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- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara commended the President’s reduced use of official privileges but raised concerns about national security, citing a recent courtroom shooting and questioning the roles of the police, prisons, and court processes. He called for a full accounting and recovery of illegal firearms remaining from the LTTE conflict, Tamil armed groups, the 1987–89 JVP insurrection, and anti-insurgent paramilitary groups, arguing that such weapons may now fuel underworld violence. He also referred to past security breaches in Parliament, questioned catering arrangements and food costs, urged approval of leave allowances for overworked parliamentary staff, and called for even-handed accountability in investigations involving parliamentary officials and others. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that reductions in presidential expenditure are useful only if essential services of the President’s Office, Secretariat, and President’s Fund continue effectively. He supported reasonable official facilities and security for current and former Presidents, subject to discipline and proper risk assessments, while opposing unnecessary luxury and public-funded residences for former Presidents who have adequate housing. He called for clarification on vehicles exhibited by the Presidential Secretariat that he said later appeared at MPs’ residences, and urged transparent policies on official residences and vehicle permits rather than populist measures. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question, stating that available data do not show a significant rise in shootings or homicides in early 2025 compared with previous years, and outlining police, STF, Tri-Forces, patrol, roadblock, rapid response, intelligence and surveillance measures against organised crime and drug-related violence. He said guidelines on the safety of suspects taken out of police stations, relevant Supreme Court directions, IGP circulars, offender monitoring procedures and divisional responsibility documents would be tabled or placed in the Library. He also said the Government would not restrict media reporting in a way that infringes the constitutional right to information, denied any clash between the IGP and the National Police Commission, and detailed the composition and functioning of the National Security Council, which he said meets regularly and reviews security directives. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Rule of Law and Inclusive Justice System Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government under Standing Order 27(2) on rising organised crime, citing 17 shootings in the first two months of 2025 and a murder within court premises, and asked what measures had been taken to restore public security. He sought details on promised procedures to protect suspects taken from police stations, guidelines on media coverage of arrests, and whether the Government had a concrete crime prevention plan beyond arrests after incidents. He also asked about reported tensions between the IGP and the Police Commission, the functioning and membership of the National Security Council, and raised concern that a 15% SVAT on services was harming digitalization and the digital economy. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Rule of Law and Inclusive Justice System Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha highlighted the scale and cost of human-elephant conflict, citing 3,519 elephant deaths and 1,198 human deaths over ten years, with substantial public expenditure on related compensation and departmental costs. He noted that deaths declined in 2024 compared to 2023 and attributed this partly to improved management by the Department, including civil defence support and better fence management. He urged the Minister to address staffing shortages urgently, strengthen cadre and performance monitoring, and asked whether measures would be taken to increase staffing and ensure their effectiveness. Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Privilege matter concerning an alleged assault on him and his legal secretary at Valampuri Hotel on 12 February 2025, stating that the incident was reported to Police and that the suspects were arrested before both sides withdrew complaints. Referring to recent killings, including the murder of Ganemulle Sanjeewa within court premises, he expressed concern about the security of Members of Parliament. He requested that two security personnel be assigned to him and that the matter be referred to the Minister in charge of Police and Public Security for immediate action. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged that Party Leaders use Standing Order 27(2) or obtain the Speaker’s special permission when raising matters, particularly where prior notice allows Ministers to respond. He objected to repeated Opposition references to national security after earlier discussions and ministerial responses, arguing that such repetition was creating an unwarranted narrative of insecurity and could harm tourism. He requested the Speaker to grant leave for matters outside Standing Order 27(2) only where genuine urgency is established. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Minister of Public Security on measures to address the current crime wave, citing discussions at the Ministry advisory committee where the Minister had referred to a structured programme and indicated that the Prevention of Terrorism Act would not be amended, with reliance instead on strengthening criminal procedure. He asked whether the Penal Code would be used and what concrete steps were being taken to bring killers and robbers before the law. He also warned that the situation was affecting public security, civil society, and the tourism sector ahead of an expected increase in tourist arrivals. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled answers on an incident dated 23 December 2018 linked to the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that names and addresses of suspects and investigating officers would not be disclosed due to ongoing national security-related investigations. He reported varied legal outcomes for suspects, including suspended sentences for six, discharges for several groups, bail for ten pending Attorney General’s instructions, and ongoing High Court trials in Kegalle, Colombo, and Puttalam under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Penal Code. He added that no relevant matter was reported under part (b)(ii) and that part (c) did not arise. Oral Question: Investigations into Damaging Buddha Statues in Mawanella (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi, asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for details on the pre-Easter Sunday incident involving the breaking of Buddha statues in Mawanella. The question sought the date of the incident, identities and addresses of those arrested, action taken against them, the names of investigating security officers, any alleged political influence by Governors or powerful persons at the time, and the current status of the investigations. Oral Question: Investigations into Damaging Buddha Statues in Mawanella (Q.6/2024) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Chief Government Whip stated that the President and relevant ministers had already briefed Parliament and committees on the incident, which the Government says does not pose a threat to national security. He said investigations into organized criminal gang clashes are ongoing, including arrests and questioning of Police and security personnel, with possible questioning of judiciary members, and that details would not be disclosed if they could prejudice inquiries. He added that further information could be provided during the Defence Ministry and Public Security committee discussions on the 28th, within investigative limits. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised concerns about intelligence functioning and analysis, citing statements that prior information existed about a possible killing in Gampaha but not about an incident in Colombo. He drew a parallel with the delayed response to prior warnings before the Easter attacks and urged the Government to give special attention to improving intelligence analysis and response, rather than focusing only on how to classify the security threat. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is treating the matter seriously and will not allow it to become a national security threat. She said necessary measures have already been taken and are continuing under the President’s leadership, with relevant Ministers involved, and indicated that the Media Minister would provide clarification on related issues circulating in the media. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over eight homicides reported between 18 and 21 February, describing underworld killings and hired criminal activity as a national security issue despite the President’s contrary view. He requested an explanation from the Government on an alleged security failure linked to intelligence information, including a photograph and profile reportedly available before a courtroom murder. He called for a clearer, more structured and disciplined mechanism for responding to national security intelligence. Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Illegal encroachments on Forest Department lands have increased, contributing to forest loss and worsening the human-elephant conflict. The Government is taking legal action to repossess such lands, carry out reforestation, and identify and preserve elephant corridors as priority measures to reduce the conflict. Oral Question: Question No. 3 - 447/2025 (Forest Conservation) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran moved an adjournment motion calling for immediate Government action against illegal fishing practices in the Northern Province, including trawl nets, light fishing and dynamite fishing. He said these activities are undermining the livelihoods of fishermen in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Jaffna, including many female-headed households, and alleged that enforcement by the Navy, Police, Coast Guard and Fisheries Department is inadequate. He urged the Minister to restore law and order at sea, protect fish stocks, and provide clear answers on whether the Government will stop banned practices and safeguard northern fishing communities. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath argued that Opposition Members should account for earlier claims about extremism, economic collapse and social unrest before criticizing the Government’s Budget. He said the Government’s economic programme is based on social and economic transformation through collective effort and sacrifice, not individual patronage or employment promises. He rejected claims that isolated violent incidents amount to national security threats, while acknowledging recent murders as serious crimes that require broader social and economic rebuilding. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged the Minister to determine and disclose the true origin and masterminds behind a recent killing, noting that only suspects had been arrested and that several possible motives were being discussed. He said political underworld networks in Hambantota had operated for decades and that their weapons remained unseized despite pledges to recover illegal firearms. He also complained that MPs’ security had been withdrawn and licensed firearms obtained for protection had been surrendered, requesting their return and warning that the Speaker, Secretary of Defence and Government would bear responsibility if harm came to him after his request for security was not acted upon. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi argued during the Budget debate that recent shootings and murders, including incidents in court, Middaniya, Uswetakeiyawa, Negombo and Kotahena, raise serious questions about national security under the new JVP-led Government. He linked the Middaniya killings to unresolved violence during the Aragalaya, stating that failure to arrest suspects earlier due to fear of witnesses had contributed to later tragedies. He called for a thorough investigation into the killing of Aruna Widanagamage, alias “Kajja”, including allegations about his political links, weapons possession and possible motives behind his death. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister stated that judicial security has not been reduced and remains in place for judges. He said recent shootings in Usswetakeiyawa, Kotahena, Negombo, and at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court premises are under investigation, with evidence indicating involvement by an organized underworld group. He added that information from seized phones and arrested persons is being examined, that the Defence Secretary would provide further details, and that the Government is focused on maintaining public and national security. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Reserves and Debt Servicing, with Points of Order and Procedural Matters Read →