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- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that the controversy over local authority mayoral and chairman elections concerned the discretion of the relevant official under Section 48A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, rather than the regulations cited by the Opposition. He challenged the Opposition to identify any regulatory requirement that a pre-meeting poll must be conducted openly, stating that the Act permits an open or secret ballot for electing a Mayor or Chairman. He also referred to outcomes at the Colombo and Kolonnawa Municipal Councils, saying some councillors from the Opposition supported the National People’s Power due to concerns over candidate suitability and allegations before the Bribery Commission. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Orders under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, stating that recognition of judgments from 53 countries would help address difficulties faced by Sri Lankans, particularly in enforcing foreign divorce decrees. He urged the Government to consider legal reform allowing divorce by mutual consent, noting that current Roman-Dutch law requirements oblige parties to lead evidence even where both spouses agree. He also called for action to protect judges from defamatory social media attacks, including through a possible Select Committee, and requested a review of the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024, noting that Sri Lanka would recognize specified court judgments from 53 countries, including Australia and Canada. He used the debate to argue that the NPP Government had strengthened law enforcement and ended selective application of justice, contrasting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s conduct with that of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He also defended the NPP’s post-local election conduct, citing its victories in 267 of 340 local bodies and saying secret ballots in council administrations were sought to protect members from intimidation. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Member clarified that the debate concerned Gazette No. 2429/51, issued under Act No. 49 of 2024, listing 53 countries whose judgments may be recognized, registered and enforced in Sri Lanka, rather than a new Bill. She said the framework would assist Sri Lankans abroad, particularly in matrimonial matters such as divorce, while excluding criminal penalties, taxes, fines and penal orders, and noted safeguards including time limits, objections, appeals, and court powers to set aside registrations. She also responded to Opposition criticism on public service performance, stating that the Government was pursuing economic stabilization, efficiency improvements and anti-corruption action, and called for more responsible conduct by the Opposition in relation to international crises and parliamentary debate. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported scrutiny of the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, but asked the Government to explain how Sri Lankan citizens involved in foreign proceedings would receive consular coordination, legal support, due process safeguards, and practical assistance, especially in countries without embassies or in cases such as fishermen detained in India. He argued that a procedural framework and dedicated programme should accompany reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments to ensure citizens can effectively participate before judgments are recognized or enforced. He also raised concerns about recent local authority power formations, alleging that a Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha member was arrested before a vote and denied the opportunity to vote, and questioned the handling of open versus secret voting requests by the Commissioner. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne defended the NPP’s mandate in the Colombo Municipal Council following controversy over the election of the CMC Mayor, rejecting Opposition claims that combined numbers behind other parties should outweigh the leading party’s result. She argued that Colombo voters chose the NPP to end corruption, inequality, poor housing, neglected canals, and failures in city administration, and highlighted the appointment of Vera Kelly Balthazar as the first NPP Mayor of Colombo. She called for the people’s mandate to be respected and said no one had the right to challenge it. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the traditional general amnesty system has become conflated with Presidential pardons, disrupting predictable relief mechanisms such as remission for prisoners held for non-payment of fines. He said prison officers are reluctant to act due to fear of repercussions and urged the Government to correct the situation immediately. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman alleged that the Western Province Commissioner of Local Government mishandled the Colombo Municipal Council mayoral election process by insisting on a secret ballot despite an Opposition request for an open vote. Citing section 66A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012 and ministry guidelines, he argued that members present should first have decided the voting method through a recorded vote. He contrasted this with procedures followed in the Central Province and claimed the Western Province Commissioner acted under political pressure, calling for adherence to public service conduct and democratic norms. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara explained that prisoners transferred to Sri Lanka after sentencing abroad remain subject to the transfer agreement and the sentencing country’s law, so local statutory remission cannot be applied unless the foreign documentation permits it. He noted that some countries provide clear remission or time-served details, while unclear documentation can result in the full foreign sentence continuing after transfer. He said the issue lies in treaty and documentation requirements rather than the Prisons Department, and undertook to examine standardizing procedures to ensure eligible remission or time served abroad is properly credited. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith Agalakada (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika) JJB AI summary In a tabled answer to a question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media, it was stated that organized racist, religious and hateful statements on social media are addressed under laws including the Online Safety Act, ICCPR Act, Penal Code, Police Ordinance, Offensive Publications Regulations, and Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Ministry said it does not hold data on enforcement action, which is handled by Sri Lanka Police, and that the Government is preparing a structured programme to counter media misinformation and prevent recurrence of such issues. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody questioned who permitted the alleged illegal acts to continue and asked whether legal action would be taken. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport, stressing that doping violations have cost Sri Lankan athletes medals, careers, and the country’s reputation. She argued that, because Sri Lanka has a limited pool of elite athletes, stronger anti-doping safeguards and support systems are needed to protect national sporting talent. She also noted the Ministry of Sports’ scholarship programme for 900 high-performing schoolchildren and called for the restoration and upgrading of neglected sports facilities across the country. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih JJB AI summary Dr. Rizvie Salih supported the Bill to curb banned substances in competitive sports in line with WADA directives, arguing that anti-doping policy should be punitive, preventive, proactive and rehabilitative, with responsibility extending to coaches, trainers, sponsors and institutions. He called for mandatory registration and licensing of gyms, certification of trainers, regulation or banning of harmful supplements, and awareness campaigns targeting students and parents, citing health risks and possible narcotics activity linked to unregulated gym culture. He also briefly congratulated the Colombo Municipal Council members and urged action on Gaza, calling for an end to violence and support for a UN-endorsed two-State solution based on 1967 borders. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB AI summary Dr. Jagath Gunawardana supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, stating that they are needed to protect fair competition, clean sport, and Sri Lanka’s sporting reputation. He highlighted the rising use of banned substances, including among school athletes, and noted that SLADA conducts awareness programmes for athletes, coaches, and teachers. He said Sri Lanka currently relies on urine testing but plans to introduce blood testing as well, and called for stronger deterrence, border controls on prohibited stimulants, and implementation of the 2025 prohibited list gazetted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe – Deputy Minister of Labour AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe criticized the Opposition’s walkout over the Iran–Israel conflict, arguing that it had not used the proper procedure under Standing Order 27(2) and was instead reacting to setbacks in forming local authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council. He alleged inconsistency in Opposition alliances with parties they had previously accused of corruption, and called for investigations into reported losses to the CMC from parking contracts linked to politicians. He said the Government would act impartially, represent all communities, and continue development initiatives in the North, including roads and a proposed international cricket ground in Jaffna. He also supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, stating they would help strengthen sport, discipline, and public health. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that opposition members walked out after the Colombo Mayor election result and were now challenging a process they had accepted before losing. He said the secret ballot had been requested by an opposition councillor and unanimously approved by the Council, and cited Section 66C of the Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, to state that the Provincial Commissioner presides over the first sitting and the mode of election may be decided by members present. He defended the Provincial Commissioner’s conduct, criticized attacks on her after the vote, and said the government would protect public officers who act according to law without fear. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya supported regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, stating that Sri Lanka must align with the annually updated WADA Prohibited List to protect athletes and the integrity of sport, including disciplines such as equestrian events. He said the regulations distinguish between substances prohibited at all times and those restricted near or during competition. He also responded to Opposition protests by referring to the Colombo Municipal Council mayoral vote, defending the secret ballot process and linking it to broader claims about NPP electoral support and government policy, including electricity tariffs. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said the Government’s conduct had led to the NPP failing to secure leadership positions in 11 of 12 local authorities in Batticaloa, despite holding district-level authority. He criticised alleged district-level arrangements between the NPP and the party linked to Pillayan, who is imprisoned in connection with the Easter attacks and other murder allegations, saying ITAK had refused similar offers on principle. He added that his remarks focused on regional development concerns, including opportunities for local youth to participate in international tournaments. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported updated controls on prohibited stimulants in sport, stressing their importance for athletes, federations, coaches, medical and nutrition professionals, and sponsors. He outlined the health, disciplinary, and reputational consequences of doping, cited international and Sri Lankan cases, and reported SLADA testing and awareness figures for 2023-2025, including funds allocated in 2025 for testing and education. He noted that Sri Lanka sends samples to a WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar due to the lack of local accredited facilities, and said action would be taken to curb imports of prohibited substances while promoting clean sport through education, oversight, nutrition, technology, and sports ethics. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the regulations under the Convention Against Doping in Sports Act, No. 33 of 2013, explaining that they update Sri Lanka’s prohibited substances list in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency framework. He noted that SLADA was established as a standalone agency in 2013 after anti-doping functions had previously operated under the Sports Medicine Unit, and stressed that regular updates are needed because prohibited substances may be supplied through coaches, medical personnel, nutritionists, supplement providers, and others around athletes. He said the regulations are important for the 74 sports federations registered under the Ministry and for maintaining clean sport, including in contexts involving animals used in sport. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →