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- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Defence to clarify pension and allowance arrangements for widows of military personnel killed in action or missing during the war. The question sought details on payments from the date of death until the notional retirement date, fixed monthly allowances thereafter, and whether widows of those recorded as “missing due to a terrorist attack” are denied such benefits. It further asked whether this was considered unjust and whether legal provisions could be introduced to grant the allowance based on the period the personnel have been missing. Oral Question Q.921/2025: Widows of Fallen or Missing Military Personnel - Pension/Allowances Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, speaking during the debate on the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review, questioned the consistency and credibility of official economic data, including claims on growth, reserves, remittances, revenue, debt and Central Bank profits, and asked how much of the reported Rs. 193 billion profit was remitted to the Government. He cited recent alleged frauds and cyber-related incidents across banks and public institutions, and argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen safeguards while preparing for external shocks. He criticized reliance on IMF-linked measures such as fuel and electricity price increases and rupee depreciation, arguing that devaluation had increased the debt burden and interest costs, and called for more localized growth-oriented solutions, stronger revenue collection, broader tax compliance and greater urgency on exports, trade and investment. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana marked the anniversary of the end of the war by calling for rejection of ethnic chauvinist politics and for remembrance of all who died, arguing that national unity must be protected to prevent a recurrence of conflict. He criticised media narratives he said were inflaming communal divisions and stated that the National People’s Power Government was formed by uniting people across regions against such politics. He also addressed economic conditions, citing external supply shocks, higher fuel import costs, increased remittances and state revenue, and expected foreign inflows, arguing that Sri Lanka can manage pressures while maintaining internal stability. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Lt. Cdr. (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga argued that the Government was conducting a genuine War Heroes’ Remembrance Day commemoration and contrasted this with what he described as past misuse of military personnel for political or personal purposes. He rejected claims of genocide, stating that the Tri-Forces conducted a humane war against the LTTE and supported civilians, while attributing the prolongation of the conflict to political agendas and citing casualty figures among security forces. He said the best tribute to fallen and disabled service personnel is national unity beyond ethnic and religious divisions, and extended remembrance and wishes to fallen and living war heroes. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna marked May 18 by paying tribute to Tamils killed in 2009, describing the events as genocide and criticizing the Sri Lankan State and Tamil political figures whom he accused of undermining Tamil interests. He thanked Tamil Nadu leaders, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, for their support and said Tamil Nadu remained a refuge and political ally for Tamils in Sri Lanka. He called for Tamil MPs to speak openly about the Tamil Eelam cause, referred to memorialization and land-related grievances, and urged Sinhala and Tamil people not to clash but to resolve issues through discussion, including with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, by 2029. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa paid tribute to war veterans, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the tri-forces, Police and Civil Security forces on the anniversary of the war victory, while calling for reconciliation among affected communities to prevent any recurrence of conflict and protect national unity and sovereignty. He criticised proposed tax administration measures that would criminalize tax lapses, arguing that international practice applies tiered penalties and reserves criminal liability for intentional non-compliance. He said economic hardship and rising costs made the measures burdensome for businesses and citizens, and called for Inland Revenue Department strengthening, digitization, reasonable deadlines, leniency for voluntary disclosure, and acceptance of amendments to be moved by Sujeewa Senasinghe. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera paid tribute to Sri Lanka’s armed forces, Police, Civil Security Department, wounded and fallen personnel, and their families, noting commemorative activities including visits to Ranaviru Sevana and Mihindu Seth Medura and district-level appreciation events. He outlined Government welfare measures, including upgrades to military and police medical facilities, a planned 1,000-strong UN peacekeeping contingent to Haiti, and a proposed regulatory authority for the private security sector employing retired personnel. He also referred to a Cabinet-approved amendment to the Widows’ and Orphans’ Pension scheme to extend benefits for dependants of medically boarded-out personnel, and programmes to connect veterans with industry, entrepreneurship and overseas maritime employment opportunities. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on cybersecurity risks affecting government institutions, banks and critical public infrastructure, citing recent attempted intrusions and public concern over major state agencies and enterprises. He requested detailed data from 2023 onward on cyberattacks, breaches, ransomware, phishing, fraud complaints, institutional intrusions, existing security systems, legacy-system vulnerabilities, audit and penetration-testing compliance, accountability for breaches, and losses or disruptions since 1 January 2025. He also asked what urgent measures are being taken against cyber warfare and organized cybercrime, and questioned the responsibility of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance in light of reported concerns over institutional accountability. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that the “Ditwah” disaster affected 22 districts and that the Government has ground-level information on the impact. He said special procedures have been adopted, grievance-handling measures through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre were further strengthened, delays in obtaining technical information are being addressed, and special on-ground action plans have been prepared to expedite relief efforts. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided a detailed response on Cyclone “Ditwah” impacts in the Kandy District, covering landslides, floods, high winds, house and business damages, road obstructions, religious site damage, and fatalities across multiple Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. He reported 6,119 fully damaged houses, 11,352 partially damaged houses, 4,179 damaged businesses, 3,404 families living in rented accommodation, and Rs. 625,999,000 paid as compensation to families who lost houses. He also stated that 14 housing relocation projects had been proposed, five initiated, 302 families had received alternative land, and compensation to Gampola businessmen was ongoing subject to documentation and registration issues. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister requested details on any issues related to ammunition issuance, stating that irregularities or inadequacies would be investigated and addressed. He said the Ministry is engaging daily with field officers on staff concerns and is working to provide prompt solutions on matters such as allowances and facilities. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara questioned the Minister’s claim of having scientific solutions for the human-elephant conflict, stating that the response indicated solutions were still being identified. He asked whether the previous system for issuing elephant-repellent ammunition would be restored until the new plan is implemented, citing lapses in distribution. He also raised concerns about Civil Security Department personnel seconded to the Department being posted far from former duty stations, receiving inadequate daily allowances, and facing safety risks, and asked whether allowances and facilities would be improved. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 Mr. Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne] AI summary The Speaker informed Parliament that the Supreme Court had determined the “Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment)” Bill, challenged under Article 121(1) of the Constitution, to be not inconsistent with the Constitution. He noted that the Court rejected challenges to several clauses, including provisions on terrorist financing offences, freezing orders, High Court oversight, essential transactions, and investigative techniques. The Speaker ordered the Supreme Court’s determination to be printed in the Official Report of the day’s proceedings. Opening and Announcements Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance to continue essential services following the nationwide disaster, arguing that government data showed over 90 per cent effectiveness in post-disaster administration. He rejected Opposition criticisms on relief progress, security sector reform, and land release, citing community engagement in Jaffna and inviting Members to raise land issues at the Defence Ministerial Consultative Committee. He said work had begun on 952 fully damaged houses with Rs. 1,950 million allocated, and payments of Rs. 5,291 million had been made for 24,365 partially damaged houses, while resettlement, temporary shelter, and reconstruction efforts continued with the involvement of state agencies, the Tri-Forces, and civil organizations. Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam said he would call a Division and vote against extending the Emergency, arguing that the Government had not shown a present necessity and that ordinary disaster or foreign-crisis management did not justify emergency powers. He warned that emergency rule risks abuse in the North and East without security sector reform, and cited the detention of books by Theepachelvan Piratheepan through Customs and Defence Ministry involvement as an example of improper censorship requiring rectification. He also demanded the release of military-held private lands in Valikamam North and written guarantees on land returns, including Thayiddi, while raising concerns over garbage dumping near the Chinnathottam Hindu cremation ground in Kinniya and asking for intervention. Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that national security depends not only on immigration controls but also on resolving minority political aspirations and improving economic conditions in the North and East. He called for streamlined investment approvals, development of Kankesanthurai harbour using the Indian grant, and progress on Trincomalee oil tank arrangements to support jobs and economic revival. He opposed the use of Emergency powers and the PTA, stating Tamil representatives were prepared to vote against Emergency. He also sought clarification on enforcement where operators hold over 20 per cent of inter-provincial route permits and requested that the Vavuniya bus stand be transferred to Northern provincial or municipal authorities. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported discussion on the Emergency by raising land and security-related concerns in the North and East, urging implementation of the President’s direction to release private lands occupied for wartime security purposes or provide compensation. He requested permanent police station facilities on properly allocated state land in the Eastern Province, including action on the Eravur Urban Council’s allocation, and called for implementation of local authority arrangements for Kalmunai–Sainthamaruthu following a Supreme Court judgment. He also urged a special security and tourism plan for Pottuvil–Arugam Bay, citing multiple roadblocks, recent arrests of visiting youths, and the need to reduce disruption to residents, fishers, farmers, and tourists while maintaining security. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the extension of the Emergency for narcotics control and accelerated post-“Ditwah” reconstruction, while urging the authorities to prevent unnecessary arrests and apply emergency powers only where needed. He welcomed the Supreme Court ruling enabling Kalmunai Municipal Council and Sainthamaruthu Urban Council to function separately, and requested restoration of previous Kalmunai boundary delineations to avoid ethnic tensions. He also asked that land occupied by the Eravur Police Station be transferred to Aligarh National School, with the police relocated to land already allocated by the Eravur Urban Council. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan questioned the continued extension of the Emergency, acknowledging its use in anti-narcotics operations but arguing that disaster relief and public order concerns should not justify prolonged extraordinary powers or heavy-handed action against citizens and unions. He cited the arrest of youths in Pottuvil–Arugam Bay and cautioned against possible abuse in enforcement, while calling for the Emergency not to be repeatedly extended. He requested extensions to customs clearance and tax exemption periods for overseas disaster relief consignments, including relief goods affected by shipping delays, and urged correction of gaps in compensation for “Ditwah” cyclone victims, including livestock farmers. He also asked the Government to present details of India–Sri Lanka energy and land-link plans, expedite connectivity for Northern Province economic benefits, and curb illegal sand mining in Mannar through proper regulation. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the Government’s handling of national and public security, linking it to economic, energy, environmental, health and food security. He cited alleged misappropriation at the Central Bank, losses at the Department of Posts, an alleged Rs. 13 billion issue involving NDB, and duplicate payments to RDA contractors, demanding clear accountability and answers on who authorized or benefited from these transactions. He also criticized the Government’s anti-corruption performance, referred to the resignation of a Kurunegala Municipal Council member over unmet promises, and raised concerns over energy-sector failures and 122 reported shootings with 68 deaths between December 2024 and December 2025. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →