The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I move that in the Committee Stage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, today, Monday, 2025.11.17, in respect of the Ministries taken up for debate and the Departments and Institutions under them, namely Heads 112 and 110, and Heads 228 to 236 and 326, the recurrent and capital expenditure of each Programme be reduced by Rs. 10 in accordance with tradition.

¶ 02 Hon. Chairman, I begin my speech referring to the proposal the Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara attempted to present. When Buddha statues are vandalized and the Easter attacks occurred without justice being delivered, one cannot expect justice here from such a Government.

¶ 03 Now we are debating the Estimate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. This is crucial, tied to the country’s honour, dignity, future existence and progress. To speak of this Ministry, I go back to history, to D.S. Senanayake’s time. Without knowing that past, you speak of a “76-year curse.” It is better to set this straight and move on.

¶ 04 In 1947-48 we created the foundational institutions for Independence. We engaged the international community to gain Independence. In 1948 we signed the UK Defence Agreement. We gained membership in the Commonwealth. Next, in 1948-49 we sought UN membership, which only succeeded on 14 December 1955. That success was due to the acumen of D.S. Senanayake’s team and their international engagement. In 1949 we established the Foreign Service. From 9 to 14 January 1950, the first Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Conference was held in Colombo.

¶ 05 We must also recall Dudley Senanayake. Both D.S. and Dudley understood the international arena and acted accordingly. Their strength carries us forward.

¶ 06 Recall the 1951 San Francisco Peace Conference. Though D.S. was Prime Minister, he sent J.R. Jayewardene, then Finance Minister. Remember his speech, relevant even to Buddhism: “Hatred ceases not by hatred; hatred ceases by love.” But you have failed to recognize love.

¶ 07 Your President went to the UN and portrayed Sri Lanka as a country awash with drugs and ruled by the underworld. Contrast that with J.R. Jayewardene, who spoke of our people’s dignity, capability, humility and the love and respect they show others. That is national pride.

¶ 08 Hon. Speaker, I make a request.

¶ 09 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 10 Ministers sitting here have no right to these seats if you truly believe in a “76-year curse.” Because, thanks to J.R. Jayewardene’s efforts, this Parliament was gifted by Japan. Sitting there and decrying 76 years is hypocritical.

¶ 11 That speech by J.R. Jayewardene shook the world and won over the international community. Japan, thereafter, extended much to us.

¶ 12 In 1977-78 we formed a strong foreign policy, created a dedicated Foreign Ministry and appointed A.C.S. Hameed as the first Foreign Minister under J.R. Jayewardene. In 1978 we joined the Non-Aligned Movement. As NAM Chair, J.R. said there were only two truly non-aligned states – the US and the USSR – implying others could not live aloof of their influence. It was a message about realistic engagement.

¶ 13 Through international ties during these 76 years we received much: from the UK, Victoria Dam; from Canada, Kotmale; from Germany, Randenigala; machinery from the USA; UN planning support; loans from the World Bank and ADB; Sri Jayewardenepura as the administrative capital; the national television network; and the Katunayake Free Trade Zone. These came because we won over the world. Minister of Foreign Affairs, you will have to explain this to those who do not know and instead peddle hatred and slander.

¶ 14 What happened at the 2025 Human Rights Council session? Bowing to the diaspora’s agenda, money and pressure, you went silent. You did not seek even a minimal vote; you failed to register our position forcefully. We, as a country, were ridiculed.

¶ 15 You have signed agreements with India, and others with China, and even one with the USA that Nepal refused. What remains ours – land, air, sea? Have we ceded control through these agreements? Clarify to the nation transparently.

¶ 16 On the diplomatic service: while some ambassadors are from the career service, First and Second Secretaries have been politically parachuted. If you send such appointees, they must be competent and serve the nation. Missions must identify ties with host countries and deliver outcomes. We monitor closely.

¶ 17 Through missions we can: - Safeguard Sri Lanka’s reputation and culture globally - Conduct market research for exports - Promote tourism, foreign employment, services, education and health cooperation

¶ 18 We are an island at a strategic location, valuable to others, but we have not leveraged it. If you cannot, bring in competent people; we will help craft the needed programmes.

¶ 19 Globally, there is demand for doctors, nurses, IT professionals, engineers, hospitality workers, and drivers. Instead of creating barriers to private recruiters, the Government must create opportunities.

¶ 20 Some officials are used arbitrarily, as if you know better than the career diplomats. There is a wealth of knowledge among retired and serving officers; use it.

¶ 21 On Sri Lankans overseas: in Italy, some obtain local court permissions; once they secure visas, our missions refuse passports because “there is no visa.” This is absurd. Passport issuance should not be blocked on that basis. Our diaspora brings vital foreign exchange; facilitate their passports promptly.

¶ 22 Set up training: language, technology, laws, skilled trades. Partner with foreign institutions for training and send workers as integrated, well-prepared migrants.

¶ 23 When bringing investors, utilize diaspora experience, capacity and capital. Create coordinated bodies via missions to develop tourism, education, health, services and employment linkages. Recruit and train workers locally to meet host-country standards and culture.

¶ 24 Finally, I table a document detailing President J.R. Jayewardene’s programmes.

¶ 25 Placed in the Library.

¶ 26 Those who shout “76-year curse” should read and learn that it is not a curse.

¶ 27 On tourism: currently, private operators bring mainly Western tourists, but we must broaden segments – nature, climate, wellness, Ayurveda, education, services. Instead, foreigners rent most houses in the south; locals build guesthouses, run out of funds, and end up leasing or selling to foreigners who control inbound bookings and payments offshore. Meanwhile you issue driving licences, vehicles and three-wheelers to them; they control excursions and wellness centres; money flows out while locals look on. The public brought you to power expecting better.