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 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka needs formal regulation to protect vulnerable groups and prevent gambling-related outflows of money. She linked the Bill with the Public Debt Management Act regulations and Foreign Exchange Act orders as part of broader financial management reforms aimed at accountability, debt discipline, and compliance with international practice. She stated that stronger rules are necessary for Sri Lanka to manage borrowing, meet repayment obligations, and move toward financial stability by 2028. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Opposition supports regulating gambling but argued that the proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority must be independent, with key appointments approved by the Constitutional Council to prevent excessive ministerial control. He proposed allowing casino gambling only for foreign passport or visa holders while prohibiting Sri Lankan citizens from participating, citing practices in countries such as Singapore and China. He also questioned reported plans for cannabis cultivation on BOI land in Mirigama and criticized the Government for reversing earlier positions on gambling, cannabis, rice and salt imports, while stating that the Opposition would support constructive policies aligned with public promises. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, stating that they would strengthen debt discipline through the Public Debt Management Office and the Public Debt Coordinating Committee and help prevent unproductive or corrupt borrowing. He argued that public debt should be assessed for repayment capacity and directed to productive investment, citing past projects such as the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium and Hambantota International Conference Hall as examples of poor returns. He also criticised the previous day’s hartal, alleging coercion by some local officials and claiming that Tamil, Muslim and other communities largely rejected it, while asserting that the Government was protecting minority rights and advancing development in the North and East. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified that broad definitions in the Bill do not amount to automatic authorization or licensing, and that the relevant Authority will determine permitted activities and conditions. He rejected claims that net foreign assets had collapsed under the Government, stating that overall foreign assets of licensed commercial banks and the Central Bank had increased since it assumed office, and contrasted this with negative NFA figures from 2015 to 2018. He said reserves may fluctuate during stabilization but exchange rate stability had been maintained while funding essential imports, and outlined plans to reach US$7 billion in reserves through exports, remittances, FDI, and possible market intervention. He also stated that broad money growth reflected normal banking activity rather than arbitrary monetary financing, and tabled supporting data. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy defended the Opposition’s role in scrutinizing government and argued that casino regulation should be comprehensive, with stronger parliamentary oversight and less discretionary power concentrated in the subject Minister or President. Referring to Clause 79, he sought clarification on whether definitions of gambling and social gambling would apply to temple charity auctions, school raffles, or card games at funerals, and who would be taxed in such cases. He also criticized policy inconsistency on cannabis cultivation zones and urged that taxation be directed at those profiting from gambling under a coherent regulatory framework. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, stating that it replaces the limited 2010 Casino Business (Regulation) Act with a comprehensive regulatory framework and an independent Authority empowered to license, renew, suspend and cancel licences. She argued that casinos had operated for years without effective regulations, noting that the first licensing regulations were issued only in 2022, and highlighted offences and safeguards in the Bill, including restrictions involving minors and requirements for expert board membership. She said the Bill represents a legal advancement over ministerial control and that any shortcomings could be addressed through future amendments. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad asked the Government to disclose the full cost structure of the new Sathosa-branded rice programme to assess whether Treasury-funded costs or below-cost pricing could distort competition with private traders. He expressed support for the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, citing earlier gambling legislation and the need to secure tax revenue, while questioning how entry fees, winnings taxes, licensing, online betting enforcement, and investor confidence would be managed. He urged that casino regulation be oriented toward attracting foreign high-spending tourists, supported by international expertise and a fully digitized reporting and tax platform. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne argued that gambling, including shipboard, onshore and online operations, already exists in Sri Lanka and that the Bill seeks to regulate rather than introduce it. She outlined the historical and policy background, citing earlier laws, failed attempts since 2010–2013, and the 2022 Committee on Public Finance recommendation for a dedicated authority modelled on international practice such as Singapore. She said weak regulation had led to lost tax revenue, money remittances, and risks of money laundering, and highlighted clauses on supervision, revenue collection, responsible gambling, AML/CFT enforcement, online gambling regulation and licence suspension. She urged Members to support the legislation as a mechanism to control an existing unregulated market and collect due revenue. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that unlicensed operations are not limited to ships but also occur onshore. He clarified that under the Bill, Sri Lanka-registered ship operators may apply for licences, but approval would be determined by the relevant Authority according to specified criteria and would not be automatic. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam clarified that he was not opposing regulation and sought a direct response from the Minister on the scope of the Bill. He asked whether, once enacted, it would allow foreign-flagged ships to obtain permits to operate gambling in Sri Lankan waters, noting that licences had previously been issued only for onshore casinos. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha clarified that the Bill’s reference to “shipboard” casinos does not imply selective or automatic licensing, but brings such activities within a regulated framework. He stated that licences would be granted only after assessing factors such as economic, social and tourism impacts, and rejected claims that the Bill permits indiscriminate approvals. He also said the Government intends to address shadow share markets operating outside regulated exchanges, emphasizing that the objective is legal regulation rather than permitting unlawful or harmful activities. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam criticised the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill for permitting gambling on ships and in Colombo Port City, arguing that foreign-flag vessels could obtain permits to operate in Sri Lankan waters and create national security and geopolitical risks. He questioned the Government’s revenue rationale, citing non-collection of the USD 100 casino entry levy from 2015 to 2023, and warned of social consequences if Sri Lanka becomes a regional gambling hub. He also addressed the recent hartal in the North and East following the death of a youth in Mullaitivu, calling for a transparent legal process and reiterating requests to release military-occupied schools, public buildings, and civilian lands where they obstruct civilian life. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that while gambling regulation is necessary, the proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill is flawed and risks politicization, monopoly formation, weak revenue collection, and inadequate control of online gambling and money laundering. He proposed greater independence for the regulator, reduced ministerial control over appointments and rule-making, inclusion of tourism representation, bringing lotteries under the Authority, and stronger enforcement, taxation and penalty powers. He also questioned whether proposed borrowing for the Central Expressway from China Exim Bank and the Treasury complied with the State Debt Management Act, and asked for clarification on its impact on external public debt and debt servicing. He further raised concern that foreign reserves had declined in 2025 despite IMF inflows, tourism, exports and remittances, citing lower-than-expected multilateral disbursements. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, stating that it would create a single regulator for gambling, betting and casinos, replace existing fragmented laws, introduce licensing and standards, address illegal activity including money laundering and terror financing, and support Sri Lanka’s efforts to exit the FATF grey list by March 2026. He said the Authority would also address social harms, protect children, regulate emerging forms such as online gambling, and exclude the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board. He also presented regulations under the State Debt Management Act, explaining that they would strengthen oversight of guarantees, on-lending, lender agreements and financial leasing by state entities through the Debt Management Office and related coordination mechanisms, with the aim of improving transparency and reducing public debt to 95 per cent of GDP by 2032. In addition, he introduced a direction under the Foreign Exchange Act concerning capital account outflows, noting that temporary controls introduced in 2020 were maintained through 2024 as part of economic stabilization. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary At the next court sitting, the Police Legal Division will make submissions and take necessary steps regarding the matter. Ananda Wijepala stated that special attention would be given to the issue. Oral Question: Park Properties Fraud Investigation (Q.7/1081/2025) Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided police data on 126 complaints against the company, mainly at the Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Division, where 95 complaints are under investigation with witness and director statements being recorded. He said arrests cannot currently be made because company members have obtained an interim order in Court of Appeal Writ Application No. 751/24, valid until 10 November 2025, though the Police Legal Division is seeking to have it vacated. He added that four cases have been filed, while the remaining complaints have been reported to court, settled, or referred for civil action. Oral Question: Park Properties Fraud Investigation (Q.7/1081/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman demanded that the Government table the report and full details on the release of 309 containers, questioning why 150 red-labelled containers and six salt containers allegedly loaded after the Gazette deadline were released while others remained held at the port. He alleged preferential treatment linked to persons close to the President or Ministers, tabled a list of 68 container numbers, and connected the issue to concerns over a rejected wind power tender later awarded to a presidential associate. He also called for investigations into the VFS and passport deals, noting that a promised forensic audit had not been carried out after nine months. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concern over reported plans to move the Seethawaka Division ASP’s office from Avissawella Headquarters Police to Dehiovita. He said the relocation would require paying about Rs. 2 million per month in rent, contradicting the Government’s stated cost-cutting efforts, and requested that the move be stopped immediately. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that the President’s latest statement on the economy largely repeated earlier Throne and Budget speeches without showing whether promised relief, including reductions in electricity tariffs, had been delivered. He questioned the President’s participation in opening a casino after previously criticizing casino-based economic activity, and requested a transparent explanation of the investment, tax rate, and approval framework for the venture. He also asked the Government to reverse a policing jurisdiction change affecting several Grama Niladhari divisions in the Dehiovita Divisional Secretariat area of Kegalle District, saying residents are now inconvenienced by having to use the Dehiovita Police Station instead of Avissawella Headquarters Police. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka affirmed the right of political actors to organize meetings, speak to the public and build movements, but warned that the Government would act against any alleged conspiracies, underworld activity or attempts to create anarchy. He cited the seizure of a T-56 weapon in Kiribathgoda and the discovery of 80 hand grenades in Vavuniya, saying investigations were ongoing and that new laws would be introduced if existing laws were insufficient. He rejected claims that the arrest of the Navy Commander was based on LTTE testimony, stating it followed a court order, and cautioned against spreading conspiracy theories, including remarks about the Cardinal and the Easter Sunday attacks. He said the Government’s priority was reconciliation and economic rebuilding, invited constructive proposals from the Opposition, and stated that political criticism would not be obstructed. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →