Topic
Foreign Affairs
874 speeches · 189 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 68 |
| 2 | Hon. Vijitha Herath, M.P. JJB | 45 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 42 |
| 4 | Hon. Arun Hemachandra, M.P. JJB | 33 |
| 5 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 26 |
| 6 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 21 |
| 7 | Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, M.P. JJB | 20 |
| 8 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 19 |
| 9 | Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P. SJB | 19 |
| 10 | Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, M.P. SJB | 19 |
Speeches
874 on this topic- 10 June 2026 Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi supported regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act to shorten the period for repatriating export earnings from 100 days to 40 days, stating that permitted foreign payments may be made first and only the residual must be brought in and converted. He argued that the measure is intended to increase onshore foreign exchange and reserves while allowing the exchange rate to function as a shock absorber, unlike past policies that used reserves to defend the currency. He cited the IMF Managing Director’s 13 May letter to highlight reported macroeconomic stabilization, 5 per cent growth in 2024 and 2025, stronger reserves, improved revenue collection, primary surpluses, and debt restructuring. He also rejected opposition claims about tax policy, exchange-rate effects, governance, and the use of Emergency powers. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported discussion on regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act concerning repatriation of export foreign earnings. He warned that rising inflation, dollar appreciation, and monetary pressures, compounded by the Middle East conflict, require Government planning to stabilize the economy. He urged action to prevent a recurrence of the shortages and queues experienced in 2022. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that export foreign currency earnings should be repatriated and converted domestically to ease pressure on foreign reserves. She said concerns about rising debt should be assessed through debt sustainability indicators rather than nominal debt stock, citing declines in debt-to-GDP from 95.5% to 91.6% and external debt share from about 55.8% to 50.4% between 2024 and 2025. She also stated that lower interest costs had been supported by Treasury cash buffers and interest rate anchoring, and contrasted current trends with debt increases during the 2015–2019 Yahapalana government. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra explained that the Central Bank regulation shortens the permitted period for converting export proceeds to a maximum of 40 days, replacing earlier arrangements that allowed longer holding periods. She said the measure is temporary and intended to reduce pressure on the rupee, limit imported inflation, and protect consumers from higher costs of fuel, raw materials, and essential goods. She argued that, alongside other demand-management measures such as temporary import duties, exporters have a responsibility to repatriate and convert proceeds in the national interest. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said the Central Bank regulation is not a new export control but a revision requiring exporters, after legitimate offshore deductions, to convert repatriated proceeds into rupees within one month instead of the previous longer period. He argued it does not impose new taxes or discourage exporters, but is a temporary measure to manage exchange-rate volatility while supporting export growth, citing record 2025 export earnings of USD 17.25 billion. On the Essential Public Services Act resolution, he said its current use was limited to recovery operations after the “Didva” cyclone and not intended to suppress workers, unlike past uses of the law. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the regulations under the Monetary Law Act requiring faster repatriation and conversion of export proceeds, arguing they are necessary to manage foreign exchange pressures caused by global instability, higher import costs, and increased dollar demand. He rejected Opposition claims that the measures restrict business freedom, contrasting current economic indicators with the 2022 crisis and citing improved revenue, reserves, inflation, remittances, tourism, and IMF-related fiscal performance. He also highlighted planned Port City-related foreign investment, job creation, and international agreements as part of the Government’s development strategy. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s sudden decision to require exporters to convert foreign currency earnings into rupees within 30 days, arguing that it reverses earlier liberalization commitments to the IMF and indicates a domestic dollar shortage. He said ad hoc controls and Central Bank directions to prioritize essential import payments would not restore market confidence, despite higher reserves and IMF disbursements. He urged immediate relief for fruit and vegetable exporters affected by the Middle East conflict and port demurrage charges, and called for action on fabric importers and local producers facing higher costs after the replacement of the CESS with 18 per cent VAT. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. R.M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary R.M. Gamini Rathnayake defended the Government’s economic management and rejected the Opposition’s claim that the economy is collapsing, citing a reported Budget surplus of Rs. 116 billion in the first quarter of 2026 after earlier deficits and referring to Bloomberg’s recognition of the Sri Lankan rupee as the strongest in South Asia. He argued that past factory closures occurred under previous administrations and criticized the Opposition’s record on employment and apparel-sector policy. He supported the proposed Central Bank rules as legal tools to stabilize the foreign exchange market and maintain rupee strength, contrasting them with what he described as the Opposition’s preference for bans and rigid controls. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that VAT rules disadvantage domestic input suppliers to exporters compared with imported inputs, while noting that SVAT had helped streamline refunds and that policy should support domestic producers becoming exporters. He questioned the use of forced conversion regulations on export proceeds, saying such crisis-era measures restrict economic freedom and should only be imposed during a declared crisis. He urged the Government, if maintaining the rule, to state in Parliament that it is temporary and set a clear timeframe for removal to preserve market confidence. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that new rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act reduce the period exporters may retain export proceeds in foreign currency before converting balances into rupees, while allowing deductions for specified foreign currency obligations such as inputs, debt service, wages, dividends, Treasury investments and supplier payments. He said the measure responds to rupee volatility caused by higher dollar demand from Middle East-related import costs and increased vehicle imports, while noting improved remittances, exports and expected tourism recovery. He also stated that replacing the CESS on imported textiles with VAT would not disadvantage exporters because VAT paid through domestic suppliers is refundable under the SVAT system. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported the foreign exchange Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act as a temporary, calibrated response to recent exchange market volatility linked to higher import costs, especially energy, arising from Middle East conflict. He said the Government’s macroeconomic management, including fiscal consolidation, primary surplus efforts, and an independent Central Bank, had strengthened confidence, while rejecting past practices of artificially fixing the exchange rate and depleting reserves. He explained that the reintroduced rule on export proceeds would require banks to convert only remaining surplus foreign currency after exporters meet legitimate foreign currency needs, with the aim of improving dollar availability without disrupting trade or production. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka disputed opposition claims on thermal power generation and coal ship demurrage, arguing that inaccurate statistics were being used to mislead Parliament and the public. He then addressed an Extraordinary Gazette under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, explaining that revised HS classifications and new subheadings were intended to reapply existing tax rates without substantive changes. He noted that Middle East conflicts were disrupting global aviation and affecting SriLankan Airlines, clarified reports about Treasury funding, and said the airline’s operational loss had been reduced from USD 150 million to USD 100 million while a restructuring process with private sector participation was being considered. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned why mechanisms are not in place to capture tax and foreign exchange revenue from tourism transactions, including off-book earnings and credit card payments processed through foreign gateways. He argued that foreign visitors should contribute through appropriate systems, as Sri Lankans are taxed extensively, and asked whether the Government would apply similar rigor to ensure these revenues enter official channels. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said tourist arrivals had reached historic highs in late 2025 and early 2026, while per capita spending estimates had declined in US dollar terms partly due to changes in survey methodology, market composition, exchange rates, inflation and length of stay patterns. He explained that SLTDA tourism earnings estimates are not directly comparable with additions to official reserves because of offshore card settlements, informal transactions, unregistered providers and funds retained outside formal banking channels. He outlined measures to improve data and reduce leakages, including monthly TSA-based analysis, registration and capacity-building for informal operators, stronger enforcement, a new National Tourism Policy and Tourism Act, and work on digital payment and regulatory systems to route more tourism receipts through domestic channels. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Condoling the death of former MP T. Kanagasabai, the remarks linked his political work to the need for a just and sustainable political solution to Sri Lanka’s national question. Citing past Tamil electoral mandates and the post-war context, it urged Sinhala political, intellectual and business leaders to use the current economic crisis as an opportunity to unite communities and address Tamil political demands. Condolences were also extended to Mr. Kanagasabai’s family. Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Clarifying earlier remarks, Dr. Anil Jayantha said he had referred to speculation amplifying externally driven exchange-rate movements under a managed float, not to “artificial” movements. He stated that there is no decision to ban vehicle imports, though private vehicle orders may be postponed temporarily to manage foreign exchange. He said the Government would avoid broad import restrictions that could constrain growth, keep interventions data-driven, and continue discussions on investment facilitation to expand the economy and attract investment. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said he hoped the Minister’s assurance on exchange-rate stabilization would materialize, but urged more targeted economic measures given the link between fuel imports, subsidies and currency pressures. He proposed retargeting diesel relief toward essential sectors such as public transport instead of blanket subsidies, or temporarily restricting certain luxury imports, while noting revenue concerns from reduced vehicle imports and excess letters of credit. He also called for progress on a proposed Sri Lanka Development Fund requiring at least US$ 200 million initially, and for tourism strategies to attract visitors, particularly from India, amid regional tensions. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Several regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were presented for approval, including limited Kiri Samba imports, tyres for SriLankan Airlines, and HS code changes. The Deputy Minister argued that the economy stabilized in 2025 with improved fiscal and growth indicators, but said 2026 pressures arose from Middle East-related import cost increases and a surge in vehicle imports that raised dollar demand and temporarily weakened the rupee. He said stabilization would come through Central Bank action, Government policy measures, expected IMF and multilateral inflows, public restraint on non-essential imports, and better communication, while cautioning importers against panic-driven over-importing. He stated that recent additional duties were aimed mainly at slowing luxury vehicle imports, excluding development-related vehicles such as those used for agriculture and public transport. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva warned that the foreign exchange market was entering a confidence-driven vicious cycle, with exporters delaying conversions and importers rushing to buy dollars as the rupee weakened, citing a Bank of Ceylon dollar sell rate of Rs. 354. He argued that political assurances were insufficient and called on the Finance Ministry, Treasury and Central Bank to give clear policy direction, restore two-way market pricing, and use market intelligence. He suggested interest rates may need to rise by 50 to 100 basis points if confidence is not rebuilt, while noting the resulting cost to government and borrowers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to begin immediate negotiations for a successor IMF programme to take effect after the current Extended Fund Facility ends in March 2027, citing reserve shortfalls, rupee depreciation, rising fuel prices, weaker tourism earnings, and future debt service pressures from 2028. He argued that Sri Lanka’s usable reserves are well below the IMF target and that risks from oil prices, remittance dependence, and balance of payments pressures require extended timelines, stronger buffers, and a social safety net. He also referred to recent financial fraud incidents and mixed official signals as factors affecting investor confidence, and called for a comprehensive stakeholder review. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →