Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Defence
Profession: ---
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.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
125 speeches- 3 December 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government implemented measures under the Disaster Management Act following disasters from 26 to 30 December that affected 22 districts, including convening the National Council for Disaster Management and establishing a Special Operations Room at Army Headquarters. He detailed coordination among the Tri-Forces, Police, STF, Disaster Management Centre, local officials, and international partners, noting Indian and Pakistani helicopter assistance and rescue operations in areas such as Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Walapane, Gampola, Mahiyanganaya, and Kalpitiya. He rejected allegations of inaction, paid tribute to security personnel including a deceased Air Force pilot and missing Navy personnel, and emphasized that the priority was saving lives. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
- 24 November 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition regarding pensions and allowances for disabled war veterans. He stated that disability allowances, permanent allowances, pensions, post-55 entitlements, and the “Mother-Father Protection Allowance” have not been suspended, and said a Cabinet paper has been submitted with discussions held with the Treasury to address these matters. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Public FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →
- 24 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 24 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence denied media reports that the Rs. 750 monthly “Maa Piya Rekawaranaya” allowance for parents of war heroes had been stopped, stating that payments continue subject to the required biannual submission of life certificates. He said temporary suspensions occur only where certificates have not been submitted, and that the Ranaviru Seva Authority has approved second-half payments for 17,636 beneficiaries with valid first-half certificates while efforts are underway through Divisional Secretariats and Grama Niladharis to expedite outstanding documentation. He also asked families to report beneficiary deaths with death certificates to prevent misuse of state funds, and urged the media not to circulate misleading claims about benefits to the Ranaviru community. Ministerial Statements: Defence and Gender-based Violence Public FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →
- 18 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera responded to a claim by Hon. Rasamanickam about tri-forces operating commercial facilities in the North, stating that Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s clarification was correct. He provided figures indicating limited Army-run canteens and tailor shops: 10 canteens in Jaffna, 12 in Vanni, six in the Eastern Province, and one tailor shop each in Jaffna and Vanni. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Security & Defence Read →
- 18 November 2025 AI summary Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera denied allegations by Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam that the Tri-forces were involved in criminal activities in the North and East, asking for specific incidents and individuals so action could be taken, while stating that identified cases had already been addressed. He said the Tri-forces remain disciplined and committed to national security, including in those regions. He also acknowledged that some lands remain under military use for strategic and security reasons, but noted that figures on released lands had been tabled and that further releasable lands had been identified for release in coming months and by the following year. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Land & HousingSecurity & Defence Read →
- 18 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera addressed recent discussion about the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 14 November 2025 between the Ministry of Defence, the Montana National Guard, and the US Coast Guard. He stated that it was signed transparently with Cabinet approval and legal advice, and tabled the MoU for Members to examine. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Security & DefenceForeign Affairs Read →
- 18 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said national and public security had been assured over the past year, with recent incidents limited to clashes among organized criminal gangs, and argued that restored law and order had supported economic stability and tourism. He outlined the Defence Budget allocation of Rs. 455 billion across 25 institutions, including major allocations for the Tri-Forces, and said the Government had removed political interference from security institutions while maintaining regular National Security Council oversight. He emphasized a strategic shift toward maritime domain awareness, protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and operations against illegal fishing and drug trafficking. He rejected allegations against the Tri-Forces regarding drug trafficking and excessive presence in the North and East, citing narcotics seizures and tabling a residents’ letter requesting retention of an Army camp for local security. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Security & DefenceCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
- 13 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera rejected allegations that the Tri-Forces, or retired Tri-Forces personnel, were involved in drug distribution. He asked members making such claims to provide specific information to enable action, rather than speaking in general terms. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Security & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
- 13 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera raised a Point of Order in response to allegations by Hon. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam. He rejected the claim that Tri-Forces personnel were involved in the spread of drugs, stating that he had rejected the same allegation the previous day and continued to do so. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Parliamentary ProcedureSecurity & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
- 13 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera made only a brief procedural remark, thanking the Presiding Member. No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or demand was raised. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 13 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy position was stated in the provided extract. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Assured that the matter raised would be inquired into and appropriate action taken, acknowledging the message conveyed. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that recent weaknesses in the public service had contributed to public dissatisfaction. He supported the Budget, noting that it allocates significant resources to strengthen the public service, and said the results of its proposals would be visible in the following year. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Public Finance Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera supported the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it reflects fiscal discipline, institutional reform, transparency, and a people-centred economic programme after what he described as past mismanagement and corruption. He said restoring law and order, depoliticising the Police and security forces, and combating narcotics and organized crime were essential to economic stability and public confidence. He highlighted the continuing “United as One” operation, recent large drug seizures including off Kirinda, and the Budget’s proposed Rs. 1,500 million allocation for drug control programmes, while also stressing public service modernization and accountability. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & OrderPublic Finance Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence challenged allegations that military and police personnel are involved in drug trafficking, asking Hon. Gajendra Ponnambalam to provide specific names, locations, units, regiments, and police stations. He stated that any such information would be investigated and denied that the defence establishment has links to trafficking. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
- 11 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that the Government is developing a programme to grant NVQ certification to Tri-Forces personnel based on their practical skills and service experience. He said discussions have been held with relevant ministers, ministries, and the Vocational Training Authority to implement a special programme, “Ranaviru Vāpasāyaka Abhiman,” under the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development. The initiative has identified 28 focus sectors and aims to support ex-service personnel in entering the national labour force and contributing to the economy. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) EmploymentSecurity & DefenceEducation Read →
- 11 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera stated that plans regarding retirees would cover both those interested and not interested in entrepreneurship, as well as current personnel nearing retirement and those already retired. He said the Government would consider their varied skills and professional competencies in shaping the relevant measures. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) Employment Read →
- 11 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera provided figures on direct-entry recruitment to the Tri-Forces and said such personnel are employed in specified construction, technical, agro-technical, administrative and specialist trades according to service needs. He stated that these recruits receive only limited orientation rather than full military and weapons training, are deployed within their recruited trades, and are promoted under service-specific procedures. Regarding Tri-Forces reorganization, he said no decision has been taken to remove or compulsorily retire such personnel, while programmes including a planned “Mission Reboot” pilot are being developed to integrate retiring and retired service members’ skills into the national economy. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) EmploymentSecurity & Defence Read →
- 23 October 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera supported the “Ratama Ekata” national programme as a coordinated effort to strengthen laws and institutions against drugs and organized crime, which he linked to trafficking, corruption, weapons smuggling, and past political protection. He cited concerns including youth drug use, a high proportion of drug-related prisoners, alleged police involvement, and international criminal networks, and said enforcement would involve the Police, STF, Tri-Forces, Customs, Immigration, Prisons, intelligence services, and global cooperation. He emphasized both supply reduction, including naval interdictions such as a recent seizure near Tangalle, and demand reduction through rehabilitation, community policing, “Praja Shakthi,” poverty alleviation, and protection of vulnerable children and families. He called on the Opposition, public institutions, schools, religious leaders, and citizens to join the programme as a national mission. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Security & DefenceCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →