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- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Chief Government Whip to clarify the Government’s position on allegations that India was behind the Easter Sunday attacks. He demanded that the statement be made to both sides of the House, noting that the Chief Government Whip had earlier claimed India was involved. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer stating that a detention place had been declared by a Special Gazette of the Ministry of State for Defence on 19 July 1988, but that no detainees are currently held there and maintenance work is underway. He outlined measures by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to control illegal migration, including adverse records and INTERPOL database integration, a trained Border Surveillance Unit, participation in the Bali Process Regional Support Office, and risk assessment through the ETA system, which is to become mandatory for all countries from 1 October 2025. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera – Acting Minister of Defence AI summary The Acting Minister of Defence supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, stating that it would give legal authority to technical recommendations and certifications, particularly for construction in landslide-prone and hilly areas. He said the Bill aims to reduce disaster risks through mandatory geotechnical assessments, enforceable building guidance, early warning and response systems, inter-agency coordination, research and development, and environmental safeguards. He noted that disaster management has been placed under the Ministry of Defence for coordination, that the National Council for Disaster Management recently met under the President’s chairmanship for the first time since 2018, and that programmes are underway to relocate families displaced by landslides to safer areas. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna urged Tamil unity and called on authorities to implement promised projects rather than only holding foundation-stone ceremonies. He referred to weapons reportedly found at a proposed playground site in Mandaitivu and alleged that excavations in areas such as Chemmany would reveal many skeletal remains. He concluded by commemorating Thileepan. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe raised the case of four Point Pedro fishermen who, after departing with Coast Guard clearance on 07.07.2024, suffered engine failure, drifted at sea, and were ultimately rescued by Indian fishermen before returning after 194 days. He noted that local fishermen’s representatives had alerted Fisheries officials and offered to cover fuel costs for a search, and that over Rs. 300,000 was later spent to bring the fishermen back from India. He asked whether the Government would establish a special immediate rescue protocol for fishermen who go missing or face natural disasters at sea. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister outlined measures against organized crime, including facial recognition at Bandaranaike International Airport, centralized criminal databases, monitoring of 556 remanded suspects, police communication networks, patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence operations. He reported that from 1 January to 10 September 2025, 105 organized crime incidents had led to 322 arrests, while 1,698 firearms and weapons were seized. He said Sri Lanka is pursuing suspects abroad through diplomatic channels and INTERPOL, with Red Notices issued for 72 persons and arrangements ongoing to repatriate suspects arrested in several countries. He added that investigations are continuing into alleged links between organized criminal groups and politicians, but details could not be disclosed due to ongoing court proceedings and inquiries. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha raised concerns about organized crime and drug rackets, arguing that current media coverage portrays them as new problems while the Government is in fact exposing and addressing long-standing criminal networks. He asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to state what measures and progress have been made in bringing gang leaders and members before the law, whether fugitives abroad and their host countries have been identified, and what action is being taken where political patronage is alleged. He requested that the Minister clarify these matters for Parliament and the public, while acknowledging the sensitivity of ongoing investigations. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Government to take immediate action to address emerging issues affecting public security and living conditions. He warned that failure to act would worsen social hardship and cause problems to surface more broadly. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy called for a clear investigation into the release of two ice containers under the current Government, asking who authorized their release and whether other containers were also involved. He said the Opposition’s no-confidence motion was linked to demands for transparency on the Easter Sunday attack investigations, including disclosure of the Attorney-General’s report and the Cabinet Secretary’s report, and questioned unresolved matters such as alleged funding by Ibrahim. He accused the Government and the Speaker of denying MPs access to information and undermining parliamentary privileges, and urged a transparent programme to identify and punish those responsible for the Easter attacks. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that civilian employees of the Army, Navy and Air Force are administered through designated officers for each service, overseen by an Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Defence. He said welfare divisions and committees operate at regimental and command levels, and that civilian employee administration follows the provisions and guidelines of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. He acknowledged issues relating to retirement and other matters, noting that mechanisms exist and further updates are planned. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara thanked the Deputy Minister of Defence for a constructive reply and raised concerns regarding the welfare of civilian employees linked to the Defence Ministry. He asked what solutions and procedures the Ministry has put in place to address their welfare issues and specifically requested action on problems faced by these employees at retirement. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that approval has been sought from the Department of Management Services to fill civilian cadre vacancies in the Army, Navy and Air Force, and that further action will follow once approval is received. He tabled an annex listing the relevant civilian professions across the Tri Forces, including administrative, technical, skilled, semi-skilled and support staff positions. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided figures on civilian employees in the Tri Forces, stating that the Army has 7,391, the Navy 1,158 and the Air Force 2,075, with separate totals for confirmed and temporary or contract staff as at 30 June 2025. He said confirmations were last made in 2014 for the Army and in 2019 for the Navy and Air Force, and that action is underway to confirm eligible temporary civilian employees through Cabinet memoranda and approvals involving the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Administration, State Ministry of Defence and Department of Management Services. He also stated that approval has been sought from the Department of Management Services to fill civilian cadre vacancies, with further action to follow once approval is received. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara asked the Minister of Defence to provide detailed information on civilian employees in the Army, Air Force and Navy, including numbers by service, professions, confirmed and temporary staff, and the last year temporary employees were confirmed. He also requested details on whether current temporary civilian employees will be confirmed, the measures and procedures for doing so, and whether there are existing civilian vacancies in the Tri Forces with a programme to fill them. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 11 September 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, as Leader of the House, urged the Speaker to proceed with parliamentary business. He characterized the disruption or incident occurring in the House as “terrorism,” repeating the term to emphasize his objection. Procedural Matters and No-Confidence Motion Dispute Read →
- 11 September 2025 Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that, under Westminster parliamentary practice followed in Sri Lanka, the UK and India, No-Confidence Motions against Deputy Ministers are procedurally valid. He questioned the Government’s handling of allegations against the Deputy Minister of Defence relating to the Easter attacks, noting his former role as Eastern Commander, and called for him to address Parliament on national security. He also urged the Government to uphold parliamentary propriety by replacing the current Defence Minister if necessary. Procedural Matters and No-Confidence Motion Dispute Read →
- 11 September 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged the Speaker to permit a debate on the Easter Sunday attacks, invoking the 269 lives lost as the basis for granting the request. He framed the appeal as a matter of fairness and parliamentary necessity. Procedural Matters and No-Confidence Motion Dispute Read →
- 11 September 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa stressed that the public, especially the Catholic community and victims of the Easter attacks, are awaiting clarity on the truth behind the attacks. He said the proposed debate should focus on identifying the mastermind or masterminds responsible, and made a specific request in that context. Procedural Matters and No-Confidence Motion Dispute Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns that, 16 years after the war and one year into the Government’s term, displaced people in Valikamam North are still unable to return to their lands. He said access to the opened Palaly Road remains restricted in practice and requested the release of unused temples and other areas without military presence as a goodwill measure to enable resettlement. He asked why resettlement in Valikamam North continues to be prevented. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister responded to questions on resettlement in Valikamam North, stating that 38,693 of the 42,699 registered displaced persons had been resettled, while 4,006 persons remain. He said 2,583.05 acres of land remain under tri-forces control after 2009, including 2,025.80 acres in Valikamam North, and that 57.39 acres have been released since the Government took office. He outlined the policy of resettling displaced persons on original lands, with further releases subject to consultation, security clearance, administrative requirements, and infrastructure availability, and cited allocations of Rs. 1,259.568 million in 2025 for Jaffna housing and infrastructure projects. Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) Read →