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- 5 June 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran supported Hon. Kariapper’s motion on threats faced by deep-sea fishers, stating that armed gangs in fast boats steal their fish and nets during 12- to 20-day fishing trips. He said he and Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu had discussed the issue with the Minister, who had begun taking action, and urged the Government to identify, name, and prosecute the gangs with support from the Navy, STF, Police, and relevant Department. He also noted that the issue had been raised for many years and criticized attempts to disrupt the debate for personal publicity. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said complaints from fishing communities in Batticaloa, including Oluvil and Valachchenai, concern organized gangs robbing deep-sea fishermen of catches and equipment. He reported that a recent meeting in Parliament with the Navy, Army, Police, and other stakeholders addressed enforcement responsibilities, and that coordinated action with the Navy, Police, and if necessary the STF, is being taken to stop such gangs. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna supported the motion and raised concerns about alleged violence against fishermen in Trincomalee and Mullaitivu, including claims of Navy involvement in an assault and Police refusal to record a complaint. He questioned why citizens would have to approach the Human Rights Commission to lodge grievances and said the security situation for northern fishermen had deteriorated. He also referred to the Minister’s statement that inquiries had been ordered and played an audio recording in which the Minister denied allegations relating to a promised statue for Prabhakaran. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu supported Hon. Kariapper’s motion by highlighting complaints from fishermen between Pottuvil and Trincomalee about robberies of catches and nets by small groups. He said meetings with fishermen, security officers and Fisheries officials led District and Divisional Development Committees to propose banning 40 hp fast boats, limiting craft to 25 hp, restricting landing points, and conducting joint Police-Navy operations. He urged the Fisheries and Defence Ministers to take urgent action and noted that legal action is being pursued against identified groups. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Welcoming Hon. Nizam Kariapper’s motion, Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe said sea piracy has become a serious threat to deep-sea fishermen in the East, who spend about Rs. 400,000 per trip and are losing fish, nets, and livelihoods to robberies. Referring to recent protests by fishermen from Pottuvil, Kalmunai, Kattankudy, and Valachchenai, he urged the State Minister of Defence and the Minister of Fisheries to act urgently, protect fishermen, prevent tensions, and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Urged the Minister to take swift action against organized robbery at sea, stating that the Department has records of the perpetrators and their villages. He questioned whether departmental officers may be complicit, noting that suspects are sometimes arrested, given small fines, and released, and called for coordination with the Defence authorities to stop the activity. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. Hizbullah supported the Adjournment Motion and raised concerns about recurring robberies of deep-sea fishermen from areas including Sainthamaruthu, Oluvil, Poonochchimunai, Kattankudy, Valachchenai and Trincomalee by coastal gangs seizing fish and fishing gear. He said the Fisheries Department and local organisations had identified suspects and submitted complaints, including to the President, but legal action had been limited due to reported procedural hurdles affecting Navy intervention. He urged immediate coordination between the relevant Minister, Defence authorities and the Navy to prevent these incidents and protect affected fishermen. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns about organized sea-borne gangs targeting fishermen in the Eastern Province, particularly around Kalmunai, Kattankudy, Valachchenai and Batticaloa, through robbery, destruction of fishing gear and intimidation. He said decisions taken at the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee in May 2023 to limit fish-landing sites and cap engine power at 25 hp had not been implemented, and questioned who was obstructing enforcement. He requested urgent action by the Ministry of Defence, including Navy patrols, a special Navy coordinator for the Eastern coast, implementation of the DCC decisions, and firm action against organized offenders. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake supported the amendment to the National Transport Commission Act, noting that the 1991 law has not been significantly modernized despite major changes in passenger transport. He argued that regulation should cover buses, railways, three-wheelers, ferries, school transport and pedestrian safety, citing recent fatal crashes, unsafe ferry services in the North, overloaded vehicles and unsafe vehicle modifications. He called for stronger safety oversight and the integration of technology across transport systems, stating that the amendment is timely. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs regarding Azad Maulana’s statement to Channel 4 on the Easter Sunday attacks. It asked for the date of the statement, whether the Minister was aware of the public discussion that followed, and what measures would be taken to bring Maulana to Sri Lanka to record further statements. Oral Questions: Azad Maulana Easter Attacks Statement and Government School Constructions in Monaragala (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns about Police protection being provided to alleged unauthorized Israeli/Jewish cultural centres, including a location in Colombo 7, despite the removal of STF security. He argued that providing security could amount to legitimizing such centres and, citing the Palestine parliamentary friendship context, urged the State either to recognize them legally or withdraw protection. He asked how long it would take to close the centres or enforce the law against them. Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister stated that concerns previously raised to the Prime Minister had not been ignored and that he had consulted the Minister of Public Security. He said STF protection for the centre at Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 07, had been withdrawn, and further details could be provided. He noted difficulties in identifying and regulating such entities because some are registered as businesses, including restaurants, while conducting other activities, and said his Ministry is verifying registration status through relevant departments and Divisional Secretariats. Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera supported the motion and said the Ministry of Defence is developing a strategic, long-term disaster management approach in consultation with MPs, experts, and relevant line agencies. He stated that Rs. 95 million has been allocated for immediate short-term relief projects on the south bank of the Kelani Valley, with implementation to begin soon. He also said the National Council on Disaster Management, chaired by the President, would be convened to appoint expert committees to address disaster situations across the country. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne argued that accelerating digitalization of government services, identity systems, banking, health data and AI makes cybersecurity and personal data protection essential for both privacy and national security. He said the amendments would support implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act by establishing a Data Protection Authority, requiring consent-based and purpose-limited data use, mandating breach notification within 72 hours, and providing remedies including rectification, penalties and compensation. He linked the reforms to wider state digitalization plans such as the National Data Exchange, digital ID, e-driving licences, e-lands, digital payments and AI-enabled services, stating that the Authority is expected to be staffed and the Act brought into force within six months by Gazette. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the Personal Data Protection Act of 2022 has remained ineffective because the Data Protection Authority has not been established, and said the current Amendment Bill does not address key privacy and accountability gaps. Citing the 2025 Cargills Bank cyber breach and concerns raised by the UN Special Rapporteur and local commentators, he questioned whether data subjects are adequately informed, protected, and given remedies when their personal data is misused or exposed. He called for an independent Authority appointed through the Constitutional Council, inclusion of human rights and civil society expertise, limits on broad State exemptions including for national security, and stronger data-subject rights such as erasure, portability, algorithmic challenge, and an appeal mechanism. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted that recruitment to the armed forces is declining, citing information that only nine recruits joined in the latest intake. He suggested that this reduction in numbers could be considered as part of the solution to the issue under discussion. Oral Question: Government Universities and Higher Education Admissions (Q.381/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe defended the Government’s position on war remembrance, accusing sections of the Opposition of politicizing the status of “war heroes” while having previously failed to protect the dignity of military personnel. She stated that all who died in the war, from the North, South and East, should be recognized equally, and said the Government’s objective is to prevent renewed conflict and build national prosperity. Turning to the debate, she supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, noting that Gazette Extraordinary No. 2428/07 appoints Bureau Veritas as an inspection agent for vehicle imports from Japan to reduce delays, demurrage and added retail costs. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake marked Republic Day, arguing that Sri Lanka achieved full sovereignty on 22 May 1972 under the United Front Government. Referring to the Imports and Exports (Control) Act regulations and comments on Elephant Pass salt, he urged the Government not to diminish the military victory over the LTTE and to recognize soldiers as war heroes, citing key events from the conflict including the Indo-Lanka Accord, IPKF withdrawal, police massacres, assassinations, failed peace efforts, Mavil Aru, and wartime sacrifices. He also referenced the post-2019 fertilizer policy crisis, saying leaders must be told frankly to correct policy errors and avoid repeating mistakes that caused public unrest. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government’s conduct and outcome in the Local Government Election, arguing that the President and national leaders fronted the campaign and should accept responsibility for the loss of votes. He raised concerns over national security, organized crime, death threats to public figures, and the safety and dignity of MPs, while urging stronger action against the underworld and drug trafficking. He also questioned the Government’s handling of the cost of living, factory closures, and the promised arrangements for Sri Lankan driving licences to be recognized in Italy. He called on the President and Government to act as representatives of all Sri Lankans, honour war heroes, and implement a practical programme to rebuild the country. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that LTTE members should not be portrayed as heroes and said war heroes, under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, fought to preserve a unitary Sri Lanka for all communities. He said the Local Government Election indicated growing opposition to the Government, noting increased support for the SLPP and other Opposition groups rather than a renewed government mandate. He also urged the Government to build on post-war infrastructure projects such as Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Hambantota Port and expressways, saying they could support tourism and economic development if properly used. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →