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- 6 February 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister responded to allegations by stating he was prepared to answer and asserted that complaints involving the Hon. Member, including alleged fraud linked to fundraising for school bags and other matters, were before the Bribery Commission and would be pursued. He referred to a past letter of demand seeking Rs. 500 million, saying he had replied inviting legal action and that no case had been filed. He also stated that an alleged fraud relating to Eppawala phosphate stocks was under CID investigation, with part of the remarks expunged by order of the Chair. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake spoke during the debate on regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, briefly linking the issue of rights to the need to protect Sri Lanka’s claim over Katchatheevu. He rejected allegations raised against him by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, challenged the Government to file any pending cases promptly, and referred to his acquittal in a previous matter. He also defended his record at Lanka Phosphate, claiming improved profits, export sales, and resolution of litigation, and disputed claims about problems at the Uma Oya project, stating it is supplying power and water benefits. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri rejected Opposition allegations that the NPP promotes hostility, arguing that its recent presidential and general election victories were achieved without post-election violence. He said the Government’s actions were directed at corruption and the recovery of wealth allegedly stolen from the people, not political revenge, and criticized Opposition parties for uniting only when legal action is taken against corruption. Referring to the GI debate, he claimed past governance had tainted public institutions and local identities with corruption and abuse, and pledged that the NPP’s parliamentary majority would act with integrity in line with the public mandate. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath raised North and East livelihood issues in the context of the IP Regulations, urging faster paddy procurement at controlled prices, temporary deployment of officers, increased storage capacity, and resolution of unavailable storage facilities including the Alayadivembu store. He requested flood mitigation and infrastructure measures, including rehabilitation of Kiran Bridge and priority for the Kithul–Rugam linkage, and called for stronger action against illegal fishing plus a new fishery harbour at Kaluwankeni. He also proposed reviving the Batticaloa paper mill, promoting cashew, coconut and agro-industry projects, addressing long-pending housing titles in Eravur, preventing police intimidation at civilian memorials, and developing a local economic model to reduce youth migration. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva sought clarification on action taken regarding the incidents in Parliament on 15 November 2018, when Members allegedly climbed on the Chair and hurled objects while then Speaker Karu Jayasuriya was protected by police. He asked for the status of the CID investigation, the relevant report, whether any persons had been found guilty, and what action had been taken, disputing the claim that destruction of public property in Parliament could not be prosecuted. Ministerial Statement: Wind Power Plant Tender Process in Mannar Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he had requested the Prime Minister to brief Parliament the following day on action being taken regarding the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge. He said the request was aimed at ensuring justice for Wickrematunge’s family and bringing those responsible to account. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa called on the Government to ensure justice for journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge by pursuing and prosecuting those responsible for his killing. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would intervene to ensure a transparent inquiry into the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. He said he would avoid commenting on recent developments so as not to prejudice judicial proceedings, but urged action to bring the perpetrators to justice for Wickrematunge’s family and the media community. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Health Minister over alleged inconsistent treatment between Dr. Jasinghe and Mayadunne, noting that a long-running inquiry into Dr. Jasinghe had been concluded quickly and followed by his appointment as Secretary. He referred to the Minister’s statement that the inquiry was complete and would be tabled, and then yielded the second supplementary question to Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha. Oral Question: Sri Lanka National Hospital Procurement (Q.7/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 Written Answers to Questions AI summary In response to a question by Rauff Hakeem on COVID-19 burials at Majma Nagar, Batticaloa, the Minister of Health stated that 3,634 COVID-19-infected bodies were buried, comprising 1,409 females and 2,225 males. By religion, the burials included 2,992 Muslims, 287 Buddhists, 270 Hindus and 85 Catholics. The Minister said further details such as names, addresses, registration numbers, burial dates, attendees and any fees charged were not held by or within the scope of the Ministry, as its data collection focused on epidemic control. Closing: Parliament Adjournment and Written Answers Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised allegations of medical negligence and lack of accountability in Northern hospitals, citing deaths in Mannar and Kilinochchi and asking why the Health Ministry had not questioned staff involved. He called for investigation and arrest of Dr. R. Sathyamoorthy over alleged irregularities at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, past statements about wartime killings, qualifications, and fundraising for an eye hospital. He also referred to wartime disappearances of hospital patients, the transfer of a doctor from Chavakachcheri, and stressed that his criticisms were not communal, citing his opposition to demolishing the Thaiyiddy Vihara. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara rejected allegations based on media reports, asserting that a CID statement made under the current Government found he had not received money from companies linked to Arjun Aloysius. He challenged others to repeat the allegation outside Parliament, indicating he would pursue legal action, and urged that Parliament not be used for such accusations. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the company involved in supplying chlorhexidine mouthwash was not blacklisted, but a previous supply default had been identified by the SPC, leading to cancellation of the tender and referral to the Technical Evaluation Committee to award it to the second lowest bidder. He said the SPC Chairman had complained to the CID regarding possible improper media conduct, and that an inquiry was ongoing. He also said the Public Service Commission had ordered the interdiction and inquiry of a doctor for allegedly violating the Establishments Code by campaigning for the SJB without resigning from a senior public service post. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about the health sector, citing the absence of a proper national plan for hospital equipment and staffing across different levels of hospitals. He called for a committee and early action on patient safety and well-being regulations, and proposed integrating the Medical Supplies Division, NMRA, SPC and SPMC to improve medicine regulation, referring to a disputed mouthwash tender involving a previously surcharged supplier. He also requested a replacement phaco machine for Kuliyapitiya Hospital due to a cataract surgery backlog, and urged amendments to Ayurveda legislation to protect traditional medical practitioners alongside Ayurveda and Unani systems. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly stated that he had not taken something from another person. The remark appears to be a clarification or denial in response to an earlier exchange, without further policy or legislative content. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the Government’s lack of action on promised constitutional reforms to reduce presidential powers and strengthen Parliament, despite its large majority. He criticized Ministers’ public statements on issues such as food shortages, agriculture and public welfare, alleging that they mislead the public rather than address problems, including delayed compensation for flood-affected farmers and late announcement of paddy prices. He urged the Government to stop blaming the Opposition, implement anti-corruption action fairly, and take credible steps to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the Easter Sunday attacks. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody clarified that the procurement in question was not initiated by his side and noted that Cabinet Papers are submitted by Ministers, not Secretaries. He stated that after the financial bids were opened, the lowest price formed the basis for the CANC’s award decision and that the CEB had issued the notification. He rejected allegations of impropriety, saying any claims should be supported with evidence and pursued through the courts. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, speaking during a debate on import and export regulations, called for the release of 55 acres of land in Keppapulavu and Pulakkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu, still held by the military, stating that 54 displaced families remain unable to return to ancestral livelihood lands used for paddy, coconut and fishing-related sustenance. He linked land displacement to current economic hardship, including high coconut prices, and requested the responsible Ministry to ensure the return of these lands. He also raised concerns about continuing threats to media freedom, citing past killings, disappearances and attacks on journalists and media institutions, and demanded renewed investigations into the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda following recent allegations. He further condemned recent attacks and threats against journalists in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, calling for justice and punishment of perpetrators. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said the Opposition had raised Privilege Questions because repeated discussions with the Speaker, the Leader of the House and the President had not resolved concerns over parliamentary representation and procedure. He alleged that conventions were being disregarded, including in elections to friendship associations, and asked the Leader of the House to ensure adequate Opposition representation in Committees. He also cited alleged intimidation at cooperative elections, protests in Gampaha and Kamburupitiya, and restrictions on student expression at the University of Peradeniya regarding the IMF programme, describing these as anti-democratic and requesting remedial action. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna stated that no Magistrate had issued an arrest order against him and objected to public statements made without due process. He argued that such pronouncements damaged his reputation and were made without proper legal proceedings or the Speaker’s knowledge, while also questioning the procedural basis for restricting his ability to speak in the House. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Read →