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- 3 March 2026 Mr. Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne] AI summary The Speaker informed Parliament of two Presidential communications under the Public Security Ordinance following Cyclone “Mitra”: a Proclamation bringing Part II of the Ordinance into operation islandwide from 28 February 2026 to maintain public order and essential supplies, and an Order calling out the Armed Forces in specified areas. He also announced a climate and disaster risk reduction dialogue organized with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business, and tabled specified volumes of the Auditor-General’s Report for 2024, which Parliament ordered to be printed. Parliament Opening and Message from President Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar moved an Adjournment Motion alleging irregularities in coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant for the 2025-2026 season, claiming Auditor General and COPE recommendations on procurement standards were disregarded. He argued that relaxed bid conditions, inadequate quality controls, delayed deliveries, and alleged misleading of the National Procurement Commission and Cabinet had caused financial losses to the CEB and risks to energy security, citing test results indicating coal below required calorific values and high ash content. He urged immediate action to safeguard energy security, recover losses from those responsible, prevent future losses, and ensure accountability for the procurement process. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - State Minister (Public Security) [continued] JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala said investigations into recent killings linked to underworld and narcotics networks were ongoing, and urged political parties to remove members connected to such criminal elements while stressing that the Government is working to prevent further loss of life. Responding to questions on Police vacancies, he said approval had been granted to recruit 10,000 personnel, with 1,500 constables and about 200 Sub-Inspectors already selected, and further gazettes for Women Police and STF recruitment due shortly, though the full process takes several months due to interviews, checks, medicals and training. He clarified that Public Security Committees are non-political bodies intended to assist with drug prevention and crime control, not law enforcement, and said the Police are being depoliticized and strengthened to act more proactively. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought clarification on the Government’s plan to recruit 10,000 police personnel against 35,116 vacancies and proposed increasing recruitment further in view of law and order, public security, justice, rule of law and national security concerns. He expressed support for community policing and action against criminals, but alleged that Public Security Committees were being appointed in a partisan manner and that their chairpersons were being used to provide recommendations for police reports and character certificates, which he said could obstruct effective crime prevention. Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala — Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary The Minister responded to an SO 27(2) question by detailing police staffing shortages, organized crime and homicide statistics, drug and firearm seizures, and measures being taken to strengthen law enforcement. He said approval has been granted to recruit 10,000 personnel this year, while the CID and provincial crime investigation structures are being reorganized and supported through international cooperation, training, intelligence upgrades, and proposed new legislation on organized crime. He also updated the House on intensified operations against narcotics trafficking and foreign-linked organized crime, stating that investigations and prosecutions will proceed without political interference and irrespective of official rank or affiliation. Ministerial Statements: Credit Expansion and State Security Mechanism Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported amendments extending jurisdiction over drug trafficking by ships and stateless vessels, arguing that drug cartels operating from the high seas must be brought within Sri Lankan law. He urged the Justice Minister to establish a legal “decoy” mechanism enabling police and security forces to engage undercover with major traffickers, and called for stronger protection for lawyers, judges, and witnesses, including possible relocation measures in drug cases. He also raised concerns about overcrowding, sanitation, nutrition, and facilities for remand prisoners, and noted that drug operations continue from prisons due to ineffective communication-blocking measures. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Judicature Act and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance amendments, saying they would strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal authority to interdict narcotics production and trafficking in its maritime zones and adjacent high seas. He argued that drug trafficking is a complex transnational problem linked to global trade routes, organized crime, political influence and weakened investigative institutions, and cannot be solved by Sri Lanka in isolation. He also called for scientific rehabilitation, psychological counselling, public awareness, stricter enforcement, and independent investigative bodies while noting that some countries are examining decriminalization as part of wider drug policy. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera supported amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to address drug trafficking on the high seas, citing legal gaps that hinder prosecution when narcotics are transported via multi-day fishing trawlers and small craft. He rejected allegations against NPP MPs in Puttalam and said credible information would be acted upon, while outlining Navy and Police Narcotics Bureau operations, international cooperation, and seizures from 2019 to 2025. He noted challenges such as vessels operating under powers of attorney, switched-off Vessel Monitoring Systems, and offenders being released due to inadequate legal tools, and said new procedures would be introduced by March to expedite certified sampling and destruction of seized drugs. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Bill but argued that Sri Lanka must fully implement hydrographic control and charting to secure maritime safety and State revenue. He said the National Hydrographic Act, No. 7 of 2024, created the necessary offices, but the country still lacks deep-water charting equipment costing about USD 0.7 million. He alleged that past outsourcing through NARA allowed foreign private companies to collect navigation-related fees that should have gone to the Treasury, and urged the Government to fund the equipment immediately to enable collection of an estimated USD 51 million annually from vessels entering Sri Lankan waters. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s “Rata Ma Ekata – Iwath Wenu” anti-narcotics programme and the NPP policy objective of a drug-free country. He said the amendments would criminalize drug manufacture, possession and trafficking on the high seas and give the High Court jurisdiction over such offences, particularly to disrupt transfers from mother ships to smaller vessels. He linked the measures to wider proposals on surveillance, rehabilitation, education, community monitoring, asset seizure and international cooperation, citing drug flows through the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka’s use as a transit and redistribution point. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said the SIM card re-registration regulations address weaknesses in the 2019 framework and are intended to ensure accurate subscriber records for law enforcement purposes. He stated that 897,802 individual SIMs and 245,811 corporate SIMs currently lack sufficient identity data, creating risks for fraud and other crimes. He said affected users must update their details with telecom operators within about two months, after which non-compliant SIMs will be deactivated, while properly registered users will not be affected. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to criminalize narcotics offences on the high seas and vest jurisdiction over such offences in Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court. She cited UNODC findings and national arrest and prison statistics to argue that Sri Lanka’s maritime position has made it vulnerable to drug trafficking, with youth and women increasingly affected. She referred to the “The Whole Nation Together – Let’s Get Out” national anti-drug operation launched in October 2025, noting seizures, arrests with INTERPOL support, and rehabilitation efforts as part of a coordinated response. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill as part of efforts to address the national drug problem. He stated that after 2009 drug use was deliberately directed at youth in the North and East and has since spread across the country, underscoring the need for legal reforms to control dangerous drugs. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government has intensified narcotics enforcement through the “Get Out” programme, citing increased seizures of heroin, “ice” and cannabis in 2025 compared with 2024 and over 280,000 arrests. He explained that amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act are intended to establish Sri Lankan jurisdiction over drug offences committed on the high seas, in line with UNCLOS and UN drug conventions, and to enable prosecution of traffickers intercepted by the Navy or Coast Guard. He also stated that demand reduction must accompany supply enforcement, proposing expanded voluntary rehabilitation and a public-health approach for drug users while targeting large-scale traffickers. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government on public security amid rising shootings, homicides and organized crime, requesting data on Police vacancies, crime trends, arrests, prosecutions and incomplete investigations over the past decade. He asked whether current Police staffing is sufficient, whether mechanisms under the Palermo Convention and UNTOC are being used, and what measures are being taken to dismantle domestic and international crime networks. He also sought updates on pledged independent investigations into long-pending high-profile killings and attacks on politicians, journalists, sportsmen and civilians, including the cases of Lasantha Wickrematunge and others, and urged action to improve Police recruitment and accountability. Oral Question: Hospital Attendants Shortage and Mahaweli Land Allocation (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence explained that compensation for firearms is determined after assessing their current status and value by a committee including officials from the Defence and Finance Ministries, the Government Analyst’s Department, and the Tri-Forces. He stated that government taxes, departmental fees, other charges, and depreciation based on age and condition are deducted from the sale value, with the remaining balance paid to the owner according to government policy. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government reviewed firearms issued for personal protection from 1 January 2025, after assuming office in November 2024, with the objective of regulating issuance and limiting individuals to one firearm. He noted deficiencies in past record-keeping that made some firearm issuances difficult to trace, including those issued to politicians. He said the matter had been discussed at the National Security Council, the President had given directions, and the Government would amend the law and introduce stricter rules on issuance and use, coordinated by the Ministries of Defence and Public Security while studying practices in developed countries. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister provided annual figures on shootings from 2020 to 2025, noting an increase to 140 incidents in 2025, with 65 deaths and 68 injuries that year. He said recent shootings were linked to organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal firearms, personal disputes, and overseas criminal networks, and outlined police responses including joint operations, checkpoints, intelligence-led investigations, firearm seizures, community reporting mechanisms, and rapid-response motorcycle units. He also referred to institutional measures such as Provincial Special Crime Investigation Bureaus, the Central Crime Investigation Bureau established on 04.09.2025, criminal data systems, asset monitoring, and action inside prisons to disrupt crime and drug networks. Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa questioned the Government over alleged forged passports taken from a Ministry, the release of 323 containers from the port, and specifically two cocaine-linked containers reportedly taken to Mideniya, asking who authorized their release. He argued that such a release could not have occurred without written authorization and asked whether it came from the President, the Minister in charge of Police, or the IGP. He also urged the Government to listen to trade unions and doctors and called for a fair and effective programme to address rising underworld violence and national security concerns. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for relying on the Tri-Forces and Police during emergencies and industrial action while, in his view, failing to acknowledge war heroes or the victory in the war. He urged the Government to listen to doctors’ demands rather than confront protests, and linked this approach to past unrest, including the death of a Member of Parliament during the “struggle.” He called for a focus on economic recovery, social rebuilding, and improving people’s lives with a clear vision. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →