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- 23 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa presented recent drug seizure and case-filing figures, arguing that they show the extent of drug trafficking in Sri Lanka and its links to the underworld, “black politics” and illicit money. He said the Government is working with foreign law enforcement agencies to pursue senior underworld figures and called for all 225 Members of Parliament to support efforts to suppress drugs and organized crime. He urged the Samagi Jana Balawegaya to set aside political criticism on this issue and publicly unite behind the campaign. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa framed the debate within the Government’s broader effort to address what he described as a national calamity, identifying the drug menace as a serious threat requiring unified action. He indicated that he would present arrest and case statistics from 1 January to 21 October 2025 compiled by the Police and security forces to demonstrate the scale of the issue. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath expressed support for the Government’s national programme against drug trafficking and organized crime, while stressing that enforcement against traffickers must be accompanied by mental health support, rehabilitation and reintegration for drug users. He said post-2009 conditions in the North and East contributed to youth vulnerability and wider social harm, and urged a non-partisan, countrywide response. He raised concern over recent shootings, insisting that suspects must be dealt with through due process rather than violence, and requested the Ministry of Public Security to make special arrangements to protect citizens and public representatives facing threats. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Public Security Minister’s remarks following the shooting death of a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, arguing that the Minister should focus on apprehending the perpetrators rather than commenting on the victim’s history. He said the incident occurred amid earlier disputes and violence connected to the council’s formation, and cited over 100 shootings and about 50 murders this year as evidence of worsening public insecurity. He said the Opposition would support genuine efforts to eradicate narcotics, but questioned the release of hundreds of red-labelled containers without inspection and raised concerns that Sri Lanka may be used as a drug transshipment point despite the Government’s anti-drug claims. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage supported the adjournment motion on eliminating dangerous drugs and organized crime, arguing that Parliament should strengthen the Public Security Minister and the Government’s anti-drug programme rather than call for resignations. He condemned the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and expressed confidence that police would bring the perpetrators before the law. He rejected Opposition allegations against the Government, accused Opposition parties of politicizing the issue, and urged all members to support the anti-drug initiative, including a public mobilization programme due to begin on the 30th. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri accused the Government of using anti-drug and anti-underworld campaigns to deflect from its failure to act on promised anti-corruption measures and alleged that drug seizures and container releases may involve ministerial influence and backdoor dealings. He questioned the release of certain containers, the removal of a ministry from Minister Bimal Rathnayake, and the sources of wealth of security-related ministers. He also criticized the Minister of Public Security for allegedly labelling a murdered person as underworld-connected before judicial proof and argued that allegations raised in the debate made the Minister unfit to continue in office. He called on government members, particularly those of the NPP, to demand the Minister’s resignation. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam said drug abuse was worsening educational and social conditions in the North, which he linked to a decline in the Northern Province’s education rankings after 2009. He supported government efforts to eliminate drugs but urged a shift from punitive measures against users toward a public health and human rights approach, citing a 2023 UN Human Rights Office report and prison overcrowding as evidence of policy failure. He called for harsher action against traffickers, the removal of the military from anti-drug operations—particularly in the North and East—and the issuance of a White Paper for public and expert consultation. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that drug use in the North and East was minimal in areas influenced or controlled by the LTTE during the ceasefire period, while it increased after the military took control, particularly after 2009. He alleged that military involvement and police inaction have contributed to the spread of narcotics, including claims that suspected traffickers seek refuge in army camps and complaints are not recorded. He contended that drug prevention requires accountable administration by and for the affected communities, linking the issue to broader demands for local control over safety, welfare, education, health, and resolution of the national question. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the adjournment motion on strengthening the legal framework against drugs and organized crime, while condemning a recent murder and rejecting claims that such assassinations are unprecedented. He said the Government’s “Ratama Ekata” programme, implemented at district and divisional levels, aims to eradicate drugs and organized crime, which he described as threats to youth, public health, national security, and global peace. He called for collective action, stronger screening of political candidates, tighter airport and maritime security, and enhanced attention to fishing harbours, coastal villages, anchorage points, and the northern, eastern, and western coastal zones to prevent drug smuggling. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the adjournment debate on combating drug trafficking and organized crime, arguing that Sri Lanka has moved from drug use and transit to production, with political patronage enabling the growth of criminal networks. He cited incidents in the Northern Province, including drug tablet seizures and ICE-related deaths in Mannar, and said youth, students, and families are especially at risk because users can be difficult to identify. He called for a coordinated national programme led by the President involving police, armed forces, health services, government departments, women, families, and the public, with treatment and rehabilitation for users and cooperation from the Opposition. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe argued that the Government is pursuing a national campaign, “Ratama Ekata,” to combat drugs, organized crime and the spread of “ice,” including alleged domestic production in areas such as Hambantota. He said the Government does not condone murders, but referred to the criminal record and pending cases of a slain local authority chairman to argue that the incident reflected specific criminal circumstances, while accusing previous administrations of protecting or failing to act against criminal-political networks. He stated that a report on the container issue has been handed to the CID and pledged that the Government would not protect criminals, interfere politically in investigations, or provide police protection to registered offenders. He called on the public, including schools, religious leaders and communities, to support efforts to make Sri Lanka drug-free. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi criticized the Government’s handling of public security following the assassination of Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, citing reported increases in shootings and deaths and condemning the Public Security Minister for referring to the deceased as a criminal despite no court conviction. He said Wickramasekara had requested police protection two months earlier due to threats and argued that the IGP and relevant ministers should be held responsible for the failure to act. He also questioned the release of 323 uninspected containers, the handling of alleged drug and weapons-related incidents in Midigama and Weligama, and demanded answers from the Defence and Public Security Ministers. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera supported the “Ratama Ekata” national programme as a coordinated effort to strengthen laws and institutions against drugs and organized crime, which he linked to trafficking, corruption, weapons smuggling, and past political protection. He cited concerns including youth drug use, a high proportion of drug-related prisoners, alleged police involvement, and international criminal networks, and said enforcement would involve the Police, STF, Tri-Forces, Customs, Immigration, Prisons, intelligence services, and global cooperation. He emphasized both supply reduction, including naval interdictions such as a recent seizure near Tangalle, and demand reduction through rehabilitation, community policing, “Praja Shakthi,” poverty alleviation, and protection of vulnerable children and families. He called on the Opposition, public institutions, schools, religious leaders, and citizens to join the programme as a national mission. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Government’s “Ratama Ekata” programme to curb organized crime and drug trafficking, arguing that crime, drugs and politics have long been interconnected and require a national response beyond partisan blame. He said recent murders, including the Midigama “Kajja” and Weligama Chairman cases, should be investigated impartially, while noting Government measures such as the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 5 of 2025, proposed stronger laws and specialized courts, international cooperation, new detection equipment, and operations by the Navy, STF and Police. He urged public participation through confidential hotlines, asked the media not to glorify criminals, and called on both Government and Opposition to support the programme. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran supported the Adjournment Motion on curbing organized crime and drug trafficking, calling for stronger laws and penalties, including against any politicians linked to drugs, while pledging cooperation. He also raised broader accountability issues, urging investigations and punishment over alleged killings of surrendering Tamils in 2009, citing recent remarks attributed to Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, and called for international investigations due to Tamil distrust of domestic mechanisms. He further demanded justice for the Easter Sunday attack victims, alleging failure to act against implicated military officers and politicians. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of failing on national security and allowing underworld, drug-related and violent criminal activity to grow, citing the death of a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman as a matter for which the Government bears responsibility. He rejected claims linking his party to criminal gangs and said the Opposition would support lawful reforms and action to defeat such groups. He also warned against using crime suppression to target the Opposition and asked what steps would be taken to protect civilians, MPs and local representatives, noting that Opposition MPs’ security had been withdrawn despite requests to the IGP and authorities. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa argued that the rise in shootings and killings in 2025 amounts to a national security crisis and accused the Government of failing to uphold the rule of law. He cited the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, noting that Wickramasekara had written to the Inspector-General of Police requesting protection and had submitted an affidavit warning of an assassination threat; Premadasa tabled those documents. He questioned why security was not provided despite the request, referred to reported figures of 101 shootings, 52 deaths and 56 injuries in 2025, and demanded that the Government accept responsibility for the failure to protect the local authority chairman. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations made by another Member as false and malicious, stating that the Government has acted within the law and is committed to protecting lives. He said the Government is working to establish the rule of law and a just society, and pledged that all offenders would be brought before justice while also assuring security for Hon. Chamara Sampath. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala supported the proposed “Nation Together” national operation to eradicate drugs, stating that Cabinet has established a multi-sector National Council and district, local and grassroots mechanisms involving security forces, public officers, religious leaders and Public Security Committees. He said the plan addresses organized crime, illicit firearms, drug supply chains, illegal assets, public awareness and rehabilitation, including 25 additional rehabilitation centres and 6,250 awareness programmes with Budget 2026 support. He also referred to the Weligama incident, saying police teams had been deployed and arrests would follow, and stressed that police promotions are handled by the National Police Commission while the Government pursues law enforcement against drugs, underworld activity, bribery and corruption. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne stated that the week-long period before restoration was necessary to ensure full protection and system integrity. He said the Government is procuring LGC 2.5 and a second cloud to strengthen backups and resilience, while CBSL, SLCERT and the Ministry are conducting public awareness programmes on financial cyber risks such as sharing PINs. He added that upgrades are being carried out to provide resilient digital public infrastructure. Urgent Question: Digital Infrastructure Outage (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →