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- 25 February 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled answers on an incident dated 23 December 2018 linked to the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that names and addresses of suspects and investigating officers would not be disclosed due to ongoing national security-related investigations. He reported varied legal outcomes for suspects, including suspended sentences for six, discharges for several groups, bail for ten pending Attorney General’s instructions, and ongoing High Court trials in Kegalle, Colombo, and Puttalam under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Penal Code. He added that no relevant matter was reported under part (b)(ii) and that part (c) did not arise. Oral Question: Investigations into Damaging Buddha Statues in Mawanella (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi, asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for details on the pre-Easter Sunday incident involving the breaking of Buddha statues in Mawanella. The question sought the date of the incident, identities and addresses of those arrested, action taken against them, the names of investigating security officers, any alleged political influence by Governors or powerful persons at the time, and the current status of the investigations. Oral Question: Investigations into Damaging Buddha Statues in Mawanella (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa criticized disruption of the debate as disrespectful to persons with disabilities and supported Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva’s proposal to ensure they can live without impediments. He said Sri Lanka has failed to provide adequate accessibility in transport, workplaces, towns and public facilities, leaving many persons with disabilities confined at home despite existing laws and regulations. He stated that the government and the relevant Ministry have prepared plans and a special programme to implement the proposals. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva argued that Sri Lanka must implement the long-standing 3 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities in the public sector before expecting compliance from the private sector, noting high unemployment and unfilled opportunities in areas such as railway call services and Braille publishing. He called for a review of placements made under the Multipurpose Development Task Force and for welfare and social empowerment measures to support disabled persons and their families. He also urged enactment of domestic legislation aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including implementation and monitoring mechanisms under Article 33, and proposed a time-bound, evidence-based service delivery system built on updated national disability data. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva cited 2012 Census data indicating that over 1.7 million persons with disabilities were recorded in Sri Lanka, 57 per cent of them women, and that 71 per cent were outside the labour force. He noted that the data is outdated and the current situation may be more severe, and highlighted limited economic access for disabled persons. He pointed to poor implementation of the 1988 circular requiring 3 per cent of public sector jobs to be reserved for persons with disabilities. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva moved an Adjournment Motion calling for a rights-based welfare and empowerment programme for persons with disabilities, aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He proposed drafting new national legislation, collecting classification and data needed for evidence-based policy, and developing plans to use the economic capacities of the disabled community for social development. He also noted that, as a visually impaired Member, he was presenting and reading an Adjournment Motion in Braille for the first time in the House. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over eight homicides reported between 18 and 21 February, describing underworld killings and hired criminal activity as a national security issue despite the President’s contrary view. He requested an explanation from the Government on an alleged security failure linked to intelligence information, including a photograph and profile reportedly available before a courtroom murder. He called for a clearer, more structured and disciplined mechanism for responding to national security intelligence. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam seconded the Adjournment Motion on behalf of Northern fishermen, arguing that illegal fishing is destroying Northern marine resources and threatening fishing livelihoods. He urged the Fisheries Minister, Hon. Chandrasegar, to press Cabinet for immediate action and said ITAK MPs would support him by applying external pressure. He referred to the 2017 Private Member’s Bill brought by Hon. M.A. Sumanthiran that became law, and warned that failure to resolve the issue had damaged the position of the previous Minister, Hon. Douglas Devananda. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →
- 22 February 2025 An Hon. Member AI summary An Hon. Member made a brief accusatory interjection alleging responsibility for the shooting of Vijaya Kumaratunga. No policy proposal, legislative issue, or procedural request was raised. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva stated that a woman was on the telephone, was watching proceedings, and had been wronged. The brief remarks do not identify the person, provide details of the alleged wrong, or make a specific proposal or demand. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana criticized the Budget for lacking the VAT relief and fertilizer-cost reductions promised by the Government, arguing that rising prices and the absence of clear revenue measures leave the country’s direction unclear. He called for expedited justice mechanisms, including a special court and mandatory death penalty where murder is proven, citing delays in cases involving underworld violence and contract killings. He urged faster digitization linking Divisional Secretariats and banks to target welfare to genuinely needy recipients, while also raising concerns about practical facilities, insurance, and vehicle access for MPs and public servants. He welcomed private sector investment in luxury buses and requested relief for farmers, especially tea growers in Kalutara District, through fertilizer subsidies and price reductions. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera criticised alleged custodial deaths and warned that action against underworld crime must follow due process, recalling President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s earlier opposition to extra-judicial killings. He argued that the Government’s first Budget fails to provide for the promised new Constitution and abolition of the Executive Presidency, despite its parliamentary majority and electoral mandate. He urged the Government to establish a constitution-making process with expert input, funding, and a timeline for a two-thirds majority and referendum within the first two years. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over an escalating wave of killings and threats affecting public security, including the safety of judges, civil society, MPs, and the general public. He called on the Minister of Public Security to present, by Monday, a clear and structured plan of measures to address the situation and ensure safety. He also tabled a letter from the Judicial Service Commission to the Marawila Bar concerning threats to safety. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Reserves and Debt Servicing, with Points of Order and Procedural Matters Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised concerns about public and parliamentary security following reported shootings, including an incident at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court despite STF protection, and rejected assurances that there was no national security threat. He requested the Speaker to ensure adequate security for Members of Parliament. He also said the Opposition would act responsibly, avoid falsehoods and divisive politics, and support measures it considered beneficial. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister of Public Security about the investigation into a recent shooting, noting that although the shooter was arrested within eight hours, a female accomplice remained at large. He referred to media reports claiming information from Dubai contributed to the arrest and requested scrutiny of media coverage that appeared to glamorize the suspect, including circulated photographs from inside a van. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: Shooting Incidents in Colombo Magistrate's Court and Middeniya Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to Opposition concerns over the Colombo Magistrate’s Court shooting and the Middeniya murders, rejecting claims of a collapse in national security and stating that investigations and arrests had been made promptly. He said judicial security arrangements remain unchanged under the IGP’s 2011 circular, with a Police coordinating officer appointed for related matters. He detailed arrests and evidence recovered in the Colombo court shooting investigation, including suspects alleged to have aided the gunman, and said three suspects had been arrested in connection with the Middeniya killings. He argued that underworld activity had historically benefited from political patronage, but claimed the current Government has removed such protection and allowed Police to investigate without political interference. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: Shooting Incidents in Colombo Magistrate's Court and Middeniya Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera responded on behalf of the Minister of Defence to questions on natural disaster compensation from 2017 to 2024, stating that district-wise details on property, business, and loss-of-life payments had been submitted as annexes. He explained procedures for verifying land ownership for claims above Rs. 10,000, while allowing District Secretaries to consider residence history or owner consent in certain cases. He outlined current relief rates for cooked meals and dry rations, and said revised NBRO property-damage valuation estimates had been prepared for approval due to increased construction costs. He added that all compensation due for fully assessed houses from 2017 had been paid by end-2024, with remaining delays linked to pending District Secretary proposals, late assessments, or documentation issues to be submitted by 28 February 2025. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question regarding the delayed pension of Mr. K.A. Nihal, a former Chief Medical Laboratory Technologist at the National Hospital, Galle. He stated that discrepancies in laboratory store inventories during Mr. Nihal’s period in charge led to an inquiry under Financial Regulation 104(4), begun on 09.09.2024, to determine any recoverable losses before pension action can proceed. The Minister said the preliminary report is not provided to the officer, but final recommendations will be notified in writing, and the committee report is expected in the first quarter of 2025, after which pension processing will be carried out without delay. Oral Question: Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Staff Matter (Incomplete) Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Ministry accepts that Karapitiya Teaching Hospital has failed to complete the necessary steps for former Medical Laboratory Technologist Kahaduwa Arachchige Nihal to receive his pension, five years after retirement. He sought reasons for not acting on or communicating the Preliminary Inquiry Board report, for withholding retirement documents, and for any subsequent actions taken or not notified to Mr. Nihal. He also requested information on measures to address delays by officials, noting that Mr. Nihal has suffered from Parkinson’s disease since 2020. Oral Question: Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Staff Matter (Incomplete) Read →
- 20 February 2025 Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne argued that the Budget must be accompanied by credible plans to maintain security, rule of law, revenue, reserves, and export growth. He cited recent court and prison security alerts to stress the need for proper intelligence and procedures, and said economic stability achieved since the 2022 crisis should not be put at risk. He questioned whether projected revenues, including from vehicle imports, and the target of US$ 19 billion in exports are realistic, especially while essential goods are still being imported. He welcomed the Government’s continuation of the IMF programme and some practical policy shifts, while urging clearer long-term planning to avoid renewed economic difficulty. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →