Hon. Ananda Wijepala, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Kurunegala

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

Profession: ---

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Speeches 244 #19 of 225·#8 in party

Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

244 speeches

10 June 2026 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 June 2026 AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, initiated following a 2024 complaint and conducted with Attorney-General’s guidance under a pending Colombo Magistrate’s Court case, have produced material implicating retired Major General Tuan Suresh Sallay. He said investigators have evidence alleging that Sallay, while in senior intelligence roles, helped steer Islamist extremists towards the attacks, ignored prior warnings, suppressed sensitive information, and was linked to claims made by informants and in a Channel 4 programme. The Minister stated that these matters are being treated as potential offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, rejecting claims that Sallay was unlawfully arrested, detained, or tortured. Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsSecurity & Defence Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported a short extension of the State of Emergency, stating it remains necessary to complete resettlement and reconstruction following the November 2025 Ditcha cyclone, including the use of Rs. 500 billion allocated for relief and infrastructure recovery. He said the emergency powers have not been used to suppress speech or detain opponents, and reiterated that the Government intends to abolish the PTA while relying on ordinary legal processes and independent investigations. He also referred to action on past corruption cases, the treatment of Suresh Sale, a Kilinochchi detention under the 2011 Gazette on LTTE promotion, and Government claims on economic stabilization, welfare support, and national unity. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Security & DefenceParliamentary ProcedureJustice & Human Rights Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha presided. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala, presenting a statement on behalf of the Minister of Defence, said Police, CID, FCID and Customs investigations had uncovered large-scale illegal foreign remittances made through companies registered as importers, with no corresponding goods brought into Sri Lanka. He outlined three investigations involving alleged telegraphic transfer schemes, drug-related proceeds and suspected customs fraud, including frozen bank accounts, seized balances, links to multiple companies and transactions across numerous countries and banks. He said the Government is investigating the role of company directors, bank officers and related individuals, and described the inquiries as part of wider efforts to address financial crime and protect economic stability. Ministerial Statements Public FinanceLaw & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that activities promoting the LTTE are not permitted, while individuals are allowed to commemorate deceased relatives. He referred to the arrest of a youth in Kilinochchi for singing an LTTE song and posting it on Facebook, and said the Attorney-General and IGP were scheduled to discuss the case that evening, after which appropriate action was expected. Ministerial Statements Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is considering legal reforms relating to computer and related crimes in coordination with the Ministry of Justice. He said the Member’s proposals are being studied and the necessary assessments are underway. Oral Question Q.1013/2025: Financial Cybercrime Details Justice & Human Rights Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that cybercrime complaints are increasing and outlined steps being taken to strengthen investigations, including provincial sub-units and new units for Uva and Sabaragamuwa. He said coordination is being developed among the Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit, Sri Lanka CERT and the Digital Economy Ministry toward an integrated programme, with the Police and the Ministry of Public Security focusing on rapid response and inter-agency coordination. Oral Question Q.1013/2025: Financial Cybercrime Details Security & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister answered a question on financial cybercrime, stating that police statistics up to 30 April 2026 show significant growth in such offences, with detailed figures to be made available. He said investigation timelines depend on the nature of complaints and the time needed to obtain technical data, and noted that CID Computer Crime Investigation Sub-Units operate in seven provinces, with Uva and Sabaragamuwa planned. He outlined current and planned measures, including use of technical tools, a study on AI adoption, public awareness on online scams, the Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2029, updated security standards, and training for judiciary and police officers on digital forensics and electronic evidence. Oral Question Q.1013/2025: Financial Cybercrime Details Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary A Resolution was moved on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to approve the declaration issued under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979. The declaration was published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2486/13 dated 28 April 2026 and on 6 May 2026, and the House agreed to the motion. Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said he was willing to facilitate discussions between plantation executives and the Inspector General of Police regarding safety concerns in the hill country. He stated that the government had a responsibility to protect all hill-country residents and would take necessary action if such incidents continued. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister said police had acted promptly on two incidents reported the previous night in Sabaragamuwa and Nuwara Eliya, with suspects arrested, investigations initiated, and court production underway. He rejected claims of inaction, stated that the Government would not allow such incidents to continue, and offered to facilitate discussions with the Police, including in Nuwara Eliya, following concerns raised by Members including Hon. Mano Ganesan. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations surrounding government tenders and Treasury matters, stating that suspected irregularities should be pursued through courts and formal legal channels rather than public accusations. He said CID investigations into the Treasury incident were underway, with statements recorded from 21 persons, and cited past financial losses in the Beeraluvala Project and a dairy cattle import arrangement to argue that alleged wrongdoing under previous administrations would also be pursued. He affirmed respect for free expression but warned against fake news and interference with investigations, and said he had instructed the IGP to investigate concerns raised by Hon. Jeevan Thondaman while the Government would address public pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister of Public Security requested one or two additional minutes from the Deputy Chairperson to continue his remarks. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister said the Government had allocated Rs. 10,000 million to provide relief amid fuel, gas and electricity price pressures linked to the Middle East conflict, including possible electricity tariff subsidies, fertilizer price support and extended harvest relief. He moved to extend provisions relating to essential services and the mandate of the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, seeking House approval. He also outlined ongoing police recruitment, including 200 trainee Sub Inspectors already recruited and further recruitment processes for about 10,000 personnel, while noting a review of revised qualifications. Responding to allegations over the e-passport tender, he denied that it had been awarded, said procurement and related litigation were still ongoing, and stated that Cabinet and the Procurement Commission processes would be followed. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Law & OrderCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Ananda Wijepala tabled a written answer stating that Civil Security Department agricultural farms are maintained only in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya Districts, and provided district-wise details of land extents and personnel. He said there is no interference by Civil Security personnel in the daily lives of people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and that no request has been received to hand over CSD farms in the Northern Province to the Northern Provincial Council. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) AgricultureSecurity & Defence Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Ananda Wijepala tabled a written answer on staffing and transfers in the Criminal Investigation Department, stating that the CID had 222 and 328 officers in the relevant categories queried. He said that after the President elected on 16 November 2019 assumed office, 32 CID officers, including Director Senior DIG S. Abeysekara, were transferred while handling eight sensitive national investigations, and that the CID had reported to the IGP that the transfers were intended to hamper those investigations. He added that, except for retired officers or those unwilling to be seconded for personal reasons, other officers are being used for investigative work. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that complaints can be lodged through the 1938 hotline and Police Emergency 1929, with follow-up action taken. He reported that in the Northern Province, 10 complaints in 2023 and 22 in 2024 were resolved, while 8 of 10 complaints received in 2025 had been resolved. He said the Government would review awareness gaps and assess whether mobile services are needed. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that police and cybercrime units, including one in the Northern Province, are responsible for investigating cyber-related complaints and expediting legal action under the existing legal framework. He clarified that compensation in such cases is a matter for the courts to determine. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister provided a written-style response on cases against women reported from 2023 to 2025, stating that Police records show 11,004 cases reported, 2,309 resolved, and 7,695 pending, with provincial details maintained by the Ministry. He said resolution times vary from a few months to up to two years depending on complexity. He outlined measures against online violence, including AI-assisted detection with SLCERT and social media platforms, public awareness programmes, expanded regional cybercrime investigations, use of powers under the Online Safety Act, No. 09 of 2024, and emergency assistance through 1938 and 1929. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Law & OrderWomen & ChildrenJustice & Human Rights Read →