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- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that while he could not direct the Police or CID on questioning methods, any alleged shortcomings could be examined. He clarified that the Moulavi in question had not been arrested but that his house had been searched, and said he would avoid further details given the 22-year-old youth’s future. He warned against the re-emergence of communal nationalism and stressed the need to ensure the safety of Muslims, Tamils and Sinhalese. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman informed the Minister in charge of Police of an incident in which the Colombo Crime Division allegedly questioned a person for calling Netanyahu a terrorist and for expressing concern over children dying in Palestine. He asked why police officers were posing such questions and urged the Minister to be aware of such conduct, clarifying that he was raising the matter as information rather than an accusation. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman challenged the Minister’s account of an arrest, saying parents alleged counter-terrorism officers pressured them not to inform others, including human rights bodies. He questioned why a youth was arrested for pasting a sticker, why the Colombo Crime Division visited homes linked to a protest looking for stickers, and why a poet in Eravur who wrote in support of Palestine was summoned to record a statement, requesting clarification. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that camps such as Batalanda were established as security measures in response to JVP violence during the 1987-89 period, particularly after attacks linked to protests against the Indo-Lanka Accord. He cited and tabled documents listing alleged JVP attacks on army and police camps, looting of weapons, destruction of paddy stores, and killings of civilians and monks. He also accused the JVP of past attacks on Parliament, the Temple of the Tooth, the Kataragama Perahera and Katunayake Airport, questioning its present criticism of state actions during that period. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara said the 1988-89 insurgency caused major loss of life, destruction of public and economic assets, and long-term harm to Sri Lanka’s development, while arguing that responsibility should be examined without protecting any political or security figures linked to Batalanda. He condemned both LTTE and JVP-related violence, describing the difficulty security forces faced in identifying guerrilla actors embedded among civilians and linking such conditions to abusive interrogation practices. He also accused current political leaders associated with that period of having incited youth and schoolchildren through slogans and agitation, and called attention to the burning of tea factories, Agrarian Service Centres, local government buildings and railway property. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam said the Batalanda Commission Report records serious abuses during 1988–1990, including abductions, extrajudicial killings, vigilante activity with state involvement, obstruction of investigations, and protection of alleged perpetrators. He linked these findings to other periods of violence, including the southern insurrection and the war in the North and East, arguing that many commission reports on grave abuses have remained unimplemented. He urged the Government to investigate those named, prosecute where warranted, and implement the recommendations of this and other commissions to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe argued that the Batalanda Report should be understood within the wider context of unlawful detention, torture, abductions and disappearances during the 1988-89 period, which he attributed to the policies and actions of the then UNP Government. He referred to the JVP’s participation in democratic politics before its 1983 ban, evidence in the Report disputing its responsibility for the July 1983 violence, and the escalation of repression after the Indo-Lanka Accord. He stated that the current Government, in office for four months, would take lawful measures to investigate crimes committed across the country and hold perpetrators accountable, also recounting his own alleged near-abduction in October 1989. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman referred to the Batalanda Commission Report and questioned why the JVP/NPP had not pursued the issue earlier despite past opportunities and political alliances, arguing that any renewed accountability process should examine all actors and periods even-handedly. He asked whether the Government would investigate individuals now aligned with it who were allegedly involved in operations against the JVP during 1988-89, as well as other past incidents including those linked to Matale. He also raised current concerns about the use of counter-terror laws, citing the detention of a youth over a sticker critical of Israel, and urged proportional policing, respect for expression and assembly, and due process. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala seconded the Motion and cited findings of the Batalanda Commission, arguing that its report implicated Ranil Wickremesinghe in abuse of power, unlawful interference with police functions, and indirect responsibility for unlawful detention and torture chambers at the Batalanda Housing Scheme between 1988 and 1990. He referred to specific report passages identifying houses allegedly used for detention and torture, including premises linked to Wickremesinghe and police officers, and said the report also recorded that Wickremesinghe accepted there was no proof connecting the JVP or NSSP to the July 1983 riots. He framed the debate as an opportunity to seek justice for those killed or tortured during the period, including political activists and Attorney-at-Law Wijedasa Liyanarachchi. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided data on complaints of sexual harassment and related offences against women in government institutions, stating that no complaints were recorded by the National Committee on Women’s Complaints Centre or the 1938 Women’s Help Line from 2015 to 2021, while nine complaints were recorded through those channels from 2022 to 2025. She said further police data from 2015 to March 2025 and action taken reports had been submitted as annexes to the Library. She outlined ongoing measures, including awareness programmes on laws, redress mechanisms and the 1938 Help Line, and training and sensitization programmes for police, public officers and officials working with women and children, with participation figures for 2023 to early 2025. Oral Question 579/2025: Sexual Crimes Against Women Serving in Government Institutions Read →
- 10 April 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is taking steps to depoliticize the Police in response to rising crime, underworld activity and narcotics use, including among schoolchildren. He said non-politicized Public Security Committees are being established to replace or improve upon existing Community Police Committees, and noted that their membership would include Divisional Secretaries, religious leaders, principals, retired police officers and retired military personnel under the relevant circular. Oral Question 212/2024: Sri Lanka Police - Vacancies and Promotions Read →
- 10 April 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Minister to ensure faster implementation of decisions and questioned a new circular dated 04.04.2025 establishing Public Security Committees under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. He argued that Community Police Committees already operate across all 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions and asked whether the new structure would politicize grassroots policing or replace existing committees. He also raised the transfer of the OIC of Kobeigane, noting that the National Police Commission had reversed it but the appointment letter was pending, and alleged that charges were being prepared after the fact to justify the transfer. Oral Question 212/2024: Sri Lanka Police - Vacancies and Promotions Read →
- 10 April 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Budget 2025 has made provision for police-related needs, including urgent approval to recruit 2,500 officers, with gazetting planned for the following month subject to training capacity. He said further recruitment, improved medical facilities, and transfer arrangements to nearby divisions are being pursued to reduce workload pressures. He also noted that the Ministry is working with the Attorney-General to resolve more than 100 pending Supreme Court cases affecting police promotions. Oral Question 212/2024: Sri Lanka Police - Vacancies and Promotions Read →
- 10 April 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about poor working conditions in the Police, including long shifts, restricted leave, distant transfers, and disparities with the Armed Forces in rations, retirement terms, and pensions. Referring to the newly passed proceeds of crime law, he argued that an effective and dignified Police service is essential to combat theft, corruption, and fraud. He asked whether the Police could be placed on a higher salary scale and when the proposed reforms, including measures mentioned for 2026, would be implemented. Oral Question 212/2024: Sri Lanka Police - Vacancies and Promotions Read →
- 10 April 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to provide details of current vacancies in the Sri Lanka Police by post. He also sought information on whether the Ministry recognizes delays in police promotions, what measures will be taken to expedite them, and what steps are planned to increase salaries and improve welfare facilities for police officers. Oral Question 212/2024: Sri Lanka Police - Vacancies and Promotions Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for policy action to reduce VAT on essential foods such as rice, sugar, flour and dhal. He raised concerns over illegal fishing practices, alleged official complicity, narcotics trafficking by sea, Indian trawler incursions, bottom trawling, and environmental damage affecting fishing communities in Mullaitivu, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna. He urged ministerial intervention under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, warning that continued inaction could lead to public protests, and questioned coastal mining and aquaculture projects that he said displace fishers and damage livelihoods. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Government would protect the education rights of all children without discrimination and respond to any impediments, while following procedures for private schools and funding public education. He rejected claims that the Prevention of Terrorism Act was being used oppressively in relation to a youth arrested over a sticker, arguing that authorities must act to prevent public safety risks and extremism-related escalation. On the VAT (Amendment) Bill, he said the Government was reducing VAT burdens on items such as dairy products, addressing SVAT misuse, exempting factory worker transport and meals from VAT, and engaging the United States on tariff issues. He also said small egg producers below the VAT threshold should not use VAT as a reason to raise prices, identifying feed costs as the main issue and noting plans to import maize while protecting local farmers. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary 1,244 workers at Vogue Tex (Pvt.) Ltd. in Weligama have been on strike over the company’s stated inability to pay bonuses. The Deputy Minister said discussions were held at the Matara Labour Office and further talks were scheduled, with instructions issued to the Ministry Secretary and Commissioner General of Labour to intervene urgently. He added that the matter did not appear to be directly linked to the broader tariff issue but would be addressed immediately. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen stated his support for the Proceeds of Crime Bill but urged the Government to meet public expectations and avoid actions that undermine confidence. He criticized the arrest and detention of a person over an anti-Israel sticker and called for an end to unjust use of the PTA, including the immediate review and release of persons he said remain unfairly detained or prosecuted after the Easter Sunday attacks and related cases. He also requested the Attorney General’s Department to expedite or withdraw lingering cases against individuals allegedly connected to him after his acquittal. He warned that Israel’s presence and activities in Sri Lanka could create communal tension and urged the Government not to penalize Sri Lankans in order to protect Israeli visitors. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, including the vesting of illegally acquired assets in the State and the creation of an authority to manage them, and welcomed the proposed removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP. He argued that accountability mechanisms should also address alleged crimes against Tamils, citing incidents from 1956 through Black July, other massacres, disappearances, and Mullivaikkal, and called for parliamentary action and international investigations due to mistrust in domestic processes. He questioned what action had been taken against figures such as Pillaiyan and urged the Government to investigate alleged atrocities against Tamils in the same manner as proposed inquiries into 1987–89 torture camps. He also raised concerns that protesters opposing ilmenite mining were being summoned and harassed by police and security forces, and asked the Government to protect their democratic rights. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →