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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- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuri Gangani outlined the 2025 allocations for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, including Rs. 8,486 million for sports, and emphasized expanding opportunities for rural youth and school children. She highlighted women’s achievements in athletics, netball, wrestling and cricket, named several prominent athletes, and said the Government is addressing delayed reward payments through the National Sports Fund subject to Cabinet approval. She also referred to allocations for international tournaments, Presidential Sports Awards, athlete nutrition and travel, the “Kreeda Shakthi” programme, and additional university admission credits for National Sports Festival medalists. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana argued that cricket development should prioritize grassroots access rather than focus only on Sri Lanka Cricket governance or the national team. Drawing on his Trincomalee playing experience, he highlighted regional facility gaps, the growth of women’s cricket, and the value of soft-ball cricket as an accessible format for villages and low-income groups. He proposed recognizing village sports clubs, providing basic facilities, and organizing regular weekend leagues to broaden participation and engage youth. He also thanked the President and Minister for allocating Rs. 380 million for a provincial or national-level sports ground in Trincomalee. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Government’s electoral mandate reflected public support for coexistence across ethnic and religious communities, and rejected allegations that it sought to change Muslim personal laws without consultation. He defended Minister Saroja Paulraj against what he described as unfair attacks, stating that any legal reforms affecting religious communities would be undertaken only after discussion with relevant stakeholders. He urged Muslim scholars and leaders to help address misinformation, and called for protection of all religious and cultural rights, greater institutional diversity, and inclusive recognition of Islamic, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist and other heritage. He also proposed broader scholarly oversight of archaeological work and education reforms that present Sri Lanka’s history in a way that affirms the belonging and contributions of all communities. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that her remarks at the UN CEDAW session had been misreported by the Daily Ceylon, emphasizing that she answered specific questions posed to Sri Lanka and did not make the statement attributed to her. She said issues on children’s rights require balancing cultural rights and human rights through consultations with diverse groups, and denied saying the Ministry would lead legal changes. She indicated that legal action would be taken over the alleged misreporting. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe questioned reports that the Government had assured the UN it would amend the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act in relation to child marriage, arguing that such matters should be discussed domestically with bodies such as the ACJU. He said child marriage rates were not highest among Muslims and asked why the Muslim community was being singled out in this context. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to allegations that she was pursuing legal or religious law reforms, clarifying that her portfolio is Women and Child Affairs and not Justice. She stated that her position concerns children’s and women’s rights, particularly ensuring 13 years of compulsory education for all children up to age 18, in line with national policy and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She said she had discussed these matters transparently with ACJU leaders and urged MPs and community leaders to counter misinformation and avoid framing the issue in racial or religious terms. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that child marriage should be treated as a national issue affecting all communities, citing 2012 Department of Census and Statistics data to reject claims that it is mainly a Muslim community problem. He defended the continued recognition of personal laws such as Muslim law, Kandyan law and Thesawalamai, while saying any shortcomings can be discussed and corrected, and urged Members to use statistics responsibly in Parliament. He also drew the Minister’s attention to a 122-year-old Muslim place of worship within the Mahara Prison compound, indicating a concern relating to its status after the 2019 Easter attacks. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sagarika Athauda highlighted the recognition of two Sri Lankan women wildlife officers and used it to frame a broader discussion on environmental conservation, forest destruction, development in protected areas, and human-wildlife conflict, particularly elephant deaths and crop damage in districts such as Kegalle. She said the NPP Government is seeking to correct long-standing environmental mismanagement through a systematic approach, citing the Government’s policy principles on environmental justice, sustainable resource use, institutional coordination, public participation, and environmental governance. She noted Budget allocations to the Ministry of Environment, the consolidation of environment-related institutions under one Ministry, the State Timber Corporation’s 2024 revenue of Rs. 1,915 million and production of 8,122 elephant fence posts, and Rs. 1,112 million allocated to the Department of National Botanic Gardens for plant conservation and related activities. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama defended the Government’s cultural policy and Budget allocations for the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs portfolio, arguing that a national cultural revival is needed to address violence, frustration and loss of compassion in society. He outlined proposed programmes including literary festivals, teacher training in literature and aesthetics, support for children’s arts, plantation community cultural initiatives, Jaffna school library books, sign-language films, and competitions for creators with disabilities. He also said cultural centres should be restored to their core cultural role and that aesthetic appreciation should be broadened across the education system. The speech also criticized the Opposition’s parliamentary attendance and predictions about the Government’s instability, while asserting that the Government’s large mandate remains intact. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Attorney-at-Law Chamindranee Kiriella AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella urged the Government to adopt a long-term foreign policy spanning 10 to 15 years, rather than allowing policy shifts based on changes in political ideology. She called for stronger commercial diplomacy, including consideration of performance-based incentives for relevant Foreign Ministry staff to attract investment, and requested action to depoliticize the Foreign Service in line with campaign commitments. She also proposed a pension scheme for female migrant domestic workers, funded through salary deductions and coordinated with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, to provide retirement support when they return to Sri Lanka. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj condemned the sexual violence incident involving a female doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital and said the Government and women Members of Parliament stand with the victim and will pursue justice. She criticized media reporting that disclosed identifying details or reenacted evidence, arguing that such coverage retraumatizes victims and undermines confidence in justice. She called for swift punishment of perpetrators, stronger victim support mechanisms, enforcement of media-related laws and ethical standards, and an inquiry into how confidential police or court statements reached the media. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Condemning an alleged sexual harassment incident involving a doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital, he raised concerns about Kilinochchi market traders being affected by Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabha decisions on newly built shops and requested ministerial attention. He also cited complaints about inaction in the Land and ICT divisions of the Chavakachcheri Divisional Secretariat and alleged misuse of online platforms in Ramanathapuram, Kilinochchi, calling for attention from the Defence, Police, and Public Security authorities, including over alleged threats against him by a YouTuber. Responding to remarks by Hon. Hisbullah, he said his criticism concerned child marriage at ages eight or nine irrespective of religion, and argued that separate legal standards on such matters should not apply within one country. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised the reported assault and sexual violence against a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, arguing that it exposes serious weaknesses in hospital and workplace security. He asked whether the Government was aware of the incident, when it was informed, what action is being taken, what protection mechanisms exist for female doctors and workers, and who is accountable. He urged stronger safeguards for women in public and private workplaces and stated the Opposition’s readiness to support stronger laws and severe punishments for such offences. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj supported the Budget’s increased education allocations, arguing that education and health should be treated as fundamental rights and highlighting measures such as learning-material grants, free footwear and uniforms, nutrition programmes, increased university stipends, Mahapola and bursaries, and Rs. 15.4 billion for TVET. She noted Rs. 2.78 billion for student loan schemes, salary increases for teachers and principals, and targeted support for children at risk of dropping out or in institutional care. As Minister of Women and Child Affairs, she emphasized gender equality in education, citing Rs. 1.4 billion for sanitary pads for schoolgirls over 13, and called for adult education for women and the integration of preschool education into the national education system with curriculum standards and teacher training pathways. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said the Government is increasing investment in higher education, including Rs. 135 billion for the sector, to address limited university access, curriculum and assessment reform, staffing shortages, and infrastructure gaps. He stated that Mahapola and bursary payments are proposed to be increased from April, with Rs. 4,600 million allocated, and Rs. 37,891 million set aside for university infrastructure including hostels, sanitation, and student facilities. He also said the Vice-Chancellor appointment process under the Universities Act needs depoliticization and reform, while Rs. 3,000 million has been allocated to begin addressing academic and non-academic vacancies and pay issues. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary The member stated that no attempt had been made to change or interfere with the religion in question. He said the concerns raised were limited to the welfare of children and women. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna clarified that his earlier remarks reflected requests received from the public, particularly women, and were not intended as a personal position against the views of Muslim Members. He acknowledged the points made by Hon. Thahir and Hon. Hisbullah and emphasized his respect for Islam as a long-established religion. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer supported the education-related Heads of Expenditure, stating that the Government had prioritized student welfare and school infrastructure to reduce inequalities in access to education. He cited allocations for uniforms, school buses, student vouchers, sanitary pads, nutrition, student health insurance, scholarships, sports schools, and unfinished school buildings, including Al-Ulak Central College. He also criticized politically motivated national school declarations and admissions practices, and emphasized completing neglected facilities and improving basic conditions such as sanitation. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem used the Budget debate to request Education Ministry action on several Eastern Province education issues, including returning former police station land to Aligar National School, starting its technical stream, upgrading facilities and staffing at Meeraikeni Makkar Makkar National School, and addressing teacher shortages in Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Digamadulla. He also sought the handover of land for Ottamavadi National School’s playground, Cabinet approval for a girls’ school in Ottamavadi, and new or improved educational institutions including faculties at South Eastern University, a technical college in Pottuvil, a Sammanturai education zone, and facilities for schools in Kalmunai. He objected to remarks made in the previous day’s debate about Islamic marriage and divorce laws, and asked the Speaker to guide Members to avoid statements that could provoke communal sentiments. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government supports the objective of eliminating violence and harassment in workplaces, noting its relevance to productivity and the disproportionate impact on women. He said discussions have been held with the ILO Country Director and that a multi-ministry workshop on ILO Convention C190 and related conventions was conducted on 6 March. He emphasized that ratification and legislation must be accompanied by broader social awareness and rejection of harassment, particularly given workplace power imbalances. He said the Government will move swiftly towards ratifying C190 and promoting a decent, safe working environment. Adjournment Motion: ILO Convention No. 190 - Empowerment of Women at Workplace Read →