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- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen welcomed the Rs. 6,000 stationery grant for children from low-income families but urged the new Parliament to focus on substantive governance rather than internal controversies, warning that public expectations are high. He requested disclosure to Parliament of the list of COVID-19 Janazas forcibly cremated and their next of kin, criticized errors in the Aswasuma beneficiary selection process, and called for revised lists using Samurdhi and local officials. He also urged action on delayed Al-Alim examinations, recruitment of religious teachers and trained principals, and the establishment of a Tamil-medium school in Kolonnawa where land donors are available. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran urged that sovereign debt restructuring and related policy decisions prioritize equitable resource allocation, particularly for Tamils in the North and East. He highlighted shortages in school funding, digital facilities, health and non-academic staff, sports equipment, and coaches in Vanni, Mannar and Mullaitivu, while noting recent athletic achievements by students and asking the Sports Minister to address these needs. He also called for official recognition of Tamil remembrance practices, requesting Government permission for a Mullivaikkal memorial listing those who died in May 2009, and referred to the peaceful commemorations held on 27 November 2024. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that officials such as Directors General and Secretaries should not merely accept committee recommendations but independently assess their accuracy. Referring to concerns raised about violations of religious and cultural practices, he requested basic aggregate statistics on affected persons and maintained that the process had targeted a community using false data. He called on the Government to initiate and lead a compensation programme for the families who suffered. Oral Question: Cremation of COVID-19 Victims (Q.9/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya criticized the previous Government’s pandemic-era decision affecting funeral and religious practices, stating it was insensitive, cruel, and lacked scientific basis. She said the current Government would not permit decisions that disrespect any community’s traditions or protect officials who act unscientifically or oppressively. She added that the affected community deserves redress and that the Government is prepared to discuss appropriate measures without causing further trauma or politicizing the issue. Oral Question: Cremation of COVID-19 Victims (Q.9/2024) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake briefly remarked on familial political representation in Parliament, noting that relationships such as fathers and sons or siblings had been common and that husband-and-wife representation also still existed. He offered no policy proposal or legislative argument, ending with a short concluding comment. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem addressed the Adjournment Debate on damage caused by recent torrential rains and thanked voters for electing SLMC candidates, noting the party’s expectation of obtaining a National List seat through the SJB. He also referred to the Government’s tabling of liquor licences issued under the previous administration and raised objections to a proposed liquor outlet in Panwila, Kandy, citing its proximity to schools and religious institutions. He tabled letters from Buddhist, Christian and Muslim religious representatives opposing the outlet and urged authorities to prevent its establishment. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Chithral Fernando SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando thanked voters in Puttalam and those who supported his entry into Parliament, highlighting increased youth participation. He criticized the President’s Throne Speech and Government speakers for focusing on political attacks and references to a “76-year curse” rather than presenting a clear policy direction. He argued that the Government’s broad characterization of opponents as corrupt contradicted its stated commitment to democracy and freedom, while affirming the Opposition’s support for efforts to defeat ethnic and religious extremism. He urged the Government, given its large mandate, to avoid arrogance and work collaboratively for the country’s betterment. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra urged Parliament to use the new mandate as an opportunity to advance national unity and prevent a return to racist or religious politics, citing Dr. N.M. Perera’s 1955 call for both Sinhala and Tamil to be State languages and the President’s recent policy pledge against racism. She linked the failure to heed such warnings to the consequences of the Sinhala Only policy, the war, social harm and national bankruptcy. She rejected Opposition claims that the Government was targeting “social media activists,” arguing that those spreading false or current-looking hate content should not be protected as free expression. She called on both Government and Opposition Members to respect the people’s mandate and ensure equality, dignity, and freedom from violence and discrimination for all communities. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer congratulated returning and newly elected Members and thanked voters, particularly in Gampaha District, noting the significance of his election as the district’s first Muslim male MP since Independence. Referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s policy statement, he argued that the national mandate reflected a desire for unity, reconciliation, and a prosperous country across regional, ethnic, and religious lines. He called on both Government and Opposition to reject ethnic chauvinism and extremist religious agitation, stating that such politics had caused severe human and economic damage and should not be used again to gain power. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi emphasized the Government’s policy theme of “Raising the Cultural Human Being” within “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” arguing that economic development must be matched by socio-cultural development to build a compassionate citizenry. He said the mandate received across the country, including the North and East, showed a rejection of religious extremism, chauvinism, and divisive politics, and called for nurturing a Sri Lankan national identity alongside global citizenship. He also urged renewed attention to education, culture, and language policy as tools to prevent sectarian conflict and promote a more inclusive civic culture. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →