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- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised concern that COVID-19 death data was not recorded or reported by religion, suggesting this could have been determined from names. He questioned the Minister on the prolonged lockdowns of predominantly Muslim villages such as Atulugama and Akurana after reported COVID-19 cases, alleging residents faced unnecessary fear and illegal pressure, and asked whether the actions in Atulugama were unlawful and whether an inquiry would be conducted. Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide detailed COVID-19 statistics for 2019–2022, including laboratory-confirmed cases, confirmed deaths, and demographic breakdowns by age, sex, residence, ethnicity and religion. He also requested data on the disposal of COVID-19 dead bodies, including numbers cremated and buried and corresponding demographic and geographic breakdowns, and asked for reasons if such information cannot be provided. Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a central initiative to rebuild the country through both environmental improvement and “spiritual purification.” He argued that environmental degradation, corruption, drugs, gambling and social misconduct require a change in public values as well as physical beautification. He linked the programme to tourism and development goals, citing coastal clean-up activities in Galle and plans to extend similar work through 500 vocational education institutions, while calling for Sri Lanka’s social capital and volunteerism to be directed toward national progress. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva said the Clean Sri Lanka programme should address social, environmental and ethical reform, with particular attention to restoring dignity and equal opportunity for vulnerable groups. Citing a reported incident in Dambulla where a disabled passenger with a ticket was unable to board buses, he called for public transport operators to uphold their obligations and for wider attitudinal change. He referred to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28 of 1996, and argued that legal access must be supported by enabling environments in education, employment, healthcare and public infrastructure. He proposed that the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force include a representative with disabilities and adopt universal design principles under the principle of “nothing about us without us.” Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam expressed support for the Clean Sri Lanka national programme as a needed initiative for sustainable social, political, economic and behavioural change across all communities. He emphasized that such change must begin with public representatives and take time to develop. He requested that programme materials, including the Clean Sri Lanka presentation and names of government schemes such as “Aswesuma,” be provided in Tamil, citing the 16th Amendment and the status of Tamil as an administrative language in the North and East. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath supported the motion seeking parliamentary and public backing for the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that the Opposition had mischaracterized it as unclear despite its objectives being set out in the Gazette. He described the programme as a broad social, political, environmental and ethical transformation aimed at changing public attitudes and behaviour, rather than a narrowly timed project limited to activities such as bus regulation or waste collection. He maintained that the programme aligns with Government policy and does not conflict with the Constitution or other laws, urging critics to engage with its stated framework before raising objections. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera defended the National People’s Power Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a five-year effort to rebuild the country through physical, environmental, social and moral reform. He argued that previous administrations had damaged public ethics, health, the environment and governance, and said the programme would address corruption, profiteering, narcotics networks and other harmful practices. He rejected Opposition criticism of the programme, cited the dispute over the cost of its launch ceremony, and called on MP Chamara Sampath to resign if the Government’s stated cost of Rs. 900,000 was correct. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi said Clean Sri Lanka is a central NPP Government programme built on environmental, social and ethical development, not merely a sanitation or environmental campaign. He outlined plans for safer roads, public sanitation, food safety, disability-friendly cities, low-noise zones, anti-corruption enforcement, behavioural change, and ecological restoration, implemented through a Presidential Task Force and State administrative structures down to village level. He argued that the programme reflects the public mandate received at the recent elections and is intended to mobilize the State, civil society, volunteers and citizens toward social reform and environmental protection. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme but urged the Government to apply its principles inclusively, including by appointing Tamil and Muslim representatives to the Presidential implementation team. He raised concerns about alleged discrimination in senior judicial appointments, the absence of a Muslim Cabinet Minister, and requested that details of Muslim COVID-19 victims subjected to forced cremation be tabled in Parliament. He also called for the expedited and proportionate allocation of Saudi-funded houses in Ampara District to tsunami-affected residents, particularly in Akkaraipattu. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer JJB AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer seconded the Adjournment Motion on the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that it is a broad national initiative for social, environmental and moral renewal rather than a limited effort targeting vehicle decorations or particular sectors. He rejected claims that the programme is anti-people or aimed at suppressing the media, and said the Government seeks to unite all communities and justify the public trust placed in it. He called for participation beyond race, religion, language and party divisions to support the programme’s stated aim of a “prosperous country” and a “beautiful life.” Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Read →
- 21 January 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka acknowledged concerns about public and religious opposition to a single plan covering two local authority areas. He indicated that public views could be obtained before proceeding with any joint plan, and that the member’s proposals would be taken into account. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) Read →
- 21 January 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs presented the 2023 Performance Report of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. He moved that the report be referred to the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem questioned the change in COVID-19 death-disposal guidelines issued by the Ministry in March 2020, noting that the original guidance allowed both cremation and burial but was altered after the second death, involving a Muslim person. He asked the Minister to identify the officials responsible for the revised circular and said Parliament should be informed for accountability. Oral Questions Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asked how the Government plans to build a “new society” and ethical order beyond politics, including in education, media and other key sectors. He specifically questioned how the authorities would address perceived partisanship among some media institutions while establishing this broader ethical framework. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya outlined the objectives and implementation structure of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, describing it as a national initiative to promote social, ethical and environmental transformation, good governance, and sustainable development. She said a 19-member Presidential Task Force, a Secretariat under the Presidential Secretariat, and legally based district and village-level councils would coordinate policy, public participation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She stated that public institutions must integrate relevant programme activities into their action plans, while special projects would be funded through budget allocations and a transparent “Clean Sri Lanka” Fund, with citizens invited to contribute proposals, volunteer work, expertise and financial support. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Responding to an Opposition allegation that the Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya had been politicized, the Deputy Minister said the previous office-holder’s term had ended and a temporary custodian was appointed by the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs through due process. He stated that an election timetable had been set under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, with the date published and open to all eligible contestants. He also clarified that rituals were only temporarily halted due to a nearby funeral and had since resumed, and maintained that appointments were being made lawfully rather than politically. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha argued that welfare and relief programmes must be better targeted to poor households, citing cases in Godakawela where wage labourers were excluded from Aswasuma while wealthier households received benefits. He proposed that future Aswasuma selection be conducted transparently at GN division level by a committee of six state officers ranking households for graded payments of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000. He also requested an increase in the Rs. 110 per-child school meal allocation, action on high retail kekulu rice prices and shortages in Sabaragamuwa and the South, and lawful, traditional procedures for appointing the Basnayake Nilame of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya following protests. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether the Government accepts that those responsible for the 2019 Easter attacks have not yet been brought before the law and that the Catholic Church and other religious leaders expect the masterminds and others involved to face justice soon. He sought clarification on whether steps will be taken to ensure accountability, justice and fairness for the victims, and if not, the reasons for inaction. Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned whether the proposed Rs. 6,000 education grant would be sufficient to reduce school dropouts and urged the Minister to give special attention to students’ broader difficulties. He argued that the Government, despite its large mandate, should meet the public’s expectation for prompt change, noting that previous governments also lost public confidence after failing to deliver. He called on the Government to table details on COVID-19 forced cremations, particularly affecting the Muslim community, saying election promises on this issue should be fulfilled consistently with commitments to end racism. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order concerning a vihara built in Jaffna, emphasizing that most Tamils in the area are willing to accept all religions and that his own religion teaches equality among religions. His remarks appeared to address religious coexistence in the context of the vihara issue. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →