Topic
Law & Order
1,620 speeches · 292 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. Ananda Wijepala, M.P. JJB | 137 |
| 2 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 57 |
| 3 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 55 |
| 4 | Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney at Law, M.P. JJB | 46 |
| 5 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 45 |
| 6 | Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, M.P. JJB | 43 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 37 |
| 8 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 36 |
| 9 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 32 |
| 10 | Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney at Law, M.P. SLPP | 30 |
Speeches
1,620 on this topic- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment), stating that it strengthens penalties for methamphetamine offences and closes legal gaps for prosecuting drug interdictions on the high seas. He outlined the Government’s anti-drug programme, including supply-chain action against international traffickers, district-level public security committees, voluntary rehabilitation centres, measures to destroy seized drugs promptly, possible bail restrictions for traffickers, and asset freezes under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He also criticised Opposition claims about drug prevalence, court access, and other allegations, arguing that the Government is implementing a comprehensive enforcement and rehabilitation strategy. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that, under the Code of Criminal Procedure, daily trials are the norm and are necessary to expedite cases, particularly the Easter attack cases involving 23,000 charges, which could otherwise take eight to ten years if heard monthly. He said the court is open but located outside the main Hulftsdorp complex due to space constraints, with efforts to move matters into the complex as facilities improve. He declined to comment on judicial promotions, noting that they fall under the Judicial Service Commission. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about alleged involvement of ruling party local authority members in drug trafficking despite the Government’s “Country Together” operation. He requested urgent provision of toilet facilities at the new Colombo District Court complex and proposed scheduling reforms for Special High Courts to address difficulties faced by counsel. He also questioned the requirement for SIS reports in Wakf Board appointments, calling for the rule to be formally removed if unnecessary, and asked the Government to resolve issues concerning the Kattankudy mosque appointment and the release of Qur’ans held at the port. He further called for a fair and transparent system for judicial promotions, citing concerns raised by Justice Gihan Kulatunga. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, describing drug trafficking and abuse as a national crisis affecting many sectors of society and a large proportion of the prison population, especially youth. He argued that past political and official protection enabled drug networks, and cited Government enforcement data from 2025 and the “Country Together” operation, including raids, arrests, seizures, and persons identified for rehabilitation. He said the proposed amendment would strengthen action against drug production, possession, and trafficking in Sri Lanka’s maritime zones, and called for cross-party support for the reforms. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Priyantha Wijerathna supported the proposed amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, arguing that they address a legal gap in prosecuting narcotics offences committed on the high seas. He cited recent large-scale seizures of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and pills, noting that most narcotics enter Sri Lanka by sea rather than being produced locally. He said the amendments would give the Supreme Court jurisdiction over such offences, enabling arrests, transfer of suspects to Sri Lanka and prosecution, in support of the Government’s “Country Together” anti-drug programme and its focus on prevention, rehabilitation and community-level action. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported stronger action under the proposed amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs law, arguing that drug use and trafficking are damaging society and require practical implementation of “Clean Sri Lanka” and a drug-free nation through effective policing and systematic enforcement. He cited concerns about student drug use, alleged political links to drug networks, and rising illicit liquor production and related violence in Batticaloa after the war. He also requested that the Fisheries Minister consider allowing machinery for shore seine fishing where labour is scarce, urged the Wildlife Department to establish additional offices and staff in Batticaloa to address human-elephant conflict, and asked for action on difficulties faced by farmers in selling paddy at the guaranteed price. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, arguing that drug trafficking has deeply affected Sri Lankan society and has been linked to politics and criminal networks. He said the National People’s Power Government had a mandate to address the drug menace alongside broader economic, political, and social reforms, and cited the “Break Free” national operation as part of a plan to eradicate drugs through legal, political, cultural, and social measures. He thanked the Minister of Justice for introducing the amendments and said the Government would act decisively, particularly against drugs entering the country by sea. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported amendments extending jurisdiction over drug trafficking by ships and stateless vessels, arguing that drug cartels operating from the high seas must be brought within Sri Lankan law. He urged the Justice Minister to establish a legal “decoy” mechanism enabling police and security forces to engage undercover with major traffickers, and called for stronger protection for lawyers, judges, and witnesses, including possible relocation measures in drug cases. He also raised concerns about overcrowding, sanitation, nutrition, and facilities for remand prisoners, and noted that drug operations continue from prisons due to ineffective communication-blocking measures. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s effort to strengthen laws against narcotics. She alleged past political protection for drug trafficking and outlined the “Break Free”/“Country Together” anti-drug programme, including the 1818 hotline, rehabilitation measures, public awareness, and enforcement statistics on seizures, raids, and arrests. She also reported on relief and housing assistance provided to households and schoolchildren affected by the “Divva” cyclone in Dehiattakandiya, Digamadulla District, and thanked those involved in the response. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Judicature Act and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance amendments, saying they would strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal authority to interdict narcotics production and trafficking in its maritime zones and adjacent high seas. He argued that drug trafficking is a complex transnational problem linked to global trade routes, organized crime, political influence and weakened investigative institutions, and cannot be solved by Sri Lanka in isolation. He also called for scientific rehabilitation, psychological counselling, public awareness, stricter enforcement, and independent investigative bodies while noting that some countries are examining decriminalization as part of wider drug policy. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB 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 Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Welcoming the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, the member said stronger legal provisions are needed because narcotics enter Sri Lanka largely through the high seas, while noting that maritime seizures occurred under previous governments as well. He urged the Government to incorporate earlier proposals on inter-agency enforcement at sea and remove implementation obstacles. He also highlighted severe prison overcrowding linked to remand prisoners in drug-related cases, calling for faster Attorney General’s advice and Government Analyst reports to expedite prosecutions or releases. He further requested consideration of amendments to extend sentence-related relief to prisoners convicted before previous reforms, including those with pending appeals, as a measure to reduce congestion. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, arguing that drug trafficking and dependence had expanded through political protection, weakened rule of law, and organized networks. He cited increased arrests and raids in 2025 compared with 2019, and said the Government is pursuing a whole-of-nation anti-drug effort through district and local operations councils involving security forces, police, officials, and political authorities. He linked the drug problem to poverty and said programmes such as Aswesuma, the “Praja Shakthi” national mission, Clean Sri Lanka, digitization, and “Rata Ma Ekata” are intended to support poverty eradication, rehabilitation, and institutional reform. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns over a fatal shooting of two youths from Mannar in Colombo, requesting urgent action to prevent such killings, ensure medical treatment for the survivor, and compensate the affected family. He asked the Attorney General’s Department to expedite long-pending cases against officials linked to a bus transport case in which he said he had already been acquitted. He also alleged weaknesses in anti-narcotics enforcement, including inadequate action against implicated officers and political links to smugglers, and called for investigations. Additionally, he urged removal of restrictions on importing Qur’ans and Islamic books, reopening of the Mahar Mosque during Ramadan, and reopening or providing an alternative to the Mannar–Puttalam road, warning of protests if the issue remains unresolved. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla argued that narcotics trafficking had expanded under past political patronage and said the Government would further amend laws if needed to eradicate drugs, while dismantling related criminal networks and expanding rehabilitation for affected youth. He stated that since the Government took office, 51 tons of heroin and other narcotics had been seized, attributing this to the removal of political protection. He also outlined relief and reconstruction measures in Badulla District following the “Ditva” cyclone, including cash assistance to families and students, livestock compensation, industry support, concessional credit, grants, and rebuilding fully damaged houses. He urged the Opposition to offer constructive, evidence-based criticism rather than “mudslinging.” Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s “Rata Ma Ekata – Iwath Wenu” anti-narcotics programme and the NPP policy objective of a drug-free country. He said the amendments would criminalize drug manufacture, possession and trafficking on the high seas and give the High Court jurisdiction over such offences, particularly to disrupt transfers from mother ships to smaller vessels. He linked the measures to wider proposals on surveillance, rehabilitation, education, community monitoring, asset seizure and international cooperation, citing drug flows through the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka’s use as a transit and redistribution point. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath said the Opposition supports the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, arguing they will strengthen action against narcotics trafficking, including interdiction and prosecution beyond Sri Lankan territory and on the high seas. He linked the need for reform to past political protection of drug networks and said police action was previously constrained by political pressure, while maintaining that the current administration would not allow corruption or crime. He also clarified that DNA testing can be sought in maintenance cases where paternity is denied, and said drug policy must combine enforcement against traffickers with rehabilitation, sports, and public-space programmes to address addiction and reduce demand. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said the SIM card re-registration regulations address weaknesses in the 2019 framework and are intended to ensure accurate subscriber records for law enforcement purposes. He stated that 897,802 individual SIMs and 245,811 corporate SIMs currently lack sufficient identity data, creating risks for fraud and other crimes. He said affected users must update their details with telecom operators within about two months, after which non-compliant SIMs will be deactivated, while properly registered users will not be affected. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to criminalize narcotics offences on the high seas and vest jurisdiction over such offences in Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court. She cited UNODC findings and national arrest and prison statistics to argue that Sri Lanka’s maritime position has made it vulnerable to drug trafficking, with youth and women increasingly affected. She referred to the “The Whole Nation Together – Let’s Get Out” national anti-drug operation launched in October 2025, noting seizures, arrests with INTERPOL support, and rehabilitation efforts as part of a coordinated response. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman, speaking during debate on the Judicature and dangerous drugs amendment Bills, questioned a 9 February 2026 Gazette requiring re-registration of pre-2019 SIM cards, arguing that telecom operators were already obliged under TRCSL licence conditions to retain customer identity data. He linked the issue to investigations into the killings and disappearances of Lasantha Wickrematunge, Wasim Thajudeen, Prageeth Ekneligoda, Sivaram and others, saying missing telecom data had affected those cases and asking whether the Gazette would enable operators to avoid responsibility. He urged the Government to take legal action against operators if they failed to maintain required records, rather than create a process that could undermine prosecutions, and called on the President to honour campaign promises on these cases. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →