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- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuri Gangani supported regulations extending service and retirement limits for women in the Tri-Forces, arguing that earlier rules based on sex forced women officers and other ranks to retire prematurely and limited promotions after significant State investment in their training. She cited the contributions and sacrifices of 12,416 women serving across the forces, including deaths, disabilities, sports achievements and gallantry awards, and said the reforms align with constitutional gender equality, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and SDG 5. She stated that the gazetted changes would improve morale, retain experienced personnel, reduce training costs, and expand opportunities for promotions, overseas training and peacekeeping service. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported extending the State of Emergency for one month, stating it was declared in response to Cyclone Ditva and was needed to manage disaster recovery and wider supply-chain risks linked to Middle East conflicts. He rejected allegations that the emergency was being used to suppress democracy or target Tamils, contrasting it with past abuses under emergency laws and the PTA. He also criticized opposition figures for allegedly inflaming ethnic tensions and said the Government was using emergency powers to address national crises, including narcotics, while maintaining democratic freedoms. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Emergency Regulations and related orders, arguing they are needed to maintain essential services, continue relief after the “Dicha” cyclone, and respond to external risks including the Middle East conflict’s impact on energy security. He rejected claims that the Government was using emergency powers to suppress rights, stating it was acting under law and had stabilized an economy inherited in bankruptcy. He also cited reforms abolishing certain privileges of former Presidents and MPs’ pensions as examples of political morality, and said the Government would resist ethnic or religious divisiveness while pursuing “National Unity through Equality.” Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran condemned the GMOA strike, saying it was denying medical care to poor and long-distance patients, and urged the Government and Health Ministry to resolve the dispute, including by bringing proposals to Parliament if necessary. He requested urgent repair of the broken radiotherapy machine at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital and opposed any proposed 53 per cent electricity tariff increase, attributing the issue to CEB mismanagement. He also commended strong A/L results from Akkaraipattu–Ramakrishna Mission College and the Thirukkovil Educational Zone despite limited facilities. Speaking in the context of the Public Security Ordinance resolution and Army Act regulations, he opposed continuing Emergency Law, criticizing the Government for extending measures it had previously opposed. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported extending the Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance and related service regulations, arguing they remain necessary for post-cyclone relief, essential services, and retaining skilled women personnel in the armed forces by aligning service age limits with men. He said the Government is continuing “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” after Cyclone “Dicha,” including grants, sectoral support, safe centres, land identification with NBRI input, and Rs. 5 million for each fully damaged house, with initial payments underway. He also stated that global fuel and energy price pressures are being cushioned through subsidies and relief allocations, citing Rs. 500 billion for cyclone relief and Rs. 100 billion for vulnerable groups. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera supported regulations under the three Service Acts to extend service conditions for women in the Army, Navy and Air Force, raising retirement ages to 55 and allowing retention up to 60 on service recommendations. He argued that the changes would preserve trained expertise, improve professionalism and support the Government’s 2030 defence modernization agenda, noting women’s contributions in conflict, disaster response, professional fields and sports. He also supported extending the State of Emergency for a further month following the cyclone, citing the need to maintain essential services, manage displaced persons in safe centres, and expedite reconstruction and foreign assistance deployment. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Two amendment Bills were presented: the Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Bill and the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill. Both were scheduled for Second Reading on 5 May 2026, ordered to be printed, and referred to the Committee on Public Finance. Presentation of Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Iran-Israel-USA conflict had disrupted global fuel logistics and raised insurance and shipping costs, affecting Sri Lanka’s crude and refined fuel supplies. He stated that the Government had prioritised uninterrupted supply over price, using the QR and odd-even systems to curb hoarding and reduce queues, with consumption returning close to normal levels. He reported current stocks and scheduled cargo arrivals, saying diesel, petrol, kerosene, Jet A-1 and industrial fuel supplies had been secured through early June, with further tenders pending. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized the Government’s handling of rising fuel, electricity and living costs ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, arguing that warnings and relief proposals earlier made by Hon. Sajith Premadasa were dismissed but later adopted. He questioned the fulfilment of compensation and housing promises to victims of Cyclone “Ditva,” particularly estate workers still reportedly in temporary shelters, and called for land and housing solutions outside estates if necessary. He argued that new relief measures were insufficient because they mainly covered Aswesuma beneficiaries and excluded many working poor, public servants, businesses and private-sector workers. He also linked electricity tariff increases to alleged coal procurement losses cited in the Auditor General’s report, challenged reversals on rice imports and other pledges, and urged Government members to intervene to protect the public from further cost burdens. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani seconded the Adjournment Motion, arguing that the Government restored economic stability after taking office in 2024, citing a reduced deficit, higher current account surplus and increased revenue. She said the Government had responded to Cyclone “Ditva” and current global war-related energy pressures without passing the full burden to consumers, and outlined a Rs. 100 billion relief package covering electricity users, fisheries, fertilizer, tea smallholders and Aswesuma beneficiaries. She assured continued supplies of fuel, gas and essentials during the festive season and called for collective support to manage the global situation. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised a question of parliamentary privilege, stating that police correspondence and a Senior DIG report had confirmed an assassination plot against him by organised criminals, but that his police protection was later withdrawn. He tabled related documents and alleged the withdrawal occurred contrary to directions from the Speaker and Defence Minister, while noting pending Fundamental Rights and damages proceedings. He denied claims that he had organised a bus strike and requested an investigation, summoning of those responsible, and safeguards to prevent similar action affecting other Members. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled data on cybercrime complaints handled by the Computer Crimes Investigation Division since its establishment on 24 March 2021, stating that 12,993 complaints were reported island-wide up to 10 March 2026, including 62 from the Northern Province. He detailed the Northern Province distribution by police division, with most complaints from Vavuniya, and outlined measures including provincial investigation sub-units, awareness programmes, Tamil-language outreach, hotlines and online reporting channels, counselling referrals, and deployment of women police officers to expedite investigations. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 Mr. Speaker - The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne AI summary Parliament received presidential messages informing it of actions taken under the Public Security Ordinance following the post-disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The President notified that Part II of the Ordinance was brought into operation islandwide from 28 March 2026 to maintain public order and ensure continuity of essential supplies and services, and that members of the Armed Forces had been called out under Section 12 to maintain public order in specified areas. Opening: Speaker's Announcements - Message from the President and Constitution Petitions Read →
- 7 April 2026 Special Select Committee to conduct a full inquiry into the failure to be prepared to face the Cyclone Titli, and to report to Parliament with proposals and observations AI summary A Special Select Committee was appointed to conduct a full inquiry into Sri Lanka’s lack of preparedness for Cyclone Titli and to report to Parliament with findings, proposals, and observations. The committee is chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa and includes the listed Members of Parliament as its members. Opening: Parliament Session - Administrative Announcements and Personnel Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera said the Middle East conflict and disruption to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz posed serious risks to Sri Lanka’s economy, energy security and essential services. He defended the Government’s neutral foreign policy and its handling of the Iranian naval vessel incidents, including rescue and repatriation efforts and the refusal of entry to a second vessel on security advice. He also outlined measures for the tourism sector, including special fuel QR arrangements, increased quotas, generator fuel and priority fuel access for tourists, and said an Economic Surveillance Committee was meeting regularly to monitor impacts on vulnerable groups and maintain post-2025 economic stabilization. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake called for bipartisan action on energy security, arguing that fuel supply liberalization and competition among suppliers would reduce burdens on the State, prevent black markets and improve pricing, while urging expanded private power generation, renewables with battery storage, and an end to solar curtailment. He proposed opening bunkering to more suppliers, noting high margins, and said remaining CPC-related energy issues should be addressed through unity. He also urged rapid development of dry ports using existing railway and state lands to ease Colombo Port congestion, and proposed converting Mattala Airport into a Middle East diversion and operations hub by attracting Gulf carriers with incentives. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy said the Israel-US strikes on Iran had created a global energy crisis affecting Sri Lanka while it was still recovering from economic bankruptcy and the “Dithwa” cyclone. He outlined government measures to manage fuel and LPG supplies, including public stock assurances, reintroduction of QR-based controls, increased fuel releases above normal consumption, changes to LPG procurement, and covering private supply shortfalls through the State. He said storage and berthing constraints limited stockpiling but that supplies were being maximized, with arrangements for industry, tourism and agriculture, and assured uninterrupted fuel and power through the festive season while calling for Opposition cooperation. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan condemned the US-Israeli war against Iran and its impact on civilians, global energy security, and Sri Lankan livelihoods, including fuel shortages and risks to Sri Lankans working in the Middle East. He urged Iran not to retaliate against neighbouring Middle Eastern countries or oil facilities, called for diplomacy and UN General Assembly intervention to end the conflict, and said Sri Lanka should condemn both US-Israeli aggression and any Iranian attacks on regional states. He also requested the Government to appoint an independent commission to investigate the reported sinking of the Iranian ship “IRIS Dena” near Sri Lanka’s maritime zone, for which he said the US had claimed responsibility. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka’s foreign policy should prioritize strategic neutrality, sovereignty, and protection of citizens amid global uncertainty, particularly the Middle East conflict’s effects on energy, shipping, tourism, aviation, and overseas workers. He stated that the Government had restored stability after bankruptcy by improving public finances, reserves, inflation, essential supplies, and services, while also managing Cyclone “Ditwah” relief. He said Sri Lankan missions were assisting nationals abroad and called for restraint, respect for international law, freedom of navigation, maritime security, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. He urged political actors to act responsibly and said Sri Lanka should use its ports, airports, maritime position, and national assets to strengthen tourism, logistics, aviation, shipping, and energy security. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih argued that Sri Lanka should maintain principled non-alignment and uphold the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace amid growing global uncertainty. Referring to the rescue and repatriation of Iranian naval cadets after an attack on an unarmed vessel within Sri Lanka’s EEZ, he said humanitarian obligations at sea must prevail over political pressure. He also called on parliaments worldwide to establish stronger safeguards over leaders’ authority to command armed forces or catastrophic weapons, including regular independent assessments of mental and emotional fitness. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →