Topic
Corruption & Governance Reform
2,708 speeches · 349 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 91 |
| 2 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 86 |
| 3 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 80 |
| 4 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 70 |
| 5 | Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, M.P. SJB | 68 |
| 6 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 68 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 67 |
| 8 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 65 |
| 9 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 64 |
| 10 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 64 |
Speeches
2,708 on this topic- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister described the 206-page report and related debate as historic, arguing that it documents the politicization of the Police and the consequences faced by officers who followed unlawful orders. He cited testimony from police and military personnel and said the report clarifies the legality of actions taken, including political influence over OIC appointments in most police stations. He maintained that the Government’s process complied with the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, and rejected opposition attempts to challenge or halt the debate. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper stated that administrative and law enforcement powers should be exercised transparently, independently, and in the public interest. He argued that such conditions would enable senior officials to perform their duties efficiently. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran argued that the Government acts swiftly on investigations when there is political pressure, citing the committee report on allegations against former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, but has failed to apply similar urgency to alleged violence against Tamils, including massacres, disappearances and wartime atrocities. He questioned when investigations and justice would be delivered for these issues and called for the same transparency and immediacy shown in the IGP case. Referring to remarks by Deputy IGP Gunandavadu Nishantha de Soysa on the Weligama Sergeant Uppul murder inquiry, he argued that alleged perpetrators or their institutions should not investigate themselves and rejected state-led inquiries into alleged abuses by successive governments. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer — Deputy Minister of National Integration AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that alleged misconduct by a senior police official undermined public trust and showed the need to prevent State officials from acting improperly under political influence. He linked the issue to events during the Aragalaya, including attacks on protesters and subsequent public violence, and said past political practices had placed officials in damaging positions. He rejected allegations that the Government was continuing practices such as misuse of official vehicles or patronage appointments, and cited action against Presidential Security Division officers as evidence that wrongdoing was now being addressed through proper procedures. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that the motion to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon reflects inconsistent and selective standards, claiming that others allegedly connected to the W15 Hotel incident and past bribery or misconduct cases have not been treated equally. He warned police and security officials that political protection changes with governments, and questioned fairness in disciplinary action, military command appointments and extensions, and the imprisonment of a former Navy Commander. He also raised allegations of unequal enforcement over encroachments on the Anuradhapura tank reserves, demanding that government buildings and politically connected individuals be treated the same as poor residents if removals are carried out. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi argued that action against Deshabandu Tennakoon should address not only the individual allegations but also the political culture that enabled misuse of public office. He cited the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, referring to charges of misconduct and gross abuse of office, and linked the matter to broader concerns about politicization of the Police and past abuses under previous administrations. He rejected claims that Public Safety Committees are being politicized, stating that their structure follows the relevant circular, and said the Government would protect honest public servants while taking decisions on alleged wrongdoing. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardena NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardena raised concerns about a police “B” Report relating to the arrest of Hon. Jagath Pinnagodage Withana’s son over a vehicle issue, questioning why the report named two Members of Parliament through family connections. He argued that some officials may be using investigations to target Opposition politicians or gain favour with the government, while emphasizing he was not commenting on matters before court. He urged the Minister in charge of Police to protect diligent public and police officers, punish misconduct, and avoid allowing law enforcement matters to be used for political propaganda. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara supported the removal of Deshbandu Tennakoon, describing it as part of the Government’s anti-corruption mandate and saying other issues would be addressed in stages. He defended the restructuring of youth associations and the National Youth Services Council, stating that over 12,700 youth clubs had been formed through a defined grassroots electoral process using secret ballots and that the first National Youth Convention since 1993 had been held. He rejected allegations of politicisation, citing past examples where previous governments allegedly used the NYSC for party and electoral purposes, and said the current programme was intended to expand opportunities for village youth while addressing concerns through discussion. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala criticized remarks by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa in Beruwala, alleging that past incidents such as the violence in Dharga Town and attacks on a Provincial Councillor’s farm reflected the fomenting of racism. He said the NPP would oppose falsehoods and narrow racist politics, asserting that such politics should not be allowed to derail the country. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Samagi Jana Sandhanaya support the motion to remove Deshbandu Tennakoon as IGP, arguing that they had consistently opposed his appointment as illegal and unconstitutional, including through votes in the Constitutional Council and fundamental rights petitions. He questioned why the JVP/NPP did not oppose the appointment publicly or in court at the time, and criticized the process by which the Speaker used a casting vote after abstentions. He also warned the Government against reducing the powers of the Constitutional Council, saying it would weaken democratic checks and balances. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the lawful removal of Deshbandu Tennakoon, arguing that serious allegations and court findings concerning torture, failures during the Galle Face attacks, the Weligama W15 Hotel incident, and arrests under “Operation Yukthiya” justified action within a democratic framework. He tabled statements from police officers alleging suppression of investigations, political interference, and pressure within the chain of command, particularly relating to the 2022 protest events. He said the Government was seeking to end political interference in law enforcement and hold senior officials accountable while maintaining support for the Police as an institution. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said complaints arising from “Operation Yuktīya” under Deshbandu Tennakoon are being investigated, with relief to be granted where warranted, and defended keeping the report on the 309 containers confidential until investigations are completed. He argued that Deshbandu’s appointment as IGP was procedurally questionable and said the debate should focus on alleged abuses by Deshbandu, while noting that the previous political authority had already been rejected by voters. He outlined charges before the committee, including allegations that Deshbandu gave unlawful verbal orders connected to the Weligama W15 Hotel shooting, and assured honest public officers that the Government would protect those acting in good faith. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that the Government has failed to uphold the rule of law it promised, citing the President’s Secretary and the handling of allegations involving presidential security personnel bringing liquor through the airport as examples where accountability was not pursued. He accused Ministers and MPs of intervening in youth-related matters for party political purposes and said replacing Deshbandu Tennakoon without broader systemic reform would only reproduce similar problems. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman said his party supports the resolution to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP, citing its earlier opposition to his appointment and the Supreme Court interim order obtained by party members. He questioned why certain government-aligned MPs had not challenged the appointment earlier and asked why allegations relating to Easter 2019, the Aragalaya cases, and “Operation Yuktiya” were not being fully addressed. He argued that political authorities who directed or enabled Tennakoon should also be held accountable, and called for laws and appointment practices that prevent persons with serious allegations or political loyalties from being elevated to high office. He also raised issues regarding the former Speaker’s claimed doctorate, the release of 309 containers, and the President’s Secretary’s vehicle incident, framing them as tests of the government’s commitment to rule of law. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Deputy Minister on reports that the National Youth Services Council is changing the name and emblem of its youth movement to “Youth Club,” allegedly in alignment with the Socialist Youth Movement. He asked why changes are being made to an institution he described as historically inclusive across political and social divides. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa emphasized the need for Youth Clubs at all administrative levels to operate without party bias, allowing young people to advance on merit. He cited previous funding of Rs. 150 million to the Youth Parliament and Youth Club Federation, which he said enabled youth-led projects worth Rs. 450 million and later contributed to the “Gamata Koratiyak” programme delivering services valued at Rs. 900 million. He argued that these initiatives showed the value of cross-party and inclusive youth participation beyond ethnic, religious, and social divisions. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government over National Youth Services Council Circular No. NYSC/2-11/25/01, alleging that the cancellation and reorganization of Youth Clubs established before 23 May 2025 is being used to politicize their executive appointments. He sought specific responses on the purpose of the circular, whether politically preferred appointments are taking place in several districts, and whether new standing orders exist and will be tabled in Parliament. He also asked whether eligibility requirements for executive posts undermine Youth Club constitutions, tabled related documents from several areas, and requested answers from the relevant Minister with the opportunity for supplementary questions. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked what action the Ministry would take regarding officials still handling Dhamma School and Pirivena-related services after the dissolution of the former State Ministry. He alleged that such officers were obstructing proposed amendments to the Piriven Education Act and sought clarification on the Ministry’s response. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concern about a reported circular limiting attendance at Local Coordinating Committee meetings to one local authority representative per party. He argued that newly appointed local authority members are best placed to identify village-level issues and requested that more representatives be allowed to participate so that local problems can be addressed more effectively. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara asked whether the Government would take swift action to recover money allegedly misused from the President’s Fund. He referred particularly to higher education benefits received by politicians’ children and relatives, claimed conditions had been violated, and noted that names of alleged beneficiaries had been raised in Parliament. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →