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- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that religious activities at Pallakandal Church are not being obstructed, but noted that the church and access road lie within Wilpattu National Park under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. He said access is governed by the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, either by permit or traditional usage rights, and that a request for monthly services is awaiting adequate proof of tradition and advice from the Attorney General. He added that Wildlife officers act only to enforce the law against violations or unauthorized constructions within the park, not to impede worship. Oral Question 12: Religious Activities in Wildlife Conservation Areas (Answer Tabled) Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of the Hon. Ajith Gihan) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Environment whether he is aware of claims that officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest Conservation are obstructing religious activities at Pallakandal Church in the Puttalam District. He requested the reasons for any such obstruction, or an explanation if the Minister is not aware of the matter. Oral Question 12: Religious Activities in Wildlife Conservation Areas (Answer Tabled) Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said he opposes political parties formed on the basis of religion, ethnicity, caste or class, but argued that such parties emerge when mainstream parties fail to address community grievances fairly. Referring to post-Easter attack communal tensions and examples from India, he said these political formations cannot be curtailed until just solutions are provided and the fundamental rights of non-Sinhala communities are protected. Private Members' Motion P.41/2025: Ruwanpura Expressway Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister responded to remarks by Hon. Ponnambalam, stating that the Government has decided to develop Palaly International Airport with budgetary allocations and procurement procedures in place, including runway improvements, a temporary shelter, and a planned terminal. He also said a report and committee process, involving ONUR and the Justice Minister, are addressing the Thayyiddy Vihara issue, with a solution expected within weeks. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister answered that no circular has been issued under the relevant law, as existing legislation does not provide for such a circular, and said Registrar General’s Department officers have not harassed anyone while Muslim citizens have been informed of the current legal position. He stated that amendments to Section 2 of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act should be considered in light of social, cultural, legal and other factors, including its application to Muslims resident and non-resident in Sri Lanka. He added that, given the sensitivity of the matter, any reform should follow consultation with all stakeholders. Oral Question 4: Special Schools and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. M. A. M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M. A. M. Thahir raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on alleged inconsistencies between Sri Lanka’s marriage registration laws and related administrative circulars affecting Muslims and foreign nationals. He asked the Minister to clarify how the General Marriage Ordinance, Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act, and Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act apply where both parties are Muslim or where one party is a foreign Muslim. He claimed these rules create a registration vacuum and reports of officials pressuring Muslims to declare themselves non-Muslim, and requested government action to resolve the inconsistency and prevent discriminatory administrative practices. Oral Question 4: Special Schools and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake said concerns over the Central Cultural Fund’s operations, including alleged irregularities and unauthorized interventions, are under investigation by a committee. Referring to the rapid establishment of the Sitawaka museum after the Railways Department handed over the key on 10 May 2024, he stated that several irregularities had been observed and that speed appeared to have taken priority over proper heritage curation. He accepted the need for such a museum and said the CCF and Department of Archaeology are prepared to formalize and operate it properly. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (1141114114) Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi asked why the Sitawaka museum was expedited despite not appearing in the Central Cultural Fund’s annual activity plan. He argued that a better-planned programme linking heritage, ecology, and tourism could have created greater value, and questioned whether the Ministry had intervened to highlight the area’s authentic historical significance and why it had not taken primary responsibility when the museum was established. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the intended purpose of the museum was to showcase the glory and heritage of the Sitawaka Kingdom, but acknowledged that a properly curated presentation reflecting Sitawaka heritage has not yet been completed. He said proposals have been submitted for the Central Cultural Fund and the Department of Archaeology to formalize and upgrade the museum presentation. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (1141114114) Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi asked whether the museum near the Avissawella Post Office, established to represent the Sitawaka Kingdom period of roughly 1521–1594, provides adequate curatorial value given the use of State resources. He sought clarification on whether the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has given sufficient attention to this issue and what measures have been taken. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that there is no Department of Archaeology museum near Avissawella, but a museum operated by the Central Cultural Fund exists there. He said it opened for public exhibitions on 21 July 2024 after construction costing Rs. 14.6 million, with seven contract staff and land leased from Sri Lanka Railways to the CCF. He provided details on artefacts and income through annexes placed in the Library, noting that no time-period classification of artefacts has yet been finalized and that ticket revenue has been recorded for 2024 and 2025. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Asked whether the tourism authorities are pursuing Government policy in relation to promoting LGBTQ tourism, arguing that Sri Lanka should instead emphasize existing attractions such as wildlife, flora, history and heritage. He also questioned whether the politically appointed Chairperson was implementing the Government’s policy framework and, if not, whether any legal action had been taken, raising concerns about unequal enforcement of the law. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned the Prime Minister about a 9 September 2025 letter from the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau that appeared to authorize engagement with tourism stakeholders to promote LGBTQ tourism. He asked whether the Government had rescinded the letter or taken action against the Chairperson, arguing that if such activity is unlawful under Section 365A, officials should not issue letters facilitating it. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya responded that the Government’s tourism promotion policy was set out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism at the World Tourism Day event on 02.10.2025. She stated that Section 365A of the Penal Code, as amended by Act No. 22 of 1995, addresses the relevant legal matter and tabled its text. She added that the Government’s position had been communicated by the President to the Chief Prelates and through the Minister’s speech, and that tourism policy does not promote any special group and will be conducted so as not to harm any person. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned whether the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is promoting LGBTQ tourism in Sri Lanka, in the context of the country’s cultural, religious and tourism policies. He asked what Penal Code provisions apply to homosexuality and sought clarification on what action the Ministry would take following objections reportedly raised by religious leaders, including Chief Prelates and His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam seconded the COPE Chair’s motion and expressed condolences over the deaths of seven monks at the Naa Uyana Forest Monastery in Kurunegala. He argued that COPE must be reformed through scientific selection of institutions, stronger internal audit oversight, and amendments to Standing Orders and related laws to create a pathway for COPE findings to be referred to the Bribery Commission and Police. He said recent COPE examinations had shown malpractice linked to political decisions and some official complicity, and that future reports should lead to action rather than being shelved. He also welcomed the President’s UN address and the Education Consultative Committee decision allowing Muslim schoolgirls to attend school in culturally appropriate attire and in Sinhala, Tamil, or English media. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question regarding Tissa Viharaya in Thyiddy, Valikamam North, stating that the site is not registered and that land ownership must be verified. He said no land acquisition process or Gazette notification has been issued under the Land Acquisition Act, and that the matter primarily falls under the Ministry of Lands, requiring coordination with his Ministry. He noted that the President, ONUR, the Justice Ministry, and a committee chaired by Vijith Rohan Perera are involved in ongoing efforts to address the issue, which he described as complex due to questions over registration and multiple sites bearing the same name. Ministerial Statement: Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya Construction Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged the Member’s point as timely, noting that public attention often comes to such issues only after an incident. He said he had discussed the matter with the Ministry Secretary and that his Ministry would intervene where it falls within its remit, while seeking support from the Ministry of Transport and Highways and other relevant bodies where necessary. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question regarding a disputed premises, stating that the Minister of Public Security and the Police had already intervened following a Divisional Development Committee resolution. He said investigations had been completed and reported to court, and noted that the land had reportedly been purchased by foreigners from a Muslim owner, while the Divisional Secretary indicated the occupants were no longer present. He added that the Magistrate had limited permitted activities to the stated purpose, such as operating only as a restaurant, and that Police had been directed to take strict legal action if public disturbance occurred. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe thanked the President for reaffirming Sri Lanka’s support for Palestine at the UN General Assembly and raised concerns about an alleged illegal Israeli “Shabbat House” in Pottuvil–Arugam Bay, located near a mosque. He tabled local authority documents, noting that the Divisional Coordinating Committee and Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha had unanimously called for its closure. He asked the Minister responsible for cultural affairs what action would be taken to remove it, adding that if the matter falls under Defence, it would be raised with the President or Deputy Minister of Defence. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Read →