring procedures and divisional responsibility documents would be tabled or placed in the Library. He also said the Government would not restrict media reporting in a way that infringes the constitutional right to information, denied any clash between the IGP and the National Police Commission, and detailed the composition and functioning of the National Security Council, which he said meets regularly and reviews security directives. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Rule of Law and Inclusive Justice System Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government under Standing Order 27(2) on rising organised crime, citing 17 shootings in the first two months of 2025 and a murder within court premises, and asked what measures had been taken to restore public security. He sought details on promised procedures to protect suspects taken from police stations, guidelines on media coverage of arrests, and whether the Government had a concrete crime prevention plan beyond arrests after incidents. He also asked about reported tensions between the IGP and the Police Commission, the functioning and membership of the National Security Council, and raised concern that a 15% SVAT on services was harming digitalization and the digital economy. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Rule of Law and Inclusive Justice System Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about the burial site used for over 3,000 COVID-19 victims, stating that the decision to require burial in deep groundwater areas caused hardship to families seeking dignified last rites. He highlighted the impact on poor residents and cultivation permit holders in Majma Nagar following land acquisition, and asked whether alternate State lands in nearby areas would be provided to about 10 affected permit holders. Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya clarified that only a group of parents sought a re-examination of the Grade 5 Scholarship examination, while others opposed it, and noted that Tamil-medium candidates would also have been affected despite no issue in the Tamil paper. She said an Expert Committee, including child psychologists, was appointed to assess the matter from examination and child mental health perspectives, and that its recommendation was followed to minimize stress and avoid prejudice to results. She stated that she did not directly intervene in the Department of Examinations’ operational work in order to preserve its independence, and explained that delays in releasing cut-off marks were due to court proceedings and an interim order suspending marking. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya provided details on the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, stating that 323,901 students applied and 319,284 sat the exam, and that investigations found three conceptually similar questions had been shared in a private tuition WhatsApp group before the examination. She outlined the Supreme Court’s ruling on related Fundamental Rights applications, including orders to implement a remedial measure and pay State costs, and described departmental and disciplinary actions against officials and teachers involved. She also listed planned preventive measures, including stronger security in confidential branches, CCTV upgrades, reduced human intervention in paper preparation, tighter supervision, and restrictions on mobile phone use at examination centres. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details on the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, including the number of candidates and whether any exam papers or contents had been leaked to external parties before the examination. He sought information on actions taken regarding any leak, remedies for affected students, and whether evaluation of answer scripts had been suspended, including the reasons for any suspension. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported the Government’s first Budget, describing it as a “citizens’ Budget” focused on rural, low-income, marginalized and vulnerable groups. He highlighted allocations for low-income households, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, kidney patients, schoolbooks, autism support, and additional interest for senior citizens’ deposits, while criticizing alleged misuse of public funds by former ministers. He also referred to drug trafficking concerns in Hambantota and Beliatta and said steps were being taken to stop inflows through local harbours. He noted a Rs. 100 million allocation to rebuild and digitize the Jaffna Public Library, linking it to reconciliation after its burning in 1981. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Privilege matter concerning an alleged assault on him and his legal secretary at Valampuri Hotel on 12 February 2025, stating that the incident was reported to Police and that the suspects were arrested before both sides withdrew complaints. Referring to recent killings, including the murder of Ganemulle Sanjeewa within court premises, he expressed concern about the security of Members of Parliament. He requested that two security personnel be assigned to him and that the matter be referred to the Minister in charge of Police and Public Security for immediate action. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake said his previous remarks were a general critique and did not name any individual. He referred to past killings and mass graves, particularly in the Matale District, stating that legal proceedings concerning the deaths of 143 people and other incidents are underway and will identify those responsible. He said these matters would be challenged both inside and outside Parliament and indicated readiness for public debate on them. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna made a personal explanation responding to remarks she said had harmed her and her family, including claims about her name and past events connected to violence in Kandy and Matale. She stated that her name had not been secretly changed and said her earlier question concerned the justification for spending Rs. 1 billion on a feasibility study and allocating Rs. 2.5 billion for the Kelani Valley railway. She thanked several Members, including the Leader of the Opposition, the Prime Minister and the Chief Government Whip, for their support, and directed further personal allegations and challenges at Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Rohini Kumari Wijerathna made a personal explanation under Standing Order 27(8), rejecting as false an allegation made by a Deputy Minister that her father was involved in killing eight people over an election banner in Laggala in 1989. She said the claim had originated on social media and was repeated in Parliament, challenged the Deputy Minister to withdraw it within a month, and not to misuse parliamentary privilege for defamatory statements. She defended her father’s public record, noting his service in Parliament from 1977 to 1994 and his role in agricultural and farmer-related initiatives. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →