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- 7 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam welcomed the Prime Minister’s remarks on the investigation into the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and stressed the significance of Wickrematunge’s daughter calling for the impeachment of the Attorney-General. He urged the Government to respond with commensurate seriousness and urgency, describing the case as emblematic and Wickrematunge as a widely respected journalist across political and ethnic lines. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that sufficient evidence exists for the Attorney General’s Department to indict two or three individuals in the High Court in relation to the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. He alleged that attempts were made from 2020 to 2024 to suppress evidence, but said honest police officers preserved it, citing Shani Abeysekara, Ravi Seneviratne, and IP Sugathapala. He urged the Government to act through due process, use Sugathapala as a key witness where appropriate, and deliver justice to uphold public confidence in the rule of law. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya supports the new regulations under the IP Act as measures connected to upholding the rule of law. He recalled the 2009 assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and related attacks, stating that investigations under the 2015 Yahapalana Government, led by senior CID officers, uncovered evidence allegedly linking members of an unofficial State-backed armed group and police officers to the crimes and to the suppression of evidence. He argued that sufficient evidence had emerged to prosecute serious offences, including destruction or disappearance of evidence connected to a homicide and links to the abduction and intimidation of Wickrematunge’s driver. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga supported the approval of regulations under the Intellectual Property Act for registering geographical indications, stating that GIs protect authenticity, prevent unauthorized use, and increase product value. He noted that while Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon are already recognized, products such as Ceylon Pepper, King Coconut, pineapple, palmyrah, kithul, Jaffna mango, crafts, and textiles could also be registered through associations or cooperatives. He argued that GI registration would support the Government’s production economy agenda and cited international examples and price increases to encourage regions to pursue registrations. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri rejected Opposition allegations that the NPP promotes hostility, arguing that its recent presidential and general election victories were achieved without post-election violence. He said the Government’s actions were directed at corruption and the recovery of wealth allegedly stolen from the people, not political revenge, and criticized Opposition parties for uniting only when legal action is taken against corruption. Referring to the GI debate, he claimed past governance had tainted public institutions and local identities with corruption and abuse, and pledged that the NPP’s parliamentary majority would act with integrity in line with the public mandate. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva sought clarification on action taken regarding the incidents in Parliament on 15 November 2018, when Members allegedly climbed on the Chair and hurled objects while then Speaker Karu Jayasuriya was protected by police. He asked for the status of the CID investigation, the relevant report, whether any persons had been found guilty, and what action had been taken, disputing the claim that destruction of public property in Parliament could not be prosecuted. Ministerial Statement: Wind Power Plant Tender Process in Mannar Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, invoking Standing Order 27(2), raised concerns over prolonged container clearance delays at the Port of Colombo and the reported release of 323 containers without Customs examination. He asked the Government to provide details on daily container arrivals, inspection capacity, vessels allegedly diverted due to delays, economic losses, and proposed measures to improve clearance. He specifically sought information on whether any of the released containers were “red label” consignments, the criteria used for their release, their contents and importers, potential revenue loss, responsibility for preventing harmful imports, and whether an investigation or policy decision on such releases had been initiated. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would intervene to ensure a transparent inquiry into the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. He said he would avoid commenting on recent developments so as not to prejudice judicial proceedings, but urged action to bring the perpetrators to justice for Wickrematunge’s family and the media community. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi responded to a question on human-elephant conflict, reporting that both elephant deaths and human deaths increased in 2020–2024 compared with 2015–2019. He outlined current mitigation measures, including 5,612 km of electric fencing, deployment of Civil Security personnel, elephant-driving operations, compensation payments, GPS-based research, problem-elephant management, and steps to gazette identified elephant corridors. He also cited zonal management, habitat enrichment, village awareness, lighting, and trials of deterrent technologies such as drones, ultrasonic devices, bee sounds, chilli-based methods, and spiked rubber mats. Oral Question: Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson asked the Minister of Environment to provide annual, wildlife-zone-wise data from 2015 to date on human and wild elephant deaths caused by the human-elephant conflict. He also requested details of measures taken to achieve a permanent solution to the conflict, or reasons if such information cannot be provided. Oral Question: Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the Government and President failed to address a Customs-led work-to-rule and related “container crisis” at the Port, which he said delayed imports and exports, increased demurrage costs, and harmed foreign exchange earnings. He stated that the problem reflected longstanding resistance to Customs reform and alleged that union influence had prevented effective intervention, while many ordinary Customs officers had worked to clear the backlog. He questioned the President’s explanation for congestion and requested detailed data from the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and the Committee on Public Finance on container examinations, examination capacity, recoveries, staffing costs, demurrage payments and examination yard charges. He estimated delay-related losses at over Rs. 10 billion and called on the Government to address entrenched “mafias” in Customs and other sectors under its “Clean Sri Lanka” agenda. Procedural: Committee Composition and Debate Commencement Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said the Opposition had raised Privilege Questions because repeated discussions with the Speaker, the Leader of the House and the President had not resolved concerns over parliamentary representation and procedure. He alleged that conventions were being disregarded, including in elections to friendship associations, and asked the Leader of the House to ensure adequate Opposition representation in Committees. He also cited alleged intimidation at cooperative elections, protests in Gampaha and Kamburupitiya, and restrictions on student expression at the University of Peradeniya regarding the IMF programme, describing these as anti-democratic and requesting remedial action. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that while travelling from Jaffna to Colombo to attend the Parliamentary sitting on 21 January, he was stopped or disturbed by two police officers for using a VIP light. He sought to bring this incident to the attention of the Speaker. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara rejected opposition claims that the Government had increased vehicles and fuel allocations for Ministers, stating that a January 2025 circular reduced each Minister’s allocation from three vehicles and about 1,950 litres of diesel to two vehicles and 900 litres, and that no Ministers or Deputies had taken official residences. Addressing the Rohingya issue, he described it as a humanitarian crisis involving stateless and displaced people, while emphasizing that Sri Lanka must act according to international law and State security responsibilities. He said the 116 arrivals were being cared for, with court processes involving 12 persons, including possible traffickers, and that screening was necessary to identify protection needs and exclude persons involved in serious crimes in line with UNHCR guidance. He stated that the Government would work with UNHCR and the international community on temporary and possible longer-term arrangements while safeguarding rights and applying the law. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government had not stated that the unauthorized arrivals would be deported to Myanmar, but was handling the matter under Sri Lankan law through the courts, Immigration, CID investigations, health checks, and humanitarian assistance. He said decisions would be guided by intelligence assessments, international human rights norms, and consultation with international organizations, noting that the Human Rights Commission had been granted access and that the group now numbered 117 after a birth. He also informed the House that an inquest into the death of a woman at Maradana Police Station had confirmed suicide, following her arrest on five warrants. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra said the Government had provided humanitarian assistance, medical care, quarantine, and court-directed detention for 117 people who arrived by boat from Myanmar in December 2024, while immigration and health investigations continue. He stated that Sri Lanka is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or 1967 Protocol but would act consistently with humanitarian principles, including non-refoulement, and in cooperation with UNHCR where applicable. He said nationality verification is being pursued with the Myanmar Embassy, access by the Human Rights Commission had been granted, and the next court hearing is scheduled for 31 January 2025. He emphasized that no deportation decision had been made and that the Government would balance border security, immigration law, national security, and humanitarian obligations. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme in principle but urged that it be sustained beyond electoral considerations and applied consistently to corruption, official misconduct, and abuses by State institutions. He called for the return of lands in the North and East occupied by the armed forces or taken by departments such as Wildlife, Forest Conservation and Archaeology, and requested guaranteed prices and support for farmers and fishers affected by disasters and low market prices. He also raised concerns over killings and gun violence in Mannar, alleged police and military laxity, the need to repair the Sivapur Bridge in Manthai East, and the lack of prompt police action on harmful social media allegations, citing a Vavuniya school case. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns over alleged irregularities in transfers and promotions, including the appointment of the Administrative Officer at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, and said a requested inquiry had not been carried out. He also stated that illegal sand mining in Batticaloa continued despite a District Development Committee decision to stop it. He urged the Government to repeal, rather than replace, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and to recognize the issue of political prisoners, while calling for the release of the list of bar permits allegedly recommended by MPs. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Representing Jaffna, Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna asked to focus on human rights issues affecting Tamil people rather than Government–Opposition disputes. He specifically sought space to raise concerns such as custodial deaths, stating that he wished to speak for his constituents who are caught amid political conflict. Matter of Privilege: Non-Allocation of Time to Speak in Parliament Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concern over reports that a woman from Kilinochchi had allegedly died by suicide while in custody at the Maradana Police Station, asserting that she was killed. He questioned how such a death could occur inside a police station and requested the Minister of Public Security to ensure immediate justice. Matter of Privilege: Non-Allocation of Time to Speak in Parliament Read →