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- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala clarified that Development Officers were not arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and confirmed that an Army Intelligence officer taken into custody during the protest was released after a statement was recorded, as he was not linked to the stabbings. He said two suspects have been arrested over the slashing and injuring of three police officers with a sharp weapon, and further investigations are ongoing. Procedural: Ministerial Statement and Points of Order Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake challenged a statement by Nalin Bandara Jayamaha that certain detainees were apprehended under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, noting that the Minister of Public Security had contradicted it. He requested that the remark be withdrawn, arguing that references to PTA arrests carry international implications for Sri Lanka. Procedural: Ministerial Statement and Points of Order Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala clarified in Parliament that, contrary to a statement by Hon. Nalin Bandara regarding the recent incident involving Development Officers in which three police officers were stabbed, the arrested individuals were not detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Procedural: Ministerial Statement and Points of Order Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned the Government on recent arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, including individuals linked to incidents in Theldeniya and an Army Intelligence officer suspected of stabbing police officers. He asked whether it was fair to arrest Development Officers under the PTA, noting that many had not been absorbed into the teaching service for years. He sought clarification on what action the Government would take to address and conclude the issue of Development Officers’ appointments. Oral Question: Wayamba University Faculties Details (Q.106/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said a case related to the matter is before the Welisara Court, with accused persons named and a report annexed to the official answer. He stated that further legal action would be taken on the advice of the Attorney General, and that investigations would proceed if the filings indicate political involvement. He also noted that the incident occurred in 2021, before the National People’s Power government. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka questioned the Government’s failure to deliver promised electricity tariff reductions, citing large CEB profits and around one million disconnected consumers. He argued that, under the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 35 of 2002, tariff reductions could be made when profits exceed Rs. 15 billion, and asked why reductions had not been implemented while bonuses were being considered for CEB employees. He also criticised the Government’s handling of rice supply and prices, comparing its promises on ending the “rice mafia” with earlier election pledges on rice. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe accused the previous government of responsibility for mass killings, citing 60,000 deaths, while questioning its call for compensation to affected families. He stated that perpetrators and those who protected them should be punished, and said the current government would take action against them. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna called for stronger enforcement action and urged that no single individual be singled out. He demanded that all relevant names be disclosed and that the law be applied immediately. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Minister K.D. Lal Kantha thanked voters in Kandy for electing a large National People’s Power representation and outlined district priorities including wild animal damage to crops and flood mitigation in Akurana, stating that compensation, legal crop-protection measures, and a special flood project would be pursued. He linked these issues to the Government’s wider “system change” agenda, citing changes to political culture, state ceremonies, vehicle use, and the need for a more efficient public service. Responding to concerns about reducing state employees, he said some institutions have politically recruited excess staff while others, such as Wildlife Conservation and veterinary services, face shortages, and said staffing issues should be addressed transparently. He also said agricultural and irrigation projects must prioritize farmer benefits, while agencies such as the Paddy Marketing Board would be reoriented to improve farmer livelihoods and consumer outcomes. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri argued that decisions at a Party Leaders’ meeting cannot override statutes or parliamentary rules, and said the Government has no mandate to bypass approved laws. He stated that the Opposition was not opposing payments to public servants but insisting that such actions be taken in accordance with the law. He also commended the Speaker’s ruling and independence, cautioning against misuse of the Government’s majority. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence said the absence of local authority representatives resulted from the postponement of Local Government Elections. He stated that the Government would address this issue and establish a special operational framework to reduce loss of life, livestock, and property in future disasters. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Hon. Upali Samarasingha expressed condolences for disaster victims and described the recent flooding impact in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and especially Mannar, arguing that recurring floods had been worsened by past construction in drainage paths, railway embankment issues and lack of advance preparedness. He said NPP representatives coordinated security forces, district officials and ministers to assist displaced people, including securing Rs. 37 million for immediate food and essentials and mobilizing civil society and local businesses. He called for people-centred cooperation across parties and communities to develop stronger pre-disaster mechanisms and disaster-response policy, while criticizing political point-scoring during the Adjournment debate. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake requested that Rauff Hakeem provide the relevant letters concerning bar permits. He stated that the permits had been issued legally, but due to public opposition, the matter would be referred to the relevant minister for appropriate action within the law. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem addressed the Adjournment Debate on damage caused by recent torrential rains and thanked voters for electing SLMC candidates, noting the party’s expectation of obtaining a National List seat through the SJB. He also referred to the Government’s tabling of liquor licences issued under the previous administration and raised objections to a proposed liquor outlet in Panwila, Kandy, citing its proximity to schools and religious institutions. He tabled letters from Buddhist, Christian and Muslim religious representatives opposing the outlet and urged authorities to prevent its establishment. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen moved an Adjournment Motion on the impact of the “Bengal” cyclone and floods, stating that more than 475,000 people in 24 districts were affected, with deaths, crop losses, property damage, damaged roads and tanks, and livestock losses. He urged the Government to provide compensation for loss of life, crop and property damage, and livelihood losses, citing severe damage in Mannar District including 68,334 affected persons and thousands of hectares of agricultural land. He alleged negligence by police and disaster management officials in the deaths of Nintavur madrasa students near the Karaithivu bridge, and called for legal action against officials who failed to warn, rescue, or respond properly. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected allegations that the Government intended to use the Prevention of Terrorism Act for political purposes, stating that amendments to the law would be brought soon and that existing laws would be used prudently in the interim. He outlined three main priorities: safeguarding democratic governance through fair elections and impartial state institutions, advancing social justice, and modernizing the country. He also said the Government would reduce wasteful ceremonies and privileges, respect Parliament and the people’s mandate, and implement its programme through the forthcoming Budget. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the NPP’s electoral gains in Jaffna, the North and East, and among hill-country Tamils reflected public trust across ethnic communities and rejection of racism, fear campaigns, and traditional political leadership. He framed the Government’s approach as ending entrenched ethnic chauvinism rather than making symbolic constitutional promises, while referencing the 13th Amendment debate and past events including emergency laws, the burning of the Jaffna Public Library, and the 1983 pogrom. He stated that the Government’s policy programme would address estate workers’ land rights, housing, wages, health, and education, and said issues of Tamil political prisoners and the disappeared would be handled with special care. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra urged Parliament to use the new mandate as an opportunity to advance national unity and prevent a return to racist or religious politics, citing Dr. N.M. Perera’s 1955 call for both Sinhala and Tamil to be State languages and the President’s recent policy pledge against racism. She linked the failure to heed such warnings to the consequences of the Sinhala Only policy, the war, social harm and national bankruptcy. She rejected Opposition claims that the Government was targeting “social media activists,” arguing that those spreading false or current-looking hate content should not be protected as free expression. She called on both Government and Opposition Members to respect the people’s mandate and ensure equality, dignity, and freedom from violence and discrimination for all communities. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman welcomed the new Government’s mandate and urged it to use that mandate to build a unified Sri Lankan identity while respecting diversity and rejecting racism and religious extremism, noting that past failures to do so contributed to conflict and economic setbacks. He said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and much of the Opposition would cooperate with any programme aimed at unity within diversity. He also called for the Government to uphold the Rule of Law, raising concerns about the stalled Wasim Thajudeen case, the appointment of officials linked to alleged non-cooperation or corruption as advisers, and a reported incident involving an alleged Military Intelligence officer at a protest. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam congratulated the Government on its mandate and welcomed the President’s statements on democracy and inclusion, but questioned how the pledge against ethnic-based politics would apply to Tamil parties raising issues of discrimination, land settlement and demographic change in the North and East. He argued that a generic “Sri Lankan” identity must not obscure the history of Tamil grievances and cited UN Human Rights Council concerns about the limits of purely domestic accountability. He called for the Prevention of Terrorism Act not to be used against commemorations or detainees, compared Tamil memorialization with JVP commemorations, and urged the Justice Minister to release nine Tamil political prisoners and inquire into the prison transfer of one detainee known as “Morris.” Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →