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- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government remains committed to repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act after introducing new counter-terrorism legislation consistent with international human rights standards, following a review by a committee chaired by President’s Counsel Rienzi Arsekularatne. He rejected Opposition claims that an independent Prosecutor’s Office reflects distrust of the Attorney-General, arguing it is a manifesto commitment intended to separate prosecution from the Attorney-General’s advisory functions and improve impartiality. He also defended the Budget as a “people’s Budget” and said the Government’s first months had focused on ending corruption, waste, and misuse of public funds. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question, stating that available data do not show a significant rise in shootings or homicides in early 2025 compared with previous years, and outlining police, STF, Tri-Forces, patrol, roadblock, rapid response, intelligence and surveillance measures against organised crime and drug-related violence. He said guidelines on the safety of suspects taken out of police stations, relevant Supreme Court directions, IGP circulars, offender monitoring procedures and divisional responsibility documents would be tabled or placed in the Library. He also said the Government would not restrict media reporting in a way that infringes the constitutional right to information, denied any clash between the IGP and the National Police Commission, and detailed the composition and functioning of the National Security Council, which he said meets regularly and reviews security directives. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Rule of Law and Inclusive Justice System Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government under Standing Order 27(2) on rising organised crime, citing 17 shootings in the first two months of 2025 and a murder within court premises, and asked what measures had been taken to restore public security. He sought details on promised procedures to protect suspects taken from police stations, guidelines on media coverage of arrests, and whether the Government had a concrete crime prevention plan beyond arrests after incidents. He also asked about reported tensions between the IGP and the Police Commission, the functioning and membership of the National Security Council, and raised concern that a 15% SVAT on services was harming digitalization and the digital economy. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Rule of Law and Inclusive Justice System Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns about human-elephant conflict, noting that both communities and elephants are affected. He proposed measures beyond electric fences, including spring gates and targeted, household-level awareness programmes tailored to different groups in affected villages. He asked whether the Minister has planned a structured public awareness programme using available government cadres to educate communities on managing interactions with elephants. Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi – Minister of Environment AI summary The Minister answered Question 188/2024 on human-elephant conflict, providing expenditure figures for electric fence construction and maintenance from 2015 to 2024 and data on elephant deaths, human deaths and property damage, noting increases in cumulative casualties and damage in 2020-2024 compared with 2015-2019. He stated that no separate item was applicable under part (a)(iii) and tabled a document setting out ongoing mitigation measures, including expansion and maintenance of electric fencing, deployment of Civil Security personnel, night patrols, elephant crackers, compensation payments and GPS-collar research. He also outlined further measures such as habitat enrichment, protection of elephant corridors, community awareness programmes, removal or capture of identified problem elephants, and trials using drones, ultrasonic devices, bee sounds, smoke deterrents and fence upgrades. Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake defended the National People’s Power Government’s first Budget, arguing that its first 100 days should be assessed on political discipline, social stability, and fiscal management as well as on the Budget text. He said problems such as passport queues, shortages of rice, coconuts and salt, the port container backlog, the Grade 5 scholarship paper leak, high prices, and organized crime stemmed from past mismanagement, and outlined steps taken or planned to address them. He emphasized ethical governance, citing prompt responses to controversies over qualifications and statements, and rejected claims that allocations such as the Rs. 100 million Thambuththegama Railway Station feasibility study were personal projects. He also highlighted improved parliamentary performance, including timely answers to oral and Standing Order 27(2) questions, and said the Government was maintaining elections and parliamentary discipline without misuse of state resources. Second Reading: Disposal of Waste (Prohibition) Bill 2025 Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticised the Budget’s fiscal assumptions, arguing that the 6.7 per cent deficit, high debt-servicing burden, and reliance on Rs. 300 billion from vehicle import taxes create sustainability risks, especially after government statements suggesting duties may later be reduced. He proposed pension reform through a contribution-based or hybrid system, independent pension funds, complementary private pensions, and benefit indexation to inflation and GDP. He also raised concerns over killings, custodial deaths, and illegal weapons, urging compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, proper investigations, and stronger action to uphold the rule of law. He concluded by calling for improved tax collection, expenditure discipline, private sector-led growth, transparent public spending, and targeted social safety nets. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Privilege matter concerning an alleged assault on him and his legal secretary at Valampuri Hotel on 12 February 2025, stating that the incident was reported to Police and that the suspects were arrested before both sides withdrew complaints. Referring to recent killings, including the murder of Ganemulle Sanjeewa within court premises, he expressed concern about the security of Members of Parliament. He requested that two security personnel be assigned to him and that the matter be referred to the Minister in charge of Police and Public Security for immediate action. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Minister of Public Security on measures to address the current crime wave, citing discussions at the Ministry advisory committee where the Minister had referred to a structured programme and indicated that the Prevention of Terrorism Act would not be amended, with reliance instead on strengthening criminal procedure. He asked whether the Penal Code would be used and what concrete steps were being taken to bring killers and robbers before the law. He also warned that the situation was affecting public security, civil society, and the tourism sector ahead of an expected increase in tourist arrivals. