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 February 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the independence and composition of proposed Waqf Board nominations, arguing that concerns about politicization of Muslim religious institutions should be answered factually rather than characterized as communal or racist. He cited reported nominees with military or ruling-party links, asked what action the government had taken on a complaint submitted by Dr. Shafi, and urged the correction of shortcomings by appointing suitable independent members. He also called for preventing external communal influences and ensuring that mosque administration is not brought under government-aligned control. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had a five-year mandate and had not promised to fulfil all policy pledges within one year, in the context of the debate on abolishing MPs’ pensions. He rejected media claims attributed to an SJB MP about appointments to Wakf and related bodies, saying any specific allegations should be addressed through corrective action rather than casting suspicion on the Muslim community. He stated that the Shura Council had not yet been appointed and that proposed nominations and any past irregularities would be reviewed to strengthen the Wakf Board. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Delays in the matter were attributed to differing views among multiple stakeholders, which led to the postponement of some meetings. The Minister stated that he would continue efforts to resolve the disagreements and finalize the process. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Regarding the proposed common syllabus for Arabic colleges, Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said discussions had continued for six to seven years and were delayed by differences between the Ministry of Education-appointed panel and the Muslim Cultural Department. He requested that around 80 long-operating Arabic colleges be registered together with the existing 320 registered institutions, with the common syllabus and any new rules or legislation applied once adopted. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Approval can be granted for registering Qur’an madrasas, and that process is continuing, while the main outstanding issue concerns Arabic colleges. Following initiatives begun in April 2024 and accelerated by the current President in October 2025, legislation and curriculum revisions are being finalized for madrasas and Arabic colleges, with 321 Arabic colleges registered and about 82 applications pending. Three review committees are working on regularization measures, and the Minister said he would intervene to expedite completion of the Bill, curriculum, and registration process. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a matter under Standing Order 27(2) concerning the suspension, since a 2020 Ministry instruction, of registration for madrasas and Arabic colleges by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. He argued that, unlike comparable institutions registered under other religious affairs departments, the halt has created difficulties relating to certificate recognition, employment and higher education, administration, banking, funding, and donations. He asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether approval could be facilitated to resume registration and what steps had been taken to address the issue. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined measures under the Government’s media policy to develop a professional and equitable media sector. She stated that the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals Bill has received Attorney General’s clearance, is being processed by the Legal Draftsman, and is expected to be gazetted soon to strengthen journalists’ professional status and rights. She also said journalist scholarships will continue, and that the Ministry is exploring a contributory health insurance scheme with state support for regional journalists, with implementation targeted for the year. Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Government receives complaints from journalists about private media outlets, including closures, piece-rate work, non-payment, and lack of EPF/ETF benefits. She noted that private media companies fall under the Companies Act and labour law, limiting the Ministry’s direct authority over their employment practices. She said the Director General of Government Information issued a letter on 7 January 2026 requesting private media institutions to pay journalists properly and safeguard their professional dignity. Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the justification for extending the emergency in the absence of war or communal tensions, asking whether it is intended for disaster management or to suppress rising public protests by groups such as teachers, graduates and doctors. He raised security concerns in Kinniya, noting the reduction of police personnel from 120 to 47 despite serving over 100,000 people, and requested adequate deployment, progress on a stalled Gazette proposal for a new police station at Nadutheru, and action on a proper site and building for the existing Kinniya station. He also urged the Government to address restrictions affecting access to Karumalaiyootru Mosque and restore the community’s ability to use it. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer — Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer defended the extension of the Emergency as a necessary measure to respond to the destruction caused by Cyclone “Ditva” and said it was being used to expedite rehabilitation, not to suppress media or the public. He rejected Opposition criticism by referring to past uses of Emergency and questioned earlier governments’ records on disaster response, environmental issues, and corruption. He also addressed the Mannar–Puttalam road and the Saudi-funded Nurachcholai housing scheme, alleging that past political actors had obstructed solutions and benefits for affected communities. He added that his Ministry would seek to prevent the politicization of mosques and religious institutions. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the extension of Emergency Regulations as a limited, disaster-related measure following the “Ditva” cyclone, asking the Opposition to identify any misuse beyond relief and essential services coordination. He also cited the Supreme Court determination on the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill as confirming the Government’s electoral mandate to repeal the 1977 pensions law by simple majority. He rejected claims that the Government had acted against Buddhism or other religions, and challenged Namal Rajapaksa to pursue a threatened defamation case over alleged underworld links so the matter could be tested in court. He further stated that criticism of the proposed Resident Protection Bill was inconsistent because a similar Bill had been introduced by the previous Government in 2024. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath recalled that, as Cultural and National Heritage Minister in 2005, he opposed a proposed celebration marking 500 years since Portuguese arrival and instead sought reparations for looted artifacts, loss of life and destruction under colonial rule. He stated that this led to agreements for the return of artifacts, including from the Netherlands, and said the Government is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure restitution while safeguarding sovereignty. He added that the Opposition Leader’s proposal aligns with ongoing action and that the Government is prepared to pursue economic reparations where necessary. Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra stated that attempts to spread abuse and disrespect through social media in order to mislead the public would not succeed. She argued that people across religious and ethnic communities, including Sinhala Buddhists, Tamil Hindus, and Muslims, understand such efforts. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims that Independence Day celebrations and the Tri-Forces should be framed through racism, arguing that all parties have a responsibility to end ethnic and religious divisive politics after the damage caused by the 30-year war. She criticized Opposition figures, including Namal Rajapaksa, for allegedly invoking Sinhala Buddhist sentiment despite past responsibility for the country’s crisis, and said the public mandate was against racism and corruption and for dignity and honesty. She also referred to controversy over education reforms and allegations against the Speaker, saying such narratives were being used to mislead the public. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Muneer Mulaffer responded to Rishad Bathiudeen’s reference to his political conscience, stating that the public was aware of Bathiudeen’s past political conduct. He said Bathiudeen had acknowledged that course of action and tabled a related court judgment for Bathiudeen to read. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked the Government to state what steps it is taking on the issue under discussion. He urged the Government not to attack religious leaders or encourage divisive nationalism for political gain, and criticized diaspora engagements, saying they should not be conducted at public expense or at the cost of national interests. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government over the alleged release of 323 red-labelled containers without proper investigation, including two reportedly flagged internationally for narcotics, and accused it of pursuing politically motivated investigations. He said Independence Day commemorations failed to adequately honour the armed forces’ role in defeating the LTTE, while also alleging disrespect towards religious leaders by Government ministers. He raised concerns about attacks on Sri Lankan fishermen within national waters, questioned the Government’s ability to ensure maritime security, and asked whether promised relief for cyclone-affected people had been properly funded, citing reports of bounced compensation cheques. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan questioned the scheduling of examinations during Ramadan, saying they should have been advanced by 10 days to finish by the 17th in view of fasting and night prayers. He urged future consultation with the relevant religious affairs divisions to avoid clashes with religious observances. He also requested that shoe vouchers and the Rs. 6,000 learning materials allowance be provided to difficult and most difficult area schools regardless of whether they have more or fewer than 200 students. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the telecommunications regulations aimed at strengthening spectrum management and digital services, but focused mainly on demands to regularize Development Officers serving in schools as teachers, noting their ongoing hunger strike and the scale of teacher vacancies, especially in the Eastern Province. He urged the Government and Prime Minister to fill those vacancies and proceed through interviews to absorb the officers into the Teachers’ Service. He also defended the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress as a democratic Opposition party and called on the Government to appoint a Muslim Cabinet Minister, arguing this would reflect the support received from Muslim voters and demonstrate a non-communal approach. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of undermining Buddhism and the Maha Sangha, arguing that this contravenes the Constitution’s requirement to give Buddhism the foremost place while protecting all religions. He demanded action on the teacher shortage by absorbing about 17,000 experienced development officers into the teaching service through a structured trainee and confirmation process. He also raised concerns over a US-India trade arrangement reducing India’s tariff to 18 per cent, warning that Sri Lankan exporters would face a disadvantage, and questioned Government action on reported garment factory closures and potential job losses. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →