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. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question by Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam regarding a 2014 incident in the Padaviya Police Division, stating that three persons died after soldiers returned fire during a search operation in Kambili Wewa. He outlined the police complaint, court case, forensic investigations, productions recovered, and the Magistrate’s Court conclusion that the deaths resulted from return fire in self-defence, after which the case file was closed. He added that the second part of the question falls under the Ministry of Defence and said further details would be submitted to Parliament once received, noting that related inquiries are ongoing. Ministry Statements Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The answer tabled provided overtime provision, expenditure and balances for the prison system from 2020 to 2025, showing expenditure rising from Rs. 785.1 million in 2020 to Rs. 1.91 billion in 2025. It attributed the increase to 24-hour operations across a nationwide prison network, severe overcrowding of about 40,000 inmates against capacity of about 11,000, staff shortages against the approved cadre, increased court-related duties, and higher overtime rates following salary increases. It stated that overtime should be properly managed and outlined measures including recruitment, virtual court appearances, expanded rehabilitation, expedited forensic reports, and greater use of community corrections to reduce congestion. Oral Questions: Various Tabled Answers (Health, Justice, Education) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question regarding Japanese and IOM assistance to the Sri Lanka Police, stating that no monetary grant was received but IOM supervised and implemented support activities under Japan’s “UPLIFT” project. He said equipment and refurbishment support were provided to the Children and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigations Division, including the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, NCMEC, the 109 complaint desk, a temporary shelter for women, child-friendly waiting facilities, and training for 109 call centre officers. He also stated that ministry approval was obtained for accepting donated equipment and listed the senior officers responsible during the relevant period. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe called for legal and policy measures to increase women’s labour force participation, noting that women comprise 52% of the population but only about 30% of the workforce, and referenced Islamic teachings on women’s dignity and motherhood. He condemned reported US and Israeli attacks on Iran, urged the Sri Lankan Government to issue condolences and a clear condemnation, and warned of possible economic effects on Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. He also requested a full report to Parliament on an Iranian naval vessel reportedly struck near Sri Lankan waters and asked the Defence Minister to clarify whether Sri Lankan waters are being drawn into the conflict. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister warned fishers against crossing into other maritime zones amid heightened Indian Ocean security tensions, noting that two Kankesanthurai fishers reported missing had been arrested by Indian coastal security and that the Government would seek clarity and pursue diplomatic action for their release. He then supported the Adjournment Motion linked to International Women’s Day, emphasizing the need to recognize women’s economic contribution and unpaid care work through a National Care Policy. He highlighted the impact of war, microfinance debt, fisheries work, and poverty on women in the North, East, and plantation communities, while citing increased women’s representation in Parliament and local authorities. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Government stated that the President, Security Council, and relevant authorities are fully briefed on the ship-related issue near Sri Lanka’s EEZ and are taking steps to resolve it while minimizing loss of life and protecting regional peace. It clarified that the vessel is not within Sri Lankan territorial waters and said humanitarian interventions are being maximized, with a detailed report to be presented to Parliament after the process is completed. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government about a policy matter involving a second vessel near the Colombo Port, asking whether authorities were aware of it and what action would be taken. He requested that information be presented to Parliament, stating that the issue related to national security and sovereignty rather than domestic political controversy. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns that allowing military activity in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone would undermine national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He argued that under the principles of due regard and peaceful purposes, the EEZ should be used for economic activities and not for military action. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that an incident 19 nautical miles offshore occurred within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone and invoked UNCLOS Articles 56, 58 and 88 to state that activities there must be peaceful and conducted with due regard. He said the resulting environmental harm, damage to marine resources and loss of life were contrary to international law. He also pressed the Government to answer his earlier question about a second vessel reportedly near the Port of Colombo. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa urged MPs and political leaders to make responsible statements amid escalating conflict in the Middle East and avoid speculation or inflammatory remarks about maritime incidents. He explained Sri Lanka’s jurisdiction within territorial waters and the EEZ, stating that the incident 19 nautical miles off Galle was handled first as a humanitarian search-and-rescue operation, with 32 injured brought ashore and 87 bodies recovered. He said the Government was obtaining freezer containers due to limited hospital capacity and would continue acting under international law to save lives, support regional peace in the Indian Ocean, and update Parliament as more information becomes available. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s handling of the Sri Lankan ship “Nandimithra” after it returned from a multinational naval exercise in India and was reportedly unable to proceed to Iran, leaving it drifting about 40 nautical miles off Galle for around 11 hours. He asked why permission to enter Galle Port was not granted despite the ship’s request and referred to Sri Lanka’s commitments under international law and agreements recognizing the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the handling of a ship carrying a dhal consignment intended for Sri Lanka after it had participated in a naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, India. He argued that the invited personnel were effectively forced out after the exercise, causing the vessel to head toward Sri Lankan waters, and described the incident as unfair and disrespectful to Sri Lanka. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that he was raising the matter because it had become a subject of national concern, not for political purposes. He referred to reports that, following certain exercises with India, more than two vessels had arrived, and indicated his intention to seek clarification or place concerns on record regarding the matter. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the matter concerns national security under the Constitution. He indicated that the issue should be considered within the constitutional framework governing security responsibilities. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over reports that the Iranian naval vessel “IRIS Dena” was attacked and sank near Galle, asking the Government to confirm the exact location, whether it occurred within Sri Lanka’s maritime zones, and what security measures have been taken. Citing UNCLOS, the UN Charter, the San Remo Manual and international humanitarian law, he argued that Parliament must be officially informed of any international armed incident near Sri Lankan waters. He requested clarification from the Defence Ministry amid conflicting reports about a submarine strike, asked about reports of another Iranian vessel near Colombo, and urged provision of refrigerated containers for bodies reportedly brought to Galle. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Defence, the Deputy Minister responded to an eight-part question on Sri Lanka’s role in the Colombo Security Conclave, outlining its evolution from a 2011 trilateral maritime mechanism into a regional forum covering maritime security, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, cyber security and disaster relief. He stated that the CSC is a non-military, consensus-based arrangement, with Sri Lanka participating through action plans, meetings, training and intelligence sharing, including a 2024 drug-trafficking interception case. He said the Secretariat is to be located in Colombo, but the Government has not endorsed the previously identified BMICH site due to cost and will seek a Government-owned or more cost-effective location, while the Headquarters Agreement remains under review. He added that Sri Lanka has proposed a permanent Sri Lankan Deputy Secretary-General post because the Secretariat will be based in Colombo, and that future CSC meetings are scheduled for 2026. Ministry Statement: Reply to Question on Proactive Utilization (Standing Order 27(2), 18.11.2025) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam sought information on investigations into alleged wartime and post-war abuses, including matters raised in Channel 4 broadcasts and the 2014 Nedunkerni killings of Selvanayagam Kajeeban, Sundaralingam Kajeeban and Navaratnam Navaneethan. He asked which authorities are investigating those deaths, what findings have been made, and whether alleged State-linked groups such as the “Islamic Centre” and “Tripoli Platoon” were supplied with arms by the Government. He further requested that official records on weapons issued, recovered or returned be tabled, linking the questions to the detention of Suresh Sallay and to recent weapons recoveries in Batticaloa District. Oral Question (Standing Order 27(2)): Justice and Accountability for State-Connected Violations - Deferred Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence acknowledged procedural delays within the Ministry and stated that public days, particularly those chaired by the Defence Secretary, are used to summon applicants and resolve issues through a formal programme. He said measures have been organized to reduce delays and expedite payments. Oral Question: Widows' and Orphans' Pensions (Q.6) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera explained that delays in processing pension-related applications for dependents of armed forces members arise from incomplete documents, verification issues in cases of multiple marriages, delayed death certificates after court inquests, and processing at the Department of Pensions. He stated that the Defence Ministry coordinates with relevant ministries, the Department of Pensions and the Attorney General’s Department, while the tri-forces assist families in resolving legal and procedural issues. He also said a joint Cabinet Memorandum has been prepared to amend regulations under the Widows’ and Orphans’ (Armed Forces) Pension Scheme Act, No. 18 of 1970, to enable pensions for dependents of personnel who married after discharge due to disability from terrorist activities. Oral Question: Widows' and Orphans' Pensions (Q.6) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga asked the Minister of Defence to explain delays in paying Widows’ and Orphans’ Pensions or allowances to dependents of armed forces personnel who died in service, and to state what measures will prevent such delays. She also sought clarification on benefits for dependents of disabled ex-service members who married after leaving service, and on whether military personnel recruited before 19 May 2009 but currently ineligible for the 85 per cent pension entitlement will be granted that benefit. Oral Question: Widows' and Orphans' Pensions (Q.6) Read →