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. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, linking them to the Government’s mandate to restore rule of law and reform justice institutions. He argued that past governance had allowed criminal networks and drug trafficking to penetrate state institutions, and said the Government was improving judicial infrastructure, recruitment, investigations, policing, prisons, and rehabilitation. He noted severe prison overcrowding and said Budget allocations would support modernization and rehabilitation, while further legal reforms would be presented by December. He also highlighted the “The Whole Nation Together” anti-drug programme and Public Security Committees in all 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions as part of a community-based response to drugs. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, stating that higher penalties are needed to address drug trafficking and related violence. He cited recent killings linked to drug cases, including incidents involving court premises and legal professionals, and urged stronger law-and-order measures, maximum punishment for offenders, and public cooperation. He also called for prevention through religious and ethical guidance, parental care, livelihood support, and robust national action to curb drug use and distribution. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, arguing that court expansion, additional judges, and revised jurisdictions would reduce delays and improve access to justice, including for remote communities and investors. He said stronger drug laws are needed to address evolving narcotics trafficking, particularly maritime smuggling, and to enable action against vessels operating near or beyond Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary. He highlighted rising drug use and related crime in the Northern Province after 2009, citing increased arrests, hospital admissions, and limited rehabilitation capacity, and called for expanded rehabilitation services and support for the President’s “The Whole Nation Together” anti-drug programme. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, arguing that narcotics are a common social threat requiring united action, strict enforcement, and prevention efforts involving religious institutions. He criticized alleged politicization of drug issues and raised concerns about government conduct toward Buddhist clergy. He also sought explanations on the 2026 Tri-Forces dry ration tender, claiming a Rs. 180 million loss, urged permanency for casual workers at Ceylon Mineral Sands, and questioned contradictory public statements by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka regarding wartime “white flag” allegations. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Over 200,000 people were arrested on drug-related charges in 2024. Dr. Elayathamby Srinath called for proper psychological counselling for drug users and urged the presentation of a rehabilitation plan for them. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the amendment Bill addressing narcotics control, citing National Dangerous Drugs Control Board 2024 arrest figures and stressing the impact of drugs, especially methamphetamine, on youth, families, education and public health. He called for stronger action against illicit alcohol in rural areas, higher penalties for producers and distributors, and a comprehensive framework including awareness, counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration facilities, particularly in every Divisional Secretariat division in Batticaloa District. He also urged immediate compensation for Batticaloa farmers affected by recent rains, the Titli cyclone’s aftermath, and elephant incursions damaging paddy fields. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill as part of efforts to address the national drug problem. He stated that after 2009 drug use was deliberately directed at youth in the North and East and has since spread across the country, underscoring the need for legal reforms to control dangerous drugs. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary The Deputy Speaker supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the related Judicature Act amendment, stating that they close legal gaps in prosecuting drug trafficking on the high seas and give the High Court jurisdiction over such offences. He argued that Sri Lanka’s maritime location exposes it to international drug syndicates and that the amendments align national law with international conventions and strengthen maritime enforcement. He also urged a balanced approach combining firm action against traffickers with rehabilitation, prevention, education and treatment for victims of addiction. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill but urged attention to practical issues affecting access to justice. He argued that courts located far from the main court complex create difficulties for lawyers, litigants, victims and accused persons, and proposed using vacated judicial buildings or relocating Commercial High Courts. He also called for legal reforms to allow courts, in appropriate maintenance, divorce or child access cases where paternity is disputed, to compel DNA testing under a proper statutory framework. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera supported the Bills and the amendments made following Sectoral Oversight Committee input, but argued that drug control efforts have not produced a practical reduction in the availability of heroin and “ice” in areas such as Kalutara and Matugama. He questioned whether seized drugs are re-entering circulation and cited failures in prison security, including non-functioning phone jammers and continued criminal activity from prisons, as evidence of systemic weaknesses. He called for a reorganization of the Police, stronger leadership and administration, and effective prosecution mechanisms, while noting that existing Trial-at-Bar courts established under Act No. 9 of 2018 have not received new cases under the current Government. He also raised concern about fair trial and open court requirements in ongoing proceedings, including the Easter Sunday attack trial. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government has intensified narcotics enforcement through the “Get Out” programme, citing increased seizures of heroin, “ice” and cannabis in 2025 compared with 2024 and over 280,000 arrests. He explained that amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act are intended to establish Sri Lankan jurisdiction over drug offences committed on the high seas, in line with UNCLOS and UN drug conventions, and to enable prosecution of traffickers intercepted by the Navy or Coast Guard. He also stated that demand reduction must accompany supply enforcement, proposing expanded voluntary rehabilitation and a public-health approach for drug users while targeting large-scale traffickers. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa supported the Government Chief Whip’s proposal but raised a privilege-related concern over individuals he had named in Parliament being summoned to the CID. He said he had earlier disclosed that police reports were being linked to character certificates or recommendations from Civil Defence Committee Chairpersons, and asked whether summoning Yasantha Ariyasena, Thevuni Jayawardena and Sakusha Roshani after his disclosure was appropriate. He requested the Speaker’s ruling on the matter. Oral Question: Hospital Attendants Shortage and Mahaweli Land Allocation (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government on public security amid rising shootings, homicides and organized crime, requesting data on Police vacancies, crime trends, arrests, prosecutions and incomplete investigations over the past decade. He asked whether current Police staffing is sufficient, whether mechanisms under the Palermo Convention and UNTOC are being used, and what measures are being taken to dismantle domestic and international crime networks. He also sought updates on pledged independent investigations into long-pending high-profile killings and attacks on politicians, journalists, sportsmen and civilians, including the cases of Lasantha Wickrematunge and others, and urged action to improve Police recruitment and accountability. Oral Question: Hospital Attendants Shortage and Mahaweli Land Allocation (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Thanura Dissanayake asked whether citizens are charged fees when firearms are issued by the Government, how such charges are calculated, and how refunds are handled when firearms are returned. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB 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) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Thanura Dissanayake asked whether the Government had conducted a review of firearms issued in Sri Lanka, citing public safety concerns. He requested details on when any such review was carried out, what actions were taken, and its findings. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that NAMSL is intended to provide orderly and uniform facilities for traders, farmers and consumers, and to ease business rather than obstruct it. He said existing shop operators would be allowed to continue under five-year lease renewals, with rent revisions every three years based on government valuations and agreed terms. He also noted that a management committee including local administrative officials, trade and farmer representatives, Police and a bank had been appointed to regularize operations, and rejected allegations that the institution would act against traders. Oral Question: Kaduruwela Market Complex (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara urged stronger enforcement in response to serious incidents. He also raised concerns about a Gazette relating to the appointment of external postal substitutes as registered substitutes, arguing that delays had unfairly excluded some eligible persons who had passed the age limit of 30. He asked whether the age cap could be relaxed to 35 or 40 to address this issue. Oral Question: Drug Varieties Manufactured by SPMC (Q.) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided annual figures on shootings from 2020 to 2025, noting an increase to 140 incidents in 2025, with 65 deaths and 68 injuries that year. He said recent shootings were linked to organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal firearms, personal disputes, and overseas criminal networks, and outlined police responses including joint operations, checkpoints, intelligence-led investigations, firearm seizures, community reporting mechanisms, and rapid-response motorcycle units. He also referred to institutional measures such as Provincial Special Crime Investigation Bureaus, the Central Crime Investigation Bureau established on 04.09.2025, criminal data systems, asset monitoring, and action inside prisons to disrupt crime and drug networks. Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for annual data from 2020 to 2025 on reported shootings in Sri Lanka, including deaths and injuries, and for details on police measures taken to control such incidents and their progress. He also raised concerns about the condition of the Bandaragama Police Station, asking whether a modern building, development plan, cost estimate, and study on constructing official quarters within the premises have been prepared or will be undertaken. Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) Read →