Hon. Arun Hemachandra, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Trincomalee

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

Profession: ---

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Speeches 75 #66 of 225·#29 in party

Attendance 4/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

75 speeches

11 November 2025 AI summary Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra stated that he wished to clarify matters relating to the Qur’an translation issue. He referred to a recent interview in which the Secretary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama had explained the matter. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Religion & CultureForeign Affairs Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said a longstanding land issue in the Trincomalee Town and Gravets DS Division, dating from the 1980s, is now being addressed through coordination with the Divisional Secretary and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. He stated that lands in 11 GN divisions have been identified, with permits being prepared for about 4,500 to 5,000 families and around 800 hectares to be released. He added that in Muththunagar, permits for homestead lands for about 186 families are being arranged, while agricultural land matters will be handled separately, and said other Trincomalee land issues will be addressed through a structured process. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionLand & Housing Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka with global anti-doping standards by moving away from criminal punishment toward a dedicated regulatory mechanism with institutional coordination. He said the amendment would help regulate supplements and banned substances, protect athletes domestically and abroad, and enable joint action with agencies such as the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority. He raised concerns about the misuse of cannabis-related products such as Madana Modaka among schoolchildren, including online sales and gaps under the Ayurveda Act, and called for stronger controls through this or related legislation. He cited international anti-doping cases involving Maria Sharapova and Lance Armstrong to illustrate proportional treatment based on intent and facts. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Security & DefenceHealthcareLaw & Order Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism requested two weeks’ time to answer the question. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Answers to Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 September 2025 AI summary Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the amendment as a necessary reform to protect children from physical and psychological violence, particularly in schools and early childhood settings. He rejected concerns that teachers and parents could be unfairly victimized, stating that prosecutions would still require evidence and be guided by existing law and precedent, including Sri Lankan and international case law on corporal punishment. He cited research on the harms of corporal punishment and humiliation, and linked the reform to wider efforts to create a safer environment for children, including action against drug abuse and related criminal activity. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Justice & Human RightsLaw & OrderWomen & Children Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary A petition from Mrs. Jananadini Pradeesh of Palaiuttu, Trincomalee, was presented to Parliament by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment. Petitions: Various Citizens' Petitions (Multiple Ministers) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that the earlier recruitment process for jobs in Israel showed alleged irregularities, including involvement by some individuals such as a former Minister, and that the Bribery Commission’s investigation is nearing completion with legal action to be reported to the House. He said current recruitment is conducted government-to-government, but reports of money collection and third-party interference have prompted a joint operation with the CID and Israel’s PIBA to act against illegal, unethical, and corrupt intermediaries. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) EmploymentCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary Over 400 complaints have been received against the agency, with investigations by the SLBFE and referrals to the Police and CID. Eleven warrants have been issued against the agency’s proprietor/licensee, and another warrant against the spouse linked to a separately registered “Rainbow” agency. Approximately Rs. 460 million in alleged fraud has been identified, and while some relief has been obtained for complainants, legal action by the SLBFE, Police, and relevant authorities is continuing. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that as of 26 August 2025 there were 981 licensed foreign employment agencies registered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, with 48 agencies in the process of renewing licences, and tabled the relevant lists. He said only licensed agencies, Government-to-Government schemes, or self-secured employment are lawful under the SLBFE Act, and that legal action is taken against unauthorized recruiters. He further reported that from 1 January to 31 July 2025 the SLBFE received 662 complaints about fraudulent foreign employment recruitment, involving an alleged Rs. 488.32 million, and that such cases are handled by the SLBFE Special Investigation Unit under the Act. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) EmploymentForeign Affairs Read →
22 August 2025 AI summary Arun Hemachandra welcomed the Adjournment Motion as an opportunity for the Government to outline its approach to reconciliation, citing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report as evidence of international expectations for reforms on truth, justice, rule of law, and non-discrimination. He said the Government was moving to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, with a Bill expected by early September, while introducing modern laws to address crime without oppressive measures. He also highlighted land-related measures, including a decision in Trincomalee to release over 55 hectares previously demarcated for Forest Conservation but used by local farmers, and called for more Tamil-speaking Archaeology Department officers. He urged the Opposition to identify shortcomings and assist reforms rather than, in his view, attempt to destabilize the Government. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Land & HousingEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human Rights Read →
5 August 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the lawful removal of Deshbandu Tennakoon, arguing that serious allegations and court findings concerning torture, failures during the Galle Face attacks, the Weligama W15 Hotel incident, and arrests under “Operation Yukthiya” justified action within a democratic framework. He tabled statements from police officers alleging suppression of investigations, political interference, and pressure within the chain of command, particularly relating to the 2022 protest events. He said the Government was seeking to end political interference in law enforcement and hold senior officials accountable while maintaining support for the Police as an institution. Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra supported the Companies (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would strengthen transparency, curb shell companies, improve tender integrity, and align Sri Lanka with FATF requirements and the 2023 IMF programme. He linked the reforms to past procurement scandals, alleged misuse of charitable foundations and companies, and the need to empower institutions such as the Registrar of Companies, CIABOC and the FIU. Responding to the Opposition Leader, he also addressed land issues in Muththunagar, Trincomalee, saying the lands had been vested in the Port Authority in 1984 and that later actions during the yahapalana period should be examined. He further referenced the anniversary of the 1983 anti-Tamil violence, stressing the Government’s commitment to national harmony and preventing recurrence. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
22 July 2025 AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that the Government is working to strengthen welfare and protection for Sri Lankan migrant workers through coordination between foreign affairs, foreign employment, and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. He said committee reports are being examined and reforms will be introduced to better protect citizens employed overseas. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) EmploymentForeign Affairs Read →
22 July 2025 AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that earlier migrant worker insurance arrangements involved multiple insurers and commissions to the Bureau, but later selected entities handled the business without commissions accruing to the Bureau, leading to claim-related problems and alleged irregularities. He said funds that should have gone to the Bureau or Government were lost and that the responsible welfare institution had not acted adequately. He indicated that the Government is addressing these issues through its work plan and policy commitments to protect migrant workers. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Corruption & Governance ReformEmployment Read →
22 July 2025 AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that lengthy annexures had been tabled due to time constraints. He acknowledged past irregularities related to remittance channels and insurance, and said a committee comprising the Ministry’s foreign employment division and the SLBFE is reviewing welfare-related matters, including insurance terms and interest rate benefits, for appropriate decisions. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) EmploymentForeign Affairs Read →
22 July 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister provided data on foreign employment registrations, the estimated 1,345,801 Sri Lankans employed overseas as of 25 February 2025, and remittances from 2015 to May 2025 amounting to USD 67,147 million, or LKR 13,946 billion. He stated that detailed remittance breakdowns are held by the Central Bank, that repatriations following complaints over breached employment contracts were recorded but no deportations, and that migrant workers are charged only a registration fee while receiving free insurance cover. He further reported that the SLBFE received Rs. 296,292,806 in insurer commissions from 2015 to 2024, while Rs. 803,132,052 was paid as compensation or benefits under the insurance scheme. Oral Question: Migrant Workers - Remittances (Q.6/2024) Foreign AffairsEmployment Read →
11 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra presented a petition to Parliament from Mr. L. J. Baptist of Post Office Lane, Trincomalee. Presentation of Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra raised a point of order during a sports debate, objecting that another Member had referred to him and was speaking on matters outside the subject under discussion. He argued that the alleged irregularities being raised related to a period when that Member was aligned with Namal Rajapaksa’s “Nil Balakaya,” and urged the House to keep the debate to the relevant topic. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 June 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled the Government’s response on tourism targets, estimating 2025 arrivals at 3 million under an optimistic scenario and 2,676,596 under a conservative scenario, with key source markets led by India, Russia and the United Kingdom. The answer detailed SLTDA-registered accommodation capacity of 4,519 establishments with 55,455 rooms and outlined short-, medium- and long-term measures to revive and develop tourism, including regional promotion, sustainable product development, marine tourism mapping, the Pekoe Trail, themed clusters in the North and East, and tourism law enforcement arrangements. It also listed declared and proposed Tourism Development Areas under the relevant tourism legislation, including existing zones such as Mount Lavinia, Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Arugam Bay and Pasikuda, and areas under consideration such as Habarana, Jaffna, Mannar, Wilpattu and Hambantota. Oral Questions Second Round Q.875/2025 and Related Questions Foreign Affairs Read →
23 May 2025 AI summary Arun Hemachandra noted that two Bills were being debated and urged Members to keep the discussion focused and constructive. He called for support for the proposed progressive reform and for improving the quality of debate in the Chamber. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →