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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Deputy Minister of Defence

Profession: ---

Roster profile ↗
Speeches 125 #36 of 225·#17 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Security & Defence 77 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Debate

Activity by sitting

52 sittings · counts only, no scoring.

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AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.

Speech history

125 speeches
  • 5 March 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that he would table the answer, indicating a written response would be submitted to the House rather than delivered orally. Ministry Statement: Reply to Question on Proactive Utilization (Standing Order 27(2), 18.11.2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 March 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, sought the Speaker’s permission to proceed with his remarks. No substantive policy matter, proposal, or question was presented in this excerpt. Ministry Statement: Reply to Question on Proactive Utilization (Standing Order 27(2), 18.11.2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 March 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence acknowledged procedural delays within the Ministry and stated that public days, particularly those chaired by the Defence Secretary, are used to summon applicants and resolve issues through a formal programme. He said measures have been organized to reduce delays and expedite payments. Oral Question: Widows' and Orphans' Pensions (Q.6) Security & Defence Read →
  • 5 March 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence informed Parliament that the relevant Cabinet paper has been prepared, with concurrence from the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and agreement from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies. He stated that it has been signed by the President and the Minister of Public Administration and will be submitted to the Cabinet shortly. Oral Question: Widows' and Orphans' Pensions (Q.6) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 March 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera explained that delays in processing pension-related applications for dependents of armed forces members arise from incomplete documents, verification issues in cases of multiple marriages, delayed death certificates after court inquests, and processing at the Department of Pensions. He stated that the Defence Ministry coordinates with relevant ministries, the Department of Pensions and the Attorney General’s Department, while the tri-forces assist families in resolving legal and procedural issues. He also said a joint Cabinet Memorandum has been prepared to amend regulations under the Widows’ and Orphans’ (Armed Forces) Pension Scheme Act, No. 18 of 1970, to enable pensions for dependents of personnel who married after discharge due to disability from terrorist activities. Oral Question: Widows' and Orphans' Pensions (Q.6) Public FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 4 March 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence responded to questions on compensation following Cyclone Ditva, stating that in Trincomalee District 27,515 families and 91,087 individuals had applied and that payments were continuing under NDRSC guidelines. He clarified eligibility for Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 grants, noting that eligibility differs by type and extent of housing or household damage, and said funds had been sent for pending beneficiaries, including in Muttur. He reported payments for fully damaged houses, rental assistance, and Kandy District allocations, while stating crop damage falls under another Ministry and that no undue pressure on officials had been reported. Annexes listing beneficiaries, guidelines, and pending payments were tabled. Adjournment: Questions on Cyclone Relief and Tourism Public FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 4 March 2026 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 4 March 2026 AI summary Proposed that Hon. Kins Nelson take the Chair during the sitting. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 19 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera supported amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to address drug trafficking on the high seas, citing legal gaps that hinder prosecution when narcotics are transported via multi-day fishing trawlers and small craft. He rejected allegations against NPP MPs in Puttalam and said credible information would be acted upon, while outlining Navy and Police Narcotics Bureau operations, international cooperation, and seizures from 2019 to 2025. He noted challenges such as vessels operating under powers of attorney, switched-off Vessel Monitoring Systems, and offenders being released due to inadequate legal tools, and said new procedures would be introduced by March to expedite certified sampling and destruction of seized drugs. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Justice & Human RightsLaw & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 19 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence explained that compensation for firearms is determined after assessing their current status and value by a committee including officials from the Defence and Finance Ministries, the Government Analyst’s Department, and the Tri-Forces. He stated that government taxes, departmental fees, other charges, and depreciation based on age and condition are deducted from the sale value, with the remaining balance paid to the owner according to government policy. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Security & Defence Read →
  • 19 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government reviewed firearms issued for personal protection from 1 January 2025, after assuming office in November 2024, with the objective of regulating issuance and limiting individuals to one firearm. He noted deficiencies in past record-keeping that made some firearm issuances difficult to trace, including those issued to politicians. He said the matter had been discussed at the National Security Council, the President had given directions, and the Government would amend the law and introduce stricter rules on issuance and use, coordinated by the Ministries of Defence and Public Security while studying practices in developed countries. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Security & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera urged approval of regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a motion under the Customs Ordinance, and orders under the Motor Traffic Act, stating that the tax relief measures were designed to support economic stability, market competition, domestic production, and price management. He contrasted them with the 2020 commodity tax concessions, alleging they reduced Treasury revenue without benefiting consumers, and cited improved Customs revenue and IMF recognition of stronger growth, low inflation, and adequate reserves. He also explained that levy exemptions for donated essential goods after the “Ditva” cyclone enabled the distribution of about LKR 3.1 billion in foreign and organizational assistance through disaster relief authorities and District Secretaries. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Cost of LivingPublic FinanceLaw & Order Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that a Cabinet Memorandum has been submitted and regulations are being drafted to control chemicals identified as potential threats, including future additions. He said regulatory authority over 8 of 15 identified chemicals has already been delegated to relevant institutions, while oversight of the remaining 7 is proposed to be assigned to the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Ministry of Defence is involved in preparing the necessary legal instruments. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Security & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that authorities have identified 15 chemicals posing high national security risks. He said 7 are regulated by the Controller of Explosives, one by the Registrar of Pesticides, and 7 previously unregulated chemicals will be placed under the oversight of the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention under the Ministry of Defence. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Security & Defence Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence answered on behalf of the Minister regarding the regulation of explosives, stating that action is being taken in line with a 2025 Cabinet decision and that storage, issuance, licensing and supervision are governed by the Explosives Act, related regulations, and Defence Ministry Circular 01/2024. He explained that the Defence Secretary functions as Controller of Explosives, supported by Deputy and Assistant Controllers, with 13 Assistant Controllers covering districts and police officers of Sergeant rank or above empowered as inspectors. He provided licence and permit figures as of 30 November 2025, including 58 import licences, 514 supplier licences, 1,355 permits, and 232 fireworks manufacturing licences, and said 33 stores are under direct police protection while 2,179 other storages are supervised by local police. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that, after maritime security-related authority was reassigned to the Navy, operations have generated over USD 620,000 since November, all credited to the Consolidated Fund. He said 354 operations had been conducted at USD 1,750 each, contrasting the current arrangement with the previous system under which only a portion of revenue reached the Navy and Rakna Arakshaka. He noted that former joint venture entities had vacated Navy armories following government action but had filed a Supreme Court case, and said the matter was being handled through legal channels. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Security & DefencePublic Finance Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that, following Cabinet approval in July 2025 on the President’s proposal, the Navy’s role in maritime security operations for foreign private maritime security companies has been reinstated. He said the measure, implemented through a Gazette and presidential directive presented to Parliament, is intended to support national and maritime security, protect merchant shipping, manage resources efficiently, and generate foreign exchange at minimal cost. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Security & DefencePublic Finance Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided a detailed reply on the history, assignments and revenue arrangements for maritime security services involving the Sri Lanka Navy, Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd and Avant Garde Maritime Services. He stated that the service began in 2009, shifted between the Navy and the RALL-AGMS joint venture, and that a 2025 Cabinet decision and Extraordinary Gazette authorised the Navy to provide the service independently. He reported JV income of USD 14.12 million from September 2021 to July 2025, with about USD 2.12 million paid to the Navy, while Navy-only operations from October 2025 to February 2026 earned USD 598,250 for the Consolidated Fund. He also said the Navy had received Rs. 2.39 billion in total from earlier arrangements and noted an unpaid Rs. 782 million allegedly due from Avant Garde. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Security & DefencePublic Finance Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Emergency Regulations issued after Cyclone “Ditwah,” stating that they are needed to coordinate relief, maintain essential services, and restore infrastructure across the 22 districts declared disaster-affected. He said the regulations enable an Essential Services Commissioner General to coordinate state, private, local, district, national, and international actors in resettlement, compensation, reconstruction, and service restoration. He emphasized accountable use of public funds and international assistance, including support from 32 countries, the World Bank, JICA, and bridges from India, with allocations based on district-level requests and audits. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Security & DefenceInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
  • 3 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera wound up the debate on regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act to establish a framework for shared use of telecommunications infrastructure among service providers, with TRCSL empowered to issue technical and regulatory guidance. He said the measures aim to promote competition, reduce deployment costs, avoid duplication of infrastructure, and strengthen network resilience for national security, public safety, and economic development. Referring to communications failures during recent cyclones, he argued that shared infrastructure, data exchange, emergency calling, public alerting, and core connectivity would improve disaster response and continuity of services. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) InfrastructurePublic FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →