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- 7 February 2025 The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe supported Hon. Rauff Hakeem’s Private Member’s Motion to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the compulsory cremation of COVID-19 victims under the Rajapaksa administration. He argued that there was no medical justification for cremating Muslim Janazas, citing WHO guidance that allowed burial or cremation and noting appeals from religious leaders against the policy. He described the decision as a grave injustice to Muslims, thanked opposition figures who opposed it at the time, and alleged that the policy was politically motivated against Muslims. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman seconded Rauff Hakeem’s motion calling for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the former Government’s COVID-19 forced cremation policy, which he said ignored WHO guidance and infringed the burial rights of several religious communities. He argued that both political leaders and public officials involved in promoting claims such as groundwater risk should be examined, including whether they acted knowingly or under political pressure. He urged Parliament to establish facts, assign accountability and make binding recommendations to prevent such decisions recurring. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem moved a resolution to appoint a Select Committee to investigate the State’s mandatory cremation policy for COVID-19 deaths in 2020 and recommend measures to ensure justice for affected families. He argued that the policy contradicted WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, ICRC and local expert guidance permitting safe burial, denied next-of-kin religious rites and last respects, and disproportionately affected Muslims and other religious minorities. He cited UN Human Rights Council resolutions of 2021 and 2022 calling for investigation and protection of religious burial rights, and noted that burials were later permitted only after local and international pressure. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized the previous administration’s handling of Muslim COVID-19 burial issues, citing an attempt to send Janazahs to the Maldives for burial. He asked whether the Government would conduct an administrative inquiry and take action against officials involved in those decisions who remain in responsible positions. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concern over the policy adopted during the relevant period to deny burials, stating that it affected Muslims and Catholics and had attracted international human rights attention. He argued that the decision was unscientific, wasteful of public funds, and involved taking bodies to distant locations, including a proposal to send them to the Maldives. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem questioned the Government’s handling of the COVID-19 forced cremation policy and the later decision to bury victims in Oddamavadi, arguing that both were based on unscientific premises and affected the religious rights of Muslims and other minorities. Citing operative paragraphs of the 23 March 2021 UN Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, he asked why no inquiry or accountability process had been undertaken despite the resolution’s call for investigations. He also raised concern that officials involved in the disputed decisions had since been appointed to senior health positions. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister outlined planned cultural sector programmes under the theme “A noble cultural life and a compassionate citizenry,” noting that inspections had identified incomplete large concrete structures at cultural centres, including an auditorium shell at the Kurunegala Jana Kala Foundation, which the Ministry intends to complete. He said the Budget-aligned proposals include a central Artists’ Residence in Colombo for regional artists, four fully equipped Multi-Cultural Centres including in the North and East, and an International Translation Centre to promote translation among Sinhala, Tamil and English works. He argued these measures are necessary to strengthen arts and culture as part of national development. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked what programme the Ministry has to use cultural centres and folk arts centres not merely to preserve past practices, but to contribute to a broader social and cultural transformation. He framed the question as concerning the alignment of these institutions with wider cultural change. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister reported that 220 Cultural Centres operate across all nine provinces, with 219 functioning satisfactorily, while the 11 centres in the Northern Province require further development. He said the Ministry has reviewed shortcomings, including inadequate staffing and programmes that depart from cultural objectives, and will introduce standards to ensure the centres better serve Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim cultural and artistic activities. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera raised public concerns that Cultural Centres and Folk Arts Centres are perceived as falling under the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, leading to blame when their functions fail. He asked how many such Cultural Centres are operating across Sri Lanka and whether they are currently fulfilling their intended mandate. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Kaikawala Folk Arts Centre is not administered by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, but is on Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority land leased to the Southern Provincial Council, which built and opened it in 1991. He said related parts of the question were therefore not applicable and noted that a report from the Bentota Divisional Secretary had been placed in the Library. He added that his Ministry is reviewing the administrative status of folk arts and cultural centres, some of which fall under Provincial Councils, with a view to providing information, making necessary changes, and supporting development. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether the Folk Arts Centre established in Kaikawala, Bentara, has been abandoned and whether it remains usable. He sought information on whether the Centre could be restored through renovation if necessary, and what steps would be taken to resume its administrative functions. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about the health sector, citing the absence of a proper national plan for hospital equipment and staffing across different levels of hospitals. He called for a committee and early action on patient safety and well-being regulations, and proposed integrating the Medical Supplies Division, NMRA, SPC and SPMC to improve medicine regulation, referring to a disputed mouthwash tender involving a previously surcharged supplier. He also requested a replacement phaco machine for Kuliyapitiya Hospital due to a cataract surgery backlog, and urged amendments to Ayurveda legislation to protect traditional medical practitioners alongside Ayurveda and Unani systems. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Presented the 2016 Annual Report of the Central Cultural Fund on behalf of the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. He moved that the report be referred to the relevant Consultative Committee, and the House agreed. Papers: Tabling of Reports and Orders Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah paid tribute to former MP Dr. Al Haj I. M. Ilyas, highlighting his role in Muslim political activism, minority rights advocacy, and support for Northern Muslims expelled by the LTTE. He recalled Dr. Ilyas’s efforts to seek justice for the 1976 Puttalam mosque shooting victims, his work with Tamil leaders after contesting the 1977 election, and his consistent advocacy for Palestine and Al-Aqsa. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s public service as a doctor, his commitment to minority unity and community welfare, and his final wish for the Palestinian flag to be draped over his coffin. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan joined the Vote of Condolence on behalf of the Sri Lanka Labour Party and the people of Vanni District, expressing sympathy to the families of Rukman Senanayake, Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel and Dr. I.M. Ilyas. He recalled Senanayake’s public service and independence-era family legacy, Perera’s work for Gampaha and the Western Province, and de Mel’s role as a trade unionist and party activist. He paid particular tribute to Dr. Ilyas for his social service, advocacy for Northern Muslims expelled in 1990, work on resettlement, role in organizing the 1996 Ijthima in Puttalam, and participation in international solidarity protests. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal paid tribute to Dr. Ilyas, highlighting his medical and civic service after the 1976 tragedy, his role as Coroner, and his involvement in social struggles affecting Puttalam. He noted Dr. Ilyas’s leadership in the Puttalam salt struggle, which helped secure legal rights for local salt producers, and his support for Muslims displaced from the North in 1990 through housing, relief, and community mobilization. He also referred to Dr. Ilyas’s free medical services, assistance to children, and contributions to development projects including the Noor Nagar railway station and projects supported by Iran. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →
- 24 January 2025 Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal paid tribute to the late Dr. I.M. Ilyas on a condolence motion, highlighting his roles as a doctor, politician and social activist in Puttalam. He recalled Dr. Ilyas’s political career in the District Development Council, North Western Provincial Council and Parliament, his campaigns against social injustice including the Puttalam “salt struggle,” and his assistance to Muslims displaced from the North in 1990. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s free medical services, development work in Puttalam, and projects supported by Iran, describing his death as a significant loss to the district. Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas Read →
- 23 January 2025 Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper seconded the Adjournment Motion on protecting Rohingya refugees, arguing that those rescued from Myanmar should not be characterized merely as “illegal immigrants” but treated as refugees and trafficking victims fleeing persecution. He urged strong action against traffickers, UNHCR access to assess and assist the group, correction of what he described as erroneous official framing, and adherence to the principle of non-refoulement. He also called on the Government to dispel public panic and misinformation about large refugee inflows while maintaining border management and social harmony. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem welcomed action against officials who deliberately acted during the COVID-19 period but recalled that Muslim burials were permitted only after major protests. He argued that the cremation-only policy was unscientific and hostile, citing WHO guidance and medical views that the virus would not spread through groundwater or survive after death. He specifically questioned what action would be taken against Prof. Meththika Vithanage for her claims regarding groundwater contamination and burial policy. Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 Read →