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- 11 September 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the opposition had not presented a motion of censure, contrary to the Leader of the House’s characterization. He questioned the authority of the Deputy Minister of Defence, noting that the office has staff and facilities but arguing that, if powers have not been formally delegated or gazetted, the Army Commander and others should not act on his instructions. Procedural Matters and No-Confidence Motion Dispute Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna supported revisiting former Presidents’ entitlements but opposed portraying all past leaders as corrupt, citing examples of leaders who donated property or made public sacrifices. He argued that post-tenure benefits should be regulated with modest limits rather than abolished entirely, and questioned whether pension entitlements should also be removed under the proposed approach. He further criticized the Government for focusing on cutting presidential perks while electricity tariffs were reportedly set to rise, and called for concrete action on underworld violence, political links to crime, and unanswered questions regarding the contents of 323 containers. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the view that the Bill repeals statutory entitlements under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, but argued that it does not affect the President’s constitutional salary, pension and emoluments under Article 36. He raised concerns that the Bill lacks mechanisms to recover improperly used official residences or impose accountability, urging the Government to pursue legal action where state property or benefits were misused. He questioned the urgency given to this Bill compared with delays in holding Provincial Council elections and introducing broader constitutional and community-focused reforms, particularly affecting Tamil and Muslim communities. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka said his side did not oppose reducing privileges or entitlements for Presidents, Ministers, or MPs, noting that previous governments had also curtailed benefits such as vehicle permits. However, he argued that former Presidents and national leaders who face threats because of actions taken in office, particularly Mahinda Rajapaksa, must continue to receive adequate security. He alleged that the Government was targeting former security officials, including a former Navy Commander, through fabricated cases based on LTTE-linked testimony, and said he was tabling a Court of Appeal writ order relating to alleged pressure on an OIC to give statements. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Bill reducing former Presidents’ entitlements, arguing that it targets the official residences of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa while larger governance issues remain unresolved. He asked the Justice Minister to address alleged inconsistencies in cases involving Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando and to review prison conditions and remission policies, while also calling for faster police investigations into murders and fair promotions for Police and STF personnel. He urged equal application of the law on land encroachments and old criminal incidents, rejected politicized claims about a fatal Badulla bus accident, and said the Government should focus on justice, public security and people’s problems rather than evicting former Presidents. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that statutory post-office benefits such as residences, staff allowances, transport and related facilities have enabled misuse of public funds. He stated that the Bill does not affect the presidential pension under Article 36 of the Constitution, and that security for former Presidents is handled separately through Cabinet decisions and threat assessments. Citing Supreme Court cases involving former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Maithripala Sirisena, he said courts had found attempts to expand entitlements beyond the Act to be unlawful or unsupported. He urged support for the repeal as a measure to reduce wasteful expenditure, uphold equality before the law, and treat public funds as held in trust for the people. Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said drug and underworld networks had developed over decades with political links, and that ongoing investigations would be given independence and support to identify and punish those responsible. He argued that, in the context of bankruptcy and heavy debt, Sri Lanka must attract investment, promote tourism, and sustain remittance growth to rebuild the economy. He urged Parliament to approve the Agreement before the House by a two-thirds majority as part of a broader effort to secure long-term foreign direct investment and economic stability. Division Vote on UAE Agreement Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary The member argued that agreements with economies such as the UAE support the Government’s efforts to stabilize the country and rebuild the economy, while criticizing the Opposition for raising unrelated issues during the debate. He highlighted the impact of narcotics on youth and said recent major drug seizures and arrests were revealing alleged political links, calling for investigations to proceed without premature party action. He also reported progress on reopening Parliament Grounds and the Pahalawatta grounds for public and youth sports use, noting conditional approval by the Parliament Security Council and related UDA approvals. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates investment protection agreement, noting Cabinet approval on 09 February 2025, Sri Lanka’s history of similar agreements, and the requirement for parliamentary approval by a two-thirds majority under Article 157 of the Constitution. He reiterated the Government’s stated position on Palestine and denied allegations that the Government sent a group of journalists to Israel, saying any such visits were arranged independently by media institutions. He also rejected Opposition claims circulated on social media regarding containers and narcotics, and stated that the Government would support CID and law-enforcement action against drug trafficking, smuggling and underworld networks without political protection. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim questioned whether a lack of police objection in the matter under discussion was the result of the addressee’s influence. The intervention sought clarification on possible external pressure affecting police conduct. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala responded to criticism regarding bail granted on a weekend, stating that Magistrates’ Courts can sit on Saturdays and that Magistrates may grant bail even on Saturdays or Sundays, including in cases involving a hospitalized person. He emphasized that bail is granted by the court, not by the Government or Members of Parliament, and urged Members to understand court procedure before raising such claims. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim questioned the circumstances under which individuals arrested after an incident involving police conduct were granted bail the following Saturday. He asked whether the Government intervened, noting that one woman involved was hospitalized and asserting that bail is normally not granted to hospitalized persons or on Saturdays. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala raised a point of Order responding to Hon. Kabir Hashim’s claim about the Pottuvil incident, stating that the Government did not intervene because the matter was handled by the Police and the Courts. He said the woman involved was arrested on 28 August, produced before the Pottuvil Magistrate on 29 August under Section 314 of the Penal Code, and that a charge sheet was filed under a subsequent case number. He added that the parties reached a Rs. 70,000 settlement and the case had concluded, arguing that independent institutions had acted and that the House should not be misled. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi requested that the Government inform Parliament how the containers under discussion were distributed and investigate where the remaining 321 went, while also calling for an effective plan to address rising murders and drug trafficking. Referring to the recent Tangalle bus accident in Ella that killed 15 people, he thanked local residents, security forces, hospitals, officials, traders and political leaders who assisted in rescue, treatment and funeral support. He proposed tightening bus driver licensing by limiting it to married drivers aged 35 or above, and reconsidering stronger restrictions on tipper and container movement, such as a 6.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. ban, in response to recent fatal road accidents. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the Agreement before Parliament, arguing that foreign investment and an enabling, reformed environment are necessary to strengthen the country’s future. He reaffirmed his side’s longstanding position on Palestinian rights and accused the Opposition of diverting the debate and using issues such as methamphetamine trafficking for political attacks. He said the Government’s responsibility is to rebuild the country following the political change of September 2024 and claimed that change prevented Sri Lanka from worsening into a major drug-affected state. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer supported the Sri Lanka-UAE Agreement, arguing that Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, had previously assisted Sri Lanka through housing, health, education and equipment projects, but that smear campaigns and distrust had driven away investors and reduced tourist arrivals. He said the Government was working to restore investor confidence and rebuild economic growth. He also condemned the suffering in Gaza as a humanitarian issue, recalled the impact of the COVID-19 cremation policy on Muslims, and called for responsible media conduct and cross-party support for action against narcotics and underworld networks. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said comprehensive international agreements such as the UAE agreement require two-thirds parliamentary approval, which he described as a constitutional safeguard, and stated the Government had sufficient support to pass it. He highlighted realized FDI of about US$1.015 billion within the past year, attributed improved investor confidence to the current administration, and said an investment protection bill would be brought with the Budget. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s position before the UN Human Rights Council, asserting a non-communal governing policy, and said the Government would pursue criminal infiltration linked to narcotics without political obstruction. He reiterated Government support for a free Palestine while recognizing Israel, and raised concern about Sri Lankan media personnel visiting the Israeli Embassy in India. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Sri Lanka–UAE Investment Promotion and Mutual Protection Agreement, saying it includes safeguards on sustainable investment, environmental standards, public safety, public morals, and investor de-risking, and is intended to help restore investor confidence. He linked the need for such confidence to past controversies, including the 2007 end of Emirates’ management of SriLankan Airlines and subsequent losses. He also accused members of the former government and Opposition of links to drug trafficking and of selectively taking disciplinary action, while stating that the current government would pursue traffickers and past corruption through law enforcement. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Welcoming the Sri Lanka–UAE agreement, Namal Rajapaksa argued that the Government should improve the investment climate and stop making unproven allegations against investors and political opponents. He questioned the Government’s record on foreign direct investment, factory closures, organized crime, shootings, fraudulent passports, and the release of two containers from the port despite alleged intelligence warnings. He demanded impartial investigations and prosecutions into the container incident and organized crime links, rejecting what he described as selective prosecutions, media displays, and attempts to blame the Opposition. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera criticised what he described as the Government’s double standards on Israel and Palestine, arguing that while Sri Lanka should maintain relations with Israel, it should also uphold its historic support for Palestinian statehood and speak against civilian suffering in Gaza. He welcomed the Sri Lanka–UAE investment promotion and protection agreement as a measure to improve investor confidence, and supported stronger narcotics enforcement, including expedited courts and lawful penalties. He raised concerns over the alleged release of 323 Customs “Red Channel” containers without physical examination in January 2025, citing committee findings that procedures and legal authority were breached and warning of risks involving prohibited goods, narcotics, revenue loss, and national security. He urged implementation of the committee’s recommendations and legal action against those responsible. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →