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- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage raised concerns about the reported increase in internet-based sexual exploitation of women and children, linking broader risks to narcotics, underworld activity, and the use of women and children in drug transport and sales. She stated that the Government’s drug detections reflected the removal of political protection for traffickers and asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for data up to August 2025, identification of high-risk groups, immediate response mechanisms, planned control measures, and steps to rescue women and children involved in drug-related activities. Adjournment Questions and Adjournment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Penal Code amendments to Sections 308, 314 and 316, stating that they raise age limits and penalties to strengthen child protection. He rejected a proposed amendment to add “good faith,” arguing that Section 74 of the Penal Code already gives that term general application. Responding to allegations about judicial independence, he said discussion of Judicial Service Commission decisions and interference with the judiciary are restricted by Articles 111 and 111C, and maintained that judicial transfers and promotions are handled by the JSC without political involvement. He also noted that a document referred to in relation to Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe and Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe had not yet reached him. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper thanked Minister Bimal Rathnayake for accepting development proposals from all Ampara District MPs without discrimination and for appointing a committee to oversee implementation. On the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, he supported its child protection objective but raised concern that proposed Section 308A uses “knowledge” rather than “intention” as the operative mental element for causing physical or psychological pain, which he said could create uncertainty for parents, teachers and courts. He urged that the Bill be referred back to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection for expert review, including input from the Attorney-General’s Department and child protection bodies, before proceeding. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed the child protection amendments but questioned whether they were motivated by genuine protection or political considerations, arguing that legal changes are insufficient without action on issues affecting children. He called for the Government to disclose the masterminds of the Easter Sunday attacks and “ice” drug trafficking, raise Sri Lanka’s voice against child deaths in Palestine, and address concerns about increasing Israeli presence and Chabad houses in areas such as Arugam Bay, Colombo and Weligama. He also thanked the Government for initiating preliminary steps toward a bridge in the Karaitivu–Mavadippalli area after the deaths of eight children during floods. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Athula Welandagoda supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill presented by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, arguing that legal reform should accompany efforts to build a society based on human dignity, ethics, and balanced social relations. He said laws alone cannot create good citizens and linked the Bill to the Government’s “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life” policy vision and a broader change in political and social culture. Referring to violent incidents in Middeniya, including threats at a meeting and deaths connected to underworld and narcotics activity, he said the Government is working to curb drugs and criminal networks while using legislation to advance a more humane society. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe requested a copy of a document allegedly tabled regarding a 2024 court order, stating that he and others had not received any such order at the time. He said that in 2025 he, Ranjan Jayalal and then Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe were summoned by police to record statements around 20 August, and that they complied with that order. He disputed the reference to a 2024 order and asked that the relevant document be provided to him. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara tabled the B 29984/24 case report from the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, citing orders dated 6 September 2024 and 26 November 2024 directing police to immediately arrest and produce the suspects. He alleged that, despite these orders, the suspects were not arrested or produced and continued to avoid giving statements while police merely engaged with them. He urged that Parliament not be misled and invited Members to verify the tabled “B” report. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticised the proposed Bill to remove corporal punishment, arguing that some form of corporal punishment should be retained and even suggesting an amendment allowing Government MPs to administer it. He linked this argument to concerns over alleged drug trafficking through port containers, questioning why authorities and media focus on cases against him while, in his view, not adequately investigating who is responsible for containers allegedly carrying “ice.” He also referred to statements by other MPs and said cases against him arose from his public comments on alleged hospital frauds. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna alleged selective and politically influenced action by the police and State institutions, citing delays in recording statements in a case he filed in Jaffna and contrasting this with police action taken against him. He referred to his interdiction and salary payments, claiming he returned the money to the Ministry on advice from Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa, while alleging the Attorney-General had misrepresented the matter in court. He also raised concerns about medical record-keeping and patient care, and claimed that transfers and appointments in the North were being used against him because of his criticisms. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Asked the Presiding Member to confirm whether he had stated that a Magistrate was transferred because she ordered the arrest of Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. The intervention sought clarification on the stated reason for the judicial transfer in the context of the parliamentary exchange. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, stating that its main provisions prohibit cruel and degrading physical or non-physical punishment of children and increase penalties for intentional and grievous harm against children. She rejected claims that the Bill targets teachers, arguing that it applies to any adult, caregiver, institution or parent and is centred on the best interests of children. Citing reported child offence and National Child Protection Authority complaint statistics, she urged Members to distinguish guidance from humiliation and to propose constructive amendments across party lines. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara welcomed legal measures on children’s rights and welfare, while stressing that social justice and protection from abuse must accompany them. He questioned whether the Government was strengthening or worsening the justice system, citing concerns over recent arrests, remand, and bail practices. Referring specifically to the arrest and court production of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he argued that bail should have been considered in line with accepted principles where there is no risk of absconding or interfering with evidence, and called for consistency to maintain public confidence in the rule of law. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the amendment as a necessary reform to protect children from physical and psychological violence, particularly in schools and early childhood settings. He rejected concerns that teachers and parents could be unfairly victimized, stating that prosecutions would still require evidence and be guided by existing law and precedent, including Sri Lankan and international case law on corporal punishment. He cited research on the harms of corporal punishment and humiliation, and linked the reform to wider efforts to create a safer environment for children, including action against drug abuse and related criminal activity. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Welcoming the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, he supported the new provisions on corporal and non-physical punishment of children but requested clearer definitions, including for “likely to cause humiliation,” and correction of discrepancies between the Tamil and English texts, particularly on the fine in Section 314A. He raised concerns that road-repair funds allocated for local authority roads in Vavuniya are being channelled through Government Agents without adequate consultation with local bodies, and requested coordination to ensure priority roads are selected. He also urged the Government to provide the newly upgraded Vavuniya Municipal Council with the required cadre and infrastructure, strengthen the district’s limited fire service, and reform local authority cadre structures to improve service delivery. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill as a modern response to physical, emotional, and public forms of harm against children, arguing that corporal punishment and humiliating language by adults can cause lasting psychological damage. He rejected fear-based objections, cited international moves away from corporal punishment, and said the measure should be aligned with forthcoming Code of Criminal Procedure amendments before passage. He also highlighted cyberbullying and public shaming as contemporary harms the law must address, and proposed that MPs view the film Taare Zameen Par to better understand children’s experiences. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Kins Nelson) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Kins Nelson, asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether the Government is aware of a detention centre in Mirihana for illegal foreign immigrants. He requested details on the number of detainees by country and the measures planned to control illegal immigration into Sri Lanka. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe corrected the premise of the question before Parliament, stating that there are no tanks under the Department of Agriculture. The response was made in the context of a question listed under “Illegal Foreign Immigrants: Details,” though his answer addressed the institutional responsibility for tanks. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, arguing that strengthening the NBRO is essential for landslide risk reduction and public safety in the hill country. He cited past disasters including Meeriyabedda, Kabaragala, and continuing risks in areas such as Haldummulla, Passara, Kanavarella, and Meedumpitiya, while noting unresolved permanent housing needs for affected families. He urged the Opposition to support the Bill in the national interest and also referred to future legislation against narcotics and underworld activity, particularly in relation to concerns about Tangalle. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas stated that Sri Lanka currently relies on foreign construction standards, including British, European, Indian, American, Australian and New Zealand codes. He said the proposed Act would support the development of Sri Lanka-specific codes of practice, in coordination with UDA, NBRO, CIDA and the National Physical Planning Department, tailored to local environmental conditions and wind loads. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem requested the expedited submission of the Auditor-General’s forensic audit recommended by the Committee on Public Finance regarding the alleged loss from awarding a contract to a Dubai-registered company linked to VFS, noting its relevance to pending court proceedings. He supported the National Building Research Institute Bill but proposed that the Institute include representation from the Urban Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. He also urged urgent scientific action on recurrent flooding in Akurana, landslide-damaged school buildings in the Central Province, and inadequate firefighting capacity for high-rise buildings in Colombo. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →