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- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister rejected Opposition claims that the extension of emergency regulations was intended to suppress trade union action, stating that issues involving Grama Niladharis and Disaster Management officials had been addressed through dialogue. He defended the Government’s handling of the “IRIS DANA” incident, arguing that Sri Lanka was legally obliged under UNCLOS, the SAR Convention and the Geneva Conventions to assist persons in distress at sea. He also said Sri Lanka would maintain a non-aligned position, act humanely in line with international law, and manage possible economic and security consequences of the regional conflict. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera responded to remarks made in his absence, clarifying that his earlier reference was to naval cadets on a ship near Sri Lanka and that the number was later identified as 208 rather than about 300. He said his position was that they should be brought to port and assisted on humanitarian grounds, irrespective of nationality, and thanked the President for ultimately taking that action. He criticized opposing calls not to admit them as inhumane. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary During the debate on extending the emergency, Darmapriya Wijesinghe rejected Opposition criticisms regarding the Easter investigations, the handling of the US–Israel–Iran conflict, and procedures connected to emergency regulations. He said the Government follows a non-aligned foreign policy, will independently provide humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean region where necessary, and applies international legal processes to requests by foreign vessels or parties seeking entry. He also challenged claims that emergency regulations should have been tabled at the time of approval and argued that the Government is acting to safeguard national and public security. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe defended the state of emergency as a necessary framework for disaster response following Cyclone Ditwah, arguing that it is being used to coordinate institutions, resettle displaced people, and provide infrastructure rather than suppress dissent. He cited figures from Kegalle District, stating that 3,756 people require resettlement by 31 December 2026, and referred to ongoing work to address both current cyclone-affected families and unresolved displacement from the 2016 Aranayake landslide. He contrasted this with past uses of emergency powers, including during 1971, 1983, 2000-2009 and 2022, and said no recent protests had been repressed under the current emergency. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman challenged Government criticism of the Yahapalana administration over the Easter attacks, noting that key investigators now relied on by the Government had been appointed during that period. He questioned why the Government delayed action for six days after Iranian vessels sought permission to enter Sri Lankan waters, arguing that earlier naval intervention could have saved lives, while acknowledging the President’s later decision to rescue those aboard. He also called for an inquiry into whether the Navy Commander had invited the Iranian ships and criticised the Government’s claim of neutrality, citing reported condemnation of Iranian attacks and silence on civilian deaths and the assassination of a state leader. Rahuman argued that the JVP-led Government had departed from its previous anti-imperialist positions and urged it to take principled stands on international injustices without implying military alignment. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the extension of the state of emergency while highlighting the Government’s handling of recent maritime incidents near Sri Lanka, including the rescue of 32 crew members and assistance to Iranian nationals. He argued that the President, Navy, Air Force, Government and public acted humanely, neutrally and in accordance with international conventions during a wider Middle East conflict. He criticized Opposition members for allegedly spreading unverified claims about vessels and submarines, stating that such matters must be managed responsibly under international law to protect Sri Lanka’s people and international standing. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned whether two American surveillance aircraft had been operating along or over Sri Lanka since March 2, and linked this to concerns about the implementation of agreements such as ACSA and SOFA. He said President Anura Dissanayake had previously pledged to cancel such agreements, and asked what steps the Government was now taking in relation to them. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the need to extend the Emergency, arguing that existing Gazettes and circulars had already established mechanisms for post-“Ditwah” relief and asking whether they would be invalid without the extension. He alleged that the Government was using Emergency powers to conceal incompetence and corruption, including issues related to coal procurement and operational failures at Norochcholai. He also called for the Chair of the Public Enterprises Committee to resign pending a proper investigation into the coal deals, and demanded that the Government explain the legal necessity for any further Emergency regulations. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne opposed extending the Emergency, arguing that while it was justified during Cyclone “Ditwah,” the Government had not shown a current necessity and could use existing presidential powers for short-term fuel or gas supply concerns. He said the Emergency should be used to deliver practical relief rather than control the public, citing unresolved transport disruptions, delayed railway repairs, inadequate bus services, pending damage assessments, limited compensation, and lack of resettlement land in affected areas including Gampola, Mawatugama, Ududumbara, Gangoda, Doluwa and Rajathalawa. He requested clear timelines from the Government on rail restoration, compensation, assessments, shelter and land allocation, while urging preparation for possible fuel risks linked to the Iran situation through proper procedures. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra supported the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to extend the Emergency, arguing that it provides a framework for preparedness, coordination, public order, essential services and stability rather than restricting democratic freedoms. He linked the need for vigilance to escalating Middle East tensions affecting Indian Ocean trade routes, energy supplies, shipping costs and supply chains, and called for de-escalation, respect for international law, UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and safe sea lanes. He also cited the response to Cyclone “Ditwah” as an example of the need for coordinated civil, security and international assistance during crises. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported the time-bound extension of Emergency Regulations, arguing that they are necessary under the Public Security Ordinance to maintain essential services and manage recovery after the recent natural disaster. She said the powers are being used for disaster management, rebuilding, procurement, land acquisition where needed, and uninterrupted service delivery, not to suppress expression, media freedom, assembly or protests. She rejected the Opposition’s claim that the Disaster Management Act is sufficient, citing limited meetings of its National Council since 2005 as evidence of practical shortcomings. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj supported the extension of the Emergency, arguing that it is needed to respond to the aftermath of Cyclone “Ditwah”, floods, and wider global pressures including the Middle East conflict affecting Sri Lankan workers abroad. He distinguished the measure under the Public Security Ordinance from the PTA and said it was being used for relief, rehabilitation, and stability rather than repression. He also highlighted the role of public officers in disaster response, proposed enhanced allowances for their additional work, and cited government assistance to plantation workers and housing for landslide-affected families in Poonagala as examples of support to vulnerable communities. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported continued investigations to bring those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks to justice, while distinguishing that from broader use of emergency and anti-terrorism powers. He condemned war in general, referred to the Gulf conflict and Sri Lanka’s own history of oppression and conflict, and rejected attempts to blame India over the reported sinking of an Iranian warship, noting India’s role as a first responder in crises. He argued that the Prevention of Terrorism Act had been misused against communities and political movements, warned against using it to suppress public protests, and demanded its repeal while accepting its use only against those genuinely connected to the Easter attacks. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the Emergency Regulations, arguing that they are needed to manage risks to energy supplies, tourism, exports, transport services, and Sri Lankan migrant workers arising from the Middle East conflict and wider geopolitical instability. He said the Government had entered 2026 after strong economic performance in 2025, but now faced external shocks requiring coordinated policy responses. He criticized Opposition statements as creating public anxiety and urged Parliament to act responsibly, citing IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s remarks on Sri Lanka’s economic path and the need to focus on domestic policy measures. He emphasized protection mechanisms for overseas Sri Lankans and other affected sectors, and endorsed the President’s position of neutrality, humaneness, and commitment to peace. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is monitoring the evolving global situation under the President’s direction, including its economic, energy, and communications dimensions. He stated that appropriate action would be taken when necessary, in response to remarks by the Leader of the Opposition. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa challenged the Government’s justification for the state of emergency, citing an alleged torpedo attack within Sri Lanka’s EEZ and questioning surveillance capability, maritime security readiness, and diplomatic action. He warned that closure of the Strait of Hormuz and war-risk surcharges could raise fuel, food, medicine, LNG/LPG, tourism, tea export, and remittance-related pressures, and called for immediate engagement with India and Russia to secure fuel supplies. He also demanded plans to address possible marine environmental damage, protect Sri Lankan migrant workers in the Middle East, and clarify the type of submarine involved, while alleging that low-grade coal procurement and electricity tariff increases were undermining energy security under emergency cover. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran acknowledged the potential impact of Middle East instability on Sri Lanka’s fuel, foreign exchange, employment, tourism and maritime sectors, and said MPs from the North and East would support measures to protect the country from global economic shocks. However, he opposed extending emergency regulations under Gazette 2477/46, warning that extraordinary powers must not be used to restrict peaceful protests, Tamil political expression, land rights campaigns or demands relating to the disappeared, political prisoners and wartime accountability. He highlighted the families of the forcibly disappeared in Mullaitivu entering their tenth year of protest, and urged that any use of emergency powers align national security with citizens’ rights and equal protection. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister defended the extension of emergency regulations, arguing that over the previous three months they had not been used to repress protests, media criticism, or social media activity, and asked the Opposition to provide specific evidence if alleging misuse. She said the extension was needed to maintain essential services after a major disaster, support ongoing needs assessments, and coordinate medium- and long-term recovery through international-standard post-disaster planning. She outlined rebuilding priorities including resilient transport and school infrastructure, a Presidential Task Force with subcommittees, urgent attention to people still in camps, and coordination among road authorities and the tri-forces where necessary. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala opposed the motion to extend the emergency, arguing that the Government had not presented concrete reasons and that normal laws and administrative mechanisms were sufficient for public security, disaster relief, and service delivery. He alleged that the extension was intended to suppress public demands, trade union action, and democratic dissent, including concerns raised by village-level officials following the “Dittu” cyclone, and tabled a related letter. He also urged the Government to address substantive issues such as alleged substandard coal imports affecting the Norochcholai power plant and the risk of a wider power crisis. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence supported extending the state of emergency and continuing essential public services, citing ongoing recovery needs after the November “Dittu” cyclone and potential disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East, including pressures on fuel supply, maritime operations, and air operations. He said emergency powers and the Commissioner-General of Essential Services were being used to coordinate relief, maintain essential goods and services, and support displaced persons, with officials, the tri-forces, and police working across districts. He rejected Opposition claims of misuse of emergency powers, stating they were being applied for public welfare, security, livelihood restoration, and continuity of services while upholding the rule of law. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →