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- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Athula Welandagoda supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill presented by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, arguing that legal reform should accompany efforts to build a society based on human dignity, ethics, and balanced social relations. He said laws alone cannot create good citizens and linked the Bill to the Government’s “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life” policy vision and a broader change in political and social culture. Referring to violent incidents in Middeniya, including threats at a meeting and deaths connected to underworld and narcotics activity, he said the Government is working to curb drugs and criminal networks while using legislation to advance a more humane society. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran urged parents and teachers to avoid physical punishment and instead support children with affection, attention to their interests, and fulfilment of legitimate needs. He emphasized the importance of child psychology in understanding children’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural development, arguing that proper guidance and care are essential for producing mentally healthy and responsible citizens. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, arguing that physical and psychological punishment of children has long-term effects on their development and can contribute to later harmful behaviour. He highlighted risks faced by children without parental care, children in homes, schools, daycare centres and labour settings, and those affected by social, caste or religious bias. He urged Parliament to support the amendment unanimously and emphasized adults’ responsibility to protect children at every stage of childhood. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne supported the amendment prohibiting corporal punishment, arguing that psychological humiliation must be included because Article 11 of the Constitution, the CRC, international guidance, and Sri Lankan case law recognize degrading treatment beyond physical harm. She rejected proposals for exceptions such as “loving punishment,” stating that such language would create ambiguity and undermine the legislative objective. She emphasized that discipline can be maintained through non-violent methods and linked childhood violence to broader social violence, torture, and normalized humiliation in society. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chamindranee Kiriella welcomed the Penal Code Amendment Bill prohibiting corporal and humiliating punishment of children, noting Opposition support and citing NCPA complaint figures, including that about 20% of 2025 complaints relate to cruel punishment. She said the Bill appropriately responds to changing social expectations and serious abuses, but raised concerns about ambiguity over “good faith” actions and the undefined scope of non-physical humiliating punishment by parents, teachers, guardians or prefects. She urged clearer drafting, consideration of an Opposition amendment, faster handling of child protection complaints, and training for teachers in positive non-violent discipline methods. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, stating that its main provisions prohibit cruel and degrading physical or non-physical punishment of children and increase penalties for intentional and grievous harm against children. She rejected claims that the Bill targets teachers, arguing that it applies to any adult, caregiver, institution or parent and is centred on the best interests of children. Citing reported child offence and National Child Protection Authority complaint statistics, she urged Members to distinguish guidance from humiliation and to propose constructive amendments across party lines. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando welcomed the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill to prevent corporal punishment of children, arguing that it aligns with both international trends and Sri Lanka’s own historical traditions. He emphasized that poverty, overcrowded schools, drug abuse, and social distress contribute to teachers using corporal punishment, and warned that banning it without supporting teachers may not be effective. Citing international research, including examples from Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and South Africa, he argued that legal bans often fail without implementation measures, and tabled the research paper for the House and Library. He urged the Government to consider teacher training and education as part of a constructive approach before or alongside legislation. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana supported the Penal Code amendment as a timely measure to strengthen child protection, linking it to Sri Lanka’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the 2024 Bogota commitment to end corporal punishment. He outlined Ministry initiatives including a multi-sectoral mechanism to prevent child abuse, regulatory updates, livelihood support for vulnerable children, transport for child victims attending court, and increased preschool meal funding. He noted that concerns extend beyond schools to homes and institutions, including religious organizations, and referenced past legal measures and NCPA recommendations aimed at abolishing corporal punishment and addressing violence against children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara welcomed legal measures on children’s rights and welfare, while stressing that social justice and protection from abuse must accompany them. He questioned whether the Government was strengthening or worsening the justice system, citing concerns over recent arrests, remand, and bail practices. Referring specifically to the arrest and court production of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he argued that bail should have been considered in line with accepted principles where there is no risk of absconding or interfering with evidence, and called for consistency to maintain public confidence in the rule of law. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s wider legal reform agenda and said the colonial-era Penal Code must be modernized in line with contemporary child rights standards. He urged Members to engage substantively because courts may use Hansard to interpret legislative intent, and rejected Opposition claims that the Bill would victimize teachers or elders. He also denied allegations of Government interference in the judiciary, police, or independent commissions, contrasting the current administration’s approach with past instances of politicization, and called for support for the reform process. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Paid tribute to Rev. Fr. Luke Regini of Amalanmary Church, Mantai, and then objected to the proposed Mannar wind power project, citing prolonged public protests and the President’s directive to proceed with implementation. He argued that development should not come at the cost of local people’s lives and warned that resistance to the project would continue. He also welcomed the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, linking it to rising child abuse and calling for stronger measures to protect children amid social and technological vulnerabilities. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill as a measure to strengthen child protection in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 11 of the Constitution, and existing Sri Lankan child welfare frameworks. She cited survey data and National Child Protection Authority complaints to argue that corporal punishment, physical abuse, and psychological abuse remain widespread in homes, schools, and institutions, and noted prior Education Ministry circulars prohibiting corporal punishment in schools. She emphasized that the Bill is not aimed at any single group, including teachers, but seeks to ensure children are disciplined without violence and to protect their rights. She also linked child safety to broader concerns over narcotics and said legal reform should be accompanied by creating a safer social environment for children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa supported protecting children from violence and cruelty, while arguing that children’s rights currently in the non-justiciable Directive Principles of State Policy should be made enforceable by incorporating them into the fundamental rights chapter of the Constitution. He said child protection must include economic and social rights such as nutrition, health, education, and freedom from poverty, questioning whether the IMF programme has improved conditions for vulnerable children and advocating a “humane middle path” between market and statist approaches. He also called for humane guidance and discipline without degrading punishment, and raised concern about narcotics entering schools, including through digital means, as a threat to children’s rights. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara – Deputy Chairperson of Committees AI summary Hon. Hemali Weerasekara supported the amendment banning physical punishment of children, arguing that violence in homes, schools, care institutions, and other settings causes lasting harm rather than discipline. She said the law should strengthen penalties and remove legal space for physical violence, especially to protect vulnerable children in detention homes, certified schools, children’s homes, and those exposed to narcotics or lacking parental care. She also emphasized that legal reform must be accompanied by a cultural shift toward discipline based on love, patience, compassion, and respect. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the Penal Code amendment to protect children from violence, punishment, and abuse, framing it as part of a broader move toward a more humane society. He argued that children should be guided through supportive environments rather than punishment, and said protections must apply not only in schools but also at home and in wider society. Citing recent district-level child abuse figures, including cases involving relatives and close associates, he urged universal and continuous protection for children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara supported the Bill to amend Section 308 of the Penal Code, arguing that physical punishment and abuse of children have serious long-term social consequences and must be criminalized even when framed as correction. Citing UN findings, incidents of abuse in care and education settings, and government policy commitments on child protection, he said violence against children is normalized in society and institutions. He urged that the amendment be viewed as a progressive measure to protect children’s welfare and future development. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda expressed support for the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, stating that modern society should reject the punishment of children and condemning violence, psychological harassment and cruelty against them. He cautioned that, alongside introducing new legal protections, Parliament should consider the wider social structures and consequences connected to implementing the Bill. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi supported the amendments proposed by Hon. Saroja Savitri Paulraj, describing them as a progressive step in protecting children from physical and psychological punishment. He linked the Bill to education reforms, arguing that parents, teachers, wardens, prefects and student leaders must move away from punitive discipline and be trained in constructive approaches. Citing examples from cinema and the situation of children with disabilities, he stressed that childhood trauma can have long-term social and psychological consequences, and said the law should reflect a genuine commitment to safeguarding children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the amendment as a necessary reform to protect children from physical and psychological violence, particularly in schools and early childhood settings. He rejected concerns that teachers and parents could be unfairly victimized, stating that prosecutions would still require evidence and be guided by existing law and precedent, including Sri Lankan and international case law on corporal punishment. He cited research on the harms of corporal punishment and humiliation, and linked the reform to wider efforts to create a safer environment for children, including action against drug abuse and related criminal activity. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Moving the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill for Second Reading on behalf of the Minister of Justice and National Integration, the Minister said the amendments seek to prohibit all forms of violence against children, particularly corporal punishment, in line with constitutional obligations, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Sri Lanka’s 2024 international commitment to end corporal punishment. She cited rising and recurring complaints under Section 308A and examples of abuse in homes, schools and care settings, stating that physical, psychological, verbal or sexual violence used for “correction” or discipline would be criminalized except in good-faith emergencies. She said the reforms would strengthen child protection, align policy with international guidance, and be supported by a multi-sectoral mechanism under the National Child Protection Authority, while emphasizing that legal change must be accompanied by cultural, educational and institutional change. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →