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- 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 “Shabbat” centres in Pottuvil, stating that the Divisional Secretary had reported the operation of an institution called “Shabbat House” on privately owned land. He said no further reported information was available on certain matters raised, and that removal of the institution was outside his Ministry’s powers, with relevant authority lying with the Ministry of Defence. A Divisional Secretary’s report was tabled, and the Minister offered to provide further details at the supplementary stage. 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 questioned the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs about an alleged illegal Israeli-linked “Shabbat House” operating near the Mafasa Muslim Mosque in Arugam Bay, Pottuvil. He asked whether the Ministry is aware of the institution, how long it has operated, the basis on which the land was granted, and whether security arrangements around it have caused fear among residents, tourists, fishermen and farmers. He further sought information on any steps to remove the institution and whether reports have been obtained from the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat and Pradeshiya Sabha. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s handling of tourism, stating that questions he submitted to the Minister remained unanswered and arguing that the Foreign Affairs Minister could not adequately manage tourism without a strategic programme. He questioned claims of economic progress, alleging that increased revenue came through burdensome taxation on poorer citizens, and raised concerns about the use of state institutions, judicial and police transfers, and drug enforcement narratives. He also opposed provisions in the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill relating to corporal punishment, arguing that they could criminalize teachers and principals and undermine school discipline and cultural values. He urged the Government to reflect on whether it was fulfilling the expectations of underprivileged voters or external interests, including in its foreign policy posture. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa expressed condolences over the tragedy at the Na Uyana Forest Monastery and conveyed sorrow for the monks who died. He noted his involvement in alms and related religious activities, acknowledged the Government’s intervention, and stated that all possible assistance should be extended. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister informed Parliament of a fatal accident at the Na Uyana Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Melsiripura, where seven monks died and six were injured, including two in intensive care. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and Parliament, identified the deceased Sri Lankan and foreign monks, and outlined the immediate involvement of government, provincial health, and local officials. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is being consulted on permission to conduct funeral rites in Sri Lanka for the three foreign monks, and that a committee on funeral arrangements would meet that evening. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said any distortion or omission of relevant historical events or figures in educational content would be reviewed. She explained that religion modules, including Hinduism, are examined by subject-specific Advisory Committees before publication, and noted that recent concerns raised by a Member had been discussed with the Hindu Religious Advisory Committee, whose recommendations were forwarded to the National Institute of Education. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about inadequate Tamil-medium capacity in around 20 divisions of the Ministry of Education and the omission of Tamil histories and identities in subjects such as History and Art. He asked that decisions on religious subject content, including Hindu symbolic elements such as Nataraja, be made after consultation with relevant university lecturers, external organizations, religious institutions, and Tamil representatives. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 12 September 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the condolence motion for former Members of Parliament P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, and W. B. Ranatunga, conveying condolences to their families. He paid particular tribute to M. H. Cegu Isadean as an Eastern Province politician, poet, teacher, lawyer, and advocate of Tamil–Muslim coexistence, noting his efforts to prevent ethnic tensions during difficult periods. He also recalled P. Dayaratna’s service to all communities in Ampara and acknowledged the public service of the other former Members. Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) Read →
- 12 September 2025 Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth offered condolences to the families of five former Members being commemorated and paid tribute in particular to the late M.H. Sehu Iszadeen. He highlighted Iszadeen’s role in drafting the SLMC Constitution, participation in the party’s founding and the 1990 Bangkok Conference for Justice and Peace, and service as Opposition Leader of the North-Eastern Provincial Council and Chairman of the SLMC. He also noted Iszadeen’s work as a lawyer and poet, and his efforts from 1985 to defend Muslim communities during a period of terrorism. Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) Read →
- 12 September 2025 Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe paid tribute to the late Hon. P. Dayaratna, highlighting his long parliamentary career, ministerial service, development work in Ampara and relations with all communities, and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and the people of Ampara. He also recalled the late Hon. M.H. Sehu Iszadeen as his former teacher, lawyer, poet, provincial councillor, MP and minister, emphasizing his role in advocating for Muslim security and representation during debates on devolution and the proposed merged North-Eastern Province. He noted Sehu Iszadeen’s contributions to the SLMC and to proposals for Muslim-majority administrative arrangements in the North and East, and extended condolences to the families of all former Members named in the motions. Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) Read →
- 12 September 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan paid tribute to the late former Members of Parliament being commemorated, with particular reference to M.H. Cegu Isadean’s role in the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, North-East politics, and the merged North-East Provincial Council under the 13th Amendment. He used the commemoration to discuss Tamil-Muslim political relations, stating that ITAK supports Muslim self-determination within a governance structure for all peoples and reiterating its position on a Tamil homeland in the North and East. He criticised recent remarks by some Muslim leaders, referenced past peace process interactions and wartime allegations involving SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, while also stating that Tamils bore no anger towards Muslims and acknowledging Muslims who fought alongside the LTTE. Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) Read →
- 12 September 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath said the institution was established to provide youth with leadership training and exposure to diverse cultures. He expressed confidence in the young Deputy Minister responsible for the relevant institutions and noted that notable artistes such as Chandralekha Perera and Chandrasena Hettiarachchi had emerged through its work in the past. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Objectives (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif said incidents concerning nurses’ attire arose under the previous government due to actions by racist politicians and appointed officials. He stated that discussions had been held with Minister Nalin Jayatissa and that an early solution would be provided, while asking for evidence of any current wrongdoing by such officials so action can be taken. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof disputed a Government member’s claim that his earlier complaint about Muslim health staff in Trincomalee being restricted from wearing cultural attire was false, and submitted a union letter requesting permission for such attire to be recorded in Hansard. He urged the Government to address the issue rather than deny it, noting that related discussions and correspondence were already underway. He also raised the Muthunagar land dispute, stating that farmers who returned to cultivate lands after assurances at the District Coordinating Committee were arrested and assaulted, and called for restoration of the lands, compensation, or alternative land through engagement with the affected farmers. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer supported the Sri Lanka-UAE Agreement, arguing that Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, had previously assisted Sri Lanka through housing, health, education and equipment projects, but that smear campaigns and distrust had driven away investors and reduced tourist arrivals. He said the Government was working to restore investor confidence and rebuild economic growth. He also condemned the suffering in Gaza as a humanitarian issue, recalled the impact of the COVID-19 cremation policy on Muslims, and called for responsible media conduct and cross-party support for action against narcotics and underworld networks. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister presented the 2024 Performance Report of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs on behalf of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resources Development, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Tabled and Committee Reports Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath called for the Government to address longstanding human rights, political, linguistic and cultural concerns of Tamils in the North, East and Hill Country, and asked it to state its framework, timeline and position on a federal solution. He linked economic recovery and stability to resolving the national question, while welcoming anti-corruption and non-violence measures. He raised concerns over excessive troop presence, weak Tamil language implementation, religious and ethnic disparities, political prisoners and the disappeared, and urged concrete proposals to rebuild trust among Tamil communities. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister raised a point of order concerning the recent hartal and the Sainthamaruthu issue. He stated that the hartal was held under the slogan “North and East are the Tamil homeland” and noted that the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress had supported it, while adding that discussions were ongoing with relevant parties regarding the Sainthamaruthu mosque matter. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary A Muslim scholar will be appointed to the relevant body or process, in response to a prior request. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen argued that Sri Lanka belongs to all communities and criticized the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi hartal slogan of a “Tamil homeland” and the demand to remove the military from the North and East, saying such actions should have been preceded by wider consultation among affected communities. He condemned past abuses against Muslims and Tamils, including massacres, Chemmani, forced COVID-19 cremations, arrests under the PTA, and obstruction of Muslim resettlement, while calling for accountability for all perpetrators. He urged the Government and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to protect the trust placed in them by Muslim voters and to address specific grievances, including the closure of the Mahara Mosque, the Supreme Court-ordered closure of the Mannar-Puttalam road, and halted schools and cultural projects. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →