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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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458 on this topic- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister explained that the National Commission on Women was established under the Women’s Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024, replacing the former Women’s Committee, and functions as an independent institution not gazetted under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. Responding to a Standing Order 27(2) question raised by the Leader of the Opposition, she stated that the Commission’s statutory functions include investigating violations or imminent violations of women’s rights and receiving complaints under Part XI of the Act, with 23 functions specified in law. Procedural: Ministry Statement and Standing Order Clarification Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a procedural concern under Standing Orders 92(2)(a) and 27(2) regarding the National Commission for Women. He argued that, as an independent commission, it should receive budget allocations under Special Expenditure Units like other independent commissions, rather than being gazetted under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. He requested that this be corrected, stating that placing it under a ministry undermines its independence. Procedural: Ministry Statement and Standing Order Clarification Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe reported on Sri Lanka’s participation in the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakesh, noting global figures of about 138 million child labourers despite the 2025 elimination target. He said Sri Lanka records very few complaints annually but is focusing on eradicating child labour in informal sectors, especially agriculture and plantations. He linked the issue to poverty and said poverty alleviation, community awareness with the relevant Ministry, and further targeted measures are being pursued to eliminate child labour in Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Asked for the current status of complaints regarding child labour in Sri Lanka and sought details on measures taken by the Ministry to eradicate it. She referenced the Minister’s recent attendance at an international summit on eliminating child labour and requested information on follow-up action. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel raised concerns about verbal harassment of women estate workers, including by supervisory staff. She requested ministerial attention to establish or enforce legal and administrative remedies to ensure effective action. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni acknowledged communication difficulties in hospitals and said the Health Ministry has begun awareness programmes for staff on sign language and other communication methods, with plans to expand them. He stated that the Ministry’s objective is to ensure hospital staff provide necessary support to admitted patients with disabilities without requiring external attendants or family members. He attributed remaining gaps to administrative issues, including staff being diverted to other minor duties, and said the Ministry is reviewing the situation hospital by hospital to streamline the system. Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, replying on behalf of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, outlined measures to improve hospital access and services for persons with disabilities, including upgraded sanitation, rehabilitation units, prosthetics and orthotics services, priority clinic tokens, accessible clinic facilities, and audio-visual health information. He said there is currently no standardized mechanism to identify persons with disabilities at hospital entry points, but plans include dedicated pharmacy, registration and information counters, sign language and disability-sensitivity training for staff, and recruitment of rehabilitation-related health professionals. He also noted proposals to expand assistive device production and repair, seek tax and regulatory support, involve the private sector and caregivers, and establish rehabilitation units in primary hospitals, while clarifying that financial assistance for medicines and tests is handled by the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities, not the Health Ministry. Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to report on measures taken to improve health care and access for persons with disabilities. He sought details on clinic access, priority procedures in medical institutions, staff training and attitudinal development, technical strategies, use of modern technology, financial assistance for medicines and investigations, and measures to ensure equal access to services. Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary The report of the Committee on Public Finance was presented on regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, import duty proposals under the Customs Ordinance, and the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill. Dr. Harsha de Silva stated that the Committee approved the Bill subject to ensuring women’s representation on the Authority, noting that the redrafted Bill now brings previously unregulated micro-borrower groups and relevant institutions under a dual regulatory framework. He also welcomed the IMF Managing Director’s visit, acknowledged IMF support during Sri Lanka’s crisis, and requested continued engagement with greater emphasis on governance issues alongside financial reforms. Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, arguing that it would resolve regulatory gaps and conflicts among existing valuation and real estate bodies while improving professional standards, ethics, transparency, investor confidence and safeguards against financial irregularities. She also referred to Bills regulating container depot operators and licensing shipping agents and related service providers, stating that formal regulation was needed for economic growth and rebuilding. She highlighted government actions on economic stabilization, disaster recovery funding after Cyclone “Michaung”, and raised concern about verbal and online harassment of women parliamentarians. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna questioned the resignation of the Chairperson of the National Women’s Commission, citing her stated concerns over lack of operational independence, absence of budgetary allocations, and administrative interference. She criticised the Government for failing to support the Commission despite its stated commitments to women, and urged that independent commissions be allowed to function without interference. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticised the Government’s handling of coal procurement, arguing that delayed long-term tenders have led to emergency purchases that increase costs, weaken oversight, and create opportunities for corruption. She called for a transparent long-term coal tendering system to protect national interest, power security, and deliver cheaper electricity. She also urged the Government to ensure the proper functioning of the National Women’s Commission established under the Women’s Empowerment Act of 2024, noting the role of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus in creating it. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected to the Government seeking additional time to respond on an issue concerning women’s rights and Sri Lanka’s obligations under CEDAW. He argued that, given the Government’s stated commitments to protecting women’s rights and the presence of women in senior political positions, an immediate answer was required due to the issue’s international implications. Parliamentary Announcements and Ministerial Statement Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on the functioning and independence of the National Commission on Women established under the Women’s Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024, following the resignation of its first Chairperson, Dr. Ramani Jayasundere. He cited reported concerns over the absence of budgetary allocations, office space and staff, alleged administrative interference by the line Ministry, and the appointment of an Executive Director without the Commission’s approval. He asked for details on the Commission’s mandate, funding, staffing and premises, and called for immediate steps, including possible supplementary allocations, to protect its statutory independence and support the Women’s Development Fund. He also linked the issue to Sri Lanka’s obligations under CEDAW, SDG 5 and the Act, and urged a Government response to concerns raised by women’s rights organizations. Parliamentary Announcements and Ministerial Statement Read →
- 3 February 2026 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Children’s Affairs AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Children’s Affairs met on 3 February 2026 under the chairpersonship of Hon. Saroja Savitri Polraj, with the participation of members from across Parliament. The listing records the committee membership or attendance for proceedings concerning women’s and children’s affairs, but does not include substantive debate, proposals, questions, or policy decisions. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Welcoming amendments on university administration, the Member said appointments such as Deans should be made through more democratic processes to reduce subjectivity, nepotism and cronyism, and indicated that similar reforms should later extend up to Vice-Chancellor appointments. He also argued for democratizing university access for persons with disabilities, stating that all eligible students should be able to enter any degree stream and citing barriers in lecture halls, libraries and hostels. He noted Government measures including a Higher Education Ministry policy on inclusion and an additional Rs. 5,000 monthly allowance above Mahapola for university students with disabilities, and said access should also be expanded for groups such as members of the Sri Lanka Thalassaemia Association. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the adjournment motion on education reform, arguing that reform is needed to expand access for rural and low-income children to teachers, updated curricula, science and technology subjects, vocational education, English, skills and soft skills. She said current education burdens families, contributes to stress and exclusion, and fails to address educated unemployment, while the Ministry’s Concept Note provides a basis for structured debate. She also condemned Opposition rhetoric directed at the Prime Minister, particularly gendered and personal attacks, and challenged the Opposition to table its proposed no-confidence motion if it intends to proceed. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Mylvaganam Jegadeeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mylvaganam Jegadeeswaran condemned disparaging and vulgar remarks directed at women MPs, particularly Prime Minister and Education Minister Hon. Harini Amarasuriya, and urged Members to avoid degrading language in Parliament. He said education in the Northern Province has been seriously affected by improper teacher transfers for 2025 and 2026, with districts such as Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya losing many teachers without replacements, leaving Advanced Level students without subject teachers. He proposed reforming the transfer policy and applying district-based cut-off marks in graduate teacher recruitment so teachers are appointed to vacancies within their own districts, especially in war-affected areas with resource shortages. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending and amending the Aswesuma welfare benefit scheme, noting that 3.7 million applications indicate continuing demand despite the programme originally being designed to end by 2026. He said current eligibility criteria have excluded some needy households while benefiting others less in need, and proposed revised criteria, increased payments, a six-month extension, and stronger review committees to better target assistance by mid-year. He also linked the need for welfare support to poverty, rural educational disadvantage, and the aftermath of the economic crisis, while citing lower inflation and growth in 2025 as part of the Government’s stabilization context. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath raised concerns about delays in computerizing Samurdhi Banks and the continued reliance on handwritten, paper-based transactions. He stated that beneficiaries face difficulties such as not receiving funds, being unable to withdraw savings, or obtain loans, and asked whether an interim SMS-based programme could be introduced to inform and guide them. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) Read →