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer stating that a Geological Survey and Mines Bureau inspection found only small-scale tractor-based sand mining on the relevant coastal belt, which ceased after local opposition, with no clear evidence of large-scale illegal ilmenite mining or supply to processing facilities. He noted that two mineral sand mining licences had been issued to a private company for the Vakarai area but no mining occurred under them and they expired on 8 December 2024. The answer further stated that no current health, livelihood, or drinking-water impacts had been observed, and that any future licensed activity would be subject to recommendations from relevant authorities, while illegal mineral activities are addressed under the Mines and Minerals Act through enforcement by Police, the STF, and other forces as needed. Oral Question: Investigations into Damaging Buddha Statues in Mawanella (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi, asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for details on the pre-Easter Sunday incident involving the breaking of Buddha statues in Mawanella. The question sought the date of the incident, identities and addresses of those arrested, action taken against them, the names of investigating security officers, any alleged political influence by Governors or powerful persons at the time, and the current status of the investigations. Oral Question: Investigations into Damaging Buddha Statues in Mawanella (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the 2025 Budget as the first foundational step in a longer development programme, arguing that it responds to structural causes of the 2022 crisis and looks forward rather than dwelling on past failures. He contrasted it with the 1977 Budget and said both periods involved strong mandates for change, but criticized previous governments for contributing to corruption, failed policy, and the growth of underworld elements. He dismissed Opposition claims that the Budget omits key items, saying later stages of the programme would address them, and also criticized MPs focusing on lost insurance benefits and perks rather than policy. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Chief Government Whip stated that the President and relevant ministers had already briefed Parliament and committees on the incident, which the Government says does not pose a threat to national security. He said investigations into organized criminal gang clashes are ongoing, including arrests and questioning of Police and security personnel, with possible questioning of judiciary members, and that details would not be disclosed if they could prejudice inquiries. He added that further information could be provided during the Defence Ministry and Public Security committee discussions on the 28th, within investigative limits. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised concerns about intelligence functioning and analysis, citing statements that prior information existed about a possible killing in Gampaha but not about an incident in Colombo. He drew a parallel with the delayed response to prior warnings before the Easter attacks and urged the Government to give special attention to improving intelligence analysis and response, rather than focusing only on how to classify the security threat. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over eight homicides reported between 18 and 21 February, describing underworld killings and hired criminal activity as a national security issue despite the President’s contrary view. He requested an explanation from the Government on an alleged security failure linked to intelligence information, including a photograph and profile reportedly available before a courtroom murder. He called for a clearer, more structured and disciplined mechanism for responding to national security intelligence. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera raised a supplementary question on encroachment of Forest Department lands in Monaragala and other areas, alleging that large tracts are being sold to outsiders and fenced with electric barriers. He asked what measures are being taken to prevent such encroachment and address its impact on elephant movement and the human-elephant conflict. Oral Question: Question No. 3 - 447/2025 (Forest Conservation) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister responded to concerns about bottom trawling and illegal fishing, stating that over 200 bottom trawl boats operate in Sri Lanka and that recent assessments and enforcement action have been undertaken. He said a forthcoming Bill would introduce provisions to restrict trawling to designated zones under specific licensing and controls, following consultations with fishers and leaders. He cited seizures of illegal fishing boats in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Mannar in 2023 and 2025, and called for enforcement, public awareness and cross-party support to eliminate destructive fishing methods. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported the motion on illegal fishing, identifying bottom trawling by pair/trawl boats as a major cause of damage to livelihoods and the marine environment in the Northern Province. He welcomed the issue being raised in Parliament and said he had intended to begin discussions with Tamil Members from the North and East, particularly Northern Province MPs. He stated that illegal fishing must be stopped. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana reported recent enforcement action against fisheries-related offences, citing raids and prosecutions in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Trincomalee, including 18 cases in Trincomalee in January and 8 in the first half of February. He said enforcement alone is insufficient because the legal framework is not yet complete, and noted resource constraints in the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, including limited staff and vehicles. He stated that the government recognizes the seriousness of the issue, is working to address it quickly, and seeks cooperation from the Opposition and fishing communities. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana said prohibited fishing methods such as purse seine nets, dynamite, and light-based fishing are causing serious hardship for coastal fishing communities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, including Trincomalee, across ethnic lines. He argued that the issue must be understood in the context of inadequate state support for fishers’ livelihoods, which can drive some local fishers into illegal practices. He noted that the Government has begun coordinated enforcement with the Navy, Coast Guard, Police, and a dedicated task force, including plans for a joint Navy/Coast Guard checkpoint near Nandikadal Lagoon and Mullivaikkal to curb dynamite fishing. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →