Topic
Religion & Culture
430 speeches · 124 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. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, M.P. JJB | 60 |
| 2 | Hon. Muneer Mulaffer, M.P. JJB | 17 |
| 3 | Hon. K. Kader Masthan, M.P. SLLP | 14 |
| 4 | Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 14 |
| 5 | Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, M.P. SLMC | 13 |
| 6 | Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, M.P. SLMC | 13 |
| 7 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 12 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 10 |
| 9 | Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake, M.P. JJB | 10 |
| 10 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 9 |
Speeches
430 on this topic- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter concerning reported hardships faced by Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims in 2026, including shortcomings in food, accommodation, sanitation, Mina camp facilities, and administration. He alleged reduced services despite higher charges, lack of transparency in selecting camps and service providers, inadequate consultation with experienced Hajj agents, and concerns over fund management and extra costs. He requested that the Minister accept the allegations, establish an independent inquiry commission, and appoint an experienced special committee to review arrangements and prevent recurrence. Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) Read →
- 22 May 2026 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara paid tribute to Hon. Prof. Tissa Vitarana, highlighting his contributions as a scientist, virologist, former Minister, and left political leader, including work on dengue control, COVID-19 proposals, the Vidatha programme, nanotechnology, and efforts toward devolution through the All-Party Conference. He recalled Prof. Vitarana’s principled opposition to the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake as an example of integrity. Jayasekara then raised concerns over a reported draft Bill to extend the retirement ages of superior court judges, arguing it could affect judicial independence, promotions, and perceptions of influence over the judiciary. He urged the Government not to proceed with such tenure extensions and called for upholding the rule of law. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to an unexpected supplementary question concerning the Museum, noting that the main question related to the Art Gallery. He said he could not provide an immediate answer but would examine the proposal, including the reasons for the change and any connection to tourist footfall or visitor demand, and report back to the House. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman asked whether the Government would reconsider closing the National Museum on Fridays, citing its historical practice from 1877 to 2013 in honour of Wapichchi Marikkar’s request. He noted that the practice was changed during CHOGM 2013, later restored by officials in January 2025, and sought confirmation that it would continue as a mark of respect. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that, due to delays in the renovation of the John de Silva Theatre, Cabinet approval was obtained to reallocate funds from that project to complete renovations at the National Art Gallery. He said meetings and inspections had been held with Moratuwa University consultants, the contractor, the Sri Lanka Navy and others, and that officials expect the National Art Gallery to reopen before December 2026. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman asked when the National Art Gallery’s main gallery, reportedly closed since 2012, will be reopened. He noted that the closure has limited artists’ access to the National Art Gallery and forced them to incur high costs by hiring private venues. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister replied that the National Art Gallery has been largely closed for renovation since 2012, with only the Eastern Exhibition Hall displaying paintings in 2020 before closing again on 29 December 2020. He stated that Rs. 163.58 million had been allocated or spent for the renovation, and confirmed that a 2015 inventory found 281 paintings in the stock book but only 239 physically present, leaving a discrepancy of 42 paintings. He said a Ministry-appointed committee is conducting a preliminary inquiry and the Colombo South Divisional Crime Investigation Unit is also investigating the matter. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for details on the renovation of the Colombo National Art Gallery managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs. He sought the closure date, confirmation of delays, expenditure to date, whether 42 valuable ancient paintings had gone missing, and what measures were being taken. Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Nalin Hewage stated that planned education reforms for Grades 1 and 6 in 2026 were postponed by one year due to controversy and alleged misinformation raised by the Opposition, including claims about the Dharmachakra in the reforms. He said the Government and Ministry decided not to proceed in a sensitive area such as education while any concerns remained, and attributed responsibility for the delay and its impact on children to the Opposition and the Leader of the Opposition. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Lt. Cdr. (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga argued that the Government was conducting a genuine War Heroes’ Remembrance Day commemoration and contrasted this with what he described as past misuse of military personnel for political or personal purposes. He rejected claims of genocide, stating that the Tri-Forces conducted a humane war against the LTTE and supported civilians, while attributing the prolongation of the conflict to political agendas and citing casualty figures among security forces. He said the best tribute to fallen and disabled service personnel is national unity beyond ethnic and religious divisions, and extended remembrance and wishes to fallen and living war heroes. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara seconded the Private Member’s Motion on suicide prevention, arguing that suicide attempts reflect both individual psychological distress and wider social factors such as economic hardship and community conditions. He said a lack of resilience is a key underlying cause, criticizing the education system for being too teacher-centred and exam-centred rather than preparing children to adapt to new challenges. He urged reforms in education, media, and social discourse to build resilience among youth so they can cope with adversity without resorting to self-harm. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.60/2025 - Preventing Suicide Among Young Children Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on regulating institutions that confer doctoral and professorial titles, urging the Government to introduce rules to prevent the sale of such titles. He thanked the Minister for clarification on Vesak Week restrictions, noting that meat sales and animal sacrifice were prohibited only on specified days, allowing Udhiyah/Qurban observances on May 28–29. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council and requested that premises, staff, a Secretary, vehicles, and other facilities be provided within two months so the Council can begin functioning and deliver services such as waste disposal. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir raised concerns about public access to police stations, saying complainants are sometimes treated like offenders and calling for changes to improve public safety. He requested the Government to facilitate Muslim Qurbani practices during Eid al-Adha, noting its proximity to Vesak and asking that arrangements be made for the 10th to 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah to prevent communal tensions. He also questioned what legal action would be taken against individuals and groups allegedly spreading rumours or provoking anti-Muslim sentiment, citing claims about extremists targeting Buddhist sites and the use of the ICCPR Act in other cases. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticised remarks by the President that he said appeared to signal pressure on the judiciary, noting the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s objections. He then congratulated Joseph Vijay on his Tamil Nadu election victory and highlighted the importance of linguistic identity over religious identity among Tamil-speaking communities, also extending greetings to elected representatives from Muslim and allied parties in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. He urged Vijay to avoid “emotional and unrealistic” claims on Kachchativu and instead promote stronger India-Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka ties, including engagement with the Indian Central Government. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir welcomed the Bill as timely relief for small-scale entrepreneurs facing loan and vehicle repossession pressures after successive crises including war, the Easter attacks, cyclones and regional conflict effects. He supported proposed Grade 6 education reforms but urged the Government to address inadequate preparation for Grades 1–5 reforms, including teacher training, technology, textbooks and a nationwide teacher shortage. He also requested streamlined local authority procedures for Muslim Qurbani observances during Hajj, while calling for all religious practices, including Vesak, to be facilitated harmoniously without communal tensions. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera referred to a union convener and asked whether he had attended the funeral of a deceased comrade. He urged that, if the funeral was not attended, the person should at least attend the subsequent sermon or almsgiving. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir objected to a proposal to transfer a community centre built on mosque waqf land to a local authority, noting that it was constructed with Government funds in 2017 and 2023 and has been maintained by the mosque. He argued that the mosque had already arranged access for all communities and questioned why similar buildings managed by temples in Sinhala-majority areas were not treated the same way. He urged the Deputy Minister to ensure the centre is handed to the mosque for management in line with waqf law and communal harmony. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Funds allocated in 2017 and 2024 were used to complete a multipurpose building in Kalpitiya in December 2024, but its handover to the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha was obstructed by persons claiming to represent the Mohideen Jumma Mosque. The Deputy Minister stated that the mosque’s Board of Governors had initially agreed to provide the land, but ownership of the exact portion where the building stands has not been conclusively established by survey, and relevant letters were placed in the Library. He said the facility was publicly funded for use by all residents and therefore cannot be managed by the mosque; pending regularization of land title, it should be assigned to the Pradeshiya Sabha with the cooperation of the District Secretary, the mosque, and other stakeholders. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government regarding a cultural centre built with government funds on waqf land belonging to the Kottantivu Mohideen Jumma Mosque in Puttalam. He asked why the completed centre has remained closed and not handed over for public use, citing mosque objections to reported moves by the District Secretariat to appropriate the land and noting that related mosque and water-supply infrastructure on the site are community-managed. He sought clarification on whether the centre can be handed over to the mosque for management and maintenance, when and by whom this would be done, and what action would be taken against officials responsible for delays or obstruction. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando emphasized the religious significance of Easter Sunday for Catholics and described the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks on churchgoers as heinous and despicable. The speech focused on the devotion of Catholics attending Easter services and the gravity of targeting worshippers during one of the central observances of the faith. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →