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 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary A Cabinet decision has already been made to stop the activity in question. The member stated that if anyone continues to send items illegally, authorities should be informed so that the law can be enforced. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof, speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports allocations, urged the Government to address youth unemployment, inadequate university hostel facilities, and the risk of young people being drawn into drug use. He called for a special programme to protect youth from drugs and for clearer measures to meet the expectations of young voters and unemployed graduates. He highlighted sports development needs in Trincomalee District, including upgrading McHeyzer Grounds, providing proper grounds and facilities in areas such as Thoppur, Kinniya, Mutur, Trincomalee and Thambalagamuwa, and creating pathways for talented swimmers, cricketers, footballers and other athletes. He also requested the resumption of continuous appointments of school sports coaches and a non-discriminatory plan to identify and develop sporting talent in the East. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage raised concerns about riverbed gem miners and illegal mining cases, stating that many are being arrested and handcuffed under Section 81 procedures while awaiting regularisation. He requested that such miners not be handcuffed, that they be allowed to work temporarily without licences subject to fines if necessary, and that the Government address export taxes of about 23% which he said had reduced gem exports by around 30% from the 2023 level of about US$ 470 million. He urged intervention through the National Gem and Jewellery Authority to strengthen the sector. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 17 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister responded to issues raised during the Committee Stage debate on the Environment Ministry’s expenditure, stating that the Forest Conservation Department is already taking steps to identify and resolve disputes over tanks and paddy lands in Batticaloa, with a view to applying solutions island-wide. He reported the shooting death of the tusker “Unicorn” in Minneriya National Park and said a full investigation is under way, while outlining planned measures and allocations to address the human-elephant conflict, including wildlife funding, water retention systems, grassland development and research. He said plastics are currently regulated under the National Environmental Act, single-use plastics are banned, and amendments are being pursued to introduce Extended Producer Responsibility. He also stated that the absorption of 3,530 Multi-Purpose Development Task Force workers has been submitted to the Public Service Commission and appointments will be issued once approval is received. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said the Clean Sri Lanka programme appeared to have stalled and urged the Government to implement it through strengthened local authorities rather than using the military, prison inmates, or one-off publicity activities. He criticised delays in environmental approvals and called on the Environment Ministry and related agencies, including the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, to act more efficiently and support lawful livelihoods such as sand and gravel transport. He also accused Government figures of making inaccurate or diversionary public claims, citing remarks about school attendance, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence, and the renewed focus on “Batalanda.” Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara alleged that no CCTV cameras are functioning in Anuradhapura and criticized the removal of police barriers without adequate security measures. He argued that such actions have emboldened organized crime amid reports of frequent murders, and urged the Government to move beyond slogans and implement practical security solutions. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. Hizbullah thanked the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for assistance to the Muslim community, including duty relief on dates, and urged action on longstanding administrative issues affecting Muslim religious institutions. He requested expedited registration of Arabic colleges, implementation of the approved common national syllabus and examination system, and establishment of a training centre for imams, muezzins and teachers. He also called for the Batticaloa regional office of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs to be properly staffed, for restrictions on Qur’ans and Arabic books to be eased, and for a detained consignment of Qur’ans with Tamil translations to be released. On Hajj arrangements, he urged allowing lower-cost categories C and D, arguing that current high-cost packages exclude less affluent pilgrims. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to engage pragmatically with international partners, acknowledging assistance from India, China, Japan and Bangladesh during the economic crisis and urging continued engagement with the United States to protect export livelihoods. He called for targeted debt relief for medium-scale tourism entrepreneurs, especially in Negombo, and a lawful mechanism to restore liquor licences for bona fide tourist establishments. He proposed developing health and wellness tourism, improving tourist transport and sanitation, learning from international hospitality and events models, and protecting wildlife and natural assets. He also urged stronger law enforcement to address crime-related security concerns and requested a coherent national tourism policy, offering Opposition input. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concern that a series of recent murders and unresolved law-and-order issues are creating a public security crisis with potential effects on tourism, and called for urgent action and clarity from authorities. He questioned the Government’s continuation of the previous debt restructuring and IMF framework, arguing that current growth, revenue, and debt assumptions are unrealistic and urging renewed engagement with creditors and international financial institutions to avoid difficulty meeting debt service obligations by 2028. He also called for export market diversification, stronger trade and investment links with India and China including FTAs and dedicated industrial zones, and proactive engagement with the United States to mitigate possible tariff impacts. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns about Sri Lankan driving licences being accepted abroad, noting that issues related to format and security features affect multiple countries beyond Italy and Poland, and urged that digitization meet international requirements. He also highlighted difficulties faced by Sri Lankans in Italy receiving special sojourn permissions for hardship or illness, requesting action to resolve Foreign Ministry certification and passport-related documentation bottlenecks that prevent them from working or moving freely. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj condemned the sexual violence incident involving a female doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital and said the Government and women Members of Parliament stand with the victim and will pursue justice. She criticized media reporting that disclosed identifying details or reenacted evidence, arguing that such coverage retraumatizes victims and undermines confidence in justice. She called for swift punishment of perpetrators, stronger victim support mechanisms, enforcement of media-related laws and ethical standards, and an inquiry into how confidential police or court statements reached the media. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that action has been taken regarding the Hanthana matter, including enforcement of the law. He said the contractor’s work has been suspended and investigations are ongoing. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about public security during the Committee Stage, arguing that the Police and Judiciary are under serious threat following incidents including a murder inside court premises and the killing of a retired prison officer. He questioned what assurances the Government could provide to prevent further attacks on courts and judges, noting that a suspect alleged to have planned the courthouse killing remained at large. He also criticized the situation in which the IGP was reportedly evading a court order and could not be located by the Police. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister presented the Cabinet position on the Batalanda Commission report, detailing the historical context of alleged unlawful detention, torture, and state violence during the late 1970s and 1980s. He said the 1998 report had not been acted upon or sent to the Attorney-General, despite being printed as sessional papers, and criticized past governments for using it politically rather than pursuing accountability. He formally laid the 208-page report before Parliament, stating that the current Government has a duty to make it public and respond to long-standing demands for truth and justice. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament about the sexual assault of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital hostel, stating that the suspect had been arrested within 36 hours and that investigations were continuing. He said the Government and Health Ministry had intervened to strengthen security, assess administrative and security lapses at the hospital, and provide better official housing and protection for health staff. He also requested responsible media conduct to protect the victim’s identity. The Minister urged health-sector trade unions to call off the 24-hour island-wide strike, arguing that patient services should resume while the Government continued discussions and remedial action. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, noting its history, previous amendments, and attempts to replace it, including the 2023 Bill challenged before the Supreme Court. He said Cabinet had approved the appointment of an expert committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice to study the Bill and recommend whether to repeal the PTA and introduce new legislation or take other action. He tabled CTID figures showing 4,327 arrests under the PTA, 1,418 charges filed, 2,909 not charged, 1,734 referred for rehabilitation, and 144 acquitted. He added that the 2022 amendment limited pre-process detention to 72 hours and that the Government intends to restrict the PTA and present a new Bill based on the committee’s recommendations. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister informed Parliament that the suspect in the Anuradhapura Hospital incident raised in the House had been arrested at Galnewa by police teams deployed for the operation. He stated that, as previously pledged, the suspect would be produced before court and due process would be followed. Speaker's Announcements and Welcome Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson highlighted severe overcrowding in prisons, citing Polonnaruwa Prison holding 405 inmates against a capacity of 149 and Welikada holding 3,579 against about 1,400. He raised concerns about inadequate sanitation at Polonnaruwa New Town Prison, including sewage entering a public canal used for bathing, drinking and irrigation, and asked what steps would be taken to reduce congestion and address issues affecting both prison officers and inmates. Oral Question: Prison Guard Vacancies (Q.125/2024) Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on the approved cadre, current strength, and vacancies for male and female Prison Guards, noting 729 male and 117 female vacancies. He said recruitment is underway through a competitive examination, internal recruitment from the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force to the Prisons Emergency Response Tactical Unit, and limited competitive recruitment from junior departmental employees. He also stated that Cabinet-approved increases to allowances, expanded overtime eligibility, uniform provision, and training programmes have been introduced to address staffing pressures and improve prison service capacity. Oral Question: Prison Guard Vacancies (Q.125/2024) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Condemning an alleged sexual harassment incident involving a doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital, he raised concerns about Kilinochchi market traders being affected by Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabha decisions on newly built shops and requested ministerial attention. He also cited complaints about inaction in the Land and ICT divisions of the Chavakachcheri Divisional Secretariat and alleged misuse of online platforms in Ramanathapuram, Kilinochchi, calling for attention from the Defence, Police, and Public Security authorities, including over alleged threats against him by a YouTuber. Responding to remarks by Hon. Hisbullah, he said his criticism concerned child marriage at ages eight or nine irrespective of religion, and argued that separate legal standards on such matters should not apply within one country. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →