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- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that activities promoting the LTTE are not permitted, while individuals are allowed to commemorate deceased relatives. He referred to the arrest of a youth in Kilinochchi for singing an LTTE song and posting it on Facebook, and said the Attorney-General and IGP were scheduled to discuss the case that evening, after which appropriate action was expected. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Weeraratne stated that Sri Lanka currently lacks a mandatory legal framework for reporting cyberattacks on government institutions, leaving reporting to institutional discretion. He said the draft Cybersecurity Bill would establish a National Cyber Security Regulatory Authority to set mandatory reporting requirements and cybersecurity guidelines. Until then, institutions may voluntarily seek assistance from SLCERT and refer suspected crimes to the CID’s Computer Crimes Investigation Division. Ministerial Statement: Cybersecurity Incidents and Response Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake warned that cybercrime poses a serious national risk and referred to reported cyberattacks on two commercial banks. He identified NDB as one affected bank and said he would not name the other because it had not yet publicly disclosed the incident. Ministerial Statement: Cybersecurity Incidents and Response Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake thanked the Deputy Minister for the response but questioned the adequacy of Sri Lanka’s legal framework for addressing cybercrime and cyberattacks, asking what general laws could apply in the absence of specific legislation. He raised concerns about the Auditor-General’s capacity to audit digital fraud and cyber incidents, citing a gap between manual auditing practices and modern digital risks. He urged the Ministry to engage with the UN Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance in July 2026 and requested a briefing on reported cyberattacks, including alleged losses linked to the Ministry of Finance, banks, and international payment/document-related incidents. Ministerial Statement: Cybersecurity Incidents and Response Read →
- 22 May 2026 Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Weeraratne outlined Sri Lanka CERT data showing a rise in reported cybersecurity incidents, including financial scams, phishing, ransomware, data breaches and other attacks, while noting that the absence of a mandatory reporting law means the figures may not reflect the full scale of incidents. He highlighted major public-sector incidents, including the 2023 ICTA ransomware attack, the 2025 Department of Pensions cyberattack and an ongoing Ministry of Finance/ERD-related investigation involving suspected email compromise. He said current safeguards include the Government Information and Cybersecurity Policy, CERT advisory and response services, national monitoring, threat intelligence, vulnerability assessments, backup requirements and other technical guidelines, while the proposed Cybersecurity Law remains under drafting. Ministerial Statement: Cybersecurity Incidents and Response Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that cybersecurity is now treated as a national security and economic stability issue, especially as public services, payments, identity systems and cloud infrastructure are digitalized. He said the Government has moved from a reactive approach to a coordinated national cyber-resilience model, involving policy measures, cybersecurity systems, guidelines and public awareness. Citing Sri Lanka CERT annual reports and public communications, he noted a significant increase in officially reported cyber incidents, including financial and non-financial scams, phishing, ransomware and website-related attacks. Ministerial Statement: Cybersecurity Incidents and Response Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that authorities have identified possible coastal routes used for illegal activities, particularly narcotics smuggling, though not specifically linked to the jetty in question. He said the Government intends to retain only the minimum land necessary for security, rapid Tri-Forces deployment, public safety, and disaster response. He undertook to visit the area the following week with the Divisional Secretary and officials to discuss releasing as much land as possible. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran acknowledged recent land releases but urged the Government to also release the fishers’ landing site, houses occupied by Navy personnel, paddy fields and other lands. He requested action to resettle affected people, noting that the President had responded positively when the matter was discussed at the Consultative Committee. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Navy has released 829 acres of land in the area since 2012 while retaining about 245 acres for Western Naval Command operations, and has provided access, transport, and preschool support for local religious and school communities. He stated that no civilians had been displaced by the Navy and that discussions had already been held with the Divisional Secretary and local representatives. He added that, following instructions from the President, he would visit the area with Ministry officials and consider releasing the maximum possible additional land. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran disputed the Deputy Minister’s account of the Mullikulam resettlement issue, stating that villagers displaced in 1990 and again in 2007 have not been returned to their original lands, with houses, paddy fields, garden lands, and the fishers’ landing site occupied or used by the Navy and Forest authorities. He said residents now live elsewhere and face difficulties accessing schools and religious facilities, and urged the Government to resettle Mullikulam villagers in their rightful lands. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Defence, stated that no private lands in Mullikulam had been taken by the Army and that the Ministry had no information on displaced residents being unable to return since 2007. He said the Navy has used 245.9 hectares of Forest Department land in Marichchikaddi for a naval base since 2009, while about 829 acres have been released to civilians between 2012 and 2017 and 27 alternative houses were built and handed over in Manalkaadu. He added that resettlement data would be sought from the relevant Ministries, denied harassment or displacement by the Navy, and said the remaining land would be assessed so that only strategically essential areas are retained. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran questioned the Minister of Defence on the continued displacement of Mullikulam residents whose ancestral lands have reportedly been under military control since 2007. He sought details on why more than 300 families have not been resettled, what relief has been provided for housing, livelihoods and basic amenities, and whether their lands, homes, schools and religious sites remain under Navy control. He also asked what steps and time frame the Government has for releasing the lands and enabling permanent resettlement. Oral Question: Ancestral lands of displaced people of Mullikulam - Resettlement (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Imran Maharoof raised concern over an Air Force roadblock placed on 5 May at Karumalaiyootru in Trincomalee, blocking a coastal road used by fishermen, residents, and tourists. He said assurances from Government representatives that the obstruction would be removed had not been implemented, and that the continued security presence had created fear among locals, particularly in light of past land acquisition concerns in Muthunagar. He urged the Government to remove the roadblock immediately and restore public access, submitting a photograph for the Hansard record. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government over alleged failures in power generation, stating that 17 vessels had failed to deliver expected outcomes and that costly spot tenders caused losses to the State. He warned that a 155,961 MWh generation shortfall would continue until September and argued that declining investor confidence, rising flour prices, and reduced imports reflected a repeat of the economic mismanagement seen in 2022. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Welcoming the arrest of Suresh Sallay in relation to the Easter attacks, Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to clarify its position and question Pillayan to uncover the full truth. He also called for an immediate pardon and release of long-term political prisoners, noting that some have been imprisoned for around 30 years. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Political Prisoners and Interrogation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that cybercrime complaints are increasing and outlined steps being taken to strengthen investigations, including provincial sub-units and new units for Uva and Sabaragamuwa. He said coordination is being developed among the Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit, Sri Lanka CERT and the Digital Economy Ministry toward an integrated programme, with the Police and the Ministry of Public Security focusing on rapid response and inter-agency coordination. Oral Question Q.1013/2025: Financial Cybercrime Details Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that issues affecting those absent during the conflict, discharged personnel, and widows’ families would be addressed through a special committee and a Cabinet Memorandum, with disciplinary matters considered where relevant. He said the Government intends to obtain Cabinet approval, bring amendments to the Widows’ and Orphans’ Pensions legislation to Parliament, and expedite the relevant payments, noting that the President has given the matter special attention. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary A special programme and nearly completed Cabinet Memorandum are being prepared to address pension and disability-related issues affecting retired, discharged, absent-without-leave, and conflict-disabled personnel, including those assessed by Medical Boards after age 55. The Deputy Minister said Cabinet approval was obtained on 14 July 2025 to appoint a committee covering affected Tri-Forces, Police and STF personnel, including widows and deceased personnel’s families, with the aim of resolving the issues within the year. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised a supplementary question during war heroes’ commemorations regarding disabled veterans from the three-decade war. She asked what immediate steps would be taken to pay the fixed allowance owed to disabled war heroes over age 55 who appeared before Medical Boards but have not received it due to delays in disability pension payments. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that dependents of military personnel who died due to terrorist causes receive salary and allowances until the deceased’s notional age of 55, after which a fixed lifelong allowance equivalent to the salary at that age is paid under MoD Circular No. MOD/01/2021. He said approval has been granted to amend the Armed Forces Widows’ and Orphans’ Pensions provisions to extend eligibility to spouses and children of certain medically retired personnel who marry after retirement. For personnel missing in action, he noted that death certificates may be issued under the Registration of Deaths (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 19 of 2010, and that applicable allowances are paid from the date the missing person would have reached 55, so no injustice arises. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →