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- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that child marriage should be treated as a national issue affecting all communities, citing 2012 Department of Census and Statistics data to reject claims that it is mainly a Muslim community problem. He defended the continued recognition of personal laws such as Muslim law, Kandyan law and Thesawalamai, while saying any shortcomings can be discussed and corrected, and urged Members to use statistics responsibly in Parliament. He also drew the Minister’s attention to a 122-year-old Muslim place of worship within the Mahara Prison compound, indicating a concern relating to its status after the 2019 Easter attacks. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. Dr. Elayathamby Srinath argued that religious and ethnic equality are necessary for stability and development, and called for equal State support for Hindu, Christian and Muslim religious heritage alongside Buddhism. He asked the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to allocate funds and programmes for ancient temples and churches in the North and East, cited obstacles by the Archaeology Department and a Habarana bus stand blocking a Hindu temple frontage, and requested explanations on who approved such projects. He also urged the Government to involve Tamil academics and experts in archaeological work to protect Tamil heritage, and raised concerns that Forest Department control over village tanks and lands in Batticaloa is affecting irrigation and inland fisheries. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that upholding dignity and responsible conduct in Parliament could help reduce racism, religious extremism, and narrow political aims in society. He expressed hope that the Government would have the strength to foster a country where people can live well. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda argued that religious and cultural affairs require stronger State attention amid rising violence and social hostility, and said the Budget does not provide sufficient support for places of worship or Dhamma schools. He urged the Government to uphold constitutional protections for Buddhism and other religions by resolving disputes at historic Buddhist sites including Tissa Viharaya in Jaffna and Kurundi Viharaya in Mullaitivu, proposing a special committee, alternative land for unauthorized occupants, and expedited legal protection. He also called for around 600 identified archaeological sites in the Northern Province to be gazetted and preserved, and noted stalled road development to Sapumalgaskada Viharaya. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Raising a point of order, Dilith Jayaweera responded to a direct reference to him, clarifying that a short clip had aired on “Derana” while other channels carried longer broadcasts, including a one-hour programme. He argued that the criticism was not directed personally at him but amounted to an attack on the Kelaniya Temple and Buddhist cultural beliefs, and called for what he described as a cultural assault to be stopped. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera referred to the Easter Sunday attacks, arguing that continued political focus on identifying a “mastermind” could harm interreligious and ethnic relations unless handled with sensitivity and agreement. He said Buddhism’s non-competitive character should be used to build an inclusive nation, while acknowledging past political mistakes. He also welcomed State patronage for Buddhist religious events and urged similar support for other communities, including proposing a large Iftar during Ramazan. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that Sri Lanka’s nationhood should be understood through its Sinhala-Buddhist-rooted civilizational heritage while emphasizing that identity should be based on conduct rather than birth. He said misunderstandings and politicization have damaged interreligious harmony, called for any restrictions on religious or cultural freedoms to be corrected, and cited examples of shared cultural influence among communities. He welcomed the President’s engagement with the Mahanayake Theras and the planned exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, urging similar respectful observances at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. He said the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs should do more than administer grants or publications and should help shape the cultural and civilizational foundation of the country. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama defended the Government’s cultural policy and Budget allocations for the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs portfolio, arguing that a national cultural revival is needed to address violence, frustration and loss of compassion in society. He outlined proposed programmes including literary festivals, teacher training in literature and aesthetics, support for children’s arts, plantation community cultural initiatives, Jaffna school library books, sign-language films, and competitions for creators with disabilities. He also said cultural centres should be restored to their core cultural role and that aesthetic appreciation should be broadened across the education system. The speech also criticized the Opposition’s parliamentary attendance and predictions about the Government’s instability, while asserting that the Government’s large mandate remains intact. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran expressed willingness to cooperate with the Government on rebuilding the country, but alleged that state agencies and extremist Buddhist monks have contributed to ethnic tension, land seizures, and disruption of religious harmony in the North and East. Citing incidents at Semmalai Pillaiyar Temple, Kokkilai, and Kurundur Malai in Mullaitivu, he claimed that court orders were disregarded, Hindu worship was obstructed, private and temple lands were taken over, and Buddhist structures or symbols were installed with state support. He called for justice, transparency in archaeological work, and an end to the use of archaeology and religious sites for demographic or territorial changes. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister opened the debate on the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Budget Head, arguing that religious, cultural, artistic and heritage work is central to social norms and national development. He outlined a total 2025 allocation of Rs. 13,725 million, including funds for the Ministry and departments covering Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian affairs, archaeology, museums, archives and cultural institutions. He said the Government would support religious education, festivals, worship-site development, solar projects, and the forthcoming public exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, while also investing in cultural heritage research such as work related to the Fahiengala human remains. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Most registered mosques have Imam and Muadhdhin positions, though some do not, and their establishment depends on each mosque’s income. The Minister stated that no decision has been made on a minimum wage for these positions and that a fixed wage cannot be set because mosques are not income-generating institutions and rely mainly on varying local monthly contributions. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether the Government is aware that registered Muslim mosques employ Imams and Muadhdhins, and that no written record exists setting minimum wages for those positions. He sought clarification on whether a decision will be made to establish minimum wages and ensure equal payment for these roles across all mosques, and if not, the reasons for inaction. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan rejected allegations tabled in Parliament that he obtained fuel station licences after entering politics, stating that the relevant licences predated his parliamentary career and requesting verification before such claims are made. He cautioned against communal or religiously sensitive rhetoric, opposed MMDA amendments that he said would contradict Sharia principles, and urged the Government to act fairly toward religious communities. On the Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Budget Head, he welcomed allocations for the Lower Malwathu Oya/KCM scheme but called for the release of agricultural lands gazetted as forest after wartime displacement, funding for the Pali Aru project, and further support for tanks, canals and farm roads in the war-affected North and East. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer stating that 5,085 archaeological sites have been identified, with the full list placed in the Library. He outlined protection measures including declarations under the Antiquities Ordinance, conservation and excavation work, regional maintenance arrangements, and public and school awareness programmes. The response noted that further details under part (b) were not applicable. Oral Question: Scarcity of Coconuts and Archaeological Site Protection (Q.92/2024, Q.210/2024) Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Rohana Bandara) SJB AI summary Raised Question No. 4 (210/2024) to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs regarding the protection of sites of archaeological value. The query sought information or action from the Ministry on safeguarding such sites, with Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka presenting it on behalf of Hon. Rohana Bandara. Oral Question: Scarcity of Coconuts and Archaeological Site Protection (Q.92/2024, Q.210/2024) Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs tabled the Report of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The report concerned the 2016 Annual Report of the Central Cultural Fund, the 2023 Performance Report of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the 2023 Annual Performance Report of the Department of National Archives, and was ordered to lie upon the Table. Opening and Papers Presented Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam seconded the Adjournment Motion and called for the release of lands in the Pudur Sri Siththi Vinayagar Temple area still held by the Air Force, arguing that the B and C security zones and related roads should be opened in the absence of war. He raised similar concerns in Batticaloa District, citing schools, markets, camps, and memorial land remaining under military or STF control, and said Defence Ministry approval was needed for releases. He also questioned the lack of action on State lands allegedly occupied in Paddumanodai and urged the Government to implement earlier decisions and promptly return lands to affected communities. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that religious issues should not be provoked, referring to a situation in Jaffna where some had called for a temple to be demolished. He said he would not be intimidated and maintained that wrongful practices should be corrected regardless of who is involved. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled an answer stating that registration of Arabic colleges is handled by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, while individual colleges currently conduct their own final examinations and issue certificates. He said a revised syllabus and curriculum have been drafted and sent to the Ministry of Education for approval, after which a unified examination system for Arabic colleges will be implemented, with related annexures placed in the Library. Oral Questions: Moulavi Certificate and Regidale Estate Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah) SJB AI summary Asked whether the Minister is aware that Arabic colleges are registered under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and currently conduct separate examinations to award the Moulavi Certificate. Sought clarification on whether the Government intends to introduce a common examination for awarding the certificate, and if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Questions: Moulavi Certificate and Regidale Estate Read →