The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, at this juncture of our country’s development challenges, I must address the grave issues before us. The Israel–Iran conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, not only for those countries’ populations but also for nearly 20,000 Sri Lankan workers in Israel. The Government must implement a structured programme to ensure their safety and welfare.

¶ 02 In 2024, Sri Lanka received USD 6.57 billion in remittances; roughly 80 percent of migrant workers are in the Middle East. A 10 percent drop in remittances—may it never happen—would be a USD 660 million loss. Brent crude has already risen around 7 percent and is nearing USD 75; a USD 10 increase could add USD 400–500 million to our fuel bill. Annual fuel imports are about USD 4.5 billion, a quarter of total imports. The Government must analyse this and implement measures to cushion the economy.

¶ 03 Iran is our seventh-largest tea market; in 2024 we exported 10.4 million kg of Ceylon Tea to Iran. Across the Middle East—Iran, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia—about 40 percent of our tea exports are destined. An escalation could depress these markets. Disruptions in the Red Sea, Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz raise war-risk premiums and shipping costs, hitting our external sector.

¶ 04 Tourism will suffer too. About 20,000 arrivals used to come from Israel; those numbers have dropped. Higher global fuel prices raise travel costs, depressing tourist flows. FDI will be affected. Import costs will rise, reserves could deplete, and inflation could move back into double digits if fuel increases by 20 percent.

¶ 05 Poverty could worsen; job losses among migrant workers would strain families and social protection. Energy security demands diversifying suppliers and building strategic reserves as a policy.

¶ 06 On Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe—state violence has devastated civilians and aid shipments. As a nation, we must stand for humanity and engage diplomatically to de-escalate. The core driver is the long-denied rights of the Palestinian people. A fair two-state solution must be advanced.

¶ 07 Finally, regarding current local government matters: after the Colombo Municipal Council mayoral vote, an Opposition woman councillor, Ms. Uluwaduge Sandamali, was brutally assaulted. I visited her in hospital. This is a vile, anti-democratic act. I urge the Government to investigate impartially and bring all perpetrators to justice. Democracy guarantees the right to political beliefs without fear of violence.

¶ 08 Further, yesterday’s proceedings violated parliamentary practice. Before adjourning on a point of order, a clear Ruling should be given—see Erskine May, Kaul & Shakdher, and the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles. I do not fault the present Chair, but the Chair must deliver a ruling before adjournment.