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- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Major General (Rtd.)) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided figures on tri-service personnel currently absent without leave, including 385 Army officers and 47,265 other ranks, 87 Navy officers and 3,108 other ranks, and 46 Air Force officers and 3,396 other ranks. He stated that only limited numbers are specifically identified as having gone abroad, and that accurate data on overseas travel or remittances are unavailable. He explained that AWOL personnel returning to Sri Lanka without lawful discharge are taken into military custody and dealt with under service procedures, including court-martial, summary trials, retention subject to clearances, or discharge. He added that discharge processes can be delayed due to sureties, loans and other institutional liabilities requiring due process. Oral Question No. 1 – 1180/2025: AWOL Service Members Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that any alleged legal violation by the chairman should be addressed through the courts and established legal procedures, rather than political intervention. She rejected the relevance of linking the issue to the LGBTQ community and biodiversity, and noted that the Government’s policy had already been stated by the President and the relevant Minister. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned the Prime Minister about a 9 September 2025 letter from the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau that appeared to authorize engagement with tourism stakeholders to promote LGBTQ tourism. He asked whether the Government had rescinded the letter or taken action against the Chairperson, arguing that if such activity is unlawful under Section 365A, officials should not issue letters facilitating it. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe stated that the Minister had acknowledged the Commission’s existing powers, but said these powers were being removed through a Gazette. He objected that authority over transfers and related matters was to be vested in the Inspector General of Police. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe briefly noted Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s statement that relevant decisions are made by the Police Commission. No further proposal, question, or argument was recorded in the excerpt. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that the Police Commission was established to protect police independence and should not have its powers undermined or delegated to the IGP. He alleged that recent police transfers had been carried out outside the Commission’s authority and requested that the matter be examined to ensure independent commissions retain their statutory powers. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the Police Commission had not carried out any transfers and was only monitoring the process. He indicated that the transfers had been effected by others, distinguishing the Commission’s role from those decisions. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister rejected allegations that the Government was acting undemocratically, stating that unfounded fears were being created. He said transfers in police positions had been carried out by the Police Commission. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected to the centralization of police transfer powers under the IGP, arguing that such powers should remain with the independent Police Commission under the Constitution and the 19th and 21st Amendments. He said the move undermines depoliticized, impartial police administration and requested the Speaker to take appropriate action, expressing opposition to making the Commission subordinate to the Government. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the National Police Commission, established under the 17th Amendment and relevant legislation and continued under the 19th Amendment, has authority over transfers of Officers-in-Charge of police stations. He questioned the transfer of two OICs and senior DIGs, alleging that they were carried out without valid reasons or proper procedure. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concerns on behalf of Opposition MPs about reports of attempts to remove powers from, and transfer officers of, the independent National Police Commission. He requested clarification from the Speaker on whether the reports were true and what the Government’s position was before proceeding to Oral Answers. Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister defended the amendments to the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, stating they were developed through consultations with WADA, Cabinet procedures, and legal advice to reduce ministerial control, align sanctions with due process, and strengthen anti-doping education and testing. He rejected Opposition claims that the Bill had led to international bans, loss of flag status, or funding problems, citing recent and upcoming Sri Lankan participation in international competitions. He also outlined “Mission Olympics” athlete and coach stipend schemes, anti-waste measures, regional sports infrastructure projects, and plans for new regulations and a forthcoming Sports Act to improve governance of national sports federations while keeping competitions active. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, noting that doping can lead to bans and annulled results, while using the debate to criticise Opposition responses to issues of narcotics and past criminal investigations. He defended the Government’s mandate to ensure public safety and referred to ongoing inquiries into the Wasim Thajudeen murder, alleging past suppression of evidence and questioning the conduct of former administrations and Opposition figures. He also rejected claims that the Government intended to jail teachers, stating that education-related proposals could be amended or withdrawn and citing existing circulars, including Circular 12/2016, prohibiting corporal punishment in schools. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported the amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport and emphasized sport as a means of post-conflict coexistence, urging equal sporting opportunities and facilities across all provinces while avoiding politicization. He proposed dedicated funding for athletes with disabilities, including a 10 per cent allocation from Sri Lanka Cricket resources for disabled cricketers and support for disabled war heroes to participate in international events. He also called for comprehensive reform of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 to reduce ministerial control over selections and associations, strengthen independent governance and audits, establish clear election mechanisms, and give greater attention to football. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the urgent amendment to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with WADA requirements after delays had made existing law non-compliant. He argued that Parliament was an appropriate forum to discuss the national drug crisis, citing large seizures in 2025 and alleging that organized networks with past political protection had enabled narcotics to reach schools and children. He called for cross-party support for law enforcement, due process in investigations including the 323-container issue and the Thajudeen case, and a unified national effort to dismantle drug networks and protect children. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that debate on prohibited stimulants should remain focused on doping in sport rather than broader political accusations about drugs and crime. He urged the Government to concentrate on lawmaking, coordination, investment facilitation, sports development, and implementation of useful proposals regardless of party origin, while also delivering promised justice for the Easter Sunday attacks. He raised concerns about school-related policies, social issues, and bureaucratic delays, and called for stronger support for Sri Lankans in Italy, including restoration of the driving licence conversion MoU and improved consular services in Rome. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the Gazette amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport, arguing that Sri Lanka must align with global anti-doping standards while expanding sports opportunities beyond urban schools. He linked the lack of a strong sports culture to the spread of drugs, underworld activity, betting syndicates and match-fixing, citing recent drug and weapons seizures in Hambantota and calling for investigations into alleged political and criminal networks. He stated that the government would not protect traffickers and would work through district and security mechanisms to eradicate drugs and organized crime. He also referred to the Wasim Thajudeen murder investigation, claiming renewed inquiries would pursue justice and help remove criminal influence from sport. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill but argued that anti-doping enforcement must be accompanied by broader reforms in school sport, nutrition, coaching, and discipline. She called for regularizing assistant sports trainers deployed from 2015 to 2019, addressing teacher and principal pay anomalies, resolving teacher shortages, and protecting teachers who enforce school discipline amid reports of drugs and banned substances entering schools. She also urged alignment of teacher training and child-protection laws, culturally appropriate disciplinary reforms focused on rehabilitation, and stronger systems to identify and support children with special educational or mental health needs. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka with global anti-doping standards by moving away from criminal punishment toward a dedicated regulatory mechanism with institutional coordination. He said the amendment would help regulate supplements and banned substances, protect athletes domestically and abroad, and enable joint action with agencies such as the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority. He raised concerns about the misuse of cannabis-related products such as Madana Modaka among schoolchildren, including online sales and gaps under the Ayurveda Act, and called for stronger controls through this or related legislation. He cited international anti-doping cases involving Maria Sharapova and Lance Armstrong to illustrate proportional treatment based on intent and facts. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the Anti-Doping Amendment, stating that it updates the 2013 framework to align with international conventions and WADA requirements while meeting domestic needs. He rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims about legal wording affecting children and allegations against Deputy Minister Geetha Jayasinghe and Minister W. A. Samarasinghe, citing a court order that declined to name them as suspects. He also referred to ongoing investigations into the Wasim Thajudeen murder, alleged false claims by former party associates, a reported sale of a parliamentary seat, and the container matter, urging that inquiries proceed without interference. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →