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- 22 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe urged the Health Ministry to address major staffing shortages in Eastern Province hospitals and Ayurvedic institutions, including by granting special approval to appoint long-serving health volunteers to existing assistant and nursing vacancies. He requested completion of the Nintavur women and children’s hospital, priority for a proposed Ayurvedic hospital near Akkaraipattu-Athaulachenai, and action on parking charges affecting patients at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital. He also asked the Government to provide the list of Muslims whose bodies were cremated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Mass Media head, he called for reforms to the SLBC Muslim Service, including a full-time Director, quality review panel, and representative council to improve programming and reduce excessive advertising during Ramadan. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman argued that the promised “system change” has not materialized and that existing practices, including police communications and media reporting, continue as under previous governments. He criticized media outlets for merely repeating statements by the Police Media Spokesman without verification, particularly in cases involving deaths and alleged associations. He urged the Minister of Mass Media to establish a new media culture and said the Government has a responsibility to implement the alternative political, social, and media reforms it promised. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about the SLBC Muslim Service, requesting limits on excessive advertising during religious programming, a dedicated administrative structure, an advisory committee, and action on recommendations submitted by the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum. He then highlighted health service deficiencies in Trincomalee District, including rising chronic kidney disease cases and shortages of staff, accommodation, drugs, and facilities at Padavi Siripura, Gomarangadawala, Pulmoddai, Kuchchaveli, Thoppur, and Kinniya hospitals. He urged the Health Minister to open the unused renal ward at Padavi Siripura, upgrade and resource several hospitals, appoint required specialists and medical administrators, and ensure allocated funds are used for physical infrastructure needs. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne – Deputy Minister of Mass Media AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne outlined the Government’s mass media agenda, emphasizing accountability for past violence against journalists, noting persistent impunity and pledging to reopen files where possible despite evidentiary difficulties. She said the Government is advancing a National Media Policy based on long-standing proposals from media organizations, including defining journalists, protecting media rights, setting co-regulation principles, and replacing the outdated Sri Lanka Press Council framework with a less intrusive approach. She also referred to proposals for a National Media Commission, a Chartered Institute of Media, and public consultation on recommendations addressing ethical reporting and disinformation. On the Online Safety Act, she stated that amendments recommended after consultations are being finalized for early presentation, with attention to platform regulation, the right to information, and responsible social media use. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka argued that media freedom remains weak, citing Sri Lanka’s low press freedom ranking, state media politicization, restrictive laws including the Online Safety Act, misinformation on social media, and the need for media literacy, independent public service broadcasting, wider internet access, affordable data, fair compensation from global platforms, and safeguards on AI in news. He called for the Right to Information Commission to be properly funded and staffed in line with the Act, and asked the Government to justify the benefits and expenditure of its new media policy. On health, he highlighted medicine, equipment, staffing, and service shortages nationally and in hospitals across the Galle District, including long waits for scans and surgeries, and requested urgent corrective action and the appointment of substantive directors to major hospitals currently led by acting officials. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi addressed the Health and Mass Media expenditure heads, arguing that the Government’s budget includes short-, medium-, and long-term measures to address poverty while promoting free, independent and impartial media. She said state media should function as a public asset rather than as a tool of the government or any party, and outlined plans to strengthen public service media, counter disinformation, train journalists and students, and support media pluralism. She also proposed modernization of the Government Printing Department, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, including digitization, studio upgrades, archival preservation, journalist ID cards and scholarships. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that issues relating to devalaya lands are being addressed alongside Buddhist temple lands under the relevant legal framework. He noted that clarifying ownership and title matters, including under the “Bim Saviya” programme, is complex and requires coordination among several ministries and trustees, and said he is involved in the ongoing consultations. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Asked whether the Government would introduce proper regulation and documentation of lands owned by devalayas, noting that some administrators are unaware of the full extent of such lands. He said these lands are important for sustaining the institutions but are vulnerable to misuse for private benefit, and urged action with relevant institutions. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi acknowledged practical difficulties arising from long-standing leases and informal transfers of properties attached to Buddhist sacred places, affecting matters such as school admissions and bank mortgages in districts including Kurunegala and Ratnapura. He stated that the Government is working to amend the Viharas and Devalagam law, particularly Sections 41 and 42, with guidance from the Maha Sangha, and that a draft has been sent to the Legal Draftsman. He added that further solutions would require consultations with religious authorities and local communities, not legal amendments alone. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on lands belonging to Buddhist sacred places, stating that the Buddhist Temporalities (Amendment) Act, No. 34 of 2013 does not specify land extents, while such lands are governed under the Viharas and Devalagam Ordinance, No. 19 of 1931. He said information on land extents is held by the relevant chief incumbents and trustees of 12,971 sacred places, and that temple lands may be leased or rented under Section 29(1) but cannot be mortgaged, sold, alienated, or sub-leased contrary to the Ordinance. Any unlawful sale or transfer is invalid, and action would be taken under the provisions of the 1931 Ordinance. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for details on lands governed by the Buddhist Temporalities (Amendment) Act, No. 34 of 2013, including their extent and the procedure for granting occupancy rights. He sought clarification on whether temple or dewalaya priests and trustees may rent, lease, sell, or otherwise transfer such lands, the legal basis or reasons if not permitted, and whether transferred ownership would revert to the relevant institution. He also requested whether the Government intends to adopt a common policy for these lands and, if so, the details of that policy. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna marked the Karthigai period by calling for remembrance of national martyrs, heroes, and figures of sacrifice. He urged members to hold them in their hearts while he addressed Parliament. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran said Tamil culture places importance on integrity and responsibility, and criticized unnamed individuals for spreading confusion without self-clarity. He stated that such provocations would be ignored while continuing their work. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary In his capacity as Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa raised concerns about an “Aruna” newspaper lead story claiming police complaints required approval from a Community Police Committee Chairman, stating that the report was unverified and later inadequately corrected. He cited previous reports by the same media group, including stories related to “Clean Sri Lanka” and Northern commemorations, alleging a pattern of publishing misleading information that could create public unrest or communal tension. He said complaints would be made to relevant authorities and legal action pursued where appropriate, while affirming the Government’s commitment to media freedom and the public’s right to accurate information. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: 'Aruna' News Report (19.11.2025) and Related Procedural Matters Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah stated that Muslim nurses, including in the Eastern Province, had previously been allowed to wear trousers without issue, but recent objections had arisen in some places. He requested the Minister to take appropriate action to address the matter. Oral Question by Private Notice (Standing Order 27(2)): Grant of Permission for Muslim Female Nurses to Wear Trousers Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) about reports that Muslim female nurses are being denied permission to wear trousers with their uniforms in some hospitals and nursing training institutions. He recalled that a 1992 Private Member’s Motion on this matter was unanimously agreed to with the consent of the then Health Minister, enabling Muslim nurses to dress in accordance with their religion and culture for over three decades. He asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to issue a Ministry circular to ensure the continued implementation of that permission across relevant institutions. Oral Question by Private Notice (Standing Order 27(2)): Grant of Permission for Muslim Female Nurses to Wear Trousers Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah called for boundary disputes among local authorities and Divisional Secretariats in Batticaloa, including Kattankudy, Manmunai Pattu, Koralaipattu Central and Kiran, to be resolved through committees and gazetted, with two new corresponding Pradeshiya Sabhas established. He urged an urgent amendment to Section 2 of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act and suspension of a Registrar General’s circular requiring foreign Muslim spouses to submit affidavits denying religious affiliation to obtain marriage clearance. He also requested the long-pending MN 3 salary/service upgrade for Management Service Officers, early Provincial Council elections now that funds have been allocated, and a mechanism to help Eastern Province local authorities meet salary obligations and continue functioning. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns over the re-installation of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee under police protection and alleged State-backed construction of viharas and land seizures in Tamil areas, including Kuchchaveli and Thayiddi, warning that these actions could undermine communal harmony. He criticized the Opposition Leader’s support for retaining the statue and said Tamil voters expected justice from him. He also requested administrative reforms in the North and East, including the creation of Kodikamam, Achchuveli and Akkarayankulam Divisional Secretariat divisions, and the gazetting or establishment of Urban Councils and local authorities for Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Madhu, Oddusuddan, Maruthankerny and Kandawalai. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the Trincomalee incident, stating that law enforcement must proceed carefully while preventing nationalist groups from creating communal flashpoints. He said the disputed land issue is before court, with interim arrangements made for surveying and demarcation between Coast Conservation land and temple land, and urged that the matter not be further agitated. He also said defence planning should be aligned with realistic security threats, noting that the Government does not anticipate a large-scale internal war or foreign invasion requiring an oversized conventional military posture. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Police action in cutting the fence of a locked temple to remove a statue that was reportedly later returned for “protection” at 6 a.m. Addressing the President, he said the incident had unnecessarily inflamed nationalist sentiment and asked that those who influenced the Police be identified and appropriate action taken. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →