The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I am pleased to speak on the Votes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

¶ 02 At the outset, I wish to commend my colleague, Hon. M.S.M. Nazeer, who resigned to contest local elections. Within four months he was an active MP, raised constituency issues well, and supported party leadership initiatives. I wish him continued success and note the party’s willingness to facilitate his return to Parliament at an appropriate time. I urge others to emulate his dedication: organizers, former MPs, former chairmen who deliver victories at local level can then seek Parliamentary positions.

¶ 03 Hon. Minister, I first raise a specific matter you too have spoken about: preventing a massive online visa fraud. I first raised it in Parliament, then obtained a Supreme Court interim injunction that halted the online visa scam. Thereafter, the then Government made a statement and, to ease airport congestion, promptly approved visa‑free entry for 35 countries. However, a Middle Eastern Ambassador told me that although his country is listed, their nationals still must process visas or only get visas on arrival; visa‑free travel is not yet operational. Particularly, the Ambassador of the UAE brought this to my attention. Please rectify this urgently.

¶ 04 Another serious issue: diplomats of Iran, a country that supported us including on the Uma Oya Project, have been unable to open bank accounts or obtain credit cards here, despite the Vienna Convention enabling such facilities. Even after meeting the Finance Ministry Secretary, the problem persisted. This is a shame, given Iran’s consistent support, including at the UNHRC. Please fix this without delay.

¶ 05 On foreign affairs more broadly: we need a modern, balanced, proactive Foreign Policy. Today it lacks a clear, goal‑oriented approach; we still cling to labels like “strategic”, “neutral”, “non‑aligned” without substance, continuing outdated methods from previous administrations. What differentiates this Government’s Foreign Policy from its predecessors?

¶ 06 In the Indian Ocean region, is policy overly security‑focused, undermining peaceful, beneficial activities? Where is the balance between development and security? There is no clear plan for equitable exploration and exploitation of marine resources or identifying responsible partners. This imbalance may hurt our economic and sustainable development priorities.

¶ 07 On 25 February 2025, Hon. Vijitha Herath addressed the 58th UNHRC Session — the first high‑level statement by the new Government. The decision to engage constructively with the Council and OHCHR is positive; I congratulate you. Tone matters, but substance must change too. Collaboration, technical assistance, reconciliation initiatives (infrastructure, Tamil‑speaking police recruitment, Jaffna Library upgrades, “Sri Lanka Day”) are welcome, but remain symbolic without changing bureaucratic mindsets hostile to these concepts.

¶ 08 Clarify plans to strengthen domestic institutions like the Office on Missing Persons and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Delays in accountability led to the Sri Lanka Accountability Project (OSLap). The latest OHCHR Update (released last evening Sri Lanka time) details OSLap’s mandate, achievements, priorities to September 2025, support to proceedings in member states, victim support, future accountability strategies, and “How to support?” It encourages Government engagement, data‑sharing by member states, and civil society submissions via secure tools. Ensure intelligence services do not surveil CSOs assisting truth‑seeking. Muslims, Tamils and Sinhalese have all suffered; a credible truth mechanism is vital to meet UNHRC requirements.

¶ 09 Your UNHRC statement omitted key issues: the PTA, establishing a Public Prosecutor’s Office, implementing the 13th Amendment, and updates on Easter Sunday justice. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Al Jazeera interview was dismissive; despite some praise, it was uncomfortable to watch. Instead of progress in bringing masterminds to justice, Ministers have stoked a national frenzy about alleged religious extremism in the East.

¶ 10 I am glad the Minister in charge of law and order is here. For ten days, some print and digital media warmongers and anti‑Muslim social media inflamed panic over an alleged dangerous Muslim youth group in Kalmunai, labelling them fundamentalists, violent extremists, or potential terrorists. The people of Kalmunai are peace‑loving; after Easter 2019, locals provided information in Sainthamaruthu. If an individual’s convoluted religious practices pose a threat, take legal action discretely instead of publicly insulting an entire community and discouraging tourists. There is no evidence of violence thus far. Community leaders can engage him. Don’t create unnecessary bogeys or fear psychosis. Some Sinhala media carried stories verging on incitement. Prevent this.

¶ 11 Demonstrate law and order: apprehend masterminds of Easter attacks and other emblematic offenders. Is the East extremism narrative a diversion from failures on justice?

¶ 12 The Kalmunai community, despite outrage, remains calm and willing to fully cooperate with investigators, together with independent multi‑ethnic civil society and professional groups. The Government often speaks of people‑led transformation; do not simultaneously stigmatize a community. Lack of diversity and inclusion in State institutions and negative narratives undercut that concept. We need genuine action to rebuild trust domestically and internationally.

¶ 13 On fisheries: bottom trawling in the Palk Strait harms marine resources and Northern fisher livelihoods. Joint working groups and dialogues with Tamil Nadu have yielded limited results. Our laws prohibit illegal fishing and ban bottom trawling; we need India’s cooperation for enforcement. Empower the Northern Governor to engage Tamil Nadu authorities; convene the India–Sri Lanka Joint Commission with fisheries as a priority and escalate unresolved issues to higher political levels. This is a humanitarian challenge; explore innovative solutions like cooperative fishing or joint management mechanisms involving Sri Lanka, India and Tamil Nadu for sustainability and equitable sharing.

¶ 14 An Indian news report today on the Kachchativu St. Anthony’s Church festival notes excellent cooperation: large processions, cross‑carrying, Sri Lankan Navy and Indian Coast Guard jointly facilitating safe landings; around 3,000 people from India participated. If such coordination is possible for a festival, it is possible for fisheries too.

¶ 15 Tourism: I commend appointing Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Promotion Bureau — an experienced industry professional. Around 53,900 rooms are registered, but many operate informally. Bring them under registration for proper monitoring. Boutique hotels bring high‑value tourists; some charge over USD 1,000 per night — promote properly and ensure registration.

¶ 16 Request the UNWTO Annual Conference be held in Sri Lanka. Revive the international surfing competition in Arugam Bay; SriLankan Airlines once supported it and could assist again.

¶ 17 Develop domestic aviation: reconstruct the dismantled seaplane dock at Arugam Bay; Cinnamon Air is the only operator now. Docks at Arugam Bay and Pasikuda would attract more operators. Batticaloa District has the highest number of lagoons — ideal for seaplane landings. Ampara already has an airport; improve its runway for larger planes. Batticaloa was declared an international airport with much fanfare, but runway potholes prevent international operations.

¶ 18 India–Sri Lanka ferry: KKS Harbour lacks terminal facilities while the Indian end is adequate. Improve KKS terminals and also build a terminal for a proposed Mannar–India service. Colombo Port still lacks a proper cruise terminal; build one. Likewise, at the Ashraff Jetty in Trincomalee — one of the best natural harbours — develop a passenger terminal for cruise arrivals.

¶ 19 Train and certify informal‑sector tourist service providers — drivers, tuk‑tuk drivers, vendors, facilitators — and issue ID cards via the Tourism Development Authority; Tourist Police can assist identification until systems are in place.

¶ 20 On Israel’s cultural and military presence: the Prime Minister reportedly said no permission was or will be granted for Jewish religious centres. We have no issue with synagogues set up under the law; but if no permission was granted, how are STF personnel deployed to protect such centres? Clarify this.

¶ 21 Sri Lanka’s defence ties with Israel date to the post‑conflict period, including arms support — that’s fine. In 2009, a labour migration scheme enabled seasonal farm work in Israel; IOM reportedly avoided legitimizing it because such farms operate on lands from which Palestinians were ousted. With the war in Gaza and alleged war crimes, Brazil, South Africa and Bangladesh have publicly condemned Israel and moved at the ICC. We remain silent. Given our long‑standing solidarity with Palestine — the Leader of the House even led the Sri Lanka–Palestine Friendship Association — we should speak the truth.

¶ 22 Regional leadership: norm‑building in the Indian Ocean and Indo‑Pacific is vital. The Minister said we would get ASEAN membership — that is unrealistic; Sri Lanka is currently a sectoral partner, which itself is valuable.

¶ 23 BIMSTEC: In 2024, an Eminent Persons’ Group was established per Colombo 2022 Summit recommendations. All members except Sri Lanka nominated an independent expert; Sri Lanka sent three different persons to three meetings, leading to limited input at the first session in Dhaka. With the upcoming Summit in Bangkok (1–3 April 2025), demonstrate seriousness, organize our inputs, and mobilize the Foreign Service to craft practical proposals with relevant ministries and experts.

¶ 24 Economic integration priorities: advance the China–Sri Lanka FTA process inclusively with stakeholders. Clarify the status of the Singapore–Sri Lanka FTA — non‑implementation or endless renegotiation sends negative signals, especially to ASEAN. Conclude these quickly to benefit from market access.

¶ 25 I congratulate the Minister for conduct so far and the clear position at the UNHRC. But do not go back on your commitments; engage consistently and get us out of this mess swiftly. Thank you.