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 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Minister Chrishantha Abeysena argued that commemorating war dead and “Ranaviruwo” should be consistent with reconciliation and should not be treated as racism, stressing that all Sri Lankans affected by war, including people in the North and South, deserve remembrance. He said the NPP’s politics is policy-based and multi-ethnic, rejected claims that it is a racist party, and stated that land and economic issues in the North and East should be addressed under one law with additional Budget focus. He also noted that the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation held commemorations across all 25 districts and tabled statements calling for accountability, reconciliation, non-violence, and respect for diversity. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the new excise regulation on vehicle imports is primarily intended to compensate for an expected shortfall in the Government’s Rs. 5,042 billion tax revenue target, with higher duties likely to increase vehicle prices, reduce EV imports, and raise fuel consumption costs. He also criticized the handling of the War Heroes’ commemoration, saying it should have been formally led with full recognition of military sacrifices and a parliamentary minute of silence. He called for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address missing persons from both the North and South, provide compensation and closure to families, and prevent recurrence. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary In the debate on revising taxes on imported electric vehicles, the Member supported maintaining revenue measures while allowing luxury EV imports, arguing that EV taxes would remain lower than those on petrol, diesel, or hybrid vehicles and that revenue could fund public programmes. He also called for protection of domestic electric vehicle manufacturers and assemblers as vehicle imports resume after the economic crisis. Responding to Opposition claims, he rejected allegations of genocide by the armed forces, said wartime-acquired lands in the North and East had been or would be released where ownership was verified, and argued that the current Government was giving due recognition to war veterans. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for moving electricity generation toward higher-cost sources and transport back toward petrol and diesel, saying this would raise tariffs and burden households. Marking War Heroes Day, he argued that military veterans from all communities who sacrificed for the country should be recognised as heroes, not treated as ordinary citizens or compared favourably with terrorists. He also referred to the Batalanda Commission Report, warning that accusations against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe could implicate others, and affirmed his support for war veterans. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake referred to concerns regarding his personal security and the prevailing situation affecting it. He sought attention to the matter in Parliament, implying a need for appropriate action or clarification from the relevant authorities. Points of Order and Privilege Matter: Death Threats to Hon. Rohana Bandara Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara began to raise an issue that he said occurred on the 14th, referring to the State Minister of Public Security, but the provided transcript cuts off before he states the substance of the matter or any specific request. Points of Order and Privilege Matter: Death Threats to Hon. Rohana Bandara Read →
- 20 May 2025 Hon. Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara JJB AI summary Hon. Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara stated that the Government’s priority is to counter terrorism and prevent divisions or provocations that could contribute to a resurgence of terrorist activity. He said the Government would act decisively and would not hesitate to protest such activities, whether in Canada or elsewhere internationally. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns that in areas such as Pullaaveli, Kattaikadu and Vetrilaikeni, private lands affected by military camps, missing documents, religious structures and past appropriation attempts may be at risk under the new Gazette. He asked whether the Minister would withdraw the Gazette and reissue it only after consultations, to prevent lands without clear legal claims being transferred for settlements or military use. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka rejected suggestions that Opposition Members were raising the issue for political theatrics, stressing that 79 shooting incidents and 52 deaths had occurred. He highlighted public killings and threats against MPs as serious security concerns requiring attention. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Raised concerns about national security and the safety of Opposition Members, noting that murders and other incidents were occurring in various places. He called for serious attention to be given to these security issues. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa challenged the Minister of Public Security’s claim that recent violence is not unusual, stating that 52 deaths in eight months is higher than comparable periods. He said Opposition MPs, including Hon. Rohana Bandara in relation to local body control in Kebitigollewa and Medawachchiya, face threats and political intimidation despite the matter being raised with the President and the Speaker. Raising the issue under Standing Order 27(2), he demanded a substantive Government response on public security and the right to life of all citizens. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that recent violence is linked to internal clashes among organized criminal gangs and drug trafficking, but said the Government does not consider it a threat to the State or national security. He outlined enforcement actions including arrests in 32 concluded incidents, seizure of weapons and vehicles, Red Notice requests for overseas traffickers, repatriation of 11 suspects, and airport arrests using facial recognition. He also described measures against drug smuggling and gang operations, including scanners at ports, limits on SIM ownership, financial controls, prison phone disruption, rehabilitation programmes, and school awareness initiatives. Referring to threats against public officials, he said complaints are under investigation, including an alleged assassination contract involving “Kanjipani Imran” and an inmate at Boossa Prison. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister said recent shootings were inter-gang underworld incidents linked to long-standing organized crime, political interference, military deserters, and leakage of weapons from some military camps, with investigations ongoing and implicated politicians to be named after police inquiries. He reported that about 3,000 military deserters, 2,106 suspects, and 1,278 firearms had been taken into custody or seized, and that 52 high-crime police divisions were being targeted by 15 special task teams. He outlined measures including island-wide raids and patrols, inter-agency task forces, intelligence and database upgrades, prison monitoring, maritime and airport controls, INTERPOL action, officer incentives, and coordination with the Attorney General to expedite prosecutions. Planned steps include new laws against organized crime, repatriation of overseas drug network leaders, reducing the domestic drug market, establishing a forensic laboratory, and further upgrading airport surveillance. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised a Standing Order 27(2) question alleging that the Government’s measures to prevent shootings, killings, threats, and gang-related violence are inadequate, citing 79 shootings and 28 deaths over eight months. He asked the Government to present a specific plan to address the violence, clarify its implications for national security, tourism, and investment, and outline alternatives to current anti-crime efforts. He also sought updates on action taken over death threats and attacks involving MPs, public officials, provincial politicians, and attorneys, and called for measures by the Minister of Public Security and the Speaker to ensure the safety of citizens and elected representatives. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government is strengthening intelligence gathering through regional intelligence units, the State Intelligence Service, military intelligence, and new District and Divisional-level Public Security Committees. He said these community-based mechanisms are intended to improve public cooperation, support a community-friendly police service, and help address narcotics trafficking and organized underworld crime. Adjournment Debate: Law and Order and Crime Prevention Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara thanked the Minister for the response but stressed the need for stronger intelligence-led policing, citing unresolved cases involving fugitives such as Ishara Sewwandi. He questioned whether steps had been taken to enable pre-emptive action against shootings and related crimes rather than police responding only after incidents occur. Adjournment Debate: Law and Order and Crime Prevention Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that the Government is implementing a planned operation to suppress underworld activity and drug trafficking, which he described as interconnected and previously enabled by political patronage. He reported 79 shootings between 21 September 2024 and 7 May 2025, resulting in 52 deaths and 35 injuries, with 260 suspects arrested, while declining to disclose details of suspects still at large due to ongoing investigations. He outlined measures including intensified patrols, intelligence and data systems, prison and airport monitoring, international cooperation, naval interdictions, and action against police personnel involved in crime. He also announced forthcoming steps such as new organized crime legislation, forensic laboratories, expanded surveillance and analytics capacity, a Central Criminal Investigation Unit, and provincial Criminal Divisions to be implemented shortly. Adjournment Debate: Law and Order and Crime Prevention Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka on behalf of the Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake AI summary Asked the Minister of Defence to explain the appointment procedures for the current Commander of the Army and Commander of the Air Force separately. The question sought clarification on whether more senior and qualified officers were overlooked, the reasons for any such decisions, and what criteria besides seniority are considered when appointing service commanders. Oral Questions: Martyrs' Day Commemorations and OPD Attendance (Q.10/2024, etc.) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa tabled an answer on war-related commemorative events, stating that 212 were held in the Northern Province and seven in the Eastern Province. The answer noted that LTTE promotion remains prohibited under Gazette Extraordinary No. 1721/2 of 2011, but memorial events for deceased persons are not prohibited unless they involve specified unlawful acts. It said about seven northern events in 2024 included activities viewed as potentially promoting the LTTE, with court reports filed, three files sent for Attorney-General’s advice, and further investigations ongoing. In the Eastern Province, police were instructed to act under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and relevant regulations if organizers disseminated separatist views or attempted to promote the LTTE. Oral Questions: Martyrs' Day Commemorations and OPD Attendance (Q.10/2024, etc.) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka on behalf of the Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether LTTE Martyrs’ Day commemorations were held in the North and East in November 2024, who organized them, and whether they received state patronage or prior government knowledge. The question further sought clarification on the legality of commemorations linked to a banned organization, what preventive measures were taken, and whether the Government accepts responsibility for permitting such events. Oral Question: Currency Printed/Minted Since 2015 (Q.9/2025) Read →