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- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had made progress in investigating the Easter Sunday attacks and welcomed Opposition acknowledgement of that process, while criticizing political figures associated with earlier narratives about the attacks. He argued that the attacks were preceded by preventable governance failures, communal polarization after 2009, and incidents such as Dharga Town in 2014, which he said had State patronage. He contrasted Sri Lanka’s response with New Zealand’s handling of the Christchurch attack, urging political leadership that isolates perpetrators without stigmatizing entire communities. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen corrected media reports, stating he had not alleged the presence of US military bases in Saudi Arabia and emphasized Saudi Arabia’s assistance to Sri Lanka. In the debate on the Easter attacks, he expressed confidence in Shani Abeysekara and Ravi Seneviratne, said the Opposition should support credible investigations, and urged the Government to identify the forces behind Zaharan and the attacks. He called for compensation not only for affected Catholic victims but also for Muslims who were unjustly detained, humiliated, or economically harmed, citing cases involving Hejaaz Hizbullah and his brother as examples of alleged misuse of investigations. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper criticized the Government’s adjournment motion on the Middle East conflict, arguing that it failed to condemn the United States and Israel for unlawfully creating the war situation and for acting contrary to United Nations agreements. He praised Iran and its people for defending their sovereignty and questioned the silence of Muslim-majority countries, religious leaders, and Muslim Government Members on the issue. He also accused the Government of verbally calling Iran a friendly nation while cooperating with America and Mossad. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the Government’s response to issues at archaeological sites is guided by the Antiquities Ordinance, while noting that Cabinet approval has been sought to amend the Antiquities Ordinance and the Central Cultural Fund Act due to limitations in the current legal framework. He emphasized balancing religious practices with heritage protection, citing restrictions such as flash photography at Sigiriya, and said instructions had been given to the Department of Archaeology regarding Nelukal. He also asked Members to examine when disputed shops were built and who approved them, stating that the Government would act according to law while seeking mutual understanding. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam disputed the Minister’s response on archaeology-related sites, arguing that restrictions on Hindu worship practices, alleged illegal shops, and the Thaiyiddy Viharaya issue had not been adequately addressed. He questioned the role of the Department of Archaeology and the Army in developments at Nelukalmalai/Thanthamalai, called for equal treatment of communities, and raised safety concerns over preventing basic facilities such as electricity meters at long-standing Saivite worship sites. He also objected to interruptions by the Chair, citing Standing Orders and understandings on time for Standing Order 27(2) matters. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary No permissions have been granted for the alleged target of 38 temples, and the Department of Archaeology’s role at Kurundikulam is limited to the declared 78-acre archaeological protected area and proposed re-gazetting of 229 surrounding acres, not fisheries or tank administration. Vedukkunar Malai, within a forest reserve, is being processed for declaration as an archaeological reserve, with identified Buddhist monuments supported by early cave inscriptions and legal action already initiated against unauthorized constructions. The Minister emphasized that religious observances may continue, but any damage, alteration or displacement of antiquities is prohibited under the Antiquities Ordinance, and archaeological heritage should be protected as national heritage belonging to all communities. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi responded to concerns about Department of Archaeology activity in several Eastern Province sites, stating that the Department is not a Buddhist-only institution and that archaeological regulation applies to heritage of all religious backgrounds. He addressed Koneswaram/Fort Frederick, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai and Kuchchaveli, saying temple worship had not been restricted, certain practical works could proceed after statutory assessments, and allegations of new constructions or approvals would be verified. He said unauthorized structures in archaeological reserves are a wider national issue to be handled under law and relevant standards, and undertook to improve consultation with local authorities, issue communications in Tamil in Tamil-speaking areas, and deploy adequate Tamil-speaking staff. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question alleging discriminatory and exclusionary practices by the Department of Archaeology affecting Hindu and Christian religious sites in the North and East. He sought ministerial clarification on restrictions, land access, new or regularized Buddhist constructions, alleged military or State support, and community consultation at sites including Koneswaram, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai, Kuchchaveli, Kurundurmalai, Vedukkunari Malai and Thaiyiddy. He asked the Government to state the legal and historical basis for these actions, restore access and worship rights, remove biased restrictions, and halt measures he said could alter local demography. He also requested that Archaeology Department communications in Batticaloa be issued in Tamil and that Tamil-speaking officers be retained or appointed. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Question by Private Notice requesting detailed information on official passports issued to religious leaders, including recipients’ names, districts, and dates of issue. He also sought full details of foreign visits made using those passports, the criteria and conditions for renewing expired official passports, and the names of religious leaders whose passports had been renewed, or reasons if such information could not be provided. Oral Question (Private Notice): Official Passports Issued to Religious Leaders Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer criticized Opposition claims about economic competence and accusations regarding possible festive-season price and fuel increases, arguing that global war and economic instability require necessary government measures. He defended the Government’s neutrality policy and humanitarian stance in international conflict, stating that attacks on civilians or economically significant sites cannot be condoned. He also condemned attempts to politicize religious events such as the President’s Iftar and urged attention to food, fuel, and security while discouraging fearmongering, racism, and communal suspicion in politics and media. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Government is continuing the established procedures for registering temples and granting lands to religious institutions. He said concerns about possible anomalies can be discussed with the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and the advisory council, and that expert committees are examining issues relating to Qur’an copies held in custody at ports. He denied any deliberate Government delay or obstruction and indicated willingness to consult further with Deputy Minister Muneer Moulafar. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth questioned why restrictions on Muslim religious rights and institutions continue in the aftermath of the Zaharan incident. He raised concerns that Qur’an translations remain unreleased, madrasas and mosques on State lands are being asked to obtain leases while other religious institutions receive grants, and routine administrative processes such as registration updates, grading, and name or address changes have been halted. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked whether the new Government would appoint Maulavi teachers to teach Islamic religious subjects in government schools, noting that such appointments have not been made for decades. He also requested the resumption of the pre-2015 Al-Aalim Muthawassitha and Al-Aalim Sanaviyya examinations under the old scheme, stating that the certificates are relevant for college admission points. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister stated that, following instructions from the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, an 11-member official committee was appointed on 6 March 2026 to draft a Madrasah Education Act, prepare a common syllabus for Madrasah institutions, and report on the Al‑Aalim Final Examination syllabus. The committee is due to meet on 25 March 2026, after which further action will be taken based on its decisions. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Arabic educational institutions are registered under three categories: Temporary Preliminary Arabic Schools, Preliminary Arabic Schools, and Arabic Colleges, with 321 institutions currently registered. He said upgrading from Temporary Preliminary to Preliminary is continuing, but upgrading from Preliminary to Arabic College has been suspended since 2019 pending finalisation of a curricular framework. A common syllabus and framework have been submitted to the Ministry of Education for review, and further regulatory measures are being developed following directions from the National Security Council to regulate religious instruction and private educational institutions, including Madrasas. Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the extension of emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that they are necessary for national security, public order, essential services, and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. He defended the Government’s non-aligned foreign policy amid tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, condemned attacks on Iran, and thanked the President for humanitarian assistance to Iranian seafarers. He also said Muslims were now able to observe Ramadan peacefully under the current Government and accused the Opposition of politicizing international and communal issues for electoral gain. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer defended the post-“Ditwah” Emergency as a measure to restore normalcy after cyclone damage, such as disrupted rail services, rather than to suppress the Opposition. He urged political unity amid global conflict risks, welcomed the President’s statement of Sri Lanka’s neutral and humane position following the attack on an Iranian vessel, and said no country should violate another’s sovereignty or attack civilians. He criticised attempts to politicize the Iranian incident, noting the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s interests given the large number of Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera called for Sri Lanka to act according to a nonviolent, civilizational ethos rooted in Buddhist teachings. He said the country should serve as a mediator in global conflicts and promote peace through its philosophical vision. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s foreign policy amid regional and global tensions, recalling the 1971 position supporting the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. He questioned the Government’s silence on the attack on Iran and asked for clarification on its stance regarding United States-led actions and agreements signed with India and the United States. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Supported the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill in principle but warned that strict bank-like regulation and CRIB reporting could harm small societies, low-income borrowers, small entrepreneurs, and fishing communities, calling for relief or exemptions. Raised concerns that cyclone-affected farmers in Kalpitiya areas such as Navakkadu, Narakkali, Maampuri, and Norochcholai had not received adequate assistance, including for damaged coconut trees. Condemned the reported assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized the Government for not expressing condolences, and cited Iran’s past assistance to Sri Lanka, including oil credit and funded projects. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →