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- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi — Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Minister paid tribute to the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, recalling her brief parliamentary service from 2010 and her major contribution to Sri Lankan cinema, theatre and television over a career spanning more than 150 films. He outlined her early life, key artistic milestones, and work across popular and art cinema, noting her significance in the centenary year of Sri Lankan cinema. He called for expanded academic study of her work and proposed establishing a national film and performing arts school and a national film archive to preserve Sri Lanka’s film heritage. Condolence Debate: Late Hon. Members (R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana, Malani Fonseka) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem supported the need for education reform and welcomed key academic appointments, but called for clarity on reported changes to History, Aesthetics, and a proposed Religion and Ethics curriculum allegedly affected by outside pressure. He asked the Government to publish a White Paper, acknowledge prior work by former officials and contributors, and ensure module reviews are handled by independent experts rather than the original authors or non-specialist ministry officials. He also raised constituency and infrastructure concerns, including stalled school facilities in Nawalapitiya and landslide-affected school buildings in several provinces, requesting funding through climate-resilient infrastructure programmes. On higher education, he urged reconsideration of objections to private medical education, citing foreign exchange outflows and international practice, and proposed positioning Sri Lanka as a higher education destination. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms (continued) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary The Member asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for details on the reported attack on Sri Dalada Maligawa security personnel around 8 February 1989. She sought information on seized weapons, injuries and damage, whether investigations linked the attackers to the JVP or Deshapremi Janatha Vyaparaya, arrests and legal action, whether the objective was to seize or destroy the Sacred Tooth Relic, and requested the relevant police and investigation reports or reasons if they cannot be provided. Oral Question: Security at Temple of the Tooth Relic and Road Closure Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the matter would be considered and affirmed the Government’s support for freedom of religion. He indicated that, depending on the circumstances, the Ministry would intervene to the fullest extent possible. Oral Question: Mosque at Mahara Prison Premises Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar raised concerns that a proposed five-perch site would cause congestion and Friday parking problems, potentially leading to Sinhala–Muslim misunderstandings. He asked whether the Government would mediate to enable donors to acquire and develop a larger plot at their own cost, with adequate parking and without requiring government funds. Oral Question: Mosque at Mahara Prison Premises Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister replied that a mosque on Mahara Prison Department land had originally served Muslim prison officers but was later used by outsiders, creating security risks due to its location near the prison wall, staff quarters, and internal access routes. He stated that prison authorities had repeatedly refused reopening the old site to outsiders, citing risks of contraband entry and large gatherings near a prison housing high-risk inmates, and tabled related annexes. He said the old mosque cannot be reopened, but an alternative five-perch site on Prisons Department land has been identified and may be considered once mosque management submits a formal request. Oral Question: Mosque at Mahara Prison Premises Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration whether the Government is aware that the long-standing mosque within the Mahara Prison premises has not functioned since 2019. He sought reasons for its closure and asked whether permission and facilities could be provided to resume its functions. Oral Question: Mosque at Mahara Prison Premises Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan said the Muslim community had suffered continuing consequences from the 2019 Easter attacks and called for expedited investigations to identify and disclose the true mastermind, rather than continued political blame. He argued that post-attack fear and suspicion had damaged communal harmony, with Muslims facing collective punishment, arrests over Arabic materials, and other restrictions, while also acknowledging the Cardinal’s role in preventing reprisals. He raised concern over Customs obstacles to 20,000 Qur’an copies imported from Saudi Arabia and urged the Government to uphold its promises on justice, human rights issues, and repeal or reform of the PTA, citing the detention of a youth named Suhail. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam argued that responsibility for the Easter Sunday attacks and subsequent communal violence should not be placed solely on the current government, citing failures of the then government, including security lapses and attacks on Muslims after 21 April 2019. He called for justice for Christian victims while also highlighting the detention and hardship faced by Muslims under the PTA and other laws, stating that punishment should follow only where evidence exists. He warned against turning the attacks into a Sinhala-Muslim issue and said the Government’s present debate was a necessary step toward accountability and national security. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem referred to the killing of over 150 Muslim Hajj pilgrims and their family members by the LTTE at Kurukkalmadam and stated that a related case remains dormant in the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court despite requests for excavation. He urged the Ministry and the Office on Missing Persons to take action on the matter. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that six years after the Easter Sunday attacks, victims had still not received justice despite repeated political promises and investigations. He questioned what new action the Government had taken, including efforts to bring back “Sara” from India, reveal alleged masterminds above Zaharan, and disclose information referred to in commission and FBI-related material. He accused successive election campaigns of exploiting the attacks and urged the Government to fulfil its manifesto commitments, seek international investigative assistance where necessary, and swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa renewed the Opposition’s call for a new mechanism to investigate the Easter Sunday attacks, citing earlier parliamentary debates and Standing Order 27(2) questions. He urged the Government to adopt a six-step plan endorsed by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, including a reconstituted commission with local and foreign experts, a permanent investigation office, criminal prosecutions, a special court, and a State Prosecution Office. He said the process must be impartial, involve international assistance such as Scotland Yard or the FBI, and restore public trust, particularly among victims and the Catholic community. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary The Minister of Health and Mass Media said any ethics compendium, policy, or law relating to the media should be developed through broad consultation with Parliamentarians, experts, practitioners, and sector stakeholders. He invited ideas and proposals, emphasizing the media’s significant social role and the need for a consultative approach. Oral Question: Television Channels and Code of Ethics (Q. 496/2025) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the proposed media policy is being developed with Government facilitation and input from media professionals, institutions and experts, with attention to maintaining quality amid wider social decline. He said the policy is expected to be unveiled within three months, alongside an ethics compendium. He emphasized that the Government’s approach is not media control through immediate legislation, but dialogue, consensus and stakeholder engagement, while existing laws would apply where conduct breaches general law. Oral Question: Television Channels and Code of Ethics (Q. 496/2025) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary There are 23 television channels operating in Sri Lanka, comprising 5 government channels and 18 private channels. The Minister stated that the Government is drafting a code of ethics compendium for media practitioners while noting that some state and private institutions already have their own ethical frameworks. He said private television channels operate under licences issued under the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Act, and the Ministry also acts on imported teledramas, films and commercial programmes under Orders made under the Finance Act. The Government is considering a programme to improve the quality of programmes broadcast on both state and private television channels. Oral Question: Television Channels and Code of Ethics (Q. 496/2025) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Prof. Sena Nanayakkara asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide details on the number of television channels currently broadcast in Sri Lanka, separating government and private channels and listing their names. He also sought the Minister’s position on whether a media code of ethics is necessary, how such a code is enforced for television channels, how current programming is monitored, and whether any investigative mechanism will be introduced for television content. Oral Question: Television Channels and Code of Ethics (Q. 496/2025) Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the regulations under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, stating that Sri Lanka must align with international legal norms given its global connections and citizens living abroad. He linked the debate to broader claims that the current administration has improved public life, cultural participation, and inter-communal harmony. Referring to Colombo Municipal Council election results, he argued that voters had rejected divisive politics and endorsed the National People’s Power, while noting that local election voting patterns can be influenced by neighbourhood-level candidate preferences. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith Agalakada (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika) JJB AI summary In a tabled answer to a question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media, it was stated that organized racist, religious and hateful statements on social media are addressed under laws including the Online Safety Act, ICCPR Act, Penal Code, Police Ordinance, Offensive Publications Regulations, and Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Ministry said it does not hold data on enforcement action, which is handled by Sri Lanka Police, and that the Government is preparing a structured programme to counter media misinformation and prevent recurrence of such issues. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Eranga Gunasekara paid tribute to the late Kosala Nuwan Jayawira, highlighting his role in the Socialist Youth Union, Socialist Students’ Union, JVP, and NPP, particularly in Kegalle, and his leadership during the 2022 people’s uprising. He described Jayawira as a principled activist who prioritized collective political struggle and public service over personal advancement. Gunasekara said the best tribute would be to continue Jayawira’s mission of building a more just Sri Lanka. Debate: Votes of Condolence for Four Former MPs Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said Jewish visitors may enter Sri Lanka as tourists for religious or cultural purposes, and the Government has a duty to facilitate their basic needs and observances, as it does for all tourists. He acknowledged complexities regarding the relevant institutions, noting that two were registered in 2022, and stated that the Government would regularize the matter as new information becomes available while ensuring equal treatment of tourists. Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) Read →