Topic
Security & Defence
869 speeches · 214 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. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, M.P. JJB | 77 |
| 2 | Hon. Ananda Wijepala, M.P. JJB | 65 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 39 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 23 |
| 5 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 18 |
| 6 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 18 |
| 7 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 17 |
| 8 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 16 |
| 9 | Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, M.P. ITAK | 16 |
| 10 | Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam, M.P. ACTC | 15 |
Speeches
869 on this topic- 10 June 2026 Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act for another month, citing the need to maintain uninterrupted water, electricity, fuel, health, communications and transport services after the cyclone and amid global crises. He said a Commissioner-General of Essential Services would coordinate state institutions down to local administrative levels, with sectoral regulations to ensure continuity and economic stability. He also stated that the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund is lawful and auditable, and defended legal accountability for all individuals, including veterans, while stressing the need for justice for victims of the Easter attacks. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Mr. Presiding Member AI summary Mr. Presiding Member called on Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence, to speak and informed him that he had nine minutes. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake criticised the regulation reducing the export proceeds conversion period to one month, arguing it reflects weak export performance, limited investment, slowing tourism, and overreliance on remittances. He questioned Central Bank management of the exchange rate, reserves, inflation and interest rates, warning that rupee depreciation and rate hikes were increasing borrowing costs, reducing fiscal space, and risking stagflation. He urged a review of PAYE thresholds and tax policy, stronger financial sector supervision, export-led stabilisation of the rupee, reform of investment and trade institutions, and greater accountability from the Central Bank and Finance Ministry. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda objected to Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s repeated references to the Rajapaksas and protested against remarks made by Hon. Thurairasa Rachikaran during the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill debate, alleging that he had praised an LTTE figure and asking what action the Government and Speaker would take. He contrasted this with the detention of Mr. Salley under anti-terror laws and argued that discussion of the Easter attacks should be handled separately with evidence, without political misuse. He also requested urgent intervention for Security Officer No. 16649 at the Sapugaskanda Refinery, citing alleged harassment and her family circumstances. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticised rules requiring exporters to convert dollar proceeds into rupees, describing them as a response to currency depreciation, and opposed the continued use of Emergency Regulations and the Essential Public Services Act framework. He raised concerns about reported proposals to extend judges’ retirement age and alleged that delays in nominating judges to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal amount to undue interference with judicial independence and a constitutional failure. He also warned against replacing the PTA with potentially harsher legislation and called for investigation into allegations concerning the wartime killing of Prabhakaran’s son if the facts support a possible war crime. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister addressed regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act and a resolution under the Essential Public Services Act, while also referring to ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks. He argued that accountability should be pursued through scientific evidence and the courts, rejected political speculation and elite impunity, and stated that investigations into both the Easter attacks and corruption would continue despite obstruction or “theatrics.” On the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, he said public contributions are lawfully received through Treasury accounts and credited to the Consolidated Fund, with expenditure requiring parliamentary authorization, and urged Members not to discourage donors by misrepresenting the mechanism. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised an urgent Question of Privilege alleging failures by the Defence authorities and Police to provide adequate security despite repeated warnings about threats to his life. He cited a land dispute, a related court case involving an issued firearm, and alleged death threats connected to his political activities, arguing that these matters impede his ability to perform parliamentary duties safely. He sought permission to raise the matter against the Minister and Deputy Minister of Defence and the Inspector General of Police, and also objected to unequal application of speaking time limits. Procedural: Questions of Privilege and Motions Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, initiated following a 2024 complaint and conducted with Attorney-General’s guidance under a pending Colombo Magistrate’s Court case, have produced material implicating retired Major General Tuan Suresh Sallay. He said investigators have evidence alleging that Sallay, while in senior intelligence roles, helped steer Islamist extremists towards the attacks, ignored prior warnings, suppressed sensitive information, and was linked to claims made by informants and in a Channel 4 programme. The Minister stated that these matters are being treated as potential offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, rejecting claims that Sallay was unlawfully arrested, detained, or tortured. Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter concerning two missing fishermen from the Vadamarachchi/Point Pedro area and sought details from the Minister of Fisheries on their identities, date of disappearance, notification to authorities, and immediate response. He questioned claims about the deployment of drones, aircraft, helicopters, and ships in the search, asked what concrete steps had been taken, and requested measures to prevent similar disappearances. He also noted that the question had been submitted the previous day and asked who would respond in the Minister’s absence. Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported a short extension of the State of Emergency, stating it remains necessary to complete resettlement and reconstruction following the November 2025 Ditcha cyclone, including the use of Rs. 500 billion allocated for relief and infrastructure recovery. He said the emergency powers have not been used to suppress speech or detain opponents, and reiterated that the Government intends to abolish the PTA while relying on ordinary legal processes and independent investigations. He also referred to action on past corruption cases, the treatment of Suresh Sale, a Kilinochchi detention under the 2011 Gazette on LTTE promotion, and Government claims on economic stabilization, welfare support, and national unity. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad raised concerns about schoolchildren, requesting a one to one-and-a-half month postponement of the A/L examination due to reduced teaching time, timely payment of Grade 5 scholarship stipends, and increased support for the primary school breakfast programme. He also called for incentives for SriLankan Catering staff, transfers for Civil Security Department officers closer to Thantirimale, and stronger action against digital extremism and weaknesses in visa and financial systems. On the Easter Sunday investigations, he said suspects should be arrested and investigated without obstruction but urged the Government to ensure the full safety of detained former intelligence official Sale, warning that any death in custody would undermine justice for victims. He also questioned alleged links involving JVP National List nominee Ibrahim and said the SJB would wait for investigations to conclude before commenting further. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Arguing against reliance on emergency powers and the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper said the Government must justify why ordinary and disaster laws are insufficient before imposing emergency regulations. He recalled past abuses under emergency law and cited post-Easter PTA detentions, stating that of 548 detainees, most were Muslims and about 418 were later released without charges. He argued that the Easter attacks should not be used to justify the PTA in the absence of convictions, and called for equal application of the law, humane treatment of suspects, and legal redress where rights have been violated. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the emergency framework under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that it is needed to coordinate relief and reconstruction after the “Ditva” cyclone, given losses affecting housing, agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods. He rejected Opposition criticism over delayed relief and incidents in the North, stating that the Government is delivering development, assisting fishers, and responding to cyclone-related operational challenges despite wider pressures such as global fuel and gas price increases. He also said the Government is taking legal action against corruption, drug trafficking, and “looters,” urged responsible use of social media, and highlighted Budget 2026’s Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” allocation to every Grama Niladhari division for local development. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam opposed the extension of emergency powers, arguing that they are being used for political purposes and to suppress dissent in the North and East rather than to address genuine emergencies. He cited the delayed response to missing fishermen from Point Pedro and questioned the continued occupation of coastal lands by the Navy if such forces cannot assist in emergencies. He also condemned the use of the PTA or emergency regulations against expressions of opinion, including songs or praise of the LTTE, and argued that such enforcement reflects the Government’s failure to address Tamil political grievances. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir said his side could support a further extension of emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance if they are used to address unresolved damage from Cyclone “Ditva” and to combat narcotics trafficking. He urged authorities to identify and mark dangerous coastal areas in Kalpitiya following repeated drownings, including recent deaths at Norochcholai and Daluw. He also requested action to address shortages and lack of cold storage at the newly upgraded Puttalam District General Hospital, and called for fuel or electricity-related subsidies to support Kalpitiya farmers facing rising costs. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan addressed the extension of emergency regulations in the context of the Ditva cyclone, warning against their partisan or unfair use. He raised concerns about rising drug distribution, murders, robberies, and violence in plantation areas, calling for strict and impartial law enforcement, including scrutiny of retired military personnel allegedly employed as plantation authorities. He also questioned the disappearance of a murder suspect from hospital custody and urged preventive action to stop youth being criminalized through escalating conflicts. He opposed using the PTA or emergency powers against artists such as the arrested Kilinochchi rapper Sangeethsan and called for his release. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that emergency powers are needed to provide rapid relief and expedite permanent rehabilitation, including resettlement and land transfers, following cyclone damage in Matale. He said the Government has used emergency powers only for public safety and not to suppress dissent, despite past misuse by previous governments. He also addressed investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks, stating that the Government is proceeding lawfully and with due process to identify and punish those responsible rather than acting arbitrarily. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne supported the extension of the Emergency in the context of Cyclone “Ditva,” rejecting Opposition claims of government inaction and citing housing damage figures, compensation entitlements, and relief allowance disbursements. She said rebuilding and resettlement must proceed with legal, environmental, capacity, and safety considerations, while acknowledging unresolved hardships. She also defended the Government’s broader record, referring to health, wage, energy, and cultural allocations, including funding for mammography machines, cardiac catheterization machines, solar storage systems, and development of the Jaffna Public Library. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister supported extending the State of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating that it was introduced after Cyclone “Ditva” to coordinate relief, housing reconstruction and essential services, and may also be needed to respond to possible energy disruptions arising from international tensions. He said the Government would use emergency powers only for public relief and not repression, while emphasizing that freedom of expression carries responsibility. He stated that the Prevention of Terrorism Act is at its final stage of repeal and replacement, defended a recent PTA-related arrest as based on alleged glorification of the LTTE rather than artistic expression, and said concerns over a judge’s transfer should be addressed to the Judicial Service Commission. He also referred to ongoing investigations into the Easter attacks and related matters, saying legal action would proceed without government interference. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the State of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating that emergency powers were needed to coordinate recovery and rehabilitation after Cyclone “Ditva” and to appoint a Commissioner General for Essential Services. He said the Government, public service, civil institutions, and Tri-Forces were working on infrastructure restoration, compensation, and resettlement, including construction of 1,000 temporary houses across affected districts. He noted continuing issues over land, legal title, NBRO assessments, and safe resettlement, especially where over 6,000 houses were destroyed in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla. He also said the Government’s objective was to depoliticize the Armed Forces and handle investigations into suspects properly. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →