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- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged prison overcrowding and said the Government is expanding capacity in existing facilities, adding new sections, and repurposing suitable State-owned buildings rather than waiting for new construction. He identified delays in Government Analyst reports, caused by staff shortages, as a major factor in remand congestion and said recruitment is under way to speed up reports and bail applications. He also noted plans to expand community-based corrections, which diverted 16,000–17,000 offenders last year, and to amend drug-related bail laws so High Courts can grant bail instead of requiring applications only to the Court of Appeal. Oral Question No. 2 (812/2025) - Prison overcrowding Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman raised concern over severe prison overcrowding, noting that facilities designed for about 10,500 inmates or suspects currently hold more than 38,500 people. He asked the Minister whether measures would be implemented soon to reduce overcrowding and ease pressure on prison facilities, including healthcare. Oral Question No. 2 (812/2025) - Prison overcrowding Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka called on the Minister in charge of Police to expedite investigations and take legal action over an alleged assault at the “Charter’s Edge” hotel on 12 September, noting that no arrests had been made. He then challenged the Minister of Power over the coal procurement process, disputing official answers given to questions raised under Standing Order 27(2) and arguing that low-quality coal could damage boilers, reduce efficiency, increase pollution, and harm public health around Norochcholai. He alleged irregularities in the tender timeline, vessel allocations, and handling of the company Potentia, and invited the Minister to a public debate to substantiate claims of corruption in the coal tender. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concerns over about 11,000 high-end vehicles imported under the cross-border method and stranded at Hambantota Port for nearly a year. He asked whether, if legal proceedings are ongoing, the vehicles should be auctioned and the proceeds deposited in court to prevent further loss of value, rising demurrage charges, and damage to modern sensor-equipped vehicles from prolonged exposure. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the large remand population, including around 27,000 remandees, cannot undergo rehabilitation while on remand. He said rehabilitation work is being coordinated with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, and the Justice Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division has been gazetted under the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to prevent duplication and pool resources. He added that intensified drug prevention efforts are producing about 700 arrests daily, with many persons directed to voluntary rehabilitation centres, and that combined ministerial allocations will be supplemented if necessary under the President’s direction. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha presented regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to facilitate and control disaster-related imports by designating the Disaster Management Centre or other government institutions as accountable consignees, preventing misuse of donated goods, and allowing specified licence exemptions or approvals through Customs and relevant ministries. He cited 5,058 consignments worth Rs. 2,473 million received by 6 January 2026, including relief goods, medicines, ambulances, and other supplies, and noted provisions for standards testing and health-related imports such as Suwaseriya equipment. He also defended education reforms as necessary to shift from rote learning to skills, competencies, and student-centred education, linking human capital development to productivity and economic recovery. He stated that government revenue, reserves, exports, and the current account remained on track, with reserves around USD 6.8 billion and a medium-term growth target above 7 percent. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about flood-affected Muslim families in Puttalam, citing 319 families in Puludivayal, Virudodai, under the Mundal Divisional Secretariat who he said had not received even the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant despite continuing inundation and significant losses. He questioned disparities in relief payments compared with other areas and alleged partisan distribution of assistance by some local representatives. He also objected to Colombo garbage being dumped at Aruvakkadu and defended his position as speaking for justice across communities, while referring to unresolved issues including land release in Vali North, the Thaiyiddy temple matter, and an indoor stadium controversy. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the import regulation amendments facilitating disaster relief goods through the Disaster Management Centre, but urged safeguards to prevent abuse and unsuitable donations, citing problems experienced during the 2004 tsunami. He cautioned against concentrating authority in the Controller of Imports and Exports to waive standards, and called for wider legal reforms affecting land administration, local authority revenue, and outdated fees. He also proposed reflective ear tags for livestock in the North and East to reduce night-time road accidents. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were presented as a mechanism to expedite duty-free clearance and distribution of foreign-donated disaster relief goods. The Deputy Minister said consignments from 22 countries and the World Food Programme, valued at about Rs. 1.57 billion, would be processed through an apex committee, warehoused at Orugodawatte under the NDRSC, and distributed via Divisional Secretariats according to district needs. He outlined categories of eligible goods, donor guidance, port coordination with Customs, simplified documentation, tax waivers, and a centralized data system to ensure faster delivery, accountability, and reduced Customs delays. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Order under the Shops and Office Employees Act enabling women’s night work, linking it to ILO obligations, tourism growth, and women’s labour force participation. She emphasized that the regulations followed tripartite consultation and include safeguards such as written consent, Labour Commissioner authorization after 10.00 p.m., limits on night duties, overtime pay, welfare committees, meals, rest facilities, and transport-related protections. She also briefly addressed allegations about changes to the Dharmachakra in textbooks, stating that religious leaders had been consulted and the approved symbol was included. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa said education reforms should be modernized to suit Sri Lanka’s culture and labour market needs, and argued that the Government and the Minister responsible must accept accountability for errors in related materials and policies. He questioned whether references to LGBTQ-related matters in tourism, disaster management regulations, and a Grade 6 textbook were accidental, and requested clarity on the Government’s position. He also demanded that the Select Committee on the release of 323 containers, including alleged narcotics-related containers, be convened immediately and that the proposed audit proceed. He further raised concerns about coal quality issues, alleged selective enforcement over illegal logging and wildlife offences, and requested inclusion of Opposition MPs in Galle District Development Committee work. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana supported the Adjournment Motion on child protection, noting that despite existing ministry officers at divisional level, gaps remain in providing safe environments for children, particularly after school hours in urban, plantation, and other high-risk areas. He proposed developing local authority pre-schools and day-care centres into safe centres with provincial and local government coordination, and exploring after-school protection programmes within schools in collaboration with the Education Ministry. He endorsed a pilot project for protective centres in the Dehiwala Divisional Secretariat area due to drug-related risks and cramped housing, with a view to evaluating and scaling the programme to other districts, including the North and East. Adjournment Motion: Child Safety in Urban Housing Complexes Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha moved a proposal to establish daytime safe centres or after-school centres for children in densely populated urban areas, housing complexes, and other high-risk environments. She argued that children left unsupervised after school are vulnerable to abuse, narcotics-related influences, unsafe surroundings, and excessive phone use while parents or guardians are at work. She proposed using existing government institutions, coordinated through Divisional Secretariats with Child Development Officers and Probation Officers, and supported by relevant ministries and Provincial Councils, to provide protection as well as creative, cultural, and personality development programmes under an appropriate legal and policy framework. Adjournment Motion: Child Safety in Urban Housing Complexes Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported two Gazettes introducing mandatory seat-belt requirements on expressways, including rear seats, and procedures and penalties for drug-impaired driving, arguing that stronger enforcement is needed to reduce road deaths and address driver indiscipline. He cited fatal accident statistics, concerns about long-distance bus safety, and recent tragedies, while linking the regulations to broader transport discipline and public safety. He also outlined government allocations and post-cyclone recovery work on roads, SLTB depots, railways, irrigation schemes, and schools, stating that funds had been set aside for relief and that disaster management mechanisms had been reactivated after years of inactivity. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Welcoming two Special Gazettes under the Motor Traffic Act, the member said the regulations would enable testing and action against narcotic-impaired drivers and make seat belts compulsory for all seats on expressways. Citing national crash and fatality statistics from 2020-2025, he argued that reckless driving, pedestrian deaths and the economic cost of accidents require stronger enforcement, including zero tolerance for intoxicated drivers in public transport and school or office transport. He also said seat belts should be used at all times, not only on expressways, and outlined Gampaha District road allocations, restoration of non-viable bus routes, and efforts to make SLTB depots self-sustaining. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations on detecting intoxicated drivers, mandating seat belts on expressways, and improving road safety, citing high fatalities and injuries from road accidents and calling for stronger enforcement, vehicle inspections, and removal of unfit vehicles. He urged improvements to public transport, especially in the North and East, including restoration of full Batticaloa rail services, reinstatement of capacity and AC coaches, and attention to possible service constraints linked to private transport interests. He also requested stronger SLTB services in Batticaloa, including repairs to the Valaichchenai depot, improved services to Vakarai, and a district-level plan through the District Development Committee to support poor and disaster-affected communities. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath said the Ministry is addressing SLTB shortages in buses, spare parts, drivers, conductors and technical staff, including planned recruitment of mechanics, welders, auto electricians, engineers and machinists, while also reducing deficits and launching 40 new rural routes. He said the Motor Traffic Act regulations are part of efforts to modernize transport, improve safety, enforce expressway seat belt use, and strengthen action against drunk and drug-impaired driving. Citing 2024 and 2025 road fatality figures, he described road crashes as a major continuing problem and noted Ministry and RDA interventions to rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by recent natural disasters. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Welcomed regulations under the Motor Traffic Act aimed at addressing drunk and drug-affected driving, arguing that road safety requires disciplined drivers and stronger enforcement beyond alcohol testing. Citing fatal accidents at Yangalmodara, Gerandialla, and a recent Kuliyapitiya school van crash, he also called for mandatory fitness and roadworthiness checks for buses, school vans, three-wheelers and other public transport vehicles. He outlined ongoing road development and expressway works, rural bus service initiatives, and post-cyclone road restoration in Kurunegala and neighbouring districts, thanking local and road development officials for rapid repairs. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations, citing the high number of road deaths and the need to reduce accidents caused by poor road conditions and negligent driving. He urged ministerial intervention over alleged corruption, mismanagement, service reductions, and procurement issues at SLTB depots in Ratnapura District, calling for a recovery plan to restore rural and long-distance bus services. He also requested improvements to dilapidated rural roads, better agricultural transport and cold-chain systems to reduce produce losses, and urgent action to protect wildlife around Sinharaja, particularly leopards killed by snares. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →
- 8 January 2026 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the Motor Vehicles Intoxicants Regulations and Expressways Regulations, arguing that they are necessary to reduce road deaths and improve public safety in the transport sector. He framed the measures as part of the government’s broader effort to address inherited failures in transport, infrastructure and governance, while criticizing the Opposition for past mismanagement and for qualifying support for reforms. He also responded to references to Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, stating that the government had a mandate to pursue accountability for past abuses under the rule of law. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Read →