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- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister stated that concerns previously raised to the Prime Minister had not been ignored and that he had consulted the Minister of Public Security. He said STF protection for the centre at Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 07, had been withdrawn, and further details could be provided. He noted difficulties in identifying and regulating such entities because some are registered as businesses, including restaurants, while conducting other activities, and said his Ministry is verifying registration status through relevant departments and Divisional Secretariats. Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that four Israeli religious centres have been identified in Pottuvil, Weligama, Thimbirigasyaya, and Ella. He said the Weligama and Ella centres are registered with the Registrar of Companies as of 21 April 2022, while the Pottuvil and Thimbirigasyaya centres are not registered. Regarding Pottuvil, he noted that officials could not obtain details from a responsible person during inspection, but public information indicated it is private property used by Israeli nationals, particularly during the tourist season, for religious activities. Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly the use of technology to take evidence from abroad and excuse an accused’s presence in defined circumstances to reduce delays. He then criticised Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s reported warning of legal action against those alleging genocide during the war, arguing that Sri Lanka has not criminalized genocide domestically or ratified the Rome Statute, and called for the remarks to be withdrawn. He also raised the Kurunthur Malai dispute, questioning the legal basis for arrests of farmers outside the gazetted archaeological area and demanding government intervention to stop the arrests and secure the release of those remanded. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran questioned the Government’s economic direction after seven months in office, arguing that reliance on foreign and IMF borrowing is unsustainable and calling for concrete plans on productivity, investment, poverty reduction, exports, and cost-of-living pressures. He urged the Government to act against corruption without using past administrations’ failures as a substitute for current economic policy. He also raised concerns over changes to Hindu religious traditions linked to the Kataragama Pada Yatra and Aadi Vel festival, and requested action against obstruction of a temple entrance arch at the Sri Sindhayathirai Pillaiyar Temple in Veeramunai. He further called for land, housing, roads, and basic facilities for displaced families in Pottuvil and for the return of disputed lands in Sainthamaruthu/Thottachchinungivattai to documented rightful owners. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked whether basic tourism infrastructure would be established around Deduru Oya, noting the presence of irrigation landmarks, reservoirs, and archaeological sites including ancient anicuts, Ridibendi Ella, Deduru Oya reservoir, Nuwarakannda, and Yapahuwa pre-historic cemeteries. He highlighted that the reservoir and surrounding lands fall under the Irrigation Department and sought clarification on re-establishing facilities to support tourism. Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, approval was moved for the Central Cultural Fund’s 2016 Annual Report, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2016, under the Central Cultural Fund Act, No. 57 of 1980. The report had been considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee and presented to Parliament, and the motion was agreed to. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said Sri Lanka’s theatre infrastructure, including the John de Silva Memorial Theatre and other Colombo venues, is in serious need of repair, while many outstation auditoriums used for drama are not suitable for that purpose. He stated that the Government and his Ministry are addressing these issues, including plans to equip the National Art Gallery and establish a proper state-supported venue for paying final respects to cultural figures. He also outlined a programme to provide properly equipped theatre facilities for groups of districts, with planning to be formalized through the next Budget. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara asked what steps are being taken to address inadequate facilities in theatres and auditoriums across the country. He highlighted problems such as the absence of backstage rooms, toilets, electricity, and changing spaces, arguing that these deficiencies hinder dramatists, performing artists, and the broader development of arts and aesthetics. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister explained that the proposed multi-functional cultural centres would differ from existing cultural centres by providing facilities such as proper sound and lighting systems, training spaces, food and beverage areas, and limited accommodation. He said the Government intends to begin establishing a regulatory-level network in four areas, including Jaffna, the Eastern and Western Provinces, and Matara, to enable artists outside Colombo to access training and facilities locally before attending national competitions or state festivals. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara welcomed the Minister’s response and emphasized the role of cultural development in broader national progress. He asked for clarification on the National People’s Power policy proposal for “Multi-Functional Cultural Centres,” specifically how they would operate and what outcomes are expected compared with existing cultural and art centres. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary There are 220 cultural centres, which provide free and subsidized arts, cultural, language, and skills development programmes, including dance, music, drawing, early childhood development, and martial arts. They also provide local cultural services such as dance troupes, costume rental, hall and library facilities, commemorative and entertainment programmes, theatre workshops, traditional performances, and ritual services. The Minister stated that these centres also create opportunities for local children to participate in national cultural events such as Independence Day celebrations and the National Vesak Festival. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to provide details on Sri Lanka’s cultural centres, including their number, functions, and the status of art institutions under Provincial Cultural Departments, including inactive registered institutions. He also requested information on government expenditure for the 2024 Annual Literary Festival conducted by Divisional Secretariats, allocations by division, whether those allocations were sufficient, and any measures proposed if they were not. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that there is currently no formal training centre for Arabic school teachers or Imams, but the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs conducts annual training programmes for Arabic school teachers. He said a new curriculum for Arabic schools is in the final stages with the Department of Education, and teacher training will be integrated once it is approved. He added that Imams trained through Arabic schools are assigned to schools and mosques, and that he will give special attention to establishing a dedicated training centre, noting that no prior allocations had been made for one. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether the Government is aware of the absence of formal training centres for teachers in registered Arabic schools and for Imams and Muadhdhins serving in mosques. He sought clarification on whether steps will be taken to establish such a centre to provide proper training for these roles, and, if not, the reasons for inaction. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Bill to recover illicitly acquired assets, stating that it would allow recovery of lost public wealth even where persons connected to proceedings are absent, while protecting legitimate entrepreneurs and penalizing illicit enrichment. He accused opposition members of exploiting issues affecting Muslims for electoral purposes, contrasted this with past incidents such as Digana, Hettipola, and the detention of Hejaaz Hizbullah and Ahnaf Jazeem, and said the Government would repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and introduce new security legislation. He urged voters in upcoming local authority elections to elect representatives able to work with the Government, citing Panagamuwa An-Noor Central College in Kurunegala as an example of neglected development that he said the current Government would address. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has received requests from religious leaders and is consulting all relevant stakeholders. She said appropriate action would be taken in due course. Oral Question: Private Tuition Regulation and Child Safety Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question to the Prime Minister about private tuition classes being held on Sunday mornings, when Buddhist temples and other religious institutions conduct religious education. He asked whether the Government has taken any decision to regulate such classes, noting their impact on Daham Pasal and other religious schools, including for younger children beyond O/L and A/L students. Oral Question: Private Tuition Regulation and Child Safety Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Advisory Committee on Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs was announced with Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi as Chairman and the listed Members appointed to serve on it. The announcement records the Committee’s membership for parliamentary oversight and consultation on matters relating to Buddha Sasana, religious affairs, and cultural affairs. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said earlier proposals to amend the Penal Code to permit safe medical termination of pregnancy on medical grounds, based on a 2012/2013 Law Commission report, received Cabinet approval in 2017 subject to consultations with religious leaders, but failed after majority opposition. He noted that the Ministry of Justice revisited the issue in 2022, including the need for Health Ministry data and recommendations, but successive reform attempts over nearly 30 years had faced social and religious resistance. He stated that any renewed legislation should follow broad public discourse and that the matter is expected to be referred again to the Law Commission before further action. Oral Question No. 3 - 276/2024: Safe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan paid tribute to deceased Tamil media figures Rajanayagam Bharathi, Ananthi Suriapragasam and S.P. Sami, noting their contributions to journalism, broadcasting and support for war-affected Tamil communities. He addressed the Speaker’s sanctions on MP Ramanan Arjunan, saying his party accepts the Speaker’s authority but rejects hateful remarks against women or Muslims and apologizes to the Muslim community for any offence caused. He cautioned against the precedent of restricting an MP’s parliamentary broadcasts, linking it to past repression under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and wider concerns about reconciliation and minority political representation. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →