The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism is closely following the situation concerning Ms. Sameera Mahboobdeen, the Sri Lankan national reported to have been among participants of the Gaza-bound flotilla. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli authorities; several on board are reported detained. The Ministry has acted through diplomatic channels; our Embassy in Tel Aviv has formally requested consular access to confirm her condition, ensure safety and welfare, and verify the legal position of her detention. We will avoid premature conclusions, but our position is clear: her safety, welfare, legal rights, and dignity must be protected. We continue engagement through official channels and seek verified information. The Ministry will ensure she receives consular protection and due process.

¶ 02 On the Inland Revenue amendments, we consider them important. Many issues we face today arose because needed reforms were not made at the right time. We support these measures.

¶ 03 When we assumed office, the economy was fragile: import restrictions, debt restructuring challenges, and other pressures. Through fiscal discipline and planned management, we have steered the economy back on track. External shocks like the “Tithwa” weather event and Middle East tensions affected us, but we are creating conditions to move forward—ensuring energy security, avoiding power cuts and fuel queues, and stabilizing the production network. Despite global uncertainties, we invite all to move forward together.

¶ 04 Thank you.