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- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the Motion while arguing that claims of selfless service by MPs are hypocritical if salaries are routed through party accounts before members receive payments, and he urged either abolishing pensions or ending such salary arrangements. He defended the need for reasonable parliamentary facilities and dignity for MPs, while opposing excessive privileges and dismissing minor public claims such as meal deductions. He also called for proper investigations into the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder, saying officials now in authority should proceed with cases rather than blame the Attorney-General or use public lists to divert attention. Private Members' Motion 5: Abolishing the Pension Scheme of Members of Parliament Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the Attorney-General cannot proceed beyond the evidence provided by investigations, noting that the CID under the Minister of Defence bears responsibility for gathering evidence in long-pending cases such as Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder. He accused the Government of using the Attorney-General as a scapegoat for investigative failures and warned against repeating this in relation to the Easter Sunday attacks. He urged the Government to change its approach, end disinformation, and secure justice for victims before MPs retire. Private Members' Motion 5: Abolishing the Pension Scheme of Members of Parliament Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Seconding the Motion on MPs’ pensions, M. Nizam Kariapper said any change appeared to apply prospectively and urged Members to prioritize fulfilling obligations to ensure justice before retirement. He focused on the unresolved Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case, arguing that the Attorney-General’s advice not to proceed was based on insufficient evidence from the CID and should not be used to shift blame to the AG. He called on the Government and investigative authorities to pursue those withholding information, consider state-witness options or prosecutions, and ensure accountability in the case. Private Members' Motion 5: Abolishing the Pension Scheme of Members of Parliament Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the private member’s motion to establish a clear procedure for appointing Labour Welfare Officers, citing Sections 21 and 22 of Act No. 21 of 1985 as having allowed ministerial discretion and politically influenced appointments. He argued that past failures to follow criteria within the Foreign Employment Bureau damaged Sri Lanka’s reputation and harmed migrant workers. He called for faithful implementation of appointment procedures, effective state regulation of foreign employment, accountability for officers who neglected duties, and the use of ILO and IOM guidelines to standardize practice. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri moved a private members’ motion calling for a proper methodology to appoint Labour Welfare Officers responsible for supporting Sri Lankan migrant workers. He argued that past appointments were influenced by political patronage and urged the Government to establish a transparent, merit-based process with advertised applications, clear service criteria, and attention to education, capacity, and relevant skills. He also asked that vacancies be filled promptly, noting that migrant workers face abuse and welfare issues overseas and require effective official support. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the handling of a hydrated lime consignment for water purification, stating that although the tender specified a 10 mg limit, successive tests allegedly showed higher values that gradually declined over repeated testing. He raised concerns that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board had asked the Sri Lanka Standards Institution to raise the permissible limit to 12 mg, despite Sri Lanka’s existing standard being based on local water conditions. He alleged possible irregularities, claimed some containers had already been distributed, and called for a proper investigation, rejection of the consignment if necessary, and clarity on how water purification would continue without a new tender. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan thanked the Minister for responses under Standing Order 27(2) and raised concerns about several named individuals from Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Uduvil whose families are seeking their rescue. He requested a copy of the tabled list of deceased persons to verify whether those individuals are alive or dead, and asked what avenues exist for rescue, noting family claims that they had been forced into the army. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said the Government is determined to secure justice for Ms. Ahimsa Wickrematunge’s family and is monitoring expected action by the Attorney-General, including the possibility of fresh indictments. She said procedural barriers and institutional culture within the Attorney-General’s Department and related bodies must be re-examined where they obstruct justice, while ensuring the Department is not politically captured. She also stated the Government is ready to allocate a full-day parliamentary debate on the matter, given its wider significance for public confidence in justice and fairness. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem questioned the Attorney-General’s Department’s reported decision to enter a nolle prosequi in a high-profile case, citing concerns that the reason given regarding an identification parade lapse was inadequate. He referred to the Government’s manifesto commitment to establish an independent Prosecutor’s Office and alleged that prosecutorial discretion may be used for political or extraneous purposes, while noting staffing constraints in the Department. On behalf of the Opposition, he gave notice seeking a full-day parliamentary debate on the matter, subject to agreement by the Committee on Parliamentary Business. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam welcomed the Prime Minister’s remarks on the investigation into the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and stressed the significance of Wickrematunge’s daughter calling for the impeachment of the Attorney-General. He urged the Government to respond with commensurate seriousness and urgency, describing the case as emblematic and Wickrematunge as a widely respected journalist across political and ethnic lines. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said she had received Ms. Wickrematunge’s letter and would respond personally. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to securing justice for the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge while respecting due process and the independence of the Attorney-General’s Department. She stated that discussions had been held, including by the President with investigators, and that the Government would consider new inquiries, gather further evidence if needed, and file a new case if necessary. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam asked the Prime Minister to respond to a letter from Lasantha Wickrematunge’s daughter calling for the impeachment of the Attorney-General over alleged abuse of power and neglect of duty. He argued that, despite the Government’s position that the Attorney-General’s Department is independent, allegations by a victim’s family against its head require Government attention, and sought clarification on any action being considered. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concern over the policy adopted during the relevant period to deny burials, stating that it affected Muslims and Catholics and had attracted international human rights attention. He argued that the decision was unscientific, wasteful of public funds, and involved taking bodies to distant locations, including a proposal to send them to the Maldives. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem questioned the Government’s handling of the COVID-19 forced cremation policy and the later decision to bury victims in Oddamavadi, arguing that both were based on unscientific premises and affected the religious rights of Muslims and other minorities. Citing operative paragraphs of the 23 March 2021 UN Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, he asked why no inquiry or accountability process had been undertaken despite the resolution’s call for investigations. He also raised concern that officials involved in the disputed decisions had since been appointed to senior health positions. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the Deputy Minister on the shortage of about 30,000 teachers in government schools and the long-delayed absorption of Development Officers serving as teachers into the Teachers’ Service. Citing provincial figures and noting that around 16,000 such officers remain in schools, he asked when the Government would regularize their appointments, warning that failure to do so would harm students and worsen existing shortages. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had set a support price for paddy and was procuring through SATHOSA and the Paddy Marketing Board to prevent a price drop during harvesting, while also examining storage-related issues. He rejected claims that the NPP Government had newly increased MPs’ medical insurance and addressed allegations relating to the Lasantha Wickrematunge case, Eppawala Phosphate Company, imported lime for water purification, and the CEB WindForce wind farm tender, stating that legal or procedural processes were being followed. On the main business, he said the geographical indications regulations under the Intellectual Property Act were needed to meet WTO/TRIPS obligations and protect Sri Lankan producers by enabling registration and better market value for local products. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the NPP Government and the Fisheries Minister, alleging intimidation, political targeting, and protection of the military from accountability for wartime killings. He raised concerns about nearly 3,000 unemployed graduates in Jaffna, issues affecting pavement vendors and bus routes, and questioned what elected representatives from Jaffna had done for the district. He also alleged that his phone was tracked and that his arrest was planned to prevent him from attending District Coordinating Committee meetings, stating that he would respond further in coming weeks. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that sufficient evidence exists for the Attorney General’s Department to indict two or three individuals in the High Court in relation to the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. He alleged that attempts were made from 2020 to 2024 to suppress evidence, but said honest police officers preserved it, citing Shani Abeysekara, Ravi Seneviratne, and IP Sugathapala. He urged the Government to act through due process, use Sugathapala as a key witness where appropriate, and deliver justice to uphold public confidence in the rule of law. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya supports the new regulations under the IP Act as measures connected to upholding the rule of law. He recalled the 2009 assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and related attacks, stating that investigations under the 2015 Yahapalana Government, led by senior CID officers, uncovered evidence allegedly linking members of an unofficial State-backed armed group and police officers to the crimes and to the suppression of evidence. He argued that sufficient evidence had emerged to prosecute serious offences, including destruction or disappearance of evidence connected to a homicide and links to the abduction and intimidation of Wickrematunge’s driver. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that the military continues to act with a wartime, anti-Tamil mindset, citing the construction of the Thissa Viharaya in Thyiddi on land he said was confirmed at District Coordinating Committee meetings to be privately owned and built without legal process. He demanded that the Government uphold the rule of law and address the alleged illegality, calling it a test of its commitment not to pursue discriminatory policies. He also raised concerns over reported plans to acquire more land to extend the Palaly Airport runway, arguing that sufficient land exists within the current High Security Zone and that any proposal should be discussed with Jaffna MPs and affected residents. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →