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- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that a windscreen pass was issued to him on 22 January, two days after he was stopped on 20 January, and asked that the relevant signed documents be checked. He complained that officers treated the pass as forged and rejected the official seal and signature, arguing that this obstructed his travel to Parliament and amounted to a breach of his parliamentary privileges. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a matter concerning an alleged violation of a Member of Parliament’s right to travel from Jaffna to Colombo. He indicated the seriousness of the issue and requested to continue his remarks in Tamil. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Rauff Hakeem) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Ministry accepted that it had been misled by an “Expert Committee” in deciding on the cremation policy for COVID-19 deaths, as stated by the State Minister of Indigenous Medicine on 29 November 2022. The question sought confirmation of whether the committee was government-appointed and requested details of its recommendations, appointing authority, mandate, membership, chairperson, meeting schedule, venues, and presiding officials, or reasons if such information was not available. Oral Question: COVID-19 Health Guidelines (Q.249/2024) Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah paid tribute to former MP Dr. Al Haj I. M. Ilyas, highlighting his role in Muslim political activism, minority rights advocacy, and support for Northern Muslims expelled by the LTTE. He recalled Dr. Ilyas’s efforts to seek justice for the 1976 Puttalam mosque shooting victims, his work with Tamil leaders after contesting the 1977 election, and his consistent advocacy for Palestine and Al-Aqsa. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s public service as a doctor, his commitment to minority unity and community welfare, and his final wish for the Palestinian flag to be draped over his coffin. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal paid tribute to Dr. Ilyas, highlighting his medical and civic service after the 1976 tragedy, his role as Coroner, and his involvement in social struggles affecting Puttalam. He noted Dr. Ilyas’s leadership in the Puttalam salt struggle, which helped secure legal rights for local salt producers, and his support for Muslims displaced from the North in 1990 through housing, relief, and community mobilization. He also referred to Dr. Ilyas’s free medical services, assistance to children, and contributions to development projects including the Noor Nagar railway station and projects supported by Iran. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal paid tribute to the late Dr. I.M. Ilyas on a condolence motion, highlighting his roles as a doctor, politician and social activist in Puttalam. He recalled Dr. Ilyas’s political career in the District Development Council, North Western Provincial Council and Parliament, his campaigns against social injustice including the Puttalam “salt struggle,” and his assistance to Muslims displaced from the North in 1990. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s free medical services, development work in Puttalam, and projects supported by Iran, describing his death as a significant loss to the district. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara questioned the motives behind the Adjournment Motion concerning Rohingya asylum seekers, suggesting it may not have been brought solely out of humanitarian concern. He assured Parliament that the Government would not violate the fundamental rights of the Rohingya asylum seekers and would not deport them. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara rejected opposition claims that the Government had increased vehicles and fuel allocations for Ministers, stating that a January 2025 circular reduced each Minister’s allocation from three vehicles and about 1,950 litres of diesel to two vehicles and 900 litres, and that no Ministers or Deputies had taken official residences. Addressing the Rohingya issue, he described it as a humanitarian crisis involving stateless and displaced people, while emphasizing that Sri Lanka must act according to international law and State security responsibilities. He said the 116 arrivals were being cared for, with court processes involving 12 persons, including possible traffickers, and that screening was necessary to identify protection needs and exclude persons involved in serious crimes in line with UNHCR guidance. He stated that the Government would work with UNHCR and the international community on temporary and possible longer-term arrangements while safeguarding rights and applying the law. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake urged that the issue of Rohingya refugees be handled humanely and without partisan politicization, noting Sri Lanka’s own experience with displacement during the war and political exile. He said refugee claims should be addressed through lawful screening procedures rather than automatic blanket recognition, consistent with domestic and international obligations. He stated that the Government would provide maximum assistance within the applicable legal framework. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Welcoming the Navy’s rescue of Rohingya arrivals, Dr. Harsha de Silva criticised Government statements suggesting deportation to Myanmar and argued that such action would breach the international law principle of non-refoulement. He rejected claims of large-scale illegal migration as fearmongering and called for coherent diplomatic handling, including access for UNHCR. He urged the Government to provide humanitarian assistance and not return the refugees to Myanmar against their consent, citing international principles including protections against enforced disappearance. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government had not stated that the unauthorized arrivals would be deported to Myanmar, but was handling the matter under Sri Lankan law through the courts, Immigration, CID investigations, health checks, and humanitarian assistance. He said decisions would be guided by intelligence assessments, international human rights norms, and consultation with international organizations, noting that the Human Rights Commission had been granted access and that the group now numbered 117 after a birth. He also informed the House that an inquest into the death of a woman at Maradana Police Station had confirmed suicide, following her arrest on five warrants. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem responded to a reference by the Deputy Minister, denying that the Motion was intended to incite racism or accuse the Government of racism. He argued that the persons concerned should not be repeatedly described as “illegal immigrants” but recognized as refugees fleeing persecution, and criticized Foreign Affairs officials for allegedly misleading Ministers on the issue. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra said the Government had provided humanitarian assistance, medical care, quarantine, and court-directed detention for 117 people who arrived by boat from Myanmar in December 2024, while immigration and health investigations continue. He stated that Sri Lanka is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or 1967 Protocol but would act consistently with humanitarian principles, including non-refoulement, and in cooperation with UNHCR where applicable. He said nationality verification is being pursued with the Myanmar Embassy, access by the Human Rights Commission had been granted, and the next court hearing is scheduled for 31 January 2025. He emphasized that no deportation decision had been made and that the Government would balance border security, immigration law, national security, and humanitarian obligations. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman urged the Government not to deport Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, citing military rule and human rights concerns there. He argued that Sri Lanka should handle the matter humanely, recalling Sri Lankans’ own history of seeking asylum during past conflicts. He proposed allowing the refugees to remain temporarily in Sri Lanka with UNHCR facilitation until third-country resettlement is arranged. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer JJB AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer addressed the Adjournment debate on Rohingya refugees, noting previous arrivals and departures from Sri Lanka and the current group that entered on 19 December. He said the Government was following lawful procedures to verify health status, nationality, and purpose while providing necessary assistance, and argued that the issue should not be politicized or viewed through ethnic or religious lines. He affirmed that the Government would act humanely and in line with international obligations, while criticizing opposition claims that the Government was being inhumane. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to handle the arrival of 116 Rohingya refugees at Mullivaikkal on 19 December 2024 in accordance with international humanitarian norms, despite Sri Lanka not being party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. He cited relevant international instruments and the Rohingya’s vulnerability in Myanmar, including exclusion from the 2014 census, and stated that returning them to Myanmar was not an acceptable solution. He called for protection of their rights and expressed support for constructive government action consistent with international standards. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam said the Government had not taken any action to harm or deport Rohingya arrivals and that the Sri Lanka Navy had lawfully rescued them, provided health checks, and given initial care. He argued the issue should be treated as a humanitarian matter rather than a religious or political one, while also noting that intelligence concerns should be assessed scientifically and handled under domestic and international law. He said the Government would protect the Rohingya, prevent mob violence or abuse, provide shelter and basic care, and allow them to depart safely when possible, while opposing racism and considering stronger laws if needed to eliminate it. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper seconded the Adjournment Motion on protecting Rohingya refugees, arguing that those rescued from Myanmar should not be characterized merely as “illegal immigrants” but treated as refugees and trafficking victims fleeing persecution. He urged strong action against traffickers, UNHCR access to assess and assist the group, correction of what he described as erroneous official framing, and adherence to the principle of non-refoulement. He also called on the Government to dispel public panic and misinformation about large refugee inflows while maintaining border management and social harmony. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns over alleged irregularities in transfers and promotions, including the appointment of the Administrative Officer at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, and said a requested inquiry had not been carried out. He also stated that illegal sand mining in Batticaloa continued despite a District Development Committee decision to stop it. He urged the Government to repeal, rather than replace, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and to recognize the issue of political prisoners, while calling for the release of the list of bar permits allegedly recommended by MPs. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Representing Jaffna, Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna asked to focus on human rights issues affecting Tamil people rather than Government–Opposition disputes. He specifically sought space to raise concerns such as custodial deaths, stating that he wished to speak for his constituents who are caught amid political conflict. Matter of Privilege: Non-Allocation of Time to Speak in Parliament Read →