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- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the President’s response to the wartime situation, arguing that neutrality should not prevent Sri Lanka from condemning alleged violations of international law and the UN Charter. He questioned whether maritime domain awareness agreements with the United States had been breached in relation to reported military activity near Sri Lankan waters, and disputed the President’s interpretation of rights in the Exclusive Economic Zone under UNCLOS and related law. He also accused the Government of failing to use a temporary sanctions pause to pursue Russian oil purchases, warned of energy security risks from under-generation at the Lakvijaya coal plant, and proposed measures including a tourism support programme, steps to stem professional emigration through tax and salary reforms, and renegotiation with the IMF. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government had taken measures to protect energy security and manage possible external shocks, including supply-chain disruptions, through operational committees overseeing essential goods, festive-season stocks, distribution, agriculture, fisheries, tea transport, and apparel-sector impacts. He highlighted 2025 as a key economic year, citing a projected budget deficit of 2.4 percent, a current account surplus of USD 1.8 billion, higher revenue collection, low inflation, and single-digit interest rates as evidence of stabilisation after earlier policy failures. He also stated that Cabinet had approved the restructuring of USD 175 million in SriLankan Airlines bonds, with signing expected that day, and argued that maintaining these trends for several years would strengthen economic resilience. Adjournment Debate: Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s position of neutrality regarding the Middle East conflict, stating that the Government refused both Iran’s request for naval goodwill visits and the United States’ request to land military aircraft at Mattala to avoid involvement in the war. He said humanitarian assistance was provided to Iranian personnel following attacks and distress situations, including medical evacuation, rescue operations, recovery of bodies, custody of naval personnel, and welfare support, in line with international obligations. He rejected claims of delay or partiality, explained that existing security understandings with the United States do not require Sri Lanka to take sides in a conflict, and said Sri Lanka also withheld support for a UN Security Council draft resolution because it was incomplete. Adjournment Debate: Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed the economic and security implications for Sri Lanka of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, particularly for Sri Lankans working in the Middle East, and urged national unity in responding to the crisis. He condemned the attacks on Iran, praised the President and Navy for assisting injured and deceased Iranian naval personnel near Sri Lankan waters, and criticized a neutral stance based on economic considerations. He called on the Government to issue clear diplomatic communications, urge world leaders to secure a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East, and identify those responsible for alleged war crimes. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath rejected claims that an attack was linked to Sri Lanka denying permission for a visit, stating the timelines did not support that allegation and that Sri Lanka had complied with international maritime law. He said the Government was maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy, engaging Middle Eastern countries and others diplomatically, and had opposed what it viewed as an unbalanced UN Security Council resolution while calling for all sides to halt the war. He added that rescued Iranian sailors would be cared for and repatriated under international law, and that Sri Lanka was pursuing balanced relations, including with the U.S., China, Russia and India, to secure assistance on fuel and other needs. He acknowledged impacts on tourism, remittances, outbound workers, hotels and exporters, and said the Government was preparing relief measures in response to the oil and war-related crisis. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the resolution to strengthen the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, arguing that corruption and fraud were central causes of Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy and that the Commission needs adequate staffing and facilities, including 971 officers and salary provisions. He said the NPP Government is fulfilling its pledges, including the eradication of corruption, while managing economic recovery, natural disasters, refugee-related issues, and international humanitarian obligations. He also criticized the Opposition for alleged inconsistencies on issues such as the rescue of Iranian sailors and for lacking credibility on anti-corruption matters. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said CIABOC had strengthened Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption standing and that the proposed remuneration and service-condition measures would give it greater recruitment capacity and operational independence, including plans for district-level offices. He defended the Government’s QR fuel measures as a response to war-related global disruption rather than bankruptcy, contrasting it with the previous crisis and stating that fuel supply, harvesting activities, and electricity generation were being managed without a need for power cuts. He also referred to the Government’s handling of an incident involving Iranian vessels, saying Sri Lanka acted in line with international law and humanitarian obligations while avoiding alignment with parties to the conflict. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported determining proper remuneration and service conditions for CIABOC officers, arguing that independence, resources, and effective implementation of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2023 are essential to combat corruption and rebuild public trust. He cited Sri Lanka’s improved Transparency International ranking, past losses such as the 2020 sugar scam, and proposed reforms including a beneficial ownership register, digitized public services, and whistleblower protections. He also addressed fuel supply concerns, attributing current constraints to Middle East conflict rather than domestic shortages, and said the Government would maintain supplies for essential sectors while discouraging hoarding and misinformation. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka called for CIABOC to be strengthened while remaining independent and non-partisan, alleging lack of progress on complaints relating to container, coal, rice, onion and salt frauds and urging priority attention to a complaint against the Speaker. He questioned the handling of a fertilizer-related Fundamental Rights case involving the Minister of Power and Energy, suggesting procedural irregularities. He also warned of an impending fuel supply risk, arguing that the Government had failed to assess the impact of Middle East crude supply disruptions and had not secured sufficient April diesel and petrol cargoes, with diesel availability further strained by power generation needs. He demanded transparent and timely fuel procurement and equal, prompt investigations into major corruption complaints. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of Opposition AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s preparedness for disruptions to fuel, gas and other key imports due to the Middle East conflict and possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Referring to the 2022 fuel crisis and its impact on electricity, transport, health and industry, he asked whether the Government has conducted or will present to Parliament a risk assessment covering crude oil, refined fuel, LNG, LPG, fertilizers, industrial materials and food shipments. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna raised concerns about the placement of Civil Defence Department personnel recently attached to the Police Department and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, including 5,000 assigned to address the human-elephant conflict. He said complaints had been received from lower-ranking officers about irregular and inhumane placements, and asked whether the Ministry would ensure proper placements or establish a procedure to regulate them. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, responding on behalf of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, provided data on six Civil Defence Force headquarters in the Anuradhapura District, including officer and troop strength totaling 7,895 officers and 6,444 troops. He listed current duties ranging from security, administrative and police station work to archaeological site protection, education support, wildlife duties, construction, and revenue-generating projects, with detailed deployments provided in annexes. He confirmed that the Civil Defence Department operates farms and enterprises, naming several crop and non-agricultural projects, and referred to annexed details on land extents, manpower, income, expenditure, harvests and sales for 2024 and 2025. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs for detailed information on Civil Defence Force headquarters in Anuradhapura District, including their number, staffing, current duties, and personnel allocated to each duty. He also requested details on any farms or enterprises maintained by those headquarters, including their names, land extent and locations, staffing, and income and expenditure for 2024 and 2025, or reasons if the information cannot be provided. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the time-bound extension of the state of emergency, stating it was needed for Ditwah cyclone-related essential services and preparedness amid global security uncertainties affecting Sri Lanka’s maritime and humanitarian responsibilities. He argued that incidents such as the IRIS vessel off Galle required legal readiness for search-and-rescue, investigation and medical response while maintaining a neutral humanitarian position. He rejected Opposition allegations of misuse of emergency powers and misinformation, saying no substantiated instance of abuse had been presented and that the relevant emergency regulations had already been gazetted. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar supported the extension of emergency regulations, arguing that they were introduced in response to the “Ditwah” cyclone and later needed amid regional tensions caused by conflict in the Middle East, while stating that emergency laws and the PTA should ultimately be reformed or repealed. He contrasted the current Government’s use of emergency powers with past administrations, claiming no innocent civilians had been targeted under them during the present administration, and criticized Opposition and Tamil parties for politicizing the issue. He also reported a fatal boat accident near Paalai Theevu, expressed condolences, and said the Navy and fisheries officials had responded to assist victims. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda questioned the rationale for extending emergency regulations, arguing that the Government had not demonstrated that it could deliver justice or relief more effectively under emergency powers, including for those displaced by Cyclone “Ditwah.” He raised concerns about the Middle East crisis affecting tea exports, apparel, fuel, gas, tourism and the wider economy, and asked the Government to state its contingency plans and clarify the terms of a defence pact signed with the United States. He also criticized the arrest of former intelligence chief Mr. Salley while questioning the handling of Easter attacks investigations, and urged justice for the victims. He requested attention to the transfer of a female Ceylon Petroleum Corporation security officer with an autistic child and to postings of women police officers over 50 to distant districts. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam stated that his party would call for a Division and vote against extending the emergency regulations, arguing that the cyclone no longer justified emergency powers and that the extension was being used to restrict democratic activity. He said emergency rule had historically enabled abuses against Tamils, with continued militarization and lack of accountability in the North and East, citing the Allaipiddy killing as evidence of ongoing impunity. He also requested the Fisheries Minister to intervene with Indian authorities to secure the repatriation of two Jaffna fishermen rescued near Kachchativu and the return of their boat and property without legal action. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra argued that while Sri Lanka supports the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, it lacks the capacity to police the entire ocean and can only secure its territorial waters and EEZ. She said the Government and Navy acted on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with international law, rejecting Opposition claims that Sri Lanka had taken part in any military action such as assisting the United States against an Iranian ship. She maintained that Sri Lanka’s response enhanced its international reputation and urged rejection of what she described as Opposition distortions. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra said Sri Lanka’s actions regarding Iranian vessels were governed by its non-aligned foreign policy, neutrality, and obligations under international law. She argued that Sri Lanka could not admit vessels of a party to a conflict for war purposes, but was legally and humanely obliged to rescue mariners in distress after a reported attack outside Sri Lankan waters. She stated that the Navy rescued 32 persons from IRIS Dena and 208 from IRIS Bushehr, took the vessel into custody at Trincomalee, and acted to protect lives while maintaining neutrality. She criticised Opposition claims about delays and casualties, saying they misrepresented the legal basis and humanitarian nature of the Government’s response. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the extension of emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that they are necessary for national security, public order, essential services, and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. He defended the Government’s non-aligned foreign policy amid tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, condemned attacks on Iran, and thanked the President for humanitarian assistance to Iranian seafarers. He also said Muslims were now able to observe Ramadan peacefully under the current Government and accused the Opposition of politicizing international and communal issues for electoral gain. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →