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- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem said the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill fails to address concerns of women-led, membership-based community savings and credit providers, which sought exemption or separate categorization from regulation aimed at predatory lenders. He argued that deferring these issues to future regulations is inadequate. He also criticized the Government’s response to the Middle East crisis, demanding an open condemnation and condolences over the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader and broader condemnation of US-Israeli actions, while expressing solidarity with Gulf countries affected by Iranian strikes and urging de-escalation, nuclear non-proliferation, and respect for sovereignty. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill, stating that it would replace gaps under the Microfinance Act, No. 6 of 2016 by creating a nine-member Authority to regulate lenders and better protect borrowers. He said the Bill would address unregulated lending and recovery practices. He also responded to opposition remarks on Muslim issues, alleging past failures on anti-Muslim violence, COVID-19 cremations, Easter 2019 and seized Qur’an copies, while urging that Parliament not be used for ethnic incitement. He argued that the Government’s priority should be stability, security, public wellbeing and development for all communities. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister condemned the conflict in the Middle East, arguing that violations of sovereignty and military action cannot resolve disputes and should be replaced by dialogue and diplomacy. He said the Government is monitoring and supporting the safety of over one million Sri Lankans working in the region, whose families and remittances are important to Sri Lanka. He warned that the war could have economic and social repercussions for Sri Lanka, especially after its recovery from bankruptcy, and criticized attempts to create panic over fuel supplies or gain political advantage from the situation. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the disputed letter from the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs appeared to be an administrative decision rather than a personal action, but should be examined further. He noted that withdrawal of the letter may not resolve the issue due to related court determinations and the Waqf Board’s registration authority, and outlined possible registration avenues under the Waqf Act, Divisional Secretariat, Department of Social Services, or Registrar of Companies. He undertook to discuss the matter with the relevant Cabinet Minister to assess any legal scope for reconsideration. Oral Question by Private Notice: Reactivation of Deregistered Islamic Charitable Organizations (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah stated that about 350 organizations registered under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs were deregistered without any court order or legal decision removing the Department’s authority. He argued that the Director’s cancellation letter could be withdrawn administratively, allowing the organizations to resume functioning without new legislation, and asked the Minister to advise the Department accordingly. He noted that bodies such as the Sri Lanka Khateeb and Muazzin Welfare Organization had their bank accounts and investments affected by the deregistration. Oral Question by Private Notice: Reactivation of Deregistered Islamic Charitable Organizations (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi — Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Minister responded to three questions under Standing Order 27(2), stating that 435, not 350, Islamic charitable organizations had been registered by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs before all such registrations were annulled administratively with effect from 24 September 2019. He said the Department has no mechanism to restore those registrations, citing a Trincomalee Civil Appellate High Court judgment that registration and regulation fall under the Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trusts or Wakfs Act with Waqf Board approval. He added that eligible organizations may seek registration under that Act, while others may register through the Divisional Secretariat, Department of Social Services, or Registrar of Companies, and tabled the relevant annexes. Oral Question by Private Notice: Reactivation of Deregistered Islamic Charitable Organizations (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a Question by Private Notice to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs regarding the 2019 mass deregistration of approximately 350 Islamic charitable organizations registered under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. He said the cancellations, made without individual inquiries or published reports, disrupted religious, cultural, educational, youth, sports and social services and caused concern within the Muslim community. He asked whether the Minister acknowledged the cancellations, whether steps would be taken to reactivate the organizations’ registrations, and what action had already been taken to restore them. Oral Question by Private Notice: Reactivation of Deregistered Islamic Charitable Organizations (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan raised concerns about the Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal power plant, alleging inadequate local employment, suspected poor coal quality, pollution impacts, and related health issues, and urged future tenders to prioritise high-quality coal. He also called on the Government to address recent security incidents, including a fatal shooting in Jindupitiya, and to act quickly on the release of translated Holy Quran copies, especially after floods damaged many copies. He further requested urgent action to open the Ilavankulam road, arguing that its closure obstructs development and lengthens travel to the North despite there being no court order requiring closure. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a supplementary question regarding the vandalism of the Lalith Athulathmudali statue at the University of Peradeniya four years earlier and the alleged failure to acknowledge him as the originator of the Mahapola scheme. He requested the Prime Minister, in his capacity as Minister of Education and Higher Education, to ensure disciplinary action and restore official recognition to the scheme’s founder. Oral Question: Mahapola Trust Fund (Q.472/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about alleged involvement of ruling party local authority members in drug trafficking despite the Government’s “Country Together” operation. He requested urgent provision of toilet facilities at the new Colombo District Court complex and proposed scheduling reforms for Special High Courts to address difficulties faced by counsel. He also questioned the requirement for SIS reports in Wakf Board appointments, calling for the rule to be formally removed if unnecessary, and asked the Government to resolve issues concerning the Kattankudy mosque appointment and the release of Qur’ans held at the port. He further called for a fair and transparent system for judicial promotions, citing concerns raised by Justice Gihan Kulatunga. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth urged the Government to improve sports infrastructure in Pottuvil, including a modern sports ground, a sports complex, school playgrounds, completion of existing grounds, and the prompt appointment of a sports officer to the Divisional Secretariat. He also called for a Youth Vocational Training Centre and equipment support for local youth training facilities, noting the large number of youth and sports clubs in the area. He requested that the Government purchase wet paddy at a guaranteed price due to heavy rains preventing farmers from drying their harvest, and asked for appointments for candidates who passed the Eastern Provincial graduate teacher recruitment examination but remain unappointed due to cited vacancy issues. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns over a fatal shooting of two youths from Mannar in Colombo, requesting urgent action to prevent such killings, ensure medical treatment for the survivor, and compensate the affected family. He asked the Attorney General’s Department to expedite long-pending cases against officials linked to a bus transport case in which he said he had already been acquitted. He also alleged weaknesses in anti-narcotics enforcement, including inadequate action against implicated officers and political links to smugglers, and called for investigations. Additionally, he urged removal of restrictions on importing Qur’ans and Islamic books, reopening of the Mahar Mosque during Ramadan, and reopening or providing an alternative to the Mannar–Puttalam road, warning of protests if the issue remains unresolved. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, stating that higher penalties are needed to address drug trafficking and related violence. He cited recent killings linked to drug cases, including incidents involving court premises and legal professionals, and urged stronger law-and-order measures, maximum punishment for offenders, and public cooperation. He also called for prevention through religious and ethical guidance, parental care, livelihood support, and robust national action to curb drug use and distribution. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, arguing that narcotics are a common social threat requiring united action, strict enforcement, and prevention efforts involving religious institutions. He criticized alleged politicization of drug issues and raised concerns about government conduct toward Buddhist clergy. He also sought explanations on the 2026 Tri-Forces dry ration tender, claiming a Rs. 180 million loss, urged permanency for casual workers at Ceylon Mineral Sands, and questioned contradictory public statements by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka regarding wartime “white flag” allegations. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake stated that the Ministry will implement the “Yativara Mapiya Niwahana” housing programme for parents of Buddhist monks, in collaboration with the National Housing Development Authority. He said Cabinet approval has been obtained, Rs. 1.5 million will be provided per beneficiary, and the programme will target 1,000 houses nationwide, prioritizing remote and difficult villages, with commencement expected within the year. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara asked the Deputy Minister for details on the “Yativara Mapiya Niwahana” programme, which he said had been introduced to address challenges affecting the Buddhist Order, including monks disrobing. He requested information on its implementation, the number of beneficiaries to be supported, and the procedures involved. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said a mechanism has been prepared under the “Life to Heritage” programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites. He stated that the plan includes establishing district- and divisional-level community protection committees, involving local residents and interested parties, to identify, protect, and guide the preservation of such sites. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Devotees have offered 3,201 grams of gold jewellery and other gold items to the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya, including items found in tribute boxes during cash removal. The Basnayake Nilame has requested approval for action regarding these items, but no approval or decision to auction them has been made. Part of the gold is held in Safe No. 55 at the Bank of Ceylon, Kataragama Branch, while the remainder is kept in the Dewalaya office safe. Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to state the total weight of jewellery and gold items held by the Kataragama Dewalaya. He also sought clarification on whether any proposal exists to sell part or all of these items and transfer the proceeds to the Government, and, if so, what security arrangements and sale procedure, including any auction method, would be followed. Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. M. K. M. Aslam JJB AI summary M. K. M. Aslam spoke during debate on orders under the Motor Traffic Act and regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, but focused mainly on concerns raised about appointments to the Waqf Board. He said the Government had first reconstituted the Hajj Committee, had only shortlisted Waqf nominees, and would appoint a competent, inclusive and non-politicized board to oversee 2,826 registered mosques and address long-standing issues. He rejected allegations of political interference, defended Deputy Minister Muneer Mulafer, and argued that opposition criticism on Muslim community issues was inconsistent in light of past events and positions. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →