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- 6 March 2025 Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) regarding the construction of the “Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya” on privately owned land in Thyiddy, Valikamam North, Jaffna. He asked whether the Government had acquired the land under the Land Acquisition Act, sought details of any Gazette notification and stated public purpose, and questioned the legality of using acquired land for a different purpose. He requested the Government’s response on returning the land to the owners who have been protesting for its release. Private Notice Question: Construction of Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya on Private Land in Thyiddy Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir raised concerns that recent actions in Kalmunai, reportedly citing “Islamic extremists,” risk stigmatizing the wider Muslim community, while affirming the community’s cooperation against threats to national sovereignty. He questioned funding for sustaining the former “Saubhagya” production villages, sought clarification on savings of Samurdhi beneficiaries excluded from Aswesuma, and requested Divisional Secretariat-based selection mechanisms for fairness. He urged greater development of fisheries, including dredging and operationalizing Oluvil Harbour, establishing an ice factory in Sainthamaruthu or Kalmunai, restoring the deep-sea telecom tower, and acting on the Danish geotechnical study. He also requested increased allocations for inland fisheries development in tanks across Akkaraipattu, Nintavur, Pottuvil, and Irakkamam. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concern over recent statements by the Minister of Public Security and Cabinet Spokesman alleging radical teachings of children in Kalmunai, saying the generalized claims had caused confusion and suspicion in the community. He said local Islamic organizations and the Muslim community were ready to cooperate fully with lawful investigations into any extremist activity, including identifying funding and patronage, but urged the Government to avoid statements that could revive false narratives against Muslims. He requested a ministerial clarification to Parliament on the investigations and actions taken, and also asked that the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation restore its long-running nightly Islamic programme during Ramadan from 45 minutes to one hour. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary In a tabled answer, the Minister stated that 321 Arabic schools are registered and that a common curriculum issued in 2013 by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs applies to them, with schools required to report any additional curricula. He said the curriculum is being revised following a 2020 Committee on Public Accounts recommendation, an expert committee appointed in 2022 has prepared a revised syllabus, and it has been sent to the Ministry of Education for review and approval before implementation. Oral Question 4: Arabic schools curriculum (Q.481/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister described the Regidale Estate in Kahapola, a 76-acre property donated for Buddhist purposes, as abandoned and overgrown despite an inauguration plaque and only about 5 per cent progress over three years. He outlined the complex administrative history of the land among several state institutions and noted that proper title transfer has not been completed. He said a Cabinet Paper was submitted on 20 December 2024 to regularize the situation and decide the next steps, given the site’s proximity to Colombo and the lack of planned development. Oral Question 1: Shakya Kingdom replica at Kahapola (Q.481/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Shakya Kingdom reconstruction project, for which a foundation stone was laid in January 2017, used no government funds, with only land provided by the Ministry under an MoU with the Light of Asia Foundation. He said the Foundation failed to complete the work within the agreed three years, achieving only about 5 per cent progress, leading to cancellation of the MoU and suspension of the project. He added that about 5 acres, including existing constructions and adjacent land, are to be regularized for a proposed International Multicultural Centre, and that a Cabinet Memorandum has been submitted. Oral Question 1: Shakya Kingdom replica at Kahapola (Q.481/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage supported Chandima Hettiaratchi’s Motion on strengthening the National Youth Services Council, stating that the Council and the National Youth Corps had not fulfilled their objectives due to past politicization and misuse of funds. He said the Government had identified youth isolation and wider problems caused by economic, educational, cultural, and health-related failures, and had begun programmes to network youth through centres at Grama Niladhari Division level. He outlined plans to promote entrepreneurship, sports, English and IT skills, and cultural development, and pledged to implement the Ministry’s policies as a comprehensive youth uplift programme. Adjournment Motion: Reorganization of National Youth Services Council Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake tabled a written answer stating that there is no management–employee dispute over planting a sapling from the Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at the Port, but approval has not been granted due to lack of proper authorization, concerns over saline water ingress, and objections related to organizing mandatory Poya day worship. The Port’s Top Management Committee considered a request said to be from employees and decided not to permit planting another Bo tree on Port land. Employees have been informed, and further studies on Galle Port development plans and saline intrusion are to be conducted before any appropriate action is taken. Oral Question: Bo Sapling Planting at Galle Port (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna made a personal explanation responding to remarks she said had harmed her and her family, including claims about her name and past events connected to violence in Kandy and Matale. She stated that her name had not been secretly changed and said her earlier question concerned the justification for spending Rs. 1 billion on a feasibility study and allocating Rs. 2.5 billion for the Kelani Valley railway. She thanked several Members, including the Leader of the Opposition, the Prime Minister and the Chief Government Whip, for their support, and directed further personal allegations and challenges at Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka criticised the Government’s inaugural Budget as a reversal of the JVP-NPP’s pre-election positions, arguing that it now accepts the IMF path, private participation, foreign universities, land use for investors, and digital identity despite earlier opposition. He questioned the adequacy of allocations for religious education and highlighted what he said were unfulfilled promises on VAT reductions, public servant benefits, teachers’ salaries, agricultural inputs, school supplies, and Agrahara insurance. He also challenged the structure of the proposed public sector salary increases and said the Budget gives more detail on expenditure than on revenue and debt management. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi – Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Minister supported the Government’s first Budget, arguing that its allocations reflect a broader aim of social upliftment, human freedom, and support for vulnerable groups, including prisoners, persons with disabilities, children in care, and women. He linked provisions on transport, water, environment, and education to the need to rebuild society after recent national crises, citing local water shortages in Eheliyagoda and environmental degradation. He also criticised the Opposition for seeking to move past past abuses and failures, defended continued reference to such events as necessary for accountability, and called for greater public “Budget literacy” to prevent misinterpretation of fiscal measures such as salary proposals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath said that long-standing allegations against his party regarding extremism, economic mismanagement, and religious fanaticism were disproved soon after it assumed power. He argued that voters had been influenced by scare narratives about economic collapse and calamity, but that these narratives were defeated within 24 hours of the new government taking office. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected Dayasiri Jayasekara’s allegation that he had climbed over a temple wall, stating that he had only visited a disputed land site allegedly acquired under the previous Rajapaksa administration and had left when access was denied. He said he had requested a CID investigation and a Divisional Secretary’s report on the land’s ownership and acquisition, and denied any intention to interfere with Buddhist or other religious sites. He also said past governments had failed to address long-standing teachers’ salary anomalies, while the current Government would work to resolve remaining issues. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim acknowledged another Member’s apology and called on the JVP to apologize for its alleged role in bombing the Sri Dalada Maligawa. He stated that such an apology had not yet been made and was what he expected from them. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha supported the motion on Meelad Muslim Vidyalaya, noting severe space shortages at the high-demand bilingual school and delays in making the closed Sumantha Vidyalaya building available despite approval in 2024. She said Grade 1 pupils had been left without classrooms after objections raised on ethnic grounds and emphasized the government’s policy direction toward tri-lingual schooling and equal access to education. She outlined interim and long-term measures, including temporary accommodation at Nikape Vidyalaya and consideration of upgrading S.D.S. Jayasinghe Vidyalaya as a tri-lingual national school, and stated that the issue would be resolved within days. Adjournment Debate: Additional Building for Meelad Vidyalaya, Dehiwala Read →
- 17 February 2025 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs met on 17 February 2025 with Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi as Chair and members from Government and Opposition in attendance. The entry records the committee’s composition for the sitting rather than a substantive speech, proposal, or debate on a specific policy or legislative matter. Parliamentary Structure and Committees Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa supported the motion’s concern over the COVID-19 cremation policy, arguing that compulsory cremations were politically driven and lacked scientific basis. He said the policy caused serious suffering to Muslim families and others whose religious rites were denied, while acknowledging that health officials nevertheless worked to control the pandemic under difficult conditions. He stated that the current government would follow expert guidance, protect religious and national freedoms, and prevent similar incidents from recurring. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Urging support for the Private Member’s Motion to appoint a Special Parliamentary Committee on the forced cremation of COVID-19 victims, Mohamed Sali Naleem argued that the policy caused grave hardship to Muslims and others and should be formally investigated. He highlighted the role of Majma Nagar in Ottamavadi, where villagers provided 17 acres for COVID-19 burials, and requested compensation or alternative land for them, as well as the immediate establishment of a school for the area’s children. He also raised concerns about youths arrested during the Aragalaya protests, particularly in his district, and asked Parliament to ensure legal relief, rehabilitation programmes, and discharge from cases where appropriate. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Private Member’s Motion by Hon. Rauff Hakeem concerning the mandatory cremation of COVID-19 victims, stating that the policy caused grave injustice to Muslims and appeared politically motivated rather than scientifically based. He argued that past governments used ethnic and religious divisions for political gain and called for health, agricultural, and economic policies that would prevent such incidents from recurring. He urged opposition cooperation in implementing policies that protect all communities and ensure peaceful coexistence. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe said he had warned former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa against the compulsory cremation of Muslim COVID-19 victims and called for a Parliamentary Select Committee to ensure such injustices do not recur. He expressed concern that the requested list of COVID-19 deceased persons whose remains were cremated had not been tabled, unlike other compensation-related lists. He also highlighted the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress’s role in reducing the parliamentary representation threshold to 5 per cent and sought cooperation and respect for Muslim community leaders, while noting a pending court matter over an event in Addalaichenai. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →