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- 18 February 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman criticised members who, in his view, now express concern for schoolchildren and public services despite past actions during the 1987–88 period, including encouraging students to abandon schooling during protests over the Indo–Lanka Accord. He also accused them of inconsistency on military involvement, saying they previously opposed training for the armed forces as militarisation but now support using the army for tasks such as mosquito control. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake acknowledged the role of the tri-forces and public officials in maintaining current operations. He stated that reforms would continue, with attention to clearing backlogs and improving safety and service delivery. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that a Cabinet Memorandum has been submitted and regulations are being drafted to control chemicals identified as potential threats, including future additions. He said regulatory authority over 8 of 15 identified chemicals has already been delegated to relevant institutions, while oversight of the remaining 7 is proposed to be assigned to the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Ministry of Defence is involved in preparing the necessary legal instruments. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that authorities have identified 15 chemicals posing high national security risks. He said 7 are regulated by the Controller of Explosives, one by the Registrar of Pesticides, and 7 previously unregulated chemicals will be placed under the oversight of the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention under the Ministry of Defence. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Asked what measures have been taken to regulate chemicals, beyond those already discussed, that could affect national security. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence answered on behalf of the Minister regarding the regulation of explosives, stating that action is being taken in line with a 2025 Cabinet decision and that storage, issuance, licensing and supervision are governed by the Explosives Act, related regulations, and Defence Ministry Circular 01/2024. He explained that the Defence Secretary functions as Controller of Explosives, supported by Deputy and Assistant Controllers, with 13 Assistant Controllers covering districts and police officers of Sergeant rank or above empowered as inspectors. He provided licence and permit figures as of 30 November 2025, including 58 import licences, 514 supplier licences, 1,355 permits, and 232 fireworks manufacturing licences, and said 33 stores are under direct police protection while 2,179 other storages are supervised by local police. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Thushari Jayasingha asked the Minister of Defence for details on the regulation of explosives used for commercial purposes, including planned legal amendments, storage and issuance procedures, responsible officers, district-level assistant officers, and the status of the Controller of Explosives post. She also sought information on commercial explosives licences, active licensees, the licensing process, regulatory oversight, private storage facilities, security measures, and limits on quantities issued to licensees. Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Ayubraj Arul in Allaipitty and said the family had not received justice. Citing the OHCHR report of 13 January 2026 on conflict-related sexual violence in Sri Lanka, he called for Government action to investigate alleged abuses from 1983 to 2009, address impunity, and ensure justice for survivors amid concerns over delays, language barriers, fear of reprisals and militarization. On the Bill to repeal parliamentary pensions, he argued that former MPs who lost previous employment pensions may be left without livelihood support and proposed either a route back to prior employment after parliamentary service or another fair mechanism for income security. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the area in question is not a High Security Zone and that defence authorities have not identified a large-scale public safety crisis. He said nine people had died in shootings in the past 45 days compared with 12 in the same period the previous year, and described the incidents as isolated matters under investigation. He noted arrests and repatriations linked to organized crime, said overall crime had decreased, and pledged to strengthen public safety and national security measures while withholding full details until investigations conclude. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Government’s assertion that the shooting location was not a High Security Zone, noting its proximity to the Ministry of Defence and Tri-Forces Headquarters. He argued that recent shootings involving military-grade weapons, followed by killings in Jinthupitiya and Kalutara North, indicate a broader threat to public safety and the rule of law. He called on the Minister to present concrete measures and a new plan to strengthen national and public security. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister expressed condolences for the killing of a lawyer and his wife, while stating that the incident was isolated and did not amount to a national security threat or a general threat to the legal profession. Responding to the Opposition Leader, he said investigations were proceeding on evidence, with several arrests for aiding and abetting and 12 police teams deployed, but further details could not be disclosed. He linked broader violent crime to the circulation of illegal firearms and narcotics-related underworld activity, citing weapon seizures, repatriation of organized crime suspects, and security measures for judges, Attorney General’s Department officers, lawyers, and investigators where threats are assessed. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the killing of a lawyer and his wife near the High Security Zone in Thalawathugoda, questioning whether it indicated a serious national security lapse and whether prior intelligence existed. He challenged the Government’s early characterization of the incident as an underworld crime and asked whether investigations were being influenced or prejudged. He also referred to subsequent shootings in Jinthupitiya and Kalutara North and reports of 111 shootings in the past year, demanding measures to curb gun violence and ensure the safety of judges, lawyers, Attorney General’s Department officers, police investigators, and the public. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that, after maritime security-related authority was reassigned to the Navy, operations have generated over USD 620,000 since November, all credited to the Consolidated Fund. He said 354 operations had been conducted at USD 1,750 each, contrasting the current arrangement with the previous system under which only a portion of revenue reached the Navy and Rakna Arakshaka. He noted that former joint venture entities had vacated Navy armories following government action but had filed a Supreme Court case, and said the matter was being handled through legal channels. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Asked the Deputy Minister to provide an update on the progress of the Navy’s independent maritime security operations project. The question specifically concerned the initiative to provide services to foreign private maritime security companies (PMSCs). Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that, following Cabinet approval in July 2025 on the President’s proposal, the Navy’s role in maritime security operations for foreign private maritime security companies has been reinstated. He said the measure, implemented through a Gazette and presidential directive presented to Parliament, is intended to support national and maritime security, protect merchant shipping, manage resources efficiently, and generate foreign exchange at minimal cost. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided a detailed reply on the history, assignments and revenue arrangements for maritime security services involving the Sri Lanka Navy, Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd and Avant Garde Maritime Services. He stated that the service began in 2009, shifted between the Navy and the RALL-AGMS joint venture, and that a 2025 Cabinet decision and Extraordinary Gazette authorised the Navy to provide the service independently. He reported JV income of USD 14.12 million from September 2021 to July 2025, with about USD 2.12 million paid to the Navy, while Navy-only operations from October 2025 to February 2026 earned USD 598,250 for the Consolidated Fund. He also said the Navy had received Rs. 2.39 billion in total from earlier arrangements and noted an unpaid Rs. 782 million allegedly due from Avant Garde. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake defended the President’s declaration of essential public services under the Essential Public Services Act in response to Cyclone “Ditcha,” arguing that emergency powers are necessary to procure and restore critical services disrupted by the disaster. He said the Government would use these powers only for disaster management and outlined progress in relief payments, while noting that eligibility verification is required for public funds. He cited survey findings and international comments to support the Government’s relief performance, rejected Opposition criticisms and rumours about returned reconstruction cheques, and called for factual assessment of the post-disaster response. Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the need to extend the emergency after Cyclone Ditva, arguing that disaster management and compensation were said to be completed and alleging the emergency was being used to curb public protests. He said the no-confidence issue involving the Prime Minister was rendered moot by the President’s own decision to halt her programme and appoint an experts’ committee. He raised concerns over the Easter Sunday bombings trial, demanding that the alleged mastermind be arrested and produced, and criticised daily hearings, restricted access, and the venue as undermining fair trial rights and open justice. He called for transparent, open proceedings, including possible live telecasting, and urged the Government to ensure an independent and fair trial. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the emergency declared after the disaster was necessary to coordinate a nationwide response beyond the capacity of the Disaster Management Act, including deployment of security forces, essential services, personnel and machinery across administrative boundaries. He stated that the regulations had not been used to suppress protests, strikes, media or political activity, and said reforms were under way to disaster management structures, the Online Safety law and legislation replacing the PTA. He also said emergency powers helped stabilize tourism and expedite procurement for recovery work, citing record December and January tourist arrivals, a preliminary World Bank estimate of US$4.1 billion in economic impact, and parliamentary approval of supplementary estimates. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the justification for extending the emergency in the absence of war or communal tensions, asking whether it is intended for disaster management or to suppress rising public protests by groups such as teachers, graduates and doctors. He raised security concerns in Kinniya, noting the reduction of police personnel from 120 to 47 despite serving over 100,000 people, and requested adequate deployment, progress on a stalled Gazette proposal for a new police station at Nadutheru, and action on a proper site and building for the existing Kinniya station. He also urged the Government to address restrictions affecting access to Karumalaiyootru Mosque and restore the community’s ability to use it. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →