Topic
Women & Children
458 speeches · 144 speakers
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By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
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Speeches
458 on this topic- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara raised concerns about unmarried children over 26, particularly those who remain unmarried to care for ailing pensioner parents, being ineligible for pension benefits after the parents’ deaths. He asked whether legal relief could be considered for such caregivers and whether they could be offered employment opportunities in the parents’ former institutions or supported through concessional loans or livelihood schemes. Oral Question: Payment of Pension since 2020 (1354/2025) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra objected to remarks made by Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe concerning Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe, describing them as misogynistic and harmful to women’s participation in politics. She requested that the remarks be expunged from Hansard and that Hon. Senasinghe publicly apologize, while urging the Speaker’s intervention and calling on the SJB to address the matter. Procedural Matters - Points of Order and Standing Order 27(2) clarifications Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that it combines economic development with social justice and specifically addresses the needs of more than 1.6 million persons with disabilities. He highlighted allocations for a Rs. 10,000 monthly disability allowance, accessibility improvements in public facilities and transport, day-care protection centres for children with intellectual disabilities, education support payments, and university policy reforms. He also noted plans to enforce the 3 per cent public-sector employment quota for persons with disabilities and provide private-sector wage subsidies of up to Rs. 15,000 per month for 24 months. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined a national anti-drug initiative titled “Whole Nation Together – National Action,” proposing Rs. 1,500 million for narcotics control programmes and 10 voluntary rehabilitation centres, along with Rs. 2,000 million to expand prison capacity, improve infrastructure, and use community and open-prison alternatives. He also set out Budget measures for persons with disabilities, including Aswesuma payments, updated accessibility regulations, Rs. 1,000 million for access facilities in public institutions, enforcement of the 3 percent public-sector recruitment quota, a private-sector wage subsidy scheme, and expanded day-care services. He further proposed continuing the Rs. 6,000 stationery grant for students in 2026, with Rs. 9,000 million allocated under Aswesuma. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined budget allocations for rural infrastructure, including Rs. 24,000 million for rural roads and Rs. 2,500 million for rural bridges, alongside proposals on ageing policy, women’s nutrition and entrepreneurship support, and relief schemes for migrant workers. He announced plans for a low-interest housing loan scheme and contributory pension scheme for migrant workers using Rs. 2,000 million from Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment funds. He also detailed measures to address human–elephant conflict, including electric fencing, deployment of Civil Security Department officers, vehicle and communication upgrades for wildlife authorities, and allocations for fodder, water management, and research-based long-term solutions. Additional funding was proposed for drama, performing arts and literature, while he noted restructuring needs in State media institutions due to financial difficulties. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Responding for the Government to an adjournment motion on reforms to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, the Minister said the 1931 law is outdated and that Cabinet has approved work on amendments to several statutes, including current draft amendments to Sections 41 and 42 concerning monastic disciplinary matters. He stated that the Government has no objection in principle to granting women voting rights in relevant elections, but noted that Section 40 currently refers to “a male person” and said changes affecting institutions such as the Dalada Maligawa should proceed with the guidance of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chief Prelates and the Tri-Nikaya Maha Sangha. He also outlined existing legal provisions on the Diyawadana Nilame’s ten-year term and age-related qualifications, and called for broad public consultation before further reforms. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that female Divisional Secretaries should be allowed to vote in the relevant elections, whether or not an amendment is made. He used a story from the Ummagga Jataka to illustrate that women have historically exercised sound judgment in decision-making. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna seconded Hon. Chathura Galappaththi’s motion and argued that the current framework for the relevant electorate, rooted in 1931 wording referring to “gentlemen,” excludes women and should be revised. She cited Buddhist teachings and historical examples to reject claims that custom or doctrine justify excluding women, and noted that many Divisional Secretaries are now women, leaving female officeholders effectively disenfranchised under the existing interpretation. She urged the Minister to amend the relevant Ordinance to extend voting rights to women Divisional Secretaries, with the consent and guidance of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters and related Sangha authorities. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Chathura Galappaththi moved an adjournment proposal calling for amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, No. 19 of 1931, particularly Section 40, to allow female Divisional Secretaries and relevant women officials to vote in elections for the Diyawadana Nilame and Basnayake Nilames. He argued that the exclusion is a colonial-era legal anomaly, not a Buddhist principle, and is inconsistent with constitutional equality guarantees, public service practice, and women’s historical role in Buddhist and temple-related contexts. He also proposed that future reforms consider the tenure and term limits of the Diyawadana Nilame, with the blessings of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chief Prelates. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister tabled an answer on vocational training centres for persons with disabilities, stating that 11 institutions operate under the Department of Social Services with 496 current trainees and additional pre-vocational capacity of 719. He outlined the application, aptitude testing, selection and orientation process, noting 2,038 applications in 2024 and 1,898 in 2025, with referrals and rehabilitation plans for those not selected. He also stated that trainers are insufficient, the recruitment scheme is being revised for Public Service Commission approval, and the estimated 2025 expenditure for the institutions is Rs. 512.46 million. Tabling of Answers: Lakhanda Radio Service and Vocational Training Centres Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel supported the national programme to eliminate drugs and organized crime, rejecting Opposition claims that it was a “drama” and arguing that drug abuse threatens youth, women, families, and all communities across ethnic and religious lines. She called for a society-wide response involving not only police and the military but also religious leaders, women, principals, teachers, and families, warning that drugs may affect households without their knowledge. Referring to Deepavali as a symbol of dispelling darkness, she urged unity beyond ethnic divisions to eradicate the drug menace and protect future generations. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage supported the Government’s “Ratama Ekata” national programme to eradicate dangerous drugs, arguing that after economic stabilization the country must address the social crisis caused by drugs and organized crime. She said the programme combines supply reduction through raids and prosecutions with demand reduction, public participation, school-level prevention, religious and community involvement, and youth education. Citing 187,872 pending drug-related cases, risks among 14-16 year olds in the Southern Province, and over 17,000 identified at-risk children, she highlighted planned measures including district rehabilitation centres, proceeds-of-crime confiscation, Divisional Secretariat interventions, and allocations through the Clean Sri Lanka 2025 Fund. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the adjournment debate on combating drug trafficking and organized crime, arguing that Sri Lanka has moved from drug use and transit to production, with political patronage enabling the growth of criminal networks. He cited incidents in the Northern Province, including drug tablet seizures and ICE-related deaths in Mannar, and said youth, students, and families are especially at risk because users can be difficult to identify. He called for a coordinated national programme led by the President involving police, armed forces, health services, government departments, women, families, and the public, with treatment and rehabilitation for users and cooperation from the Opposition. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana supported the motion to implement the “Nation Together” programme as a national anti-drug plan, arguing that enforcement against supply must be combined with measures to reduce demand, especially among youth. He proposed strengthening impartial law enforcement, expanding sports, arts, literature, cultural and community programmes, and mobilizing religious institutions, schools and wider society. He also raised concerns about alleged political links to underworld networks and called on the Opposition and youth, including those involved in the aragalaya, to join the programme launching on the 30th under the President and the Ministry of Public Security. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa highlighted Sri Lanka’s high burden of non-communicable diseases and cancers, noting about 33,000 new cancer cases annually and 10–15 breast cancer diagnoses daily, often at advanced stages. He said the Government is expanding treatment capacity, including five additional linear accelerators, while prioritizing early detection through self-examination, Suwanari and Suwa Divi clinics, and new Arogya Health and Wellness Centres serving defined local populations. He stated that the National Health Policy 2026–2035 and a 10-year Strategic Master Plan will support cancer control through proactive screening, timely referral for diagnostics, and access to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan supported the Adjournment Motion on breast cancer, stressing the need for early screening, symptom awareness, and reducing stigma so that cancer is not seen as an automatic death sentence. He linked rising cancer incidence to lifestyle and dietary changes, particularly increased consumption of processed and chemical-laden foods, and urged families to re-examine habits. He called for a sustained awareness campaign, including among schoolchildren, and for confidence-building messages that cancer can be treated and overcome. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi highlighted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Sri Lanka and is curable if detected early, noting the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She said awareness is inadequate among estate-sector women in Nuwara Eliya, including due to the lack of Tamil-language material, and called for targeted awareness programmes in hill-country estates with civil and women’s organizations. She urged education on symptoms, risks, and self-examination for women over 20 to help reduce the disease’s impact. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on breast cancer awareness, emphasizing low awareness of early detection in Tamil-speaking communities, including Tamils, Muslims and Hill Country Tamils. He requested that educational material, including self-examination guidance, be made available in Tamil and urged male MPs and men generally to discuss breast cancer openly with women in their families, encourage examination after age 20 and especially after 40, and help reduce stigma around treatment such as mastectomy. He called for continuous community awareness-raising and stressed that breast cancer is treatable. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Minister highlighted that breast cancer accounts for 26% of female cancers in Sri Lanka, with about 15 new cases and three deaths daily, while stressing that early detection can make it preventable or curable. She noted the higher risk among women aged 40–69, the presence of male cases, and urged women over 20 to practise TLC self-examinations and seek clinical assessment through Suwanari clinics. She also acknowledged the Indira Cancer Trust, the National Cancer Control Programme, and Parliament for supporting awareness initiatives and patient services. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa, speaking during Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, noted that Sri Lanka records over 5,000 new breast cancer cases annually and faces higher mortality due to delayed diagnosis, treatment delays, and limited access to diagnostics and therapies. He called for strengthened public education, training of primary healthcare staff, expanded district-level diagnostic facilities, timely referrals, and increased radiotherapy and oncology capacity across provinces. He urged the Government to prioritize physical and human resource allocation for breast cancer prevention and care, while stating the Opposition’s readiness to support such measures. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →