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- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over an escalating wave of killings and threats affecting public security, including the safety of judges, civil society, MPs, and the general public. He called on the Minister of Public Security to present, by Monday, a clear and structured plan of measures to address the situation and ensure safety. He also tabled a letter from the Judicial Service Commission to the Marawila Bar concerning threats to safety. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Reserves and Debt Servicing, with Points of Order and Procedural Matters Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody replied to Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s Standing Order 27(2) question on the islandwide power outage, stating that it was triggered by a 33 kV busbar failure at the Panadura Grid Substation, which caused under-frequency tripping at several major hydro plants. He outlined the restoration process, said the full system was restored by 3.45 p.m. via the Mahaweli hydro system, and noted that the CEB is assessing economic losses using grid-substation load data. He said the Ministry proposes an urgent Renewable Energy Desk with battery storage at the National System Control Centre, following an ADB agreement in December 2024, and added that preliminary inquiries found no negligence or sabotage while a further internal inquiry is ongoing. Ministerial Statements: Elephant Deaths from Train Collisions and Power Outage Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna moved an Adjournment Motion calling for urgent action to prevent wild elephant deaths caused by train collisions, citing the deaths of five elephants near Galoya on the Maradankadawala–Batticaloa line and annual figures showing repeated fatalities since 2018. He said the Railways, Wildlife Conservation, and Forest Departments must coordinate, including by clearing vegetation near tracks for better visibility and adopting available technologies to detect or prevent collisions. He argued that insufficient implementation, funding, and official attention have allowed the problem to worsen despite the elephant’s protected status and ecological and tourism value. Adjournment Motion: Elephant Deaths Due to Train Collisions Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara praised the delivery of the Budget speech but criticized the Budget as unrealistic and inadequately funded, arguing that public sector salary increases were overstated and would shift fiscal burdens to a future government. He questioned the Government’s handling of national security, citing the recent court shooting and alleging failures in intelligence, arrests, and protection of MPs, while demanding stronger security for parliamentarians. He also argued that the proposed private sector minimum wage increase to Rs. 30,000 had limited practical effect because actual wages already exceed that level in many cases. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised concerns about public and parliamentary security following reported shootings, including an incident at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court despite STF protection, and rejected assurances that there was no national security threat. He requested the Speaker to ensure adequate security for Members of Parliament. He also said the Opposition would act responsibly, avoid falsehoods and divisive politics, and support measures it considered beneficial. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana rejected the claim that he had referred to Prabhakaran as anyone’s “leader” and asked that the Hansard be checked. He stated that Prabhakaran was, and remains, a terrorist. The sitting was then suspended for lunch until 1.30 p.m. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna raised concerns over national security amid recurring incidents and referred to allegations that politicians from previous governments had links with the underworld. He asked the Minister to identify those politicians, clarify the alleged connections, particularly involving narcotics, and ensure they are brought before the law rather than using past failures to excuse future inaction. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: Shooting Incidents in Colombo Magistrate's Court and Middeniya Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to Opposition concerns over the Colombo Magistrate’s Court shooting and the Middeniya murders, rejecting claims of a collapse in national security and stating that investigations and arrests had been made promptly. He said judicial security arrangements remain unchanged under the IGP’s 2011 circular, with a Police coordinating officer appointed for related matters. He detailed arrests and evidence recovered in the Colombo court shooting investigation, including suspects alleged to have aided the gunman, and said three suspects had been arrested in connection with the Middeniya killings. He argued that underworld activity had historically benefited from political patronage, but claimed the current Government has removed such protection and allowed Police to investigate without political interference. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: Shooting Incidents in Colombo Magistrate's Court and Middeniya Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan asked the Minister of Environment for detailed data on Sri Lanka’s forest extent, elephant-suitable habitats, and the wild elephant population. He sought annual figures from 2020 to 2024 on human injuries and deaths caused by elephants and elephant deaths linked to human-elephant conflict. He also asked whether the elephant population exceeds available forest cover, what mechanisms exist to control it, whether such measures will be implemented, and what methods are available to reduce destruction caused by wild elephants. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence acknowledged the issue and said discussions had been held with District Secretaries over the previous six weeks. He stated that the National Council for Disaster Management would be convened soon, and that a special programme with relevant line ministries to improve basic infrastructure in disaster-relocated areas had been prepared for submission to Cabinet. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara defended the Government’s Budget, citing foreign investment agreements signed during the President’s visit to China and criticizing Opposition claims over credit. He welcomed pension increases, particularly alignment with 2020 salary scales and the implementation of “One Rank, One Pension” for retired Tri-Forces personnel. Representing Kurunegala and Kuliyapitiya, he highlighted allocations for agriculture and irrigation rehabilitation, including neglected tanks, and called for upgrades to Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital, including equipment, ambulances, and ward expansion. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna defended the Government’s Appropriation Bill, arguing that national security should be assessed not only by defence allocations but also by investments in policing, justice, identification systems, social integration, women and children, prisons, and culture. Referring to the Aluthkade court shooting, he said similar incidents had occurred in the past, accused previous political cultures of enabling crime, and noted that the alleged gunman was arrested within hours. He also supported the proposed digital ID system as a measure to prevent misuse of identity in secure places, and highlighted cultural funding, including renovation of the John de Silva Memorial Theatre, as part of building a safer and more humane society. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne argued that the Budget must be accompanied by credible plans to maintain security, rule of law, revenue, reserves, and export growth. He cited recent court and prison security alerts to stress the need for proper intelligence and procedures, and said economic stability achieved since the 2022 crisis should not be put at risk. He questioned whether projected revenues, including from vehicle imports, and the target of US$ 19 billion in exports are realistic, especially while essential goods are still being imported. He welcomed the Government’s continuation of the IMF programme and some practical policy shifts, while urging clearer long-term planning to avoid renewed economic difficulty. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister expressed regret over a court shooting and said the main suspect, the van and driver had been arrested within hours, with investigations continuing into possible accomplices and links to recent murders. He characterized the incident as part of localized clashes among organized criminal gangs, not a breakdown of national security, and stated that public and national security remain intact. He said security for judges had not been reduced, noted that police were not permitted to carry firearms inside courts where private security handled internal security, and offered protection for media personnel subject to threat assessment. Government Response on Court Security Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concern over a killing on court premises, describing it as a serious threat to national security and public confidence in the judicial system. He urged the Government not to withdraw security provided to judges and to strengthen protection for judicial officers, journalists, civil society, the public, and Members of Parliament. He called for a special investigation and firm action, while asking the Speaker to ensure MPs’ security as their institutional guardian. Leader of Opposition Statement on Court Security Read →
- 20 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that while nationwide wartime-style checkpoints are unnecessary, court premises require stronger security measures and action will be taken. He said amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure are before Cabinet to allow testimony via video link, reducing the need to produce remand prisoners in court and assisting witnesses, including those overseas. He indicated the Government aims to bring the amendments to Parliament by March or April and enact them as a longer-term solution. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala alleged that past political killings were linked to the Rajapaksa family and its associates, and rejected criticism of the NPP Government on national security after only 90 days in office. He stated that investigations into witness killings and other political murders are being conducted independently through the CID and the Attorney-General’s Department without political interference, and said the Government intends to complete them despite the length of criminal trials. The debate was then adjourned at 6.30 p.m. until 20 February 2025. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order referring to an incident that occurred in a courtroom at the Colombo main Court Complex and earlier threats he said he received in Jaffna. He requested that the Minister of Public Security provide security for him, at least during Parliamentary Sessions, given his planned return to Jaffna, and asked that the matter be conveyed to the Speaker. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna referred to the LTTE bombing of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and apologized on behalf of the people of the Northern Province. He stated that the LTTE cadres involved came from the Northern Province, amid an interruption. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is acting firmly against underworld activities, including requiring the surrender of issued weapons through the Defence Ministry and pursuing ongoing investigations. He noted that some suspects had been brought back from India and Dubai to face legal action, and said the Government would continue enforcing the law strictly while not disclosing all operational details. Question by Private Notice (Standing Order 27(2)): Data on Poverty, Aswesuma Programme and Law and Order Read →