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- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the debate on the motion to remove T.M.W. Deshbandu Tennakoon as IGP, noting that it was based on the 206-page final report of the committee appointed under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002. He described the process as unprecedented in his parliamentary experience and said it sends a message to public officers not to act for political ends. He cautioned against blaming the entire Police or public service for the actions of one officer, while stressing that officials in authority must guide officers properly to avoid future consequences. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan stated that he would support the motion to remove IGP Deshbandu Tennakoon, linking it to concerns over police brutality, torture, judicial independence and equality before the law. He recounted his own detention and alleged torture in 1998 and criticised abuses under the PTA and by police and security authorities against Tamils. He also raised the Chemmani mass graves and the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case, submitting related newspaper and letter material, and called for an international inquiry, including facilitating testimony by Somaratna Rajapakshe. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the removal proceedings against IGP Deshbandu Tennakoon under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, arguing that the holder of the office must meet a high standard given the Police’s role in law and order. He cited Supreme Court guidance in the Express Pearl case on public officers’ duties, discretion and accountability, and referred to findings against officials as examples relevant to police leadership. He rejected objections based on Standing Order 91(1) and sub judice, contrasting the present procedure with the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, and said the NPP had previously pursued legal and public action on related concerns. He also referred to SC (FR) 107/2011, in which Deshbandu Tennakoon was fined Rs. 5 million, as further evidence supporting the case for removal. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Samagi Jana Sandhanaya support the motion to remove Deshbandu Tennakoon as IGP, arguing that they had consistently opposed his appointment as illegal and unconstitutional, including through votes in the Constitutional Council and fundamental rights petitions. He questioned why the JVP/NPP did not oppose the appointment publicly or in court at the time, and criticized the process by which the Speaker used a casting vote after abstentions. He also warned the Government against reducing the powers of the Constitutional Council, saying it would weaken democratic checks and balances. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the lawful removal of Deshbandu Tennakoon, arguing that serious allegations and court findings concerning torture, failures during the Galle Face attacks, the Weligama W15 Hotel incident, and arrests under “Operation Yukthiya” justified action within a democratic framework. He tabled statements from police officers alleging suppression of investigations, political interference, and pressure within the chain of command, particularly relating to the 2022 protest events. He said the Government was seeking to end political interference in law enforcement and hold senior officials accountable while maintaining support for the Police as an institution. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that the debate concerned matters pending before court and had proceeded in violation of Standing Order 91(f), urging the Speaker or Deputy Speaker to take responsibility or formally suspend Standing Orders if such a debate was to be allowed. He said investigations and legal action should proceed fairly without political interference, alleging politicisation of the police, public service transfers, recruitment, and prosecutions of former security officials. He stated that he and his party would abstain from voting because the matter was sub judice, while calling on Parliament and the Opposition to ensure due process and adherence to Standing Orders. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said complaints arising from “Operation Yuktīya” under Deshbandu Tennakoon are being investigated, with relief to be granted where warranted, and defended keeping the report on the 309 containers confidential until investigations are completed. He argued that Deshbandu’s appointment as IGP was procedurally questionable and said the debate should focus on alleged abuses by Deshbandu, while noting that the previous political authority had already been rejected by voters. He outlined charges before the committee, including allegations that Deshbandu gave unlawful verbal orders connected to the Weligama W15 Hotel shooting, and assured honest public officers that the Government would protect those acting in good faith. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister argued that the removal proceedings concerning Deshbandu Tennakoon were being conducted lawfully under the Constitution and the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002. He linked the debate to the Government’s stated commitment to the rule of law, citing public grievances during the 2022 Aragalaya and asserting that the current administration has sought to ensure that Ministers and MPs are not above the law. He rejected Opposition criticisms as baseless and said following legal procedure, rather than using political power summarily, was a strength of the Government. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that the Government has failed to uphold the rule of law it promised, citing the President’s Secretary and the handling of allegations involving presidential security personnel bringing liquor through the airport as examples where accountability was not pursued. He accused Ministers and MPs of intervening in youth-related matters for party political purposes and said replacing Deshbandu Tennakoon without broader systemic reform would only reproduce similar problems. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman said his party supports the resolution to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP, citing its earlier opposition to his appointment and the Supreme Court interim order obtained by party members. He questioned why certain government-aligned MPs had not challenged the appointment earlier and asked why allegations relating to Easter 2019, the Aragalaya cases, and “Operation Yuktiya” were not being fully addressed. He argued that political authorities who directed or enabled Tennakoon should also be held accountable, and called for laws and appointment practices that prevent persons with serious allegations or political loyalties from being elevated to high office. He also raised issues regarding the former Speaker’s claimed doctorate, the release of 309 containers, and the President’s Secretary’s vehicle incident, framing them as tests of the government’s commitment to rule of law. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported the motion to remove former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, stating that a statutory committee found him guilty on 19 of 23 charges after hearing evidence from 38 witnesses. He outlined the composition and process of the committee and argued that its findings justified parliamentary action. The Minister also cited a series of past allegations and proceedings involving Tennakoon, including torture findings by the Supreme Court, alleged failures related to the Easter Sunday attacks, the 2022 Galle Face attacks, and other criminal or disciplinary controversies, to argue that Tennakoon was unfit to hold the office of Inspector-General of Police. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a matter under Standing Order 31 concerning a Supreme Court judgment on the 2022 Emergency Regulations, which had been approved by Parliament during a national crisis. He asked for the Government’s position on whether Emergency Regulations approved by Parliament can later be challenged in the Supreme Court for fundamental rights violations, and whether this raises issues under Article 4 of the Constitution relating to separation of powers and parliamentary privilege. Procedural: Standing Order 31 Matter and Question 27(2) on Transport Committee Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that integrated search operations involving the Tri-Forces had recently been launched around Kalpitiya. He said an integrated action plan would be formulated with the Ministry of Fisheries, the Navy, Tri-Forces and Police to prevent the inflow of narcotics and contraband. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan asked the Minister to address Indian bottom trawling and reports of narcotics and contraband being brought in by large boats, noting difficulties in thoroughly inspecting such vessels. He requested a special short-term integrated operation in the affected zone and an expedited action plan to enable arrests. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the matter raised concerning Customs procedures would be discussed with the Department of Customs to establish a formal process. He clarified that his earlier statement related to operations by the Police Department with the Navy, but undertook to address the Customs-related issue separately. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns about intensified smuggling along the coastal belt, including narcotics, pharmaceuticals, injections, chemicals, and agricultural inputs, noting that seized quantities may be less than actual inflows. He said enforcement is weakened by procedural and custody issues after seizures under the Customs Ordinance, with goods sometimes handed to Police or Excise instead of Sri Lanka Customs. He asked whether a dedicated Sri Lanka Customs office would be established in the Puttalam District to regularize and streamline seizure handling. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala answered a question on narcotics and contraband smuggling along the north-western coastal belt, stating that such incidents are reported from time to time. He outlined ongoing measures including police and motorcycle patrols, intelligence gathering, Navy-assisted raids, roadblocks, joint Navy-Police operations, checks at fisheries harbours, monitoring of previous offenders, coastal surveillance by the Police Narcotics Bureau, community awareness programmes with the Ministry of Fisheries, and procurement of ATV/UTV vehicles for coastal patrols. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that enforcement action is being taken against individuals who overstay their visas. He said the Department of Immigration and Emigration has begun investigations and issued instructions to apprehend such persons. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that narcotics enforcement has been expanded through police searches across all divisions, with the Tri-Forces and Police Special Task Force jointly deployed to disrupt supply. He said the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board plans 6,134 demand-reduction awareness programmes this year, with about 3,000 already completed, and that school-based committees and Public Security Committees are being used to support prevention and public participation. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Susantha Kumara Nawarathna asked a supplementary question regarding the Government’s response to narcotics trafficking, noting that numerous investigations had been conducted over the previous eight months and that weapons were being used in such activities. He requested details on the measures taken so far to curb narcotics. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →