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 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Rohini Kumari Wijerathna urged that regulation remain under Government control while engaging capable specialized partners to assist, emphasizing that both human lives and animal welfare are at stake. She called for a structured, sustainable programme to protect both people and animals and for the expedited payment of compensation to victims. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna moved an Adjournment Motion calling for a sustainable, scientific solution to the human-elephant conflict, citing recent deaths in Wilgamuwa and data from Matale showing 14 elephant deaths, 12 human deaths, and 50 property damage incidents in 2025-2026. She said compensation payments are delayed, around 100 GN divisions in Matale face elephant threats, and existing mitigation measures such as electric fences suffer from poor design, maintenance, and regulation. She proposed a proper land-use plan, improved fence standards, stronger Wildlife Department infrastructure, vehicles, staffing and supplies, and tabled expert recommendations for consideration under a broader institutional framework with state oversight. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper stated that while he did not oppose the revenue objectives of the Bill, he was concerned that matters previously handled through civil and administrative processes were being converted into statutory offences without consideration of mens rea. He warned that first-time offenders could face fines and imprisonment, and proposed that imprisonment should not apply to a first offence. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill introduces criminal penalties for tax-related non-compliance for the first time and warned that, with a broadened tax base and lower thresholds, ordinary taxpayers could be affected without receiving any corresponding benefits or priority services. He contrasted current tax enforcement with earlier efforts to recover unpaid taxes and criticized past statements by government figures on tax compliance. He also raised concerns over incomplete RTI responses on fuel procurement, alleged inflated fuel pricing, and the 50 per cent surcharge on vehicle imports, while additionally commenting on the conduct of war hero commemorations and the need to recognize all civilian suffering during past conflicts. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Inland Revenue Act amendments as a measure to strengthen direct taxation, improve tax compliance, and ensure that all legally liable taxpayers contribute fairly rather than relying mainly on VAT and other indirect taxes. She argued that low revenue contributed to the 2022 economic crisis, while higher revenue had enabled relief measures, and cited recent Government actions such as increasing the PAYE threshold and removing VAT on infant nutrition. She rejected claims that the amendments are draconian, stating that the IRD would issue notices, allow time for compliance, and pursue legal action only after due process. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna paid tribute to war heroes and criticized perceived restrictions or objections to the use of the term “Ranaviru” and to acts of commemoration. Speaking on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, he argued that while intentional tax evasion and fraud should remain criminal offences, the Bill risks criminalizing administrative or technical lapses such as delayed registration or clerical errors. He called for equal enforcement of the law, citing uncollected taxes, alleged frauds including the coal issue and missing tax revenue, and warned against using criminal provisions to target the Opposition or government critics. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, stating they are intended to align Sri Lanka’s tax system with international standards, simplify administration, remove ambiguities, broaden the tax base and improve compliance rather than reintroduce arbitrary criminal enforcement. He cited Sri Lanka’s low government revenue-to-GDP ratio in 2022 and argued that revenue must rise to at least 15 percent of GDP to support state functions and development. He outlined measures including changes to estimated payment reporting, exemptions for specified Sri Lanka Air Force payments to non-residents, clarification of life insurance proceeds, net-basis treatment of donations to state universities, and an increase in capital gains tax for individuals and partnerships from 10 to 15 percent. He also attributed rupee depreciation to external shocks affecting freight, oil prices, imports, exports, remittances and tourism, calling for further discussion on interest rates and reserves. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Bill as creating an enforceable process for tax recovery, including Inland Revenue notice, time for rectification and representations, and Magistrate’s Court proceedings before action against deficiencies. He said the measure is aimed at formalizing economic activity and preventing persistent tax evasion while protecting compliant taxpayers, and noted RAMIS integration and expected collection efficiencies. He outlined proposed tax changes including exemptions or clarifications on motor vehicle sales, donations, life insurance, small interest income, salary arrears, investor visas, exporter expenses, capital allowances, and relief for SMEs through possible waiver of penalties and interest if arrears are settled within six months. He also said the Government is widening the tax base through TIN registration and mandatory use of TINs for economic activities. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim, speaking for the Opposition on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, argued that effective taxation depends on public trust, fairness and a social compact, citing earlier periods of higher revenue used for social programmes and warning that its erosion contributed to fiscal collapse. He welcomed the reported withdrawal of several clauses after Supreme Court petitions, but urged amendments to Clause 31(4), saying provisions allowing tax default certificates to be treated as criminal fines and limiting judicial scrutiny had been found constitutionally problematic. He also opposed Clause 34, which criminalizes failure to file returns and delays in TIN registration, arguing that it is disproportionate and could affect young people and small online earners. He called on the Government to revise punitive provisions to protect trust in the tax system and consider broader social and economic consequences beyond narrow constitutional compliance. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government accepts the essence of Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s motion and is working to strengthen existing foreign employment mechanisms while correcting institutional gaps. He stated that a new Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Act is being prepared with the Legal Draftsman, and that the combined Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment portfolios have enabled stronger consular support for registered and unregistered migrant workers. He outlined measures including a special police unit at the SLBFE, a complaint call centre with serial numbering, proposed agency regulation, and cooperation with the ILO on a mobile app and the IOM on biometrics. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara closed debate on his Private Member’s Motion by thanking members who contributed and noting government assurances about oversight. He argued that titles such as “Attorney-at-Law,” “Doctor,” “Professor,” and other honorifics are being misused or purchased to mislead the public, including in contexts such as pyramid schemes. He proposed a supervisory system requiring public notification before special titles are conferred, with time for objections, similar to procedures for name changes or certain legislation. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance to continue essential services following the nationwide disaster, arguing that government data showed over 90 per cent effectiveness in post-disaster administration. He rejected Opposition criticisms on relief progress, security sector reform, and land release, citing community engagement in Jaffna and inviting Members to raise land issues at the Defence Ministerial Consultative Committee. He said work had begun on 952 fully damaged houses with Rs. 1,950 million allocated, and payments of Rs. 5,291 million had been made for 24,365 partially damaged houses, while resettlement, temporary shelter, and reconstruction efforts continued with the involvement of state agencies, the Tri-Forces, and civil organizations. Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam said he would call a Division and vote against extending the Emergency, arguing that the Government had not shown a present necessity and that ordinary disaster or foreign-crisis management did not justify emergency powers. He warned that emergency rule risks abuse in the North and East without security sector reform, and cited the detention of books by Theepachelvan Piratheepan through Customs and Defence Ministry involvement as an example of improper censorship requiring rectification. He also demanded the release of military-held private lands in Valikamam North and written guarantees on land returns, including Thayiddi, while raising concerns over garbage dumping near the Chinnathottam Hindu cremation ground in Kinniya and asking for intervention. Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised two local infrastructure requests, urging the provision of urgently needed buildings for Eravur Aligarh National School. He also asked that the Eravur Police Station be established on land already allocated by the Urban Council. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said recent estate-related incidents in Ragala, Maskeliya and Ratnapura had been addressed through police action, trade union involvement or official discussions, and alleged that some political groups were exaggerating them during the Emergency and public safety debate. He argued that estate workers’ long-standing problems in education, health, transport, wages and land rights were being addressed by the Government, citing the Rs. 1,750 wage arrangement with a Rs. 200 state contribution. He rejected racist and sectarian politics, referred to past ethnic violence against estate workers, and said the Government was pursuing housing, road repairs, local industry support and anti-narcotics measures in the North while encouraging diaspora investment. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson criticized the Government for appointing a former MP as Secretary to the Treasury, comparing it to past controversies over Central Bank appointments and arguing that the promised change has not materialized. He urged the Government to correct such practices, safeguard public funds, and avoid politicizing the death of a public officer, while noting that similar incidents under previous governments would have drawn strong protests. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir raised concerns about public access to police stations, saying complainants are sometimes treated like offenders and calling for changes to improve public safety. He requested the Government to facilitate Muslim Qurbani practices during Eid al-Adha, noting its proximity to Vesak and asking that arrangements be made for the 10th to 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah to prevent communal tensions. He also questioned what legal action would be taken against individuals and groups allegedly spreading rumours or provoking anti-Muslim sentiment, citing claims about extremists targeting Buddhist sites and the use of the ICCPR Act in other cases. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the 90-day extension of the emergency, stating it had been used only to address public needs arising from the Ditha cyclone and not to suppress fundamental rights. He rejected Opposition criticisms on service delivery, coal procurement, Treasury issues, containers, RDA payments, and fertilizer allegations, saying inquiries, committees, or legal processes were in place and inviting members to present evidence through those channels. He said concerns raised by the Bar Association and an Opposition motion would be considered through parliamentary procedures, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the rule of law and an independent, efficient judiciary. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera questioned the Government’s continued use of emergency powers after Cyclone Ditha, arguing that promised relief—particularly Rs. 500,000 housing grants and land or houses for displaced families—had not been delivered six months later. He cited high-risk families in Kegalle, especially Yatiyantota, who had been instructed to vacate but had not received land or housing, and requested an investigation and expedited payments and allocations. He also challenged government claims on estate worker wage increases, saying part of the increase came from companies and that higher workloads undermined the benefit. He demanded amendments to circulars that restrict land allocation for estate worker housing and called for action on evictions, housing shortages, assaults on estate workers, and basic protections. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Krishnan Kalaichelvi raised several incidents of alleged intimidation and violence against estate workers in Ratnapura, Maskeliya, Ragala and Delmar, stating that ministers, MPs, local councillors, unions, police and the Justice Ministry had intervened and taken legal action in some cases. She criticised opposition representatives from the hill country, arguing that past leaders had failed to resolve estate workers’ issues and that the current government had acted on wages and plantation concerns. Speaking on the resolution under the Public Security Ordinance, she said emergency powers had previously been misused but argued that their extension was necessary to expedite relief and recovery work after the 2025 “Ditha” cyclone, and expressed support for the resolution. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →