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- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister thanked Parliament for holding an awareness programme and Adjournment debate on breast cancer, linking the issue to personal and family experiences. She emphasized that breast cancer is often treatable when detected early and urged women to undertake regular screening, including self-examinations and clinical checks, beginning from young adulthood and certainly by age 35. She noted that services are available through government hospitals, clinics, and NGOs, and called for continued public awareness to save lives. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Seconding the Motion on preventing breast cancer, the member highlighted the high incidence and mortality among women in Sri Lanka, citing 5,447 cases in 2021, around 15 new cases daily, and three deaths daily. She emphasized that early detection can lead to near-complete cure rates and called for awareness and screening efforts to begin in Parliament and expand across public and private institutions. She also acknowledged awareness initiatives by the Indira Cancer Trust, Roshan Mahanama Trust, and school-based programmes such as pink ribbon campaigns and TLC—Touch, Look, Check. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe JJB AI summary Mrs. Samanmali Gunasinghe highlighted the financial and social impact of cancer on families, noting that stigma can prevent women from discussing symptoms or seeking help. She called for changing attitudes to encourage early testing, including self-examinations and referrals to appropriate medical institutions, and tabled related information. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe moved an Adjournment Motion marking Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, citing rising breast cancer incidence in Sri Lanka and the need for earlier detection through improved awareness. She proposed systematizing early-detection methods and conducting nationwide awareness programmes with the Ministry of Health, women’s organizations, and state and non-state institutions. She emphasized improving women’s health literacy, encouraging self-examination, and addressing social attitudes by involving families and wider society in prevention and support. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Government stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward physical and psychological violence against children and is pursuing action through coordination among the Education, Women and Children’s Affairs, Health, Justice, and Public Security Ministries. Regarding the specific incident raised, the Ministry of Education has intervened, investigations have begun, and the Police are involved. He said he would address the matter at the post-Cabinet media briefing and urged the media to report such cases sensitively to avoid revictimizing children. Oral Question: Post of Public Health Midwife - Vacancies (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over an alleged sexual abuse incident involving three students at Mahanama College, Colombo, and questioned the apparent lack of action by school authorities, medical personnel, the security firm, and relevant officials. He requested a proper investigation, protection and care for the affected children, and legal action against the alleged perpetrator and anyone obstructing justice. He also urged coordinated inter-ministerial action, including with the National Child Protection Authority, and asked for a statement to Parliament after inquiries. Oral Question: Post of Public Health Midwife - Vacancies (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to media descriptions of a fatal road accident that emphasized the driver was a woman, arguing such framing is inappropriate and undermines efforts to encourage women’s participation in industry. He requested that reports refer simply to the “driver” rather than “woman driver.” He also informed the House that the Opposition’s requested Adjournment Debate would be held on Friday from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question regarding a fundraising initiative by a group of women lawyers intended to pay fines and secure the release of indigent female prisoners. He asked whether the authorities were aware that the initiative had not been implemented, the prisoners remained incarcerated, and concerns had arisen about the handling of the funds raised. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Minister of Justice and the Ministry are reviewing prison reforms concerning female inmates and children under five, with attention to safety, development and welfare. The speech emphasized that reforms should focus on preventing children from remaining in prison, particularly by expediting judicial processes, since most affected women are remand detainees rather than convicted prisoners. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage asked for assurance that future progressive reforms will protect the rights of all children, regardless of their place of birth or upbringing. She linked the question to the Government’s first Budget, which she said aimed to prevent exclusion or stigmatization and to ensure children’s access to rights such as education and health. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary From January to August 2025, 425 women were serving prison sentences and 4,686 women were on remand, with 38 children living with incarcerated mothers. The Prime Minister stated that separate child-care centres operate in women’s prison sections for children under five, with arrangements for food, early childhood education, welfare support, and donations. She said Government measures include funding development work at the Welikada women’s section child-care centre, providing trained early childhood advisers, amending Prison Regulations to ensure nutritious food, renovating existing centres, and following up on the education and health of children transferred to guardians after age five. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The member raised a question to the Prime Minister concerning media reports that 47 young children were incarcerated with their imprisoned mothers in the early months of 2025. She sought details on the number of women imprisoned during that period, how many were detained with children, and what measures the Government has taken or plans to take regarding the children’s safety, nutrition, education, welfare, and future. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lanka legally defines elders as persons over 60 under the Protection of the Rights of Elders Act, No. 9 of 2000, and noted that the share of people aged 60+ has risen from 6.6 per cent in 1981 to an estimated 18 per cent in 2024. He outlined the newly launched national policy on older persons, covering rights protection, age-friendly environments, health care, economic security, social inclusion, long-term care, and evidence-based implementation. He detailed current welfare measures, including increased monthly assistance for elders aged 70+, health, sanitation, livelihood and housing grants, and support for registered elder care institutions. He said the Government is preparing amendments to the Elders Act, digitizing maintenance tribunals, developing a pension mechanism for informal-sector workers through the National Social Security Board, and introducing guidelines to regulate standards in elder care homes. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena raised questions to the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment following the launch of the National Policy for Older Persons on 1 October, World Children’s and World Elders’ Day. He emphasized that older persons should be viewed as active contributors to development, cultural transmission and decision-making, rather than passive welfare recipients, and highlighted the need for digital literacy and measures to reduce isolation. He asked for details on the age threshold for older persons, their number and population share, the goals of the new policy, and current and planned government programmes for older persons. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported the amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport and emphasized sport as a means of post-conflict coexistence, urging equal sporting opportunities and facilities across all provinces while avoiding politicization. He proposed dedicated funding for athletes with disabilities, including a 10 per cent allocation from Sri Lanka Cricket resources for disabled cricketers and support for disabled war heroes to participate in international events. He also called for comprehensive reform of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 to reduce ministerial control over selections and associations, strengthen independent governance and audits, establish clear election mechanisms, and give greater attention to football. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that the Government is fulfilling its mandate by rebuilding the economy, combating corruption and the underworld, and restoring democracy rather than engaging in “media spectacle.” He cited the President’s remarks at the UN General Assembly on anti-corruption, reconciliation, and representation for women and persons with disabilities, and referred to improvements in democracy and rule of law indices. He rejected the Opposition’s allegation of “constitutional autocracy,” pointing to multiparty representation in Parliament, fair elections, local authority administration, and planned vehicle allocations to Pradeshiya Sabhas, including those outside Government control. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on reported violence against children and women in 2024 and January–August 2025, and stated that cases are classified by risk level. He outlined reporting and response mechanisms, including the 24-hour 109 hotline, email and WhatsApp channels, investigations through the Children and Women Bureau, cooperation with NCMEC on online exploitation cases, awareness programmes, and officer training with UNDP and the National Police Academy. He also described measures to identify and rescue women and children used in drug-related activities, including police-level awareness, intelligence gathering, surveillance near schools, and engagement with parents and teachers. Adjournment Questions and Adjournment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage raised concerns about the reported increase in internet-based sexual exploitation of women and children, linking broader risks to narcotics, underworld activity, and the use of women and children in drug transport and sales. She stated that the Government’s drug detections reflected the removal of political protection for traffickers and asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for data up to August 2025, identification of high-risk groups, immediate response mechanisms, planned control measures, and steps to rescue women and children involved in drug-related activities. Adjournment Questions and Adjournment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill as necessary for protecting children from harmful punishment in homes, schools, and communities, but argued that legislation must be accompanied by public education, counselling, and alternative programmes to help parents and teachers guide children without violence. He said punishment can create fear, insecurity, and violent behaviour among children, and called on the Government to take broader preventive action. Referring to suffering in the North and East, including remains found at Chemmani, he also urged the Government to address past injustices against Tamil children and communities through concrete commitments on accountability and resettlement. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe supported the Bill to prohibit punishment and humiliation of children, linking it to Sri Lanka’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and earlier Penal Code amendments on child protection. She argued that despite existing laws, children continue to face abuse, including in contexts of poverty, migration of parents for work, conflict-related orphanhood, and criminal environments. Referring to proposed amendments to Section 308A, she defended the inclusion of non-physical acts causing humiliation and cited examples such as publicly branding a child a thief, stating that such provisions are necessary to protect children’s dignity. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →