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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- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister defended the regulations under the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, stating they had been gazetted, reviewed in Committee and brought before Parliament after extensive study. He outlined key provisions including eight-year limits for principal federation offices, mandatory women’s representation in relevant sports bodies, and disqualification of persons involved in fraud or corruption. He also described Ministry initiatives to strengthen sports federations, restore rugby, promote regional talent identification, revive cycling and boxing events, develop school grounds, and provide allowances for school, national and elite athletes and coaches. He said air tickets would be provided only for planned and approved events, rejecting ad hoc requests outside procedure and budget. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya supported the sports regulations being approved under the Sports Law alongside other Bills and regulations, arguing that they would place 73 sports associations under a clearer legal framework, limit key office-bearers’ tenures to eight years, and reduce politicization in sports administration. He cited examples from Kegalle District of politicians holding multiple sports association posts, contending that this had affected talent selection and discouraged genuine athletes. He also highlighted provisions for women’s representation and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and briefly defended the Government’s broader economic initiatives in agriculture, dairy and coconut cultivation against Opposition criticism. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected claims of politicization in the appointment of Division Officers, stating that appointments are made by the Police and should be understood in line with the relevant circular. He said the system is community-based and includes required representation for women and youth, each at 25 per cent, and cautioned against misleading public interpretations. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Deputy Minister on reports that the National Youth Services Council is changing the name and emblem of its youth movement to “Youth Club,” allegedly in alignment with the Socialist Youth Movement. He asked why changes are being made to an institution he described as historically inclusive across political and social divides. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa emphasized the need for Youth Clubs at all administrative levels to operate without party bias, allowing young people to advance on merit. He cited previous funding of Rs. 150 million to the Youth Parliament and Youth Club Federation, which he said enabled youth-led projects worth Rs. 450 million and later contributed to the “Gamata Koratiyak” programme delivering services valued at Rs. 900 million. He argued that these initiatives showed the value of cross-party and inclusive youth participation beyond ethnic, religious, and social divisions. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government over National Youth Services Council Circular No. NYSC/2-11/25/01, alleging that the cancellation and reorganization of Youth Clubs established before 23 May 2025 is being used to politicize their executive appointments. He sought specific responses on the purpose of the circular, whether politically preferred appointments are taking place in several districts, and whether new standing orders exist and will be tabled in Parliament. He also asked whether eligibility requirements for executive posts undermine Youth Club constitutions, tabled related documents from several areas, and requested answers from the relevant Minister with the opportunity for supplementary questions. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister of Women and Child Affairs presented the Department of Probation and Child Care Services Annual Performance Report for 2024. She moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Empowerment, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Reports and Regulations Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne paid tribute to the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, noting her service as a UPFA National List Member of Parliament from 2010 to 2015 and her role in the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and at the Asian Women Parliamentarians’ Conference. She highlighted Fonseka’s influence as a pioneering actress who expanded representations of women in Sri Lankan cinema and inspired women and girls beyond Colombo. She conveyed condolences to Fonseka’s family and relatives present in Parliament. Condolence Debate: Late Hon. Members (R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana, Malani Fonseka) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna outlined the Government’s education reform framework, saying it is guided by free and equitable access, employability, social responsibility, sustainability, innovation and lifelong learning. He said reforms would be implemented through five pillars—assessment, teacher training, public awareness, curriculum, and infrastructure and administration—with Grade 6 changes commencing in 2026 and a review planned by 2028. He highlighted plans for accessible local schooling, activity-based and exam-free primary education, modular learning in Grades 6–9, new literacy and skills modules, and stronger integration of vocational education from Grade 9. He also said the Scholarship examination would be reconsidered in 2029 if equitable provision makes it unnecessary. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa condemned targeted character attacks against MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna and her late father, noting her public service and her father’s role in initiating the farmer pension scheme through a Private Member’s motion. He called on the Speaker to take specific steps to strengthen her security and said such attacks, particularly against a woman representative, should cease immediately. Procedural: Member's personal statement and Privilege matter Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan urged that youth societies be permitted at the estate division level, arguing that past misuse by some should not lead to denying opportunities to all. He asked that geography as well as demography be considered, noting that large estate areas make travel difficult for youth. He also cautioned that the initiative should not be reduced to party political youth societies, while acknowledging that political education and electoral outcomes are part of the democratic process. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations that Public Security Committees had been politicized, stating that their establishment follows an Inspector-General of Police circular. He said the committees include 25 percent youth representation and 25 percent women’s representation, with the Grama Niladhari as Secretary and the Community Police Officer as Convener. He explained that a recognized community member may be appointed Chair from among applicants within the relevant Grama Niladhari division. Oral Question: Post of Sub-Inspector of Police - Recruitments (Q.7/2024) Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister presented the 2024 Performance Report of the former Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital. The motion was agreed to. Tabling of Annual Reports - Ministers Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a motion on employment for persons with disabilities, stating that the Government’s policy is to build an inclusive society and strengthen protection of disability rights. He said the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28 of 1996, the 2003 national disability policy, and related action plans are being updated, while Cabinet has approved preparation of legislation on sign language. He also outlined increases to disability-related allowances and grants, including higher monthly support, expanded beneficiaries, assistive device funding, education grants, self-employment support and housing grants, alongside efforts to facilitate self-employment and private sector placements. Adjournment Debate: Employment for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported Sugath Wasantha de Silva’s adjournment motion on persons with disabilities and called for Parliament to model inclusion. He urged respect, priority in employment, relief, housing, and educational support for persons with disabilities, particularly those affected by the war in the North and East, including Tamil, Sinhalese, and other communities. He said the Government should build a society where persons with disabilities can live on equal terms. Adjournment Debate: Employment for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva’s motion and welcomed his appointment as a historic step for representation of persons with disabilities. He argued that the existing 3 percent public sector quota is inadequate and poorly implemented, particularly for blind and deaf persons, and said disability should not be treated as a single category but matched to specific capacities, education and skills. He urged the Government to strengthen specialized education, including Braille and tailored support, expand special schools and dedicated opportunities in regular schools, and build skills pipelines to prevent marginalization. Adjournment Debate: Employment for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe seconded the motion on employment for persons with disabilities, citing data indicating that a large majority remain unemployed despite having employable skills. He stated that the existing 3 percent public service employment quota for persons with disabilities is not being properly implemented and said the National People’s Power Government proposes increasing it to 5 percent. He also proposed better coordination among officials at Divisional Secretariats to identify and direct persons with disabilities into suitable employment. Adjournment Debate: Employment for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Orders under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, stating that recognition of judgments from 53 countries would help address difficulties faced by Sri Lankans, particularly in enforcing foreign divorce decrees. He urged the Government to consider legal reform allowing divorce by mutual consent, noting that current Roman-Dutch law requirements oblige parties to lead evidence even where both spouses agree. He also called for action to protect judges from defamatory social media attacks, including through a possible Select Committee, and requested a review of the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister linked the debate on regulations under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement, Registration and Execution) Act, No. 49 of 2024, to broader themes of legal reform, justice and social inclusion. She argued that recognition of foreign judgments, particularly in debt and matrimonial matters such as divorce, maintenance and property division, would benefit citizens, including women, while urging reciprocal recognition of Sri Lankan judgments abroad. She also called for faster legal and administrative processes relating to family law, foreign marriages, citizenship and spouses separated by overseas employment, and referred to recent government measures on political privileges, pensions and illicit assets. She additionally noted the National People’s Power’s control of the Colombo and Nuwara Eliya councils and described the election of Vrai Kelly Balthazar as Mayoress of Colombo as significant for reconciliation and women’s political leadership. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the regulations under the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act update Sri Lanka’s prohibited substances list for 2025 in line with WADA, reflecting new substances and risks identified internationally. He argued that doping is driven by excessive pressure to win and poses serious long-term health risks, especially from anabolic agents, stimulants, hormones and contaminated supplements, including among school athletes. He said SLADA conducts national, school-level and pre-international testing with about Rs. 80 million in annual funding, and that penalties include competition bans, recovery of prize money and possible career-ending consequences. He linked anti-doping efforts to the broader need to build a disciplined, healthy sports culture and reduce youth involvement in illicit drugs. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →