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

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees,

¶ 02 We consider today the extension of Emergency. In a democracy this is never done lightly. Emergency provisions are safeguards enabling decisive action to maintain stability, protect essential services and ensure the security of our people when circumstances demand preparedness.

¶ 03 Global tensions—especially the rapid escalation in the Middle East—now intersect critical trade routes and energy corridors. Sri Lanka has called for utmost restraint, immediate de‑escalation and avoidance of provocations that widen the conflict and cause humanitarian and economic harm. We believe diplomacy must prevail over confrontation. The question before the world is whether international law and a rules‑based order will guide relations, or unilateral confrontation will shape regions and sea lanes. For a maritime nation at the centre of the Indian Ocean, this is vital. One‑third of global maritime trade transits our broader region; energy shipments pass close to our waters. Instability there affects shipping costs, insurance, fuel prices and supply chains.

¶ 04 The Indian Ocean must remain governed by international law, particularly UNCLOS—upholding freedom of navigation, peaceful use of seas and dispute settlement by legal and diplomatic means. We urge all States to respect sovereignty and keep sea lanes safe and open. The Indian Ocean should not become an arena of great power rivalry but remain a corridor of commerce, cooperation and peaceful interaction.

¶ 05 In such uncertainty, responsible governance requires vigilance and preparedness. This Emergency is not directed against the people nor intended to limit democratic freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. It provides the legal and administrative framework to safeguard public order, essential services and stability when global developments create unexpected challenges, enabling rapid response and enhanced coordination among civil and security institutions.

¶ 06 We experienced this need recently with Cyclone “Ditwah.” Communities suffered damage and disruption, but we also witnessed solidarity: citizens helping each other, institutions working tirelessly, armed forces and civil authorities standing with the people, and international partners assisting. The greatness of a nation is measured by its humanity. We are a small but generous nation; when lives are in danger, we respond with compassion.

¶ 07 In a world where tensions can overshadow cooperation, we must hold fast to values that unite humanity. As the song says, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” The dream of peace is shared by all. Sri Lanka will stand for a peaceful Indian Ocean, for international law guiding relations and for dialogue replacing confrontation.

¶ 08 Therefore, to keep Sri Lanka stable, secure and prepared, we bring this Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to extend the Emergency. I support it.