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- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on Maduwanwela Walawwa, stating that the property developed from a pre-1700 residence into a historically significant Walawwa completed in 1905, and was handed to the Department of Archaeology in 1978. He detailed the ownership, land extent, compensation paid, and Gazette notifications that vested the property and later declared part of it an Archaeological Reserve with a 400-yard buffer zone. He also acknowledged a discrepancy between the 13 acres 3 roods 13 perches handed over in 1978 and the 7 acres 23 perches declared as a reserve in 2006, noting that inter-agency discussions have occurred but no final decision has been reached. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra stated that he wished to clarify matters relating to the Qur’an translation issue. He referred to a recent interview in which the Secretary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama had explained the matter. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan supported the 2026 Budget as a continuation of economic stabilization measures and welcomed its focus on social justice, regional balance, digital governance, and assistance to vulnerable groups, while stressing that implementation must reach war-affected areas in the North and East. He called for vocational training centres in Vavuniya and Mannar, fairer agricultural policies, stronger use of cooperatives, employment pathways for graduates, land and tourism reforms, and proper delivery of Aswesuma benefits. He urged the Government to release seized Tamil translations of the Holy Qur’an, arguing that the import restriction is outdated given digital access to translations and raises fundamental rights concerns. He also requested relocation of proposed Mannar wind power towers outside the island, clarity on funding for the Puttalam–Mannar road via Ilavankulam, and consultation with Puttalam residents before proceeding with the Aruwakkalu waste project. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth commended the President’s anti-narcotics initiative and urged amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, No. 5 of 2006, to establish a special commission aimed at disrupting drug networks, supporting rehabilitation, and coordinating prevention efforts, alongside action against illicit liquor breweries. He highlighted Kabaddi achievements by schools and clubs in Nintavur and requested a national-level Kabaddi ground for the Nintavur Divisional Secretariat Division. He also raised concerns about Special Task Force promotions, stating that many eligible STF officers had not been promoted to Chief Police Inspector despite vacancies and long service. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Responding for the Government to an adjournment motion on reforms to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, the Minister said the 1931 law is outdated and that Cabinet has approved work on amendments to several statutes, including current draft amendments to Sections 41 and 42 concerning monastic disciplinary matters. He stated that the Government has no objection in principle to granting women voting rights in relevant elections, but noted that Section 40 currently refers to “a male person” and said changes affecting institutions such as the Dalada Maligawa should proceed with the guidance of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chief Prelates and the Tri-Nikaya Maha Sangha. He also outlined existing legal provisions on the Diyawadana Nilame’s ten-year term and age-related qualifications, and called for broad public consultation before further reforms. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that voting rights linked to the office referenced as “gentlemen of the country” under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance should extend to current office-holders, including female Divisional Secretaries. He said the law should be amended to reflect administrative changes and contended that excluding women solely on gender grounds may violate Article 12 of the Constitution on equality. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Thanura Dissanayake supported the motion’s call to modernize outdated laws, including reforms to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, while emphasizing that changes affecting Buddhist institutions should be pursued through broad consultation. He said the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chief Prelates, Anunayake Theras, Karaka Sangha Sabhas, and the Minister of Buddhasasana are already engaged in discussions and have offered progressive proposals for the longevity of the Sasana. He urged that reforms proceed with the guidance and blessings of the Sangha, noting the cultural and religious sensitivities involved. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna seconded Hon. Chathura Galappaththi’s motion and argued that the current framework for the relevant electorate, rooted in 1931 wording referring to “gentlemen,” excludes women and should be revised. She cited Buddhist teachings and historical examples to reject claims that custom or doctrine justify excluding women, and noted that many Divisional Secretaries are now women, leaving female officeholders effectively disenfranchised under the existing interpretation. She urged the Minister to amend the relevant Ordinance to extend voting rights to women Divisional Secretaries, with the consent and guidance of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters and related Sangha authorities. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Chathura Galappaththi moved an adjournment proposal calling for amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, No. 19 of 1931, particularly Section 40, to allow female Divisional Secretaries and relevant women officials to vote in elections for the Diyawadana Nilame and Basnayake Nilames. He argued that the exclusion is a colonial-era legal anomaly, not a Buddhist principle, and is inconsistent with constitutional equality guarantees, public service practice, and women’s historical role in Buddhist and temple-related contexts. He also proposed that future reforms consider the tenure and term limits of the Diyawadana Nilame, with the blessings of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chief Prelates. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan paid tribute during a condolence debate to seven former Members of Parliament, with detailed remarks on the late M.K. Eelaventhan, a former TNA National List MP and long-time Tamil political activist. He recounted Eelaventhan’s education, Central Bank service, involvement in ITAK, TULF and later Tamil nationalist politics, exile in Tamil Nadu after 1983, return to Sri Lanka, parliamentary service, writings, speeches and advocacy for Tamil language, homeland and self-rule. He extended condolences to Eelaventhan’s family, the people of Trincomalee and ITAK, and also conveyed sympathy to the families of the other former Members being commemorated. Votes of Condolence: Seven Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary The Minister of Health and Mass Media tabled a written answer on Lakhanda Radio Service, stating it was launched on 15 November 1996 to retain State media listeners while adopting popular radio formats. The response provided financial data from 2018 to August 2025 showing continuous losses, with monthly revenue of about Rs. 5.5 million against an estimated break-even requirement of Rs. 8.5 million. It also reported audience rankings, recruitment details since 2018, and measures proposed to improve performance, including programme quality, sales and promotions, sponsor-targeted programming, social media-oriented content, and external promotional events. Tabling of Answers: Lakhanda Radio Service and Vocational Training Centres Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri expressed condolences on the death of Jayannanda Chandraveera, noting his contribution to cricket and the restoration of the Galle International Cricket Ground after the tsunami. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s cricket achievements and asked why Sri Lanka Cricket’s resources have not been used to develop facilities in rural districts, citing the lack of an international-standard turf pitch in Ratnapura. He called for steps to expand cricket infrastructure and opportunities for talented players in villages, including areas such as Embilipitiya. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on breast cancer awareness, emphasizing low awareness of early detection in Tamil-speaking communities, including Tamils, Muslims and Hill Country Tamils. He requested that educational material, including self-examination guidance, be made available in Tamil and urged male MPs and men generally to discuss breast cancer openly with women in their families, encourage examination after age 20 and especially after 40, and help reduce stigma around treatment such as mastectomy. He called for continuous community awareness-raising and stressed that breast cancer is treatable. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif supported the Special Commodity Levy Act and related Orders, arguing that structured levies on essential imports such as sugar, onions and pulses would prevent fraud, stabilize consumer prices, reduce administrative burdens, and protect domestic producers by aligning imports with local production and demand. He also addressed concerns over Muslim burials, stating that the Justice Minister had clarified there would be no imposed delays except in exceptional cases requiring a Magistrate’s recommendation. He further said Qur’an copies previously kept in poor conditions had been secured for proper release, and that steps were being taken to legally vest and develop Ambuluwawe as a public asset. He concluded by urging against statements that create ethnic or religious disharmony and affirmed equal rights for all communities. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected claims that the Health Minister advised patients to buy unavailable medicines privately, stating that funds and mechanisms exist for hospitals to procure medicines during shortages. He defended the Government’s health policy and the regulations under the NMRA Act as measures intended to improve access to medicines and reduce public hardship, while criticizing past handling of substandard medicines. He also linked the debate to broader calls for national unity, urging against religious or ethnic division and calling for peace and development. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government accepts the need for the Holy Qur’an to be made available and has taken steps within the existing legal and administrative framework. He explained that the Review Committee was appointed by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs as a voluntary advisory body, not by gazette, and invited written objections for formal review. He said discussions chaired by the President considered options for addressing issues with the Al-Madina-printed books, including clarifications or reprinting in Sri Lanka, while noting concerns about removable correction pages and future circulation of altered editions. Ministerial Statement: Tamil Translations of Holy Qur'an Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan questioned the detention of copies of the Holy Qur’an, arguing that reading and understanding it in Arabic and Tamil without annotations is a fundamental right of Sri Lanka’s Muslim community. He asked that the detained copies be released and challenged the legality and authority of the Review Committee handling the matter. He further proposed that, if such a committee is required, it should include qualified university professors in the relevant field and sought clarification on its legal status. Ministerial Statement: Tamil Translations of Holy Qur'an Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan requested permission to address an issue concerning a fundamental religious right and asked that he be allowed to clarify doubts without interruption. Ministerial Statement: Tamil Translations of Holy Qur'an Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised concerns over the detention at Customs of around 300,000 Tamil translations of the Holy Qur’an intended for use by Sri Lanka’s Muslim community. He questioned the legal status and authority of the Review Committee appointed to examine the copies, arguing that such a committee should not determine faith-related matters or block scriptures already in common use. He also noted that the same translations are widely accessible through digital platforms and asked the Minister to clarify the Committee’s legality. Ministerial Statement: Tamil Translations of Holy Qur'an Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the detention of imported Qur’an translations, explaining that post-2019 Defence Ministry guidelines require review by qualified Muslim scholars to ensure translations and Islamic books do not contain unclear or potentially harmful interpretations. He said 25,000 Arabic Qur’an copies from the relevant container were released, while 26,560 Tamil and Sinhala translations remain with Sri Lanka Customs because the Book Review Committee has not approved them under the required framework. He stated that the decision followed Security Council guidance requiring accurate source references and interpretations, and emphasized that the Government’s aim is to safeguard interfaith harmony while enabling properly clarified translations to reach the Muslim community. Ministerial Statement: Tamil Translations of Holy Qur'an Read →