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- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that a police report indicates the relevant threat originates from within the addressee’s own party. He requested the Minister in charge of Police to conduct a special inquiry into the matter. Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Security was provided to Hon. Jagath Withana based on a police report received when the issue arose. The statement indicates that the action taken was in accordance with the information and assessment contained in that report. Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa responded to the Opposition Leader’s concern about security for an Opposition Member, stating that security is provided based on Police Department threat assessments rather than universally. He said any new police report changing a previous threat assessment should be examined by the Police Department and the Ministry of Public Security, and that the Speaker can intervene where a threat exists to ensure protection is provided. Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a privilege issue concerning the security of Hon. Rohana Bandara, stating that repeated delays in addressing it could endanger him. He requested that security be provided immediately in accordance with the report submitted by security authorities led by the Anuradhapura Deputy Inspector General of Police, rejecting claims that the matter was an internal party issue. Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned inconsistent police assessments regarding security for his residence, noting that one report identified a threat and recommended four officers from Anuradhapura Police, while later communications described the matter as internal party-related and withdrew the security. He asked whether a brief police presence recorded only by a few logbook signatures over two days constituted adequate protection for a Member of Parliament, and challenged how the threat assessment could change so abruptly. Committee Reports: Sectoral Oversight Committees Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera wound up the debate on regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act to establish a framework for shared use of telecommunications infrastructure among service providers, with TRCSL empowered to issue technical and regulatory guidance. He said the measures aim to promote competition, reduce deployment costs, avoid duplication of infrastructure, and strengthen network resilience for national security, public safety, and economic development. Referring to communications failures during recent cyclones, he argued that shared infrastructure, data exchange, emergency calling, public alerting, and core connectivity would improve disaster response and continuity of services. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 Mr. Speaker - The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne AI summary The Speaker informed Parliament of two messages from the President under the Public Security Ordinance. One proclaimed that emergency-related orders would be in force islandwide for one month from 28 January 2026 under Article 155 of the Constitution, for public order and essential services. The other notified Parliament of an order calling out members of the Armed Forces to maintain public order in specified areas, as required under the Ordinance. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 3 February 2026 Ministerial Consultative Committees AI summary Members were nominated to the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence. The listed Members include representatives from the Government and Opposition, with the committee to consider matters relating to the Ministry of Defence. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 3 February 2026 President AI summary President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is identified in his ministerial capacities as Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Minister of Digital Economy. No substantive speech content or policy statement is provided to summarize. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera defended the Government’s post-“Ditcha” cyclone response, saying relief and recovery are being implemented through the National Council for Disaster Management and a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment process involving relevant state agencies and international-standard methodologies. He attributed the scale of damage partly to long-term environmental and governance failures, and said the current Government has appointed subject specialists to manage recovery across sectors such as environment, agriculture, irrigation, highways and urban development. He stated that compensation for deaths, property damage, livelihoods and infrastructure is being handled systematically, while acknowledging possible delays and shortcomings. He also said the NBRO had completed inspections of 24,930 fully damaged houses in landslide-affected areas within seven weeks despite limited staff, including with university support. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister addressed the Adjournment Motion on the aftermath of the “8960”/“Ditva” cyclone, arguing that the Government and public institutions responded actively despite rapidly changing weather conditions and the severity of the event. He cited damage in Moneragala District, including 38 fully destroyed houses, 542 partially damaged houses and four deaths, and said district officials, security forces and other agencies coordinated relief and mitigation efforts from 26–27 November. He rejected Opposition claims of unpreparedness, defended the Meteorological Department’s advisories, and criticised Opposition MPs from the district for not participating in local coordination meetings while later raising complaints in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake criticized Opposition MPs for allegedly politicizing the Ditva cyclone relief debate and leaving the House after raising criticisms. He defended the Government’s disaster response, citing the President’s announced Rs. 25,000 allowance, interventions by officials and security forces, and actions taken in Matale District, while rejecting allegations of poor management. He said over 1,300 damaged religious sites, including temples, kovils, churches and devales, had been identified by his Ministry, categorized by level of damage, and would be rebuilt through a programme to be launched with the President’s involvement. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan referred to the damage caused by the “Ditva” cyclone, thanked government officials and the armed forces for rescue work, and noted the deaths of five Navy personnel during rescue operations near Mullaitivu. He said the Northern Province continues to face long-standing challenges and focused on the deterioration of education standards, alleging poor administration and inequitable distribution of resources despite support from the President and Prime Minister. He criticized teacher transfer arrangements in the Vanni, stating that many replacement teachers failed to report and that vulnerable students were affected, and called for responsible officials to be removed and competent officials appointed to improve education and economic development in the North. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera disputed government claims that most Cyclone Michaung relief payments had been made, saying progress was not evident in Yatiyantota and other affected areas. He defended the Opposition Leader’s actions, citing early warnings, calls for emergency mobilisation, efforts to seek international support, and donations of medical equipment to affected hospitals. He urged the Government to ensure timely rental payments for high-risk displaced families, expedite land identification and housing, and allow estate workers to be resettled on suitable land outside estates if necessary. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government’s disaster response, questioning the absence of timely alerts, delays in action, and alleged discrepancies between compensation promised in Parliament and amounts offered to affected families. He urged the newly approved Select Committee to examine accountability among relevant officials and ministries, and asked for clear data on alternative land and compensation provided to displaced people, especially in areas such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Matale. He also alleged selective enforcement of the law in several unrelated incidents and called on the Government to implement a practical programme to resettle victims, restore damaged agricultural lands, and pay promised relief without making local officials scapegoats. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said communities in several parts of Ampara District were severely affected by Cyclone Ditva, with prolonged loss of electricity, transport and communications preventing timely reporting of damage, and urged that reporting deadlines be extended and compensation granted for damaged homes and lost livestock as in other areas. He also called for urgent coastal protection measures, including rock revetments, in Thirukkovil, Karaitivu and Maligaikadu, citing erosion that threatens livelihoods, places of worship and cemeteries. He further requested the Government to present a plan to Parliament for national preparedness amid possible global conflict, including protection of the economy, essential supplies, fuel stocks and domestic production. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna welcomed the Motion and stated that the Government had approved Rs. 5,000 million to support an increase in estate workers’ daily wage from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750, effective from January and payable by February 10. He outlined the scale of damage from Cyclone “Ditwah”, citing Disaster Management Centre and NBRO figures for Matale and nationally, and said relief payments, resettlement, school repairs and irrigation restoration were progressing with support from State agencies, security forces and volunteers. He argued that, despite shortcomings, the disaster response had been effectively managed and called for a constructive Opposition and national cooperation, while also referring to Government efforts against narcotics, organized crime, corruption and fraud. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne supported the call for a plan after Cyclone “Ditwah” but criticized the proposed Select Committee composition as inadequate for accountability, urging a genuinely empowered, fact-based inquiry into dam operations, evacuations and the roles of Engineers-in-Charge. He alleged failures in water management at Kotmale, including removal of an experienced technical officer, lack of controlled pre-releases, poor communication and emergency coordination, and called for practical evacuation plans for each dam. He proposed reforming the Disaster Management Centre into an independent authority with statutory powers, modelled on FEMA, to coordinate warnings, resources and local officials during disasters. He also rejected claims that Ambuluwawa caused flooding in Gampola and denied allegations regarding cable-car investments and Ambuluwawa revenues, inviting investigation while cautioning against derailing projects through rumours. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka moved, at the request of Opposition Members, to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to examine Sri Lanka’s preparedness for Cyclone Ditwah and report recommendations to Parliament. The motion cites the scale of the disaster, prior parliamentary precedents such as inquiries into the Easter Sunday attacks and the economic crisis, and claims that advance warnings had been issued by the Department of Meteorology and foreign agencies. It proposes powers for the Committee to summon persons and documents, obtain expert assistance, present interim reports, continue despite adjournment or prorogation, and submit a final report within three months of its first meeting unless extended by Parliament. Motion to amend sitting hours and Select Committee appointment Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. R. G. Wijerathna JJB AI summary R. G. Wijerathna raised an Adjournment question on post-cyclone relief following the “896” cyclone, asking what arrangements will be made for compensation for partially and totally damaged houses, relief for affected businesses and its timeline, and attention to insurance compensation and loan relief for damaged property. He defended the Government’s initial disaster response and contrasted it with delays in past landslide resettlement cases in Nuwara Eliya, while criticizing Opposition allegations. He cited National Audit Office findings on the Disaster Management Centre, including unutilized funds, incomplete legal transfer of its headquarters, inactive early warning towers, delayed amendments to the Disaster Management Act, and incomplete multi-hazard profiling, arguing these showed longstanding administrative weaknesses in disaster management. Adjournment Debate - "8960" Cyclone Relief Measures and Constitutional Point of Order Read →