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- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister justified extending the state of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing ongoing relief and resettlement needs after the “Ditwah” cyclone and possible fuel supply disruptions arising from instability in the Middle East. He argued that emergency powers had been used only to deliver essential services and not to detain, suppress dissent, or restrict media freedom. He rejected Opposition claims of interference with judicial independence, stating that corruption investigations and prosecutions proceed through an independent judiciary and that the Government is committed to equal application of the law. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary During the Emergency debate, Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir urged the State Minister of Defence to address safety risks around the Sea Cadet training camp on the Kalpitiya peninsula, where Air Force training has allegedly caused bombs to fall and damage affecting fishermen, farmers, tourists, and residents. He asked for measures to protect people within the surrounding 10–15 km area, particularly during adverse winds, and to ensure justice for affected residents in the economically important region. He also requested action under the Emergency to maintain peace during Qurbani and prevent extremist-related tensions. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Shantha Padmakumara Subasingha AI summary The Hon. Shantha Padmakumara Subasingha supported the extension of the emergency, citing the recent landslide risk in the Opatha DS Division of Ratnapura where 30 families were evacuated and 11 high-risk families were sheltered with relief. He defended the Government’s disaster relief and estate-sector measures, including a proposed Rs. 5,000 billion relief package and a Rs. 400 estate wage increase, while accusing the Opposition of politicizing incidents in Kahawatta, Nuwara Eliya and the hill country. He said the Government had acted promptly over the Neelagama estate assault by arresting suspects, warning the estate company, and working to provide land and housing to affected families. He also referred to past ethnic violence and disaster resettlement failures under previous governments, and urged the Opposition to present evidence before the appointed commission and act responsibly. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Krishnan Kalaichelvi raised several incidents of alleged intimidation and violence against estate workers in Ratnapura, Maskeliya, Ragala and Delmar, stating that ministers, MPs, local councillors, unions, police and the Justice Ministry had intervened and taken legal action in some cases. She criticised opposition representatives from the hill country, arguing that past leaders had failed to resolve estate workers’ issues and that the current government had acted on wages and plantation concerns. Speaking on the resolution under the Public Security Ordinance, she said emergency powers had previously been misused but argued that their extension was necessary to expedite relief and recovery work after the 2025 “Ditha” cyclone, and expressed support for the resolution. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha questioned the need to extend the state of emergency for cyclone Ditva recovery, arguing that ordinary laws, courts and administrative machinery should be sufficient and that emergency powers create a climate of fear even if not used for suppression. He urged the Government to reconsider the extension and explain why emergency regulations are specifically required. He also raised concerns about economic security, citing alleged Treasury and banking losses, overpayments by state institutions and risks to investor confidence, and called for accountability, a special task force on systemic financial lapses, stronger Central Bank supervision of bank resilience and digital transfers, and a focus on solutions rather than blaming previous governments. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Dewananda Suraweera supported extending the emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating it was proclaimed to manage the aftermath of the Ditva cyclone and speed up reconstruction and relief. He said the emergency is intended to expedite procurement, repair infrastructure, allocate land for displaced people, maintain essential services, and protect officials acting urgently, not to restrict democracy, unions, assemblies, or protests. He argued the measure is necessary to restore normalcy, support economic revival, tourism, and investment, while criticizing the Opposition’s attacks and inviting constructive criticism. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath supported extending emergency provisions under the Essential Public Services Act in response to the “Ditva” cyclone, arguing that temporary powers are needed to maintain essential services, public order, security, and supplies during disasters and potential global supply disruptions. He cited government actions including evacuations, deployment of security forces, restoration of rail services, measures against hoarding, and an interim housing programme for affected districts. He stressed that emergency powers should remain temporary and subject to parliamentary, judicial, and constitutional oversight, and urged the House to approve the extension. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said he was willing to facilitate discussions between plantation executives and the Inspector General of Police regarding safety concerns in the hill country. He stated that the government had a responsibility to protect all hill-country residents and would take necessary action if such incidents continued. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB AI summary The Minister said police had acted promptly on two incidents reported the previous night in Sabaragamuwa and Nuwara Eliya, with suspects arrested, investigations initiated, and court production underway. He rejected claims of inaction, stated that the Government would not allow such incidents to continue, and offered to facilitate discussions with the Police, including in Nuwara Eliya, following concerns raised by Members including Hon. Mano Ganesan. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna questioned the Defence Minister under Standing Order 27(2) on the continued military occupation of private and public lands in the Northern Province, particularly in Valikamam North and around Palaly. He sought district-wise details of lands held as “High Security Zones,” the legally gazetted and actual extent of Palaly Airport, lands used by the military for agriculture or business, and Grama Niladhari divisions in Mayilitty where civilian return is prevented. He also questioned the construction of a military base hospital on private land east of Palaly Road, requested budget and land-use details, and asked whether the Government would immediately release those lands to owners, with a specific date. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala tabled a written answer stating that Civil Security Department agricultural farms are maintained only in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya Districts, and provided district-wise details of land extents and personnel. He said there is no interference by Civil Security personnel in the daily lives of people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and that no request has been received to hand over CSD farms in the Northern Province to the Northern Provincial Council. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan) SJB AI summary The Member asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to provide details on Civil Security Department agricultural farms in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, including their locations, extent and personnel employed. He also asked whether the Minister was aware of security forces’ interference in daily life in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and sought reasons and a timeline for handing over military-operated farms to the Northern Provincial Council. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to provide details on the Easter Sunday attack investigations, including how many officers were initially involved, how many were later removed, and the reasons for their removal. He also asked whether the Government intends to re-engage those officers, and if not, to explain why. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that complaints can be lodged through the 1938 hotline and Police Emergency 1929, with follow-up action taken. He reported that in the Northern Province, 10 complaints in 2023 and 22 in 2024 were resolved, while 8 of 10 complaints received in 2025 had been resolved. He said the Government would review awareness gaps and assess whether mobile services are needed. Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna congratulated Mr. Joseph Vijay on his victory in Tamil Nadu and clarified that his earlier Tamil remarks on northern island issues had been misinterpreted, stating he had not called for Sri Lanka or Katchatheevu to be ceded. He highlighted inadequate transport and safety arrangements for people travelling to islands such as Nagadeepa, including reliance on unsafe private boats without lifejackets. He also raised concerns about his personal security, saying he faces attacks without assigned police protection, and requested adequate security for Opposition MPs. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is investigating the reported loss of USD 2.5 million to determine whether it resulted from negligence or fraud, and rejected claims that it was being concealed. He outlined a timeline of action, including detection on 22 March, a complaint on 24 March, internal audit measures, notification of the Financial Intelligence Unit and SLCERT, police reporting to court, interdiction of four officers, and cooperation with Australian and US authorities. He contrasted this response with alleged past financial losses under previous administrations, stating that the current Government is also investigating those matters and has filed cases, including in relation to Greek Bonds. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about unregistered entities, including purported plantation schemes, collecting public deposits by promising high interest without Central Bank approval. Referring to the reported theft of USD 2.5 million from the Central Bank and unsatisfactory responses before the Committee on Public Finance, he asked who would be responsible for future safeguards and what measures the Finance Ministry would propose. He specifically sought clarification on internal audit, IT audit and risk assessment mechanisms within the Central Bank, and on government systems to identify and act against unregistered deposit-taking entities to protect the public. Oral Question Q.2 (361/2024): The Finance Company - Liquidation and Compensation to Depositors Read →
- 5 May 2026 Mr. Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne] AI summary The Speaker conveyed two Presidential messages under the Public Security Ordinance: a proclamation bringing Part II into operation islandwide from 28 April 2026 due to the post-cyclone situation, and an order calling out the Armed Forces to maintain public order. He also announced the Supreme Court’s determination on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, stating that it may be passed by a simple majority except Clause 31(4), which requires a special majority unless amended as proposed by the Court. The Speaker further noted that Clauses 4, 9 and 28 were to be deleted at Committee Stage, that Clause 34 was found constitutional, and ordered the full determination to be printed in the Official Report. Opening: Message from the President - Public Security Proclamation Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government would pursue accountability for the Easter Sunday attacks, including filing cases against alleged masterminds and concluding trial-at-bar proceedings. He stated that injustice to victims must not recur and that the Government would not politicize the matter. He also referred to the harassment faced by the Muslim community after the attacks and said such treatment should not happen again under any government. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and related preceding incidents are now progressing, including a daily Trial-at-Bar against 25 accused and inquiries into alleged diversion of earlier investigations. He argued that the 2018 Vavunativu police murders were wrongly attributed to rehabilitated LTTE cadres and are now being linked to Zaharan Hashim’s group, suggesting that proper investigation at the time could have prevented the Easter attacks. He criticized opposition figures for calling the debate after the arrest of “Saleh” and questioned political attempts to frame Zaharan alone as the mastermind, while also referring to the post-attack victimization of Muslim communities and rejecting racism and extremism. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Attack of 21 April 2019 Read →