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- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected accusations directed at the Police and challenged Opposition members’ credibility in raising issues of murder and journalist killings. He referred to the deaths of Wasim Thajudeen and Lasantha Wickrematunge, alleging that such killings occurred under the previous Rajapaksa Government and questioning whether Namal Rajapaksa and others had the moral authority to speak on the matter. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa cautioned against politicized criticism of the Police Commission, state officials, and the military. He argued that security-related concerns should be raised through the Security Council rather than at political rallies, warning against public statements that could undermine state institutions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is committed to restoring the rule of law and ending past practices of arbitrary use of power, abductions, and killings, citing cases such as Eknaligoda, Richard de Zoysa, Lasantha Wickrematunge, and the Trincomalee student killings. Responding to Hon. Mano Ganesan, she described “Clean Sri Lanka” as the political change of ending impunity and ensuring Ministers and MPs act within the law and Constitution. She urged Members who claim to support change and the country’s welfare to demonstrate it through their conduct in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that, to his knowledge, punishments had been imposed at the relevant time. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Asked whether any individual had been remanded in connection with the matter under discussion. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the matter raised by the Member does not fall under the Clean Sri Lanka programme but relates to the justice process. He explained that his earlier speech had separately addressed Clean Sri Lanka activities and the rule of law, and that the Member’s reference concerned the latter. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the incident involving Hon. Shritharan at the airport would be inquired into through the Deputy Minister of Defence and referred to Immigration and Emigration, while asking that the related privileges complaint be forwarded to the Government. He stated that it was unclear whether the PTA was involved, denied that the incident reflected Government policy or direction, and assured the House that the Member’s privileges would be protected. He added that, while new legislation is being drafted, existing laws must be used cautiously to maintain governance. Question of Privilege: Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan (Travel Ban) Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem stated that he was present with Hon. Shritharan at the VIP terminal when officials claimed there was a travel ban, and he questioned the legal basis for it. He argued that any such restriction must be based on a court order and that action under the PTA does not justify arbitrary decisions by the TID. He requested a proper investigation and report, describing the incident as a breach of MPs’ rights and an injustice to Hon. Shritharan. Question of Privilege: Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan (Travel Ban) Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a question of privilege over an alleged attempt by airport and TID officials to prevent him from travelling to India on 10 January 2025, despite there being no court order or formal travel ban, and tabled documents relating to his approved parliamentary travel. He also complained about public claims made on social media and in an interview by or involving Ayoob Asmin and Mr. Sumanthiran regarding the incident, requesting inquiries into them and relevant media organizations. He further raised the sudden transfer of his long-serving Personal Security Officer and asked Parliament to provide redress, indicating he may pursue the matter internationally if not resolved. Question of Privilege: Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan (Travel Ban) Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Ministry is aware of the settlement in Supreme Court fundamental rights case SC FR 55/2019 concerning admission to the Ayurveda Shastri course. He sought confirmation that the first petitioner was admitted in 2019, that the other petitioners had completed their examinations, and whether the Department of Ayurveda has taken steps to commence the Ayurveda Shastri course, requesting reasons if not. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) Read →
- 10 January 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan paid tribute to the late Kumara Welgama, H. Nandaseena, and Tudor Gunasekara, noting their service to their districts and Parliament, and conveying condolences to their families. He particularly recalled Welgama’s collegial conduct and political background, and noted Gunasekara’s service as an ambassador. He also marked the 51st anniversary of the deaths of nine people at the 1974 World Tamil Research Conference in Jaffna, naming the victims and expressing condolences to their families. Votes of Condolence: Hon. Kumara Welgama, Hon. H. Nandasena, and Hon. Tudor Gunasekera Read →
- 10 January 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised an urgent concern during a sitting reserved for Votes of Condolence, noting the absence of Oral Questions. He asked the Prime Minister to address the alleged injustice faced by the 2023 G.C.E. Advanced Level cohort due to the non-publication of the university admissions gazette and reported refusal by some universities to recognize certain degree certificates. Procedural Matters: Oral Questions Postponement and Sitting Hours Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Roshan Akmeemana stated that the disputed land in Kuchchaveli belongs to the Department of Archaeology, based on inquiries by District MPs, and not to any community or private party. He asked Hon. Uthumalebbe to withdraw a statement claiming it belonged to Muslims, warning against language that could incite communal tensions, and said the only recent change was the placement of a new Buddha statue. Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, responded to a Point of Order concerning an alleged police assault raised by Sivagnanam Shritharan. He stated that he would inquire into the matter and report back to Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about displaced Tamil families, citing expulsions from Anuradhapura, the hill country, and other areas, and argued that resettlement still requires government approval. He called for Tamils from Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Ampara, and estate communities to be allowed to return to their lands, including the Kanagaratnam community in Trincomalee, describing such resettlement as a democratic requirement. Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to move beyond criticism of past administrations and act on current public needs, including fair prices for essential commodities, unresolved flood damage and farmer compensation in Mannar, and an alternative site for waste dumping near Salambakulam in Vavuniya. He requested reviews of the gazetting of 18,900 hectares in Mannar under wildlife and forest conservation, the stalled EU-funded drainage project, delayed teacher training certificates from Kopay, and pay anomalies affecting university library assistants under UGC Circulars 975 and 985. He also raised concerns about Myanmar/Rohingya refugees rescued off Mullaitivu, calling for access for MPs and NGOs, provision of basic supplies, UNHCR involvement, third-country resettlement where possible, and no forced return in violation of international law. Special Commodity Levy Act: Orders and Related Motions Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem stated that the RTI Commission had summoned the Acting Chief Epidemiologist on 2 January regarding requested information, but the official said it was unavailable. He noted that the hearing was postponed to 20 January and requested that Dr. Hasitha Tissera be instructed to provide the information. Oral Questions Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem questioned the change in COVID-19 death-disposal guidelines issued by the Ministry in March 2020, noting that the original guidance allowed both cremation and burial but was altered after the second death, involving a Muslim person. He asked the Minister to identify the officials responsible for the revised circular and said Parliament should be informed for accountability. Oral Questions Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath argued that an MoU signed by former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara with Wando County for E8 visa employment was legally defective, citing repeated references to “Pakistan” instead of Sri Lanka in key clauses on worker death, repatriation, and embassy consultation. He said the agreement could not lawfully support sending Sri Lankan workers abroad and left the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency without a legal basis to assist them. He stated that the E8 visa route under this MoU would not continue, while special measures and relief mechanisms would be provided for youth affected by the process. Oral Questions Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage raised concerns about difficulties faced by traditional gem miners in Ratnapura, asking whether earlier facilities had been withdrawn and whether large-scale miners or political interference were obstructing their livelihoods. He questioned what action the Government would take to remove these obstacles, noting that Police are now reportedly charging miners under the Mines and Minerals Act, leading to higher fines and possible suspended imprisonment instead of lower penalties under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act. He urged relief for small-scale miners while maintaining the law, and proposed internationally recognized certification for even low-value gems to reduce smuggling and increase national revenue. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →