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- 4 June 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The remarks supported Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, describing them as part of the Government’s effort to strengthen institutions, the rule of law, and Sri Lanka’s compliance with international anti-corruption standards. Abeywickrama accused previous governments of normalizing corruption, waste, and political use of public resources, while asserting that the current administration is enabling investigations and prosecutions without political interference. He cited recent corruption-related arrests, tender manipulation cases, and clarifications on the “Containers 323” issue and a Government vehicle auction allegation to argue that Opposition claims against the Government were unfounded. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof, speaking during the debate on regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act, said governments must act on anti-corruption pledges and punish those who acquired unlawful wealth. He raised concern over a shooting involving fishermen in Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee, where a 23-year-old was injured, and questioned who authorized the Navy to open fire over an alleged breach of purse seine permit conditions. He argued that restrictions on “surukku valai” fishing are applied unevenly between districts, creating grievances, and urged a proper inquiry into the incident and the enforcement policy. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the regulations issued under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, stating that aligned ministerial guidelines would strengthen enforcement and ensure accountability. He argued that opposition criticism reflected fear of anti-corruption action, cited recent allegations against government figures as smear campaigns, and said complaints and court processes should determine the facts. He emphasized that the regulations are intended to address white-collar corruption, including hidden assets, misuse of state funds, and laundering, with no exemption for any person. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Read →
- 4 June 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked the Prime Minister for information on the enforcement of the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act, No. 20 of 1998, amid continuing reports of ragging in universities and higher education institutions. He requested details on prosecutions and convictions during the past five years, whether studies have examined the causes of continued ragging, and what measures the Government will take to prevent such incidents. Oral Question: India–Sri Lanka Agreements and Education Policy Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera recalled initiating draft data protection and cyber security legislation as IT Minister in 2019, noting that the Personal Data Protection Act was later enacted in 2022 and welcoming the current amendment to address practical issues. He questioned why the Cyber Security Bill has still not been presented, arguing that it is important for national security, economic development and the IT sector, and urged that it be brought to Parliament urgently with updated standards. He also raised concern over Clause 13 of the amendment, asking that public corporations and state-owned companies not be excluded from the requirement to designate a responsible data protection officer. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage supported the Amendment Bill to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, framing it as part of the Government’s digitalization agenda and the need to protect personal data as a key public asset. She said the amendments strengthen data subject rights, establish and phase in the Data Protection Authority across public institutions, and prioritize public awareness due to differing levels of digital literacy and limited state-sector capacity. She argued that updating the law in line with international standards would support public trust, foreign investment, tourism, and economic recovery, while rejecting Opposition criticism as not reflecting the phased nature of implementation. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, arguing that Sri Lanka needs an operational data protection framework to attract BPO/BPM and digital economy investment and align with global standards. He said implementation should be phased because public and private institutions require time, skills, infrastructure, and capacity, and noted provisions such as outsourcing Data Protection Officer functions to reduce burdens on startups and small businesses. He also emphasized establishing and staffing the Data Protection Authority, providing legal recourse for data breaches, improving cybersecurity standards, and countering misinformation in public debate. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa welcomed amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act but criticised delays in appointing and staffing the Data Protection Agency, arguing that they should not impede national digitization. He questioned the Government’s progress on the Unique Digital ID project funded by an Indian grant, use of the Rs. 3 billion digitization allocation, court automation, data centre arrangements, custodianship and data aggregation. He also criticised past politicisation of personal information, called for stronger privacy protections and regulation of public and private data use, and cautioned Ministers against statements that could politicize the judiciary or create diplomatic issues regarding digital agreements with India. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna explained that the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill contains 13 amendments intended to phase implementation and strengthen the Personal Data Protection Authority, with commencement of most provisions to be appointed by the Minister by Gazette and extendable to allow public and private sector readiness. He outlined the background to the 2022 Act, its precedence over conflicting laws on personal data protection, and the gazette notifications and Cabinet decision leading to the amendments. He also noted implementation challenges including staffing, public awareness, connectivity gaps, and the need for responsible handling of personal data by media and social media, linking these issues to the Government’s wider digitalization policy. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the data protection Bill in principle but urged stronger safeguards, clear public remedies for misuse of personal data, and assurances on the independence and capacity of the PDPA Authority. He questioned the Government on responses to recent cyber breaches, technical readiness for secure data systems, availability of skilled personnel, timelines for full implementation, and compliance arrangements for large legacy data holders. He also sought clarity on penalties and appeals, interaction with the RTI and Computer Crimes laws, special protections for health data, public awareness measures, and how the right to erasure would be balanced against public-interest records and accountability. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of amendments to Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act on behalf of the Minister of Digital Economy, citing the growing economic and privacy significance of personal data and international models such as the GDPR. He said the amendments address implementation needs before full commencement, including review rights for automated decisions, appeals against refusal of access, withdrawal of consent, and clearer rules for cross-border data flows. He argued the changes would strengthen privacy protections while supporting legal certainty, regulatory readiness, innovation, investment, and international trust. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala supported the Bill’s provisions enabling courts to receive and record remote testimony through contemporaneous audio-visual links, arguing that this would improve security, reduce transport costs, and speed up criminal justice proceedings, especially for high-risk prisoners and organized crime cases. He said existing criminal laws are insufficient to address organized crime and noted that the Ministry of Public Security has submitted a Cabinet memorandum to draft new legislation targeting organized criminal groups, including shootings and related offences. He also framed the amendments as part of the Government’s mandate to strengthen accountability and act against impunity. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to Opposition criticisms before supporting the Bill, rejecting claims of politicizing Community Policing Committees and citing provisions in the Bill on taking evidence abroad, applications by witnesses or victims, and costs. He argued that the Government was giving effect to pending legal reforms, including measures to strengthen prosecution of white-collar and other crime, and said further amendments could be introduced if gaps remained. He stated that the Bill would help protect witnesses and use technology-driven procedures to prosecute offenders more effectively and uphold the rule of law. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Code of Criminal Procedure amendments enabling courts to dispense with personal attendance of accused persons and to receive remote testimony and electronic submissions, citing security concerns such as the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder and the need to expedite cases. He urged the Government to address pending High Court judicial appointments, improve outdated court technology and staff capacity, and establish a supervisory mechanism for technology adoption across justice-related institutions. He also called for parallel amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to permit remote evidence in civil and commercial cases, particularly involving overseas witnesses. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, speaking on the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, urged the Government to repeal the PTA, initiate the promised new Constitution process, and enact laws criminalizing incitement to racism and communal hatred. He called for ethnic inclusivity in the Clean Sri Lanka task force, specifically the inclusion of Tamil and Muslim members, and criticized defects in the local government ward-based electoral system while requesting a revised method. He also sought a separate court for Irakkamam or its reattachment to the Akkaraipattu judicial zone due to language-access concerns, and requested action by the Justice and Fisheries Ministries against sea theft affecting deep-sea fishermen from Trincomalee to Pottuvil. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bills under debate, stating that legal frameworks must adapt to technological development, and then addressed concerns raised around national security and political violence. He argued that recent arrests exposed past links between some politicians, criminal networks and weapons, while claiming the NPP Government had established a non-violent political culture after successive election victories. He rejected allegations connecting him or institutions such as Jamia Naleemiya to extremism, called for investigations into any genuine incitement, and reiterated opposition to racism, extremism and fundamentalism. He urged all communities and political actors to promote peace, coexistence and trust, citing post-Easter Sunday reconciliation efforts and interfaith engagement. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, arguing that Sri Lanka has lagged in adopting technology for justice administration and that audio-visual testimony and electronic evidence are necessary to address organized crime, witness safety, and court congestion. He referred to proposed changes including provisions linked to Sections 144 and 273, enabling remote testimony where there are threats to life or public safety, and cited international precedents from the United States and India. He connected the need for reform to past incidents involving organized crime and violence, including attacks on prisoners and witnesses, and urged all parties to support the Bill as part of broader justice-sector reforms. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979, arguing that they would strengthen the rule of law and improve the efficiency of criminal proceedings. He highlighted provisions allowing courts to excuse the personal presence of accused persons in specified circumstances, use remote participation to address security, public order, health or rehabilitation concerns, and permit witnesses and experts to provide evidence or reports electronically. He said these measures would help reduce delays caused by shortages of specialists such as Judicial Medical Officers and Government Analysts, while also referencing past alleged abuses of legal process and criticizing the Opposition’s engagement in the debate. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka thanked voters for the SLPP’s improved performance at the local elections, arguing that the party had recovered significantly from its low vote share at the presidential election despite limited organization and representation. He alleged that rival parties were seeking support from independents to form local councils and criticized the Government for politicizing village security structures through Civil Defence or Public Security Committees involving Development Committee Chairmen. He also raised concerns about shortages and price increases in essentials, particularly salt, questioning delays in imports despite domestic production capacity and alleging irregularities in the import process. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Dr. Najith Indika supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, stating that there was broad agreement on allowing evidence to be given remotely through digital technology, including from abroad or from prisons, and that the measure was timely and necessary. He also addressed the forthcoming constitution of local authorities, arguing that administrations should be formed according to the mandate given by voters in each local body after the 2025 local government elections. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →