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- 3 February 2026 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs met with Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi as Chair and the listed Members in attendance. The record indicates the composition and participation of the committee but does not include substantive debate, proposals, questions, or decisions on policy or legislation. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said the President’s remarks on religious activity in the North had been misrepresented, arguing that they referred to a specific temple and organized political mobilization rather than to Sinhala Buddhists visiting Nagadipa or other temples. He praised the President for speaking against what he described as chauvinist activity in areas without Sinhala Buddhist residents, and distinguished this from Tamil worship at Kataragama, noting its longstanding religious significance. He also urged the Government to address Tamil demands on education and make sound decisions. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir questioned recent statements by ruling party members about retaining power and “state power,” and argued that the Government must address practical public needs rather than repeat past practices. He said rural schools still lack basic facilities, parents continue to be asked to fund furniture and resources despite promises of change, and cold weather linked to climate conditions may require adjustments to school arrangements. He called for an accelerated coastal erosion mitigation programme in affected Eastern Province areas, citing exposed graves in Maligakadu and Nintavur-Attappallam and slow progress on promised works. He also urged the Minister of Cultural Affairs to reduce political interference in mosque administration and empower the relevant department to appoint suitable permanent administrators. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa defended the Government’s Grade 6 education reforms, arguing that Opposition parties publicly protested against the modules while claiming in Parliament not to oppose reform. He accused Opposition figures of spreading misinformation, including allegations about sexuality, religious symbols, and the Dhamma Chakra, and said these claims were intended to provoke public and religious sentiment. He urged parents to support the modules, which he said aim to build 21st-century skills such as technology, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and ICT, while allowing genuine errors to be corrected. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the proposed education reforms and commended the Prime Minister for pursuing them, arguing that Sri Lanka’s school and university syllabi are outdated and should be modernized without delay. He said objections were limited to sexuality and same-sex content on religious and cultural grounds, and urged removal or revision of those lessons rather than postponement of the entire reform. He also called for expanded higher education access through regulated non-State universities, with national policy, strict accreditation, foreign and public-private partnerships, student protections, scholarships, and stakeholder consultation to safeguard quality. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that proposed education reforms are being implemented hastily and should be assessed by whether they strengthen national harmony, preserve History as a compulsory subject, improve access to higher education, and reduce reliance on tuition. He questioned the suitability of module-based assessment for some subjects, raised concerns about textbooks, teacher training, science-stream access, BEd and pirivena issues, examination delays, and result formats needed for foreign university admission. He called for reforms that expand university pathways beyond the small share entering State universities, improve school resources, support additional language learning, and avoid portraying critics as opponents of free education. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported education reforms but urged that they be undertaken carefully to avoid repeating past discriminatory or flawed policies affecting Tamil-medium students. He called for equal opportunities for Sinhala- and Tamil-medium learners, greater engagement of qualified Tamil-speaking academics and Hindu scholarly institutions in curriculum and religious content, and stronger proofreading and review of Tamil-medium textbooks. He also proposed government responsibility for preschool teacher training and supervision, and emphasized science, technology, research, ICT, mathematics, and vocational education, particularly in disadvantaged and estate-sector schools, to improve employability and develop knowledge, attitudes, skills and practice. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Under existing law, authorities can regulate social media promotions of Ayurvedic products and treatments, investigate complaints, and take legal action where warranted. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa acknowledged that Sri Lanka lacks a comprehensive legal framework for broader regulation of harmful social media content and stated that new laws should be drafted while current provisions continue to be used. Oral Question: Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Plants Regulation Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about misleading and distorted advertisements on social media, including products promoted as medicines that may harm users. He noted that victims may avoid reporting such cases, limiting legal action, and asked the Minister, who also holds the Mass Media portfolio, what measures could be taken to regulate such online promotions. Oral Question: Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Plants Regulation Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the President had not spoken against any religion, but had warned against using religion to incite racism, and noted reports that complaints may be made to the CID over the matter. He linked this to the Amendment and education reforms before Parliament, saying the Government would continue providing relief and facilities to those in need under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that education reforms are necessary but risk undermining free education unless implemented through a structured pilot programme. He criticised the current Grade 1 reforms, citing the abolition of copybooks, lack of printed teacher guides, reliance on QR codes and digital equipment, and requests for schools to procure TVs and sound systems, and said children were being used as test subjects. He also raised concerns about delays in school uniforms and urged the President to retract a statement made in Jaffna if it had caused ethnic or religious tension. He referred to the remand of Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and alleged vilification of the Sangha, while calling for protection of all religious and ethnic communities. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth requested the Minister to issue Pooja Oppuwa deeds to all religious institutions. He referred to the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat area, where land relating to Mugudumaha Viharaya and archaeological sites was declared a sacred area by Gazette Extraordinary No. 2332/40 of 19.05.2023, and stated that compensation for 0.9263 hectares acquired from named individuals remains unpaid. He urged the Government to pay the outstanding compensation promptly, noting that the lands were relinquished to maintain peace and prevent conflict. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed regulations facilitating imports of essential goods for those affected by Cyclone “Dicha,” but questioned why detained consignments of the Holy Qur’an had not been released through specific Cabinet approval, particularly after flood damage and ahead of Ramadan. He alleged continuing unfair treatment of Muslims in government appointments, including Cabinet representation, diplomatic posts, and National List nominations, and called for qualified Muslim professionals to be appointed. He also urged urgent action over disrupted medical services in Akkaraipattu and criticized the reported influence of a “Prajashakthi” group over local administration. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticized the Government’s education reforms, stating that the Opposition had moved a No-Confidence Motion against the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister over the process. He alleged that Comprehensive Sexuality Education content, including material on sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation, was being introduced for Grade 6 and 7 students without adequate transparency, and called for the Minister’s resignation or support for the motion. He also raised concern over a reported assault on five students at Waters Edge on 12 September and urged Government action to protect students. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa began raising a matter concerning the Buddha Dhamma, but the provided excerpt contains no substantive details, proposal, question, or argument beyond the introductory reference. Ministerial Statement: Education Reform Issues Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that, as the National Institute of Education is a statutory body governed by its Council, any disciplinary action against officials must be decided by the Council, following a primary inquiry led by former Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne. She also clarified that the Dharma Chakra/Ashoka Chakra symbol used in the book was the officially approved emblem of the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs, endorsed by its Advisory Council on Buddhism and affirmed by the Mahanayake Theros of Asgiriya and Malwathu. Ministerial Statement: Education Reform Issues Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s handling of irregularities in education module preparation, arguing that accountability should extend beyond the NIE Director-General to other officials involved in preparing and overseeing the material. He highlighted continuing errors in the modules, including the use of the Ashoka Chakra instead of the Dharma Chakra in a Buddhism-related module, and asked whether any religious advisory body had approved it. He called for structured consultation on education reforms, correction of the identified mistakes, and opposed removing History from the optional subjects framework while supporting necessary modernization. Ministerial Statement: Education Reform Issues Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on establishing day-care and after-school support, arguing that changing family and economic conditions have left many children unsupervised before and after school. He proposed service-based centres attached to schools or run at community level through local authorities, provincial councils and education institutions, with pilot projects in low-income and dense housing areas using monitoring systems and possible international support, rather than relying primarily on a rigid legal mandate. He also raised an urgent matter regarding Hajj arrangements, noting approaching nusukmasar.com deadlines, the non-appointment or non-departure of group leaders, and issues at the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Jeddah, and requested Government action through the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. Adjournment Motion: Child Safety in Urban Housing Complexes Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala clarified that the Emergency Regulations were used only for disaster response, essential services, relief delivery, and public safety, not for political repression, media suppression, or governance by emergency powers. He stated that relief payments had largely been completed, including the Rs. 25,000 payment in full, 95 per cent of the Rs. 50,000 grant, and 65 per cent of crop-damage compensation at about Rs. 150,000 per hectare. He rejected allegations of a police state, said police had been allowed to act lawfully and without improper political orders, and affirmed that communal or religious extremism would not be permitted in relation to issues such as Tissa Vihara. He also explained that the Defence Secretary’s notice referred to the end of the active cyclone disaster phase, with the country now in the post-disaster recovery phase. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, speaking during the debate on a Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance, argued that emergency powers and security policies have historically enabled impunity for killings, disappearances, and unresolved cases involving journalists, Tamil politicians, and students. He alleged selective justice and discriminatory policing in relation to protests at Thayiddy, Jaffna, over private land declared a High Security Zone and the construction of Tissa Vihara, citing arrests of a Saiva priest, local representatives, landowners, and legal action against protesters including himself. He called for the release of occupied lands, removal of militarization in the North and East, accountability for past abuses, and a just political solution for Tamil people. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →