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 December 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the absence of a dedicated parliamentary debate on the cyclone disaster and cited official figures on deaths, missing persons, displacement and property damage, proposing at least a National Day of Mourning. He paid tribute to security forces, public officials and others involved in relief work, and said the Opposition was seeking international assistance while urging transparent and efficient distribution. He called for a “6 Rs” response covering relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding, including support for affected families, farmers, MSMEs, tourism, public health needs and infrastructure, with moratoria on loans and leasing, relaxed administrative circulars, and immediate price controls. He also questioned failures in disaster preparedness and warning dissemination, urged inquiry into why an emergency was not declared earlier, and renewed his longstanding demand for a proper Doppler radar network, including sites such as Gongala, Puttalam and Pottuvil. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman expressed condolences over the deaths, missing persons and displacement caused by Cyclone Ditva and questioned whether the Government had prior warnings from the Meteorology Department or international forecasts and what early mitigation action was taken. He proposed a Special Parliamentary Committee to examine failures in disaster preparedness and response, citing the Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, and raised legal and transparency concerns about the President’s separate “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund. He also warned against using Emergency Regulations to curb criticism, media activity or social media expression, and called for a common recovery mechanism involving both Government and Opposition MPs. Debate: Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Heads) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Moved the customary Rs. 10 cut motions for several Heads of Expenditure under the Appropriation Bill, 2026, explaining that multiple motions were being combined to allow more time for Members from disaster-affected areas to speak. Although he had intended to address plantation, tea, coconut and rubber sector issues, he deferred those matters due to the ongoing disaster. He expressed condolences to affected families, noted the scale of deaths, missing persons, displacement and livelihood losses, and acknowledged the work of security forces, public officials, utilities, health workers, disaster agencies, foreign partners and citizens providing relief. Debate: Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Heads) Read →
- 1 December 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said Parliament should expedite or pass the scheduled Committee Stage Heads and adjourn early so Members and officials could focus on coordinating the national disaster response. He outlined Government actions, including convening disaster management bodies, declaring an emergency limited to disaster management, appointing an Essential Services Commissioner-General, restoring essential services, conducting rescues, and addressing major disruptions in areas such as Kotmale, Badulla, Kandy and Puttalam. He proposed suspending sittings until the Budget could be passed later, invited Opposition input and possible further engagement with the President, and urged cross-party cooperation rather than politicization during the crisis. Procedural: Opposition Statement and Parliamentary Scheduling Dispute Read →
- 1 December 2025 Mr. Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne] AI summary The Speaker read two presidential messages informing Parliament of a Public Security Ordinance proclamation bringing Part II into operation nationwide from 28 November 2025 due to severe adverse weather, and an order calling out the Armed Forces to maintain public order. He suspended the sitting for 30 minutes to allow the Parliamentary Business Committee to meet, after which he announced that the day’s scheduled Heads would be voted on around 12.30 p.m. and Parliament would adjourn until 3 December 2025. He also announced a motion to refer a privilege matter raised by Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Opening of Parliament and Presidential Message on Public Security Proclamation Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law — Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed the incident in Anuradhapura raised by Hon. Ajith P. Perera, stating that a bus with about 70 people aboard had proceeded despite prior instructions from the Senior DIG and was now stuck. He informed Parliament that two Army units were engaged at the location and that, according to Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, helicopters were being arranged for the response. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised an urgent matter concerning a bus with about 70 passengers stranded on the Kalawewa bridge on the Anuradhapura–Puttalam road, noting that approval for a helicopter rescue had not yet been granted and calling for immediate Government intervention. He also highlighted severe weather conditions, including a red alert in Kalutara District and heavy rains in Ratnapura, and requested special attention to relief efforts in Kalutara where floodwaters remained stagnant in several DS divisions. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala said the country was facing an unfortunate situation and argued that declaring a State of Emergency under Article 155 of the Constitution would legally empower the Tri-Forces, Police and District Secretaries to maintain essential services. He noted that the Leader of the Opposition had raised the matter the previous day and requested the President to declare an emergency to facilitate relief to the public. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa — Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary The Minister said the Government was coordinating disaster response through all-party consultations chaired by the President, including meetings of the National Disaster Council and at the Ministry of Defence. He stated that rescue, relief, and public health measures were underway, initial funds had been given to District Secretaries, additional funds and private boats could be used where needed, and the Navy and CEB were engaged in response efforts. He added that parliamentary business would be concluded quickly so Members could return to their electorates to support relief operations, emphasizing a united effort to save lives and assist affected people. Statements on Emergency Situation - Cyclone and Rainfall Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa — Leader of the Opposition AI summary Called for urgent, coordinated disaster response following cyclone-related flooding and landslides, noting deaths, displacement, property damage, power outages, and people trapped in about 580 locations. Requested health services, disaster management authorities, district and divisional secretariats to expedite supplies, provide boats for evacuations, and deliver immediate relief to landslide-affected communities. He also urged the public to follow official instructions in high-risk areas and asked that machinery, equipment, personnel support, and higher financial allocations be sent quickly to the relevant institutions. Statements on Emergency Situation - Cyclone and Rainfall Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, invoking Standing Order 27(2), raised concern over a severe adverse weather situation expected to worsen in the coming days. He urged the President to declare a State of Emergency to enable the tri-forces and Police to support disaster management and ensure rapid delivery of relief and entitlements to affected people. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar noted that the President had met Members of Parliament that morning in Committee Room No. 1 regarding the national disaster. He requested the Leader of the Opposition not to politicize the disaster situation. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said he was satisfied with the answer but urged Parliament to focus on the ongoing disaster situation in Badulla District, where he said 18 deaths had occurred and further heavy rainfall was forecast. He reported that several roads, including in Lunugala, Passara, Mätigahathenna and Akeeriya, were impassable and requested the Leader of the House to mobilize dozers and private vehicles for urgent relief operations. Oral Question: BYD Vehicles and Second Round Proceedings Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister of Digital Economy whether Sri Lanka will introduce a digital identity card and requested details on its benefits, preparation methodology, per-card cost, and total cost for all registered citizens. He also sought information on funding sources, any foreign loans or assistance, investor benefits, safeguards to prevent access to citizens’ personal data, and whether all related agreements would be tabled in Parliament. Oral Question: Digital Identity Card Introduction (Q.552/2025) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake informed Parliament that the President had summoned Members from affected districts to discuss the ongoing disaster situation and that relevant Ministers and State Ministers were expected to visit affected areas, including Nuwara Eliya. He also noted that a ministerial statement on the disaster situation was listed on the Order Paper and said the Government was taking action while appreciating the cooperation received. Opening and Announcements Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka drew attention to the severe adverse weather affecting multiple districts, noting reported deaths and warnings from the Department of Meteorology of worsening conditions. He acknowledged measures such as the two-day postponement of the G.C.E. (A/L) Examination and urged the Government to implement a coordinated national response involving all agencies to protect lives and property. He also appealed to the public to act responsibly and cautiously. Opening and Announcements Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Sunil Watagala requested that an answer still be provided despite the allocated time having expired. No substantive policy issue, legislative matter, or specific question was included in the recorded intervention. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa highlighted climate change, monsoon flooding, and rough seas as major pressures on fishers and farming communities in the Ampara District, noting recent evacuations and the need for facilities and relief for affected residents. He supported the 2026 Budget allocation of nearly Rs. 350 million for Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour, called for restoration of Oluvil Harbour, and urged re-establishment of radio communication systems for the Ampara–Kalmunai fishing fleet. He said the Government had acted with the Fisheries Ministry and Tri-Forces to stop fish piracy in Eastern waters and outlined plans for digital technologies, aquaculture, and inland freshwater fish production to strengthen the fisheries sector. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir urged the Government to allocate funds to rehabilitate and develop the Oluvil Harbour for fisheries, noting its importance to deep-sea vessel owners in Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai and the potential benefit to more than 25,000 people. He said fishers affected by the 2024 floods and rough seas had still not received relief, and called for support during seasonal rough-sea periods, preservation facilities at Eastern landing sites, and delivery of long-promised landing sites in areas such as Kinniya. He also requested restoration of the non-functional Sainthamaruthu telecommunications tower and provision of satellite connectivity for deep-sea fishers to improve safety and reduce costly search-and-rescue operations. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Housing Minister to maintain clear housing targets, citing past national housing programmes and the Mahaweli project, and requested funding to complete stalled housing projects in Anuradhapura without political discrimination. He asked that unresolved deeds in Ranaviru villages, including Ipalogama, be issued, and proposed an amnesty or legal process for service deserters to either rejoin or be discharged to reduce their involvement in crime. He also called for an inquiry into an allegation that the National Housing Development Authority Chairman summoned District Secretaries to Colombo against the Minister’s instruction, causing unnecessary public expenditure. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →