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- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided a tabulated reply on the number of police ranks released to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption from 2015 to 2025, noting that 246 officers were released in 2025. He stated that, as of January 2026, CIABOC had requested five officers in one instance and three officers in another, including a Police Inspector and a Woman Sub-Inspector, and that the numbers released to date had been provided. Other sub-questions were deemed not applicable or not arising. 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 to provide annual figures for police officers released to CIABOC from 2015 to 2025. He also sought details on CIABOC’s requested police personnel for 2026, how many have been released so far, whether the Ministry is aware of any shortage of investigation officers, and what measures are being taken to address it. 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 to provide annual figures for reported homicides and rape cases in Sri Lanka from 1970 to 2025. He requested the data be broken down separately by year, and asked for reasons if the information could not be supplied. Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda defended the Government’s regulations and orders, saying they were supported by data while the Opposition relied on false allegations. He highlighted paddy procurement in the last Yala season, guaranteed prices, and levy policy as measures to protect farmers and consumers, while citing improved agricultural research, lower inflation, and economic growth as evidence of stabilization. He also rejected Opposition claims on security zones and referred to the recent passage of legislation removing MPs’ pensions as part of changing political culture. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera urged approval of regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a motion under the Customs Ordinance, and orders under the Motor Traffic Act, stating that the tax relief measures were designed to support economic stability, market competition, domestic production, and price management. He contrasted them with the 2020 commodity tax concessions, alleging they reduced Treasury revenue without benefiting consumers, and cited improved Customs revenue and IMF recognition of stronger growth, low inflation, and adequate reserves. He also explained that levy exemptions for donated essential goods after the “Ditva” cyclone enabled the distribution of about LKR 3.1 billion in foreign and organizational assistance through disaster relief authorities and District Secretaries. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka addressed two Orders under the Motor Traffic Act, supporting measures on temporary driving permits and licence validity while proposing that permits for foreign licence holders be issued at tourist hubs such as Galle with guidance on local road rules. He raised implementation concerns over mandatory seat belts in buses, delayed issuance of vehicle number plates despite previous assurances, and proposed drug and alcohol testing of bus drivers, arguing that penalties should apply to offending drivers rather than bus owners and should be applied consistently to SLTB. He also highlighted wider public transport and road safety problems, including train delays, unsafe level crossings, elephant-train collisions, railway losses, ageing SLTB buses, staffing burdens, and high fatal accident rates involving motorcycles, three-wheelers and buses, calling for urgent practical action. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa questioned the Government over alleged forged passports taken from a Ministry, the release of 323 containers from the port, and specifically two cocaine-linked containers reportedly taken to Mideniya, asking who authorized their release. He argued that such a release could not have occurred without written authorization and asked whether it came from the President, the Minister in charge of Police, or the IGP. He also urged the Government to listen to trade unions and doctors and called for a fair and effective programme to address rising underworld violence and national security concerns. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for relying on the Tri-Forces and Police during emergencies and industrial action while, in his view, failing to acknowledge war heroes or the victory in the war. He urged the Government to listen to doctors’ demands rather than confront protests, and linked this approach to past unrest, including the death of a Member of Parliament during the “struggle.” He called for a focus on economic recovery, social rebuilding, and improving people’s lives with a clear vision. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana rejected claims that he had not contacted the Fisheries Minister regarding protesting stilt fishers, stating that he spoke to the Minister through a fisherman’s phone and demanding verification and a solution for their grievances. He criticized the Government over alleged unfulfilled promises, investigations, and what he described as attempts to blame stilt fishers for coral damage. He also accused the Government of pursuing political vendettas, cited public dissatisfaction and recent killings as evidence of governance failures, and called for Provincial Council elections if the Government believes it retains public support. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage — Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance, and Motor Traffic Act, linking them to economic recovery, tourism facilitation, and national development. He cited increased tourist arrivals, government revenue, remittances, reserves and low inflation as evidence of stability, and said measures such as allowing tourists to drive on foreign licences would further support tourism. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s hosting of the India–Pakistan cricket series as evidence of international confidence and emphasized sport and parliamentary reforms, including abolition of MPs’ pensions, as part of broader social and political development. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the Motor Traffic (Expressway) and Motor Traffic (Drug) Regulations as necessary reforms to address road safety, including mandatory seat belts on expressways and formal procedures for detecting drug-impaired driving through saliva testing and lab confirmation. He noted changes from prior law, including wider seat-belt obligations, owner and driver responsibility, and higher drunk-driving fines. He raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting older buses, possible inaccuracies or misuse of saliva tests, and potential police harassment. He proposed subsidies or a welfare fund for operators, support for replacing old buses, legal clarity on prescribed medicines, and mandatory police body cameras during testing. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake acknowledged the role of the tri-forces and public officials in maintaining current operations. He stated that reforms would continue, with attention to clearing backlogs and improving safety and service delivery. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake moved approval of several Orders and resolutions under the Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance and Motor Traffic Act, noting that finance-related matters would be addressed by the State Minister of Finance and transport matters by him. He said two transport-related Gazettes extend time for driving licence renewals affected by Cyclone Ditcha and set a Rs. 45,000 fee for renewing Sri Lankan driving authorisations for foreign nationals, including through a new facility at Bandaranaike International Airport. He outlined forthcoming regulation of three-wheelers, taxis, school vans and office vans, new drug-testing powers for drivers and conductors, strengthened seatbelt enforcement on expressways, progress on open bank-card payments for bus fares with card-scheme commissions to be waived, and steps to clear the driving licence backlog and restore one-day service. He also referred to action to address corruption at the Department of Motor Traffic and urged MPs to follow Standing Orders and use proper language during debate. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake requested an urgent Government statement on the integrity, composition and usability of Sri Lanka’s Gross Official Reserves, including usable reserves after encumbrances, swaps and pledged funds, income earned from reserves, and detailed holdings of gold, currencies, SDRs, IMF positions and swaps. He also asked for information on Central Bank margins and profits from foreign exchange transactions with the Government, audit oversight by the Auditor General, and the rationale for a recent circular under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017. He questioned whether foreign exchange and tax leakage through foreign credit cards and payment gateways has been quantified, cited a possible loss of about USD 3 billion, and asked why stricter binding action is not taken against non-compliant businesses using foreign gateways while domestic institutions are regulated. Procedural: Question Under Standing Order 27(2) - Gross Official Reserves Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked whether the Government would reconsider the ban on using winch machines in shore seine fishing, citing livelihood difficulties for 16 identified fishers in Pottuvil (Jalaldeen Square) and Kuda Kallli. He acknowledged the environmental rationale for the prohibition but proposed allowing controlled use of winches in a manner that avoids environmental harm while reducing the need to mobilize 30–50 labourers for each operation. Oral Question: Fishery Buildings and Shore Seine Fishing in Pottuvil (1750/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary A Cabinet-approved 17-member committee chaired by Ministry Secretary S. M. Piyathissa has been appointed to consider reforms with input from legal experts and sectoral representatives. Mahinda Jayasinghe said the committee is functioning effectively, though a scheduled meeting on the 16th was disrupted by a protest by legal professionals, and is continuing its work while considering emerging work trends and international practices. Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that a Cabinet Memorandum has been submitted and regulations are being drafted to control chemicals identified as potential threats, including future additions. He said regulatory authority over 8 of 15 identified chemicals has already been delegated to relevant institutions, while oversight of the remaining 7 is proposed to be assigned to the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Ministry of Defence is involved in preparing the necessary legal instruments. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence answered on behalf of the Minister regarding the regulation of explosives, stating that action is being taken in line with a 2025 Cabinet decision and that storage, issuance, licensing and supervision are governed by the Explosives Act, related regulations, and Defence Ministry Circular 01/2024. He explained that the Defence Secretary functions as Controller of Explosives, supported by Deputy and Assistant Controllers, with 13 Assistant Controllers covering districts and police officers of Sergeant rank or above empowered as inspectors. He provided licence and permit figures as of 30 November 2025, including 58 import licences, 514 supplier licences, 1,355 permits, and 232 fireworks manufacturing licences, and said 33 stores are under direct police protection while 2,179 other storages are supervised by local police. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Thushari Jayasingha asked the Minister of Defence for details on the regulation of explosives used for commercial purposes, including planned legal amendments, storage and issuance procedures, responsible officers, district-level assistant officers, and the status of the Controller of Explosives post. She also sought information on commercial explosives licences, active licensees, the licensing process, regulatory oversight, private storage facilities, security measures, and limits on quantities issued to licensees. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that complaints regarding violations of workers’ rights or harassment fall under the authority of the Ministry of Labour. He added that, in relation to the plantation sector, his Ministry refers reported incidents to the relevant legal authorities and engages estate management to take appropriate action. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →