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- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concern over reports that a woman from Kilinochchi had allegedly died by suicide while in custody at the Maradana Police Station, asserting that she was killed. He questioned how such a death could occur inside a police station and requested the Minister of Public Security to ensure immediate justice. Matter of Privilege: Non-Allocation of Time to Speak in Parliament Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna complained that, despite lodging a privilege complaint 36 days earlier, he had not been given speaking time since the commencement of the new Parliament and no committee had been appointed to examine the matter. He argued that this denied his ability to represent his constituents and asked why the issue had not been addressed. He further stated that he would withdraw any support for the Government and act as an Opposition Member, while alleging that multiple cases and incidents involving security officers reflected unfair treatment. Matter of Privilege: Non-Allocation of Time to Speak in Parliament Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa stated that an earlier Cabinet decision, made despite expert epidemiological advice and without sufficient scientific basis, was wrong and was later reversed by a properly constituted committee. He said evolving WHO guidance allowed country-specific adaptations, and that Sri Lanka should continue to acknowledge and express regret for the decision. Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem welcomed action against officials who deliberately acted during the COVID-19 period but recalled that Muslim burials were permitted only after major protests. He argued that the cremation-only policy was unscientific and hostile, citing WHO guidance and medical views that the virus would not spread through groundwater or survive after death. He specifically questioned what action would be taken against Prof. Meththika Vithanage for her claims regarding groundwater contamination and burial policy. Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the question on establishing Family Medicine as a specialist training stream and appointing such specialists to hospitals cannot be answered at present due to ongoing litigation on specialist placements. He said a response would be provided after the court proceedings conclude. Oral Question: Family Medicine Specialist Training Stream Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said Clean Sri Lanka should be understood as a broad mandate-driven reform programme, not reduced to isolated enforcement actions. He reported that passport queues had been eliminated through an online appointment system and emergency fast-tracking process, pending further action after a related Court of Appeal matter. He said Police and STF operations were proceeding without political interference, citing recent seizures of drugs and illegal firearms, and argued that the Government was depoliticizing law enforcement and judicial appointments. He also stated that the PTA would be repealed through a Cabinet subcommittee process and that court-ordered removals in Kolonnawa would be handled with measures to provide affected families and traders with permanent solutions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara responded to concerns raised by Hon. Ponnambalam on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, stating that a Cabinet Paper is being prepared to appoint a committee to abolish the PTA. He said he expected to confirm Cabinet approval by the next parliamentary sitting and reiterated the Government’s intention to introduce an Anti-Terrorism Act in line with international standards. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam said the Government’s mandate for ethical political change requires consistency between its pledges and actions, particularly on repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He criticised continued and alleged misuse of the PTA in the North and East, including arrests during Tamil memorialization and questioning of schoolteachers over a sports event performance, and asked for immediate corrective action. He also called on the Prime Minister, as Education Minister, to resolve the Jaffna Central College principal appointment issue that she had previously raised in Opposition. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan said the Opposition’s role is to seek clarification from the Government and expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s response to his question on the Clean Sri Lanka programme, while stating support for the programme as a concept that should include social and attitudinal change. He called for plantation workers’ daily wages to be raised to Rs. 2,000, particularly if public sector salaries are increased in the Budget. He also disputed claims that there are no Tamil political prisoners, urging releases through presidential pardons, withdrawal of detention orders, or withdrawal of cases, and asked the Government to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act as previously pledged. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a broad policy framework based on social upliftment, environmental protection and ethical development, rather than a narrow initiative as he said the Opposition portrayed it. He linked the programme to the NPP’s electoral mandate and cited crime, harassment and disability-related concerns to argue for a more humane and respectful society. He also said the Government had begun changing political culture by ending nepotism in ministerial staff, diplomatic and other appointments, and pledged to fulfil the public’s expectations. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme in principle, describing it as a national effort for ethical conduct, environmental cleanliness and social responsibility, but said it had been poorly communicated, citing police action against three-wheelers and buses as an example. He urged the Government to ensure the programme is equitable, addresses poverty, loan sharks and access to concessional credit, and reforms under-resourced institutions including the courts, Police and Attorney General’s Department. He also called for an investor-friendly approach, anti-corruption measures, and bipartisan participation, arguing that the Government should involve the Opposition and bureaucracy to turn the programme into practical national change. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a privilege issue alleging that the Minister of Power and Energy presented inaccurate information to Parliament by denying that the Ceylon Electricity Board had made substantial profits in 2024 and instead claiming it had Rs. 332 billion in debt. He cited the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, PUCSL-CEB correspondence, National Audit Office material, and Treasury equity support records to argue that CEB profits were about Rs. 177.6 billion and that large past losses had already been borne by the Treasury. He said delays in tariff reductions and withholding of information had burdened consumers, noting high disconnection figures in 2023 and early 2024, and referred to the PUCSL’s recommendation of a 20 per cent tariff reduction following consultations. Procedural: Privilege Question on Ceylon Electricity Board - Referred to Committee on Ethics and Privileges Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a Private Notice question on reports that Sri Lankan youth, including Tamil and Sinhala jobseekers misled by employment agents, had been forcibly enlisted in the Russian military and were out of contact with their families. He named several missing persons from Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Uduvil, including one missing since October 2022 near the Belarus-Russia border, and asked the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister to state how many Sri Lankans were enlisted, whether any deaths were confirmed, what bilateral action was being taken to rescue and repatriate them, and what support was available for affected families. Oral Question by Private Notice: Issues Faced by Youth Migrated to Russia (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary In response to concerns raised by Hon. Rohana Bandara, Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that inquiries are being conducted into alleged malpractice involving LRC lands. He indicated that further action is being taken based on those inquiries. Oral Question: Lands Released from Land Reform Commission to Dharmayathana Protection Council (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana raised concerns that lands vested in the Land Reform Commission under the Land Reform Commission Act, No. 01 of 1972, and later managed by the JEDB and SPC, had been re-allocated without LRC concurrence. He referred to a CID investigation into a land in Kataragama linked to G. Rajapaksa and noted recent Government decisions to halt further LRC reallocations and establish an Auditor General’s office within the LRC. He asked what urgent measures were being taken to begin full investigations and act quickly on irregularities in LRC land administration. Oral Question: Lands Released from Land Reform Commission to Dharmayathana Protection Council (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath JJB AI summary Three court cases, including pending writ matters, have prevented the Government from reaching a final decision on the issue. P. Ruwan Senarath stated that once the proceedings conclude, the Government intends to act promptly. Oral Question: Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat Status (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister said the Weliampitiya/Kolonnawa residents near the Meethotamulla dump had been surveyed for relocation, but 20 applicants were found ineligible in 2023 after appeals due to issues such as duplicate claims, inadequate proof of residence, and occupation by non-relatives. He stated that eviction action follows a court order identifying the occupants as unauthorized, not merely an internal UDA decision. He added that the Government would still consider the cases compassionately and, with the NHDA, seek to allocate available vacant housing units according to legal eligibility and availability. Oral Question: Housing Scheme Non-Completion in Vavunativu (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar raised concerns about the UDA demolition of five houses at Kolonnawa 101 Watta, disputing reports that affected residents had refused alternative housing and noting that 15 more houses were due to be demolished. He said earlier compensation or payment requirements of Rs. 1 million and Rs. 500,000 were unaffordable for daily wage earners, including vulnerable residents with serious health and disability issues. While accepting that the land was required by the UDA, he requested a humane solution by allocating remaining units in Sahindra Sewana or other housing schemes, with a smaller initial payment and instalment arrangements. Oral Question: Housing Scheme Non-Completion in Vavunativu (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme but urged the Government to apply its principles inclusively, including by appointing Tamil and Muslim representatives to the Presidential implementation team. He raised concerns about alleged discrimination in senior judicial appointments, the absence of a Muslim Cabinet Minister, and requested that details of Muslim COVID-19 victims subjected to forced cremation be tabled in Parliament. He also called for the expedited and proportionate allocation of Saudi-funded houses in Ampara District to tsunami-affected residents, particularly in Akkaraipattu. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala objected to language used in the debate and referred to the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda. He asserted that Eknaligoda was disappeared, indicating the matter should be treated as a serious enforced disappearance rather than discussed dismissively. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →