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

23 October 2025 AI summary Ananda Wijepala moved that Kitnan Selvaraj take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Kitnan Selvaraj assumed it. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 October 2025 AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations made by another Member as false and malicious, stating that the Government has acted within the law and is committed to protecting lives. He said the Government is working to establish the rule of law and a just society, and pledged that all offenders would be brought before justice while also assuring security for Hon. Chamara Sampath. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Security & DefenceJustice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
23 October 2025 AI summary Ananda Wijepala supported the proposed “Nation Together” national operation to eradicate drugs, stating that Cabinet has established a multi-sector National Council and district, local and grassroots mechanisms involving security forces, public officers, religious leaders and Public Security Committees. He said the plan addresses organized crime, illicit firearms, drug supply chains, illegal assets, public awareness and rehabilitation, including 25 additional rehabilitation centres and 6,250 awareness programmes with Budget 2026 support. He also referred to the Weligama incident, saying police teams had been deployed and arrests would follow, and stressed that police promotions are handled by the National Police Commission while the Government pursues law enforcement against drugs, underworld activity, bribery and corruption. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Law & OrderCorruption & Governance ReformSecurity & Defence Read →
22 October 2025 AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to concerns about the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, stating that the incident was linked to rivalries among organized criminal groups and did not constitute a broader threat to public security. He said the deceased had multiple criminal cases and alleged underworld links, including matters connected to narcotics proceeds and weapons, and that investigations by the Police and CID were ongoing. He argued that political parties should not appoint persons with alleged criminal backgrounds to public office, while stating that the Government does not condone any killing and would ensure a proper investigation. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Law & OrderSecurity & DefenceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala raised a point of order disputing previous claims about staff transfers, stating that all transfers had National Police Commission approval. He said around 4,000 uniformed personnel are on non-uniform light duties and that any reassignments of disabled officers occurred only after a second medical board, with no officer being forced into unsuitable work. Adjournment: Motion on Independence of National Police Commission (SO 19(2)) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Ananda Wijepala argued that the debate concerned transfers of Officers-in-Charge in the Police, not appointments, and said such transfers are lawful when powers are delegated by the National Police Commission under the Constitution. He cited previous Gazette notifications as precedents and stated that the President or Minister does not acquire these powers, while the IGP must follow Commission-set criteria and affected officers may appeal to the Commission. He rejected claims of politicization, contrasted current procedures with alleged past political influence in OIC appointments, and said the Government is strengthening police independence, discipline, promotions, resources, and rule-of-law enforcement. Adjournment: Motion on Independence of National Police Commission (SO 19(2)) Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsParliamentary Procedure Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala rejected claims that the Government was seeking to abolish or reclaim the powers of Independent Commissions, arguing that the NPP/JVP had consistently supported their independence while others had supported earlier rollbacks. He said the Constitution, particularly Articles 155A and 155G, permits the National Police Commission to delegate specified powers to the IGP or other authorities by Gazette, while retaining overall authority and setting conditions. He cited previous Gazettes from 2011, 2016 and 2020 as precedents and tabled two of them, stating that current concerns relate to transfers of Officers-in-Charge rather than new appointments. He also alleged that past OIC appointments had been politically influenced and maintained that any present delegation must follow NPC criteria such as performance records and pending disciplinary or legal matters. Adjournment: Motion on Independence of National Police Commission (SO 19(2)) Justice & Human RightsLaw & OrderParliamentary Procedure Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the JVP and NPP have consistently supported Independent Commissions and their powers, framing them as important to democratic governance and institutional independence. He appears to be addressing the Government’s position on such commissions in the context of parliamentary debate, emphasizing continuity with those parties’ stated policy stance. Adjournment: Motion on Independence of National Police Commission (SO 19(2)) Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the recently passed law removing certain privileges of former Presidents does not cover security arrangements. He said that while privileges must be surrendered under the Act, the Government remains responsible for ensuring the security of former Presidents and will consider any renewed requests for security-related vehicles or other support. Ministry Statement: Security of Former Presidents Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
26 September 2025 AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that amendments to the Online Safety Act are needed to address continuing hate speech and defamation on social media. He said the amendment process has been expedited through a committee coordinated by four Ministries, while current investigations are being conducted under existing law, and asked the Member to provide specific details so he could inquire and respond further. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
26 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala said the Government could examine the matter if the relevant complaint numbers and details are submitted. He noted that amendments to the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, are being prepared by a committee chaired by Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, as existing provisions, including Section 5B, are sometimes inadequate for effective action on computer crimes. He acknowledged shortcomings in following up some complaints and undertook to look specifically into the issue raised. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
26 September 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that legal action on hate speech is taken under Section 3 of the Computer Crimes Act, No. 24 of 2007, while content inciting communal disharmony or violence is addressed under Section 120 of the Penal Code. He indicated that further details would be provided in subsequent parts of the response. Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala said the Narcotics Control Unit had examined the matter based on received information and that a fresh investigation was underway. He stated that the Government investigates incidents rather than predetermining “drug deals,” and that any wrongdoing would be addressed according to law without serving personal agendas or pursuing political revenge. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala alleged that individuals linked to the Pohottuwa, including Sampath Manamperi, were involved in bringing drugs into the country and attempting to shift responsibility. He accused previous political actors of fostering underworld and drug networks with political patronage, stating that the public was aware of these links and that he would not continue the debate further. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary The Minister rejected claims by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, stating that military officers and others are taken into custody only under court orders, including the remand of the former Navy Commander over intelligence-related actions. He said all container-related complaints are being investigated and argued that allegations on drug issues against the Government are politically motivated, noting the custody of Pohottuwa organizer Sampath Manamperi and stating that investigations into drug-linked persons are continuing. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
24 September 2025 AI summary The Minister provided figures on reported violence against children and women in 2024 and January–August 2025, and stated that cases are classified by risk level. He outlined reporting and response mechanisms, including the 24-hour 109 hotline, email and WhatsApp channels, investigations through the Children and Women Bureau, cooperation with NCMEC on online exploitation cases, awareness programmes, and officer training with UNDP and the National Police Academy. He also described measures to identify and rescue women and children used in drug-related activities, including police-level awareness, intelligence gathering, surveillance near schools, and engagement with parents and teachers. Adjournment Questions and Adjournment Women & ChildrenLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
24 September 2025 AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer stating that a detention place had been declared by a Special Gazette of the Ministry of State for Defence on 19 July 1988, but that no detainees are currently held there and maintenance work is underway. He outlined measures by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to control illegal migration, including adverse records and INTERPOL database integration, a trained Border Surveillance Unit, participation in the Bali Process Regional Support Office, and risk assessment through the ETA system, which is to become mandatory for all countries from 1 October 2025. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Foreign AffairsSecurity & Defence Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary The Minister tabled an answer on the online visa issuance arrangement involving IVS-GBS, VF Worldwide Holding Ltd., and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. He stated that although the Committee on Public Finance had recommended a forensic audit, the Auditor General’s Department has instead conducted a special audit, with the draft sent to the Department for final observations due by 17 September 2025. He further noted that eight fundamental rights cases challenging the E-visa procurement and contract award process are pending before the Supreme Court, and that further action will follow the Court’s judgments. Oral Question: E-Visa Fraud Forensic Audit (Q.2 Second Round/2025) Justice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that a Central Crime Investigation Unit is being established at provincial level to reduce the caseload on the CID and improve investigative efficiency. He informed Parliament that information from organized criminals recently brought to Sri Lanka led to the arrest of a Sub-Inspector in Gampaha and a serving Army Lieutenant Colonel in Mallawi, Palinagar. He said investigations would continue thoroughly and that all persons who supported organized crime would be brought before the law without fear or favour. Adjournment Questions Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary The Minister outlined measures against organized crime, including facial recognition at Bandaranaike International Airport, centralized criminal databases, monitoring of 556 remanded suspects, police communication networks, patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence operations. He reported that from 1 January to 10 September 2025, 105 organized crime incidents had led to 322 arrests, while 1,698 firearms and weapons were seized. He said Sri Lanka is pursuing suspects abroad through diplomatic channels and INTERPOL, with Red Notices issued for 72 persons and arrangements ongoing to repatriate suspects arrested in several countries. He added that investigations are continuing into alleged links between organized criminal groups and politicians, but details could not be disclosed due to ongoing court proceedings and inquiries. Adjournment Questions Law & OrderForeign AffairsSecurity & Defence Read →