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- 8 October 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns under Standing Order 27(2) on strengthening Sri Lanka’s drug-control mechanism, arguing that enforcement gains will be undermined unless maritime, air, and other entry points are better secured against narcotics inflows, corruption, and weak inspections. He called for sustained support to the Police, Tri-Forces, and intelligence services through technology, forensic capacity, regional cooperation, discipline, and institutional accountability. He requested detailed Government data on drug seizures, values, storage and chain-of-custody arrangements, possible diversion from official custody, forensic and destruction timelines, informant rewards, quantities still held as exhibits, and planned measures to strengthen entry-point controls, expedite destruction, and prevent seized drugs re-entering illicit markets. Second Round Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Major General (Rtd.)) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary Hon. (Major General (Rtd.)) Aruna Jayasekera stated that an immediate blanket amnesty for service personnel is not feasible, as it could create a harmful precedent for those currently serving. He said previous amnesties were linked to wartime conditions and manpower needs, while recent criminal incidents involving some personnel who left with weapons, munitions, or funds require careful consideration. He added that the President’s commissioning authority includes revocation where necessary, and that the Government will consider a humane and lawful process for discharges. Oral Question No. 1 – 1180/2025: AWOL Service Members Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga asked whether a general amnesty could be granted for all AWOL personnel, including those overseas and within Sri Lanka, to facilitate regularized discharges. He noted that taking such personnel into custody and processing them could be time-consuming and create humanitarian difficulties, and referred to previous amnesty periods as precedent. Oral Question No. 1 – 1180/2025: AWOL Service Members Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Major General (Rtd.)) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence said commissioning authority rests with the President and that some service personnel have gone abroad without lawful discharge while owing bonds, sureties, or loans, creating difficulties in tracing them and coordinating with relevant institutions. He noted concerns that a small number may be linked to criminal or service-related offences, and highlighted the State’s investment in military training and controls such as service certification for passports. He said a general amnesty had been discussed with the President but rejected by service commanders as setting a wrong precedent, while procedures would be developed to enable lawful discharge without undue delay for returnees found not connected to crimes or misconduct. Oral Question No. 1 – 1180/2025: AWOL Service Members Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Major General (Rtd.)) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided figures on tri-service personnel currently absent without leave, including 385 Army officers and 47,265 other ranks, 87 Navy officers and 3,108 other ranks, and 46 Air Force officers and 3,396 other ranks. He stated that only limited numbers are specifically identified as having gone abroad, and that accurate data on overseas travel or remittances are unavailable. He explained that AWOL personnel returning to Sri Lanka without lawful discharge are taken into military custody and dealt with under service procedures, including court-martial, summary trials, retention subject to clearances, or discharge. He added that discharge processes can be delayed due to sureties, loans and other institutional liabilities requiring due process. Oral Question No. 1 – 1180/2025: AWOL Service Members Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, arguing that anti-doping measures are necessary to ensure fairness in increasingly competitive professional sport, while noting that some athletes may inadvertently use banned medicines for medical reasons. He said sports development also requires grassroots infrastructure and financial support for athletes, referring to proposed facilities in the North, including an international stadium in Jaffna, and defending the Rs. 10,000 stipend for athletes. He also raised a request from Sri Lankans in Saudi Arabia to resume a direct Colombo–Jeddah air service, particularly for Hajj, Umrah and urgent family travel, and said discussions were under way with SriLankan Airlines, Saudi authorities and relevant Ministers. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the Gazette amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport, arguing that Sri Lanka must align with global anti-doping standards while expanding sports opportunities beyond urban schools. He linked the lack of a strong sports culture to the spread of drugs, underworld activity, betting syndicates and match-fixing, citing recent drug and weapons seizures in Hambantota and calling for investigations into alleged political and criminal networks. He stated that the government would not protect traffickers and would work through district and security mechanisms to eradicate drugs and organized crime. He also referred to the Wasim Thajudeen murder investigation, claiming renewed inquiries would pursue justice and help remove criminal influence from sport. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka with global anti-doping standards by moving away from criminal punishment toward a dedicated regulatory mechanism with institutional coordination. He said the amendment would help regulate supplements and banned substances, protect athletes domestically and abroad, and enable joint action with agencies such as the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority. He raised concerns about the misuse of cannabis-related products such as Madana Modaka among schoolchildren, including online sales and gaps under the Ayurveda Act, and called for stronger controls through this or related legislation. He cited international anti-doping cases involving Maria Sharapova and Lance Armstrong to illustrate proportional treatment based on intent and facts. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported the Anti-Doping Amendment as part of the Government’s sports policy and its action plan to combat illegal drugs, match-fixing, fraud, and corruption in sport. She said SLADA must be strengthened to comply with WADA standards, promote clean victories, and improve Sri Lanka’s ability to host international sporting events. Referring to 67 athletes currently banned for prohibited substances, she called for education, training, institutional coordination, and athlete support for nutrition and basic needs alongside long-term reforms. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka’s domestic framework implemented through SLADO with WADA’s 2024 revisions. He argued that strong anti-doping rules and international engagement are necessary to protect athletes and improve sport. He also raised concern about links between sport, drugs, organized crime and political influence in sports bodies, citing historical examples of crime-politics connections and warning that such networks have entered the sports sector. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the recently passed law removing certain privileges of former Presidents does not cover security arrangements. He said that while privileges must be surrendered under the Act, the Government remains responsible for ensuring the security of former Presidents and will consider any renewed requests for security-related vehicles or other support. Ministry Statement: Security of Former Presidents Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa acknowledged Sri Lanka’s high ICAO aviation security rating but urged further strengthening of domestic aviation safety following several recent aircraft incidents. He proposed regional emergency response and search-and-rescue capacity, GPS tracking, improved radar, ATC and navigation coverage, decentralized maintenance, upgraded communications and weather systems, and expanded aviation human resources and digital safety technologies. He also called for a stronger, independent aircraft accident investigation mechanism meeting international standards, while noting that the measures may be costly but should be pursued to save lives. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Asked why the debate was not addressing individuals or groups connected to the Easter Sunday attacks. The intervention called for attention to accountability and the identification of those linked to the attacks. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of suspected drug-contaminated containers at the port, citing intelligence reports on two Tehran-origin containers and questioning why 332 other containers were released without checks and why responsible officials or Ministers had not been investigated. He compared the response to failures over Easter Sunday intelligence, called for the full Presidential Committee report to be tabled, and demanded action to identify who authorized the release of containers allegedly containing drugs. He also urged strengthening the Navy’s anti-narcotics capacity, ensuring promotions for the 511 police cadre, and making advance arrangements for O/L and A/L examinations during the northern monsoon. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Acting Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Tri-services remain on standby for disaster response at the request of the Disaster Management Centre, with Air Force and Navy assets deployed as needed. Law-enforcement support is provided by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Security Department upon requests routed through the Police and the Ministry. The Navy continues around-the-clock deep-sea operations to counter narcotics smuggling, and these activities will be maintained. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Asked what support Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft and helicopters provide for maritime interdiction operations, particularly in response to Opposition claims that maritime seizures are fewer than land-based operations. He also sought details on the use of SLAF air assets for disaster response. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Acting Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Acting Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera stated that serving or former military personnel linked to narcotics or other crimes are handed over to the CID in accordance with the law. He said Service Commanders and the Ministry do not interfere in such investigations, and that additional information and military disciplinary action are provided or pursued where applicable. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Asked what cooperation the Ministry provides to ensure impartial law enforcement in recent operations against narcotics and organized crime, particularly where former or serving military personnel or deserters are implicated. He noted that allegations of a “witch-hunt against war heroes” are raised when such action is taken, despite past political protections and the involvement of only a limited number of military personnel. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Acting Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Acting Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera provided figures on Sri Lanka Air Force deserters, stating there were 45 officers and 3,402 other ranks, with arrests and surrenders recorded between February and September 2025. He said absentees face disciplinary action and possible discharge, while eligible personnel may be retained after intelligence and police clearance, with the process taking about 30 days depending on the case. He also clarified that two C-130 aircraft are being transferred from the United States under the Excess Defense Articles framework, not purchased, with Sri Lanka expected to bear about USD 30 million for refurbishment, transport and technical support to strengthen heavy airlift capacity. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary No advisers have been appointed to the Ministry of Defence. Consequently, all follow-up details requested regarding such appointments are not applicable. Questions on Defence Advisers, Migrant Workers, and Employment Read →