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- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said committees are progressing reforms to the Online Safety Act, the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, and the proposed Independent Public Prosecutor’s Office, with consultation processes planned and the MMDA expected to be finalized by next year. He stated that the Government acknowledges UNHRC concerns as a basis for strengthening democracy, justice and reconciliation, and said the Batalanda Commission Report is with the Attorney-General for consideration of possible criminal charges. He defended the Government’s rule-of-law approach, saying investigations involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe were not politically instigated and that the Judiciary, Police and investigative authorities are independent, while adding that the Government remains open to correcting mistakes. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Government is moving to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act with legislation based on an international definition of terrorism while safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression, with technical assistance from UN experts. He said a committee chaired by Justice Thurairaja has been appointed to examine sentence remission for long-term prisoners, including those outside PTA cases, with a policy proposal to be brought to Cabinet. He also said the Online Safety Act is considered oppressive and that a ministerial committee is preparing replacement legislation to address cyberbullying and online harm without restricting free expression. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna objected to reductions in his allotted speaking time and asked that this not be done. He referred to a report and challenged the authorities to make arrests based on it, questioning why no action was being taken. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna argued that authorities would not arrest Rasamanickam because, as with Ranil Wickremesinghe, he would have to be released. The remark appears to criticize the handling or perceived futility of politically related arrests. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticized the handling of the former President’s arrest after a CID visit, arguing that while equality before the law must apply, procedural courtesy should have been extended to a former Head of State through a B report, summons, and magistrate’s decision rather than detention before production. He questioned how a YouTuber appeared to predict the arrest in advance, suggesting possible improper disclosure and warning against public “exhibitionism” in justice processes. He also referred to the upcoming UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report debate in Geneva and welcomed the Government’s proposed independent Public Prosecutor’s Office, citing concerns about prosecutorial discretion, investigative capacity, forensic expertise, Tamil-speaking officers, and impunity. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said the imposition of wind power projects in Mannar against local opposition, mass graves in Mannar and Mullaitivu, repression of activists, and disappearances of journalists reflected continuing human rights concerns affecting Tamils. He called for international investigations into wartime violations and urged the Government to demonstrate goodwill by repealing the PTA, pursuing constitutional reforms, and releasing long-detained political prisoners. He said action on these issues was needed to address ethnic grievances and build trust among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that no journalist had been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, contrary to allegations. He stated that intelligence information had been referred to the Police, who only recorded a statement in relation to a national security matter, and placed this clarification on record. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan argued that the Prevention of Terrorism Act, introduced as a temporary measure in 1979, has been used for decades to undermine democracy and facilitate abuses including torture, disappearances, wrongful convictions and mass graves, particularly affecting Tamil and Muslim youth. He called for the unconditional repeal of the PTA, the release of long-detained political prisoners, and accountability for killings of journalists including Ayathurai Nadesan, Sivaram, Sugirdharajan, Lasantha Wickrematunge and Prageeth Eknaligoda. He also raised employment as a human rights issue, requesting progressive appointments for around 2,700 locally qualified traditional medicine graduates awaiting state opportunities. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government had stabilized key economic indicators while re-establishing rule of law, citing revived investigations into the Lasantha Wickrematunge, Keith Noyahr, Eknaligoda and Easter Sunday cases and stressing that officials and politicians are subject to the law. He said commemorations of war dead would be permitted without banned symbols or glorification of terrorism, and that measures were being prepared to facilitate the return of Sri Lankan refugees from Tamil Nadu. He announced plans to repeal the PTA by September and replace it with legislation meeting international standards, amend the Online Safety Act after consultations, and review NGO legislation with civil society input. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran supported the Adjournment Motion on human rights ahead of the UNHRC session, alleging a long history of violations against Tamils, including disenfranchisement, pogroms, disappearances, mass graves, and failures to investigate sites in the North and East. He argued that domestic accountability mechanisms have lacked credibility and called for international justice through the ICC and ICJ, while also questioning action on claims about the Easter attacks. He demanded repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, equal respect for all religions and languages, inclusion of Tamil perspectives in education reforms, and stressed that development projects cannot replace the protection of rights. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake argued that voters, including estate Tamil communities, graduates, farmers and workers, placed significant trust in the Government at the recent election but are now facing unresolved problems. He said estate workers still receive only Rs. 1,300 a day and continue to live in line rooms, calling for more housing and meaningful wage improvements. He also cited Mahiyanganaya farmers and ongoing public sector strikes, stating that the Opposition was not organizing these protests and warning against attempts to suppress or intimidate striking workers. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law (on behalf of the (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Defence whether the Government is aware that many retired Tri-Forces and Police personnel work in private security services, and whether they receive fair wages, adequate facilities, training, and recognition. She also requested information on whether a regulatory mechanism exists for private security services, or what steps are being taken to establish one if it does not. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook spoke in support of the customs and excise-related measures, explaining the phased lifting of vehicle import restrictions from 2024 to 2025 and the associated duty and HS code arrangements for various vehicle categories. He said disputes over documentation, undervaluation, cross-border letters of credit, and classification of electric and new-technology vehicles had led to re-exports and court cases, including issues concerning BYD vehicles. He rejected claims about Hambantota Port congestion and increased fees, attributing uncleared vehicles there to earlier duty changes and legal constraints. He also responded to criticism of Muslim government MPs, stating they participate without making communal speeches and support the government’s anti-communal stance. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake addressed vehicle-related fiscal measures, including regulations under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, the Luxury Tax Order and an import duty resolution. He urged the Government to take a Cabinet-level administrative decision on 8,724 vehicles held at Hambantota due to cross-border letters of credit, arguing that a process issue at the Import and Export Control Department was blocking clearance of about Rs. 90 billion in value. He also called for clarification of media reports about double-cab imports, stressing that any vehicles should be for public service institutions rather than MPs, and warned against perceptions of waste amid expenditure cuts. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti said the Government was mediating with banks to provide relief for distressed borrowers, while rejecting blanket loan write-offs because they involve depositors’ funds. He argued that economic conditions, governance, and accountability had improved after the change in political power, citing increased profits in airports and ports, higher FDI, tourism earnings, remittances, Customs revenue, and a reduced budget deficit. Referring to the Construction Industry Development Act and vehicle import and EV-related reforms, he said regulations would be brought before Parliament and that construction and industry policy should align with economic recovery and new technologies. He also said law enforcement and scrutiny of past corruption, including construction-related projects, should apply equally to politicians and officials. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister presented Gazette Extraordinary No. 2430/15 under the Construction Industry Development Act, updating criteria and fees for registering adjudicators and contractors, including reducing adjudicator renewal fees and revising contractor grading thresholds to reflect higher project costs. He outlined expanded registration criteria covering renewable electrical installations, financial and technical capacity, safety, quality systems, training, CSR and institutional memberships, alongside revised fees last adjusted in 2018. He also stated that the Government is preparing amendments to the CIDA Act, a National Construction Policy Green Paper by end-October, and procurement guideline reforms to support recovery and governance in the construction sector. Debate: Customs Ordinance Resolution and Related Regulations Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that some vehicle-related Customs matters can be resolved administratively without going to court, noting that previous administrations also released vehicles subject to penalties. However, he explained that under the 2025 Gazette, where regulatory violations occur, Customs has limited discretion and re-export is required in unresolved cases. Debate: Customs Ordinance Resolution and Related Regulations Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that discussions with the Postmaster General and Ministry Secretary had addressed 17 of 19 demands raised by postal workers, including recruitment, vehicles, modernization, service rules, and work studies. He said the unresolved issues were overtime levels and fingerprint attendance, on which the Government would not compromise regarding accountability. He called on unions, particularly Central Mail Exchange staff, to accept fingerprinting and revised overtime arrangements so that remaining issues and service delays could be resolved. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe raised concern over reports that senior postal officials had issued red notices directing striking postal workers to return to work immediately. He asked whether the Minister would facilitate dialogue to resolve the dispute amicably, citing the Minister’s stated commitment to workers’ welfare. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked whether the Ministry would implement measures to reduce severe peak-time congestion on the A10 Kandy–Puttalam road through Kurunegala, particularly near Yanthampalawa junction and key institutions. He noted that the town section remains two lanes while other sections are wider, and referred to a stalled proposal to widen the road to six lanes with proper traffic management. Oral Question: Flyovers and Road Tunnels (Q.955/2025) Read →