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- 4 March 2026 Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath stated that European tourist arrivals have continued, attributing this to measures taken to ensure safety and maintain confidence. He said the Government is providing humanitarian assistance where necessary, has implemented immediate required actions, and will take further steps if needed. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said Sri Lanka is urging restraint and a negotiated de-escalation of Middle East hostilities, while engaging regional leaders and foreign ministers to support peace efforts. He reported that Sri Lanka responded to the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel “IRIS Dena” outside Sri Lankan waters under its obligations under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, rescuing injured personnel and transferring them to Karapitiya Hospital. He outlined contingency measures for about one million Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East, including a 24/7 emergency unit, embassy coordination, hotlines, and engagement with airlines and aviation authorities to maintain or restore flight operations where possible. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa requested that the Government apologise for describing Sri Lanka as a “banana republic,” saying it brought the country into disrepute. Under Standing Order 27(2), he asked the Government to state its preparedness for the escalating Middle East conflict, including its policy on national security, protection and possible evacuation of Sri Lankan workers, activation of emergency units and 24-hour hotlines at missions, and assistance for stranded travellers. He also sought details on the number of Sri Lankans in Middle Eastern countries, contingency arrangements for special transport, coordination on aviation disruptions, and measures to safeguard remittances, fuel, gas, fertiliser and other critical supplies in the event of regional instability or disruption to the Strait of Hormuz. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, speaking with leave during an intervention under Standing Order 27(2), asked the Government to clarify reports that an Iranian vessel had been attacked off Galle. He requested a brief response from the Chief Government Whip, stressing that incidents of this nature should not occur in Sri Lankan waters. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya responded on Sri Lanka’s participation in the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit held from 16 to 20 February, stating that it focused on responsible, inclusive and human-centred AI governance under the themes People, Planet and Progress. She said Sri Lanka’s Head of State-level participation emphasized fair access, cultural and linguistic diversity, safety, and regional cooperation through affordable access, curated language datasets, common evaluation and safety tools, and capacity building. She also outlined bilateral meetings held with leaders from India, France, Bhutan, Brazil, the UAE and the United States, covering cooperation in digital technology, AI, trade, investment, tourism, education, health, maritime affairs and regional partnerships. Oral Question: Artificial Intelligence Summit 2026 Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta asked the Prime Minister about the President’s recent visit to India for an Artificial Intelligence Summit held at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister. He sought details on the significance of the participation, the foreign leaders and notable figures met by the President, and the benefits or opportunities arising for Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Artificial Intelligence Summit 2026 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Foreign Exchange Act regulation reflected improved external-sector stability after recent foreign exchange shortages, arguing that public confidence and financial discipline had prevented attempted artificial shortages from escalating. He rejected claims that the President had described Sri Lanka as a “failed state,” saying the criticism was directed at past administrations’ failure to develop infrastructure after Independence. He also briefed Parliament on measures taken amid Middle East tensions, including consular notices, a hotline, an operations centre, mobilization of missions, assistance to two injured Sri Lankans, and contingency discussions with the IOM while prioritizing de-escalation and the safety of Sri Lankans abroad. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary The Hon. Nanda Bandara supported the regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that raising the reinvestment cap for foreign exchange earners from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 would help Sri Lankan businesses expand internationally and support remittances and growth. He criticized the Opposition’s approach and contrasted the Government’s response to the recent “Ditva” cyclone in Kegalle with disaster resettlement under the previous Yahapalana administration. He also highlighted Government allocations for district-level production economy initiatives, including Rs. 1 billion for Kegalle to support self-employment and SMEs through grants, concessional loans, and interest subsidies. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister presented regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act to extend existing foreign exchange liberalizations for six months and introduce further relaxations for Business and Personal Foreign Currency Accounts. He said BFCA investment usage limits would rise from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and PFCA limits from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, with Central Bank monitoring, in order to mobilize part of the USD 3.2 billion held in such accounts for productive investment. He argued that external sector conditions had stabilized by 2025, citing reserves support from tourism earnings, record remittances, a positive current account balance, managed imports including vehicles and fuel, and improved secondary-market pricing of restructured bonds. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper criticised the Government and President for not condemning alleged violations of international law by the United States and Israel in relation to an ongoing war, and called on Americans to impeach President Donald Trump in the interests of global peace. He argued that Sri Lanka should not be subservient to major powers and said Muslim supporters of the Government were disappointed by the absence of a clear condemnation. He also alleged past links between Sri Lankan military intelligence and Zaharan Hashim’s extremist group from 2012, claiming such actions were part of attempts to create a new communal target after the defeat of the LTTE, and called for these matters to be exposed to dismantle what the President had described as a “deep state.” Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe said the Government had strengthened foreign reserves through remittances, tourism and restrained foreign travel expenditure, contrasting President Anura Dissanayake’s reported travel costs with those of previous administrations. He argued that the Opposition, particularly the former 2015-2019 government, lacked credibility in offering economic advice, citing lower growth and increased international sovereign bond borrowing during that period. He also accused the Opposition and some media of attempting to create public unrest around fuel queues and other protests, while stating that the Government was addressing genuine issues without unnecessary agitation. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe supported the extension of Regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017, noting the Central Bank’s role in regulating foreign exchange. He said the six-month extension increases limits for payments through Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and personal capital transactions through PFCA from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000. He framed the changes as part of a gradual expansion of the economy and increased opportunities for those earning foreign exchange. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti supported the regulations easing limits on transactions through Foreign Currency Accounts and Personal Foreign Currency Accounts, stating that the increases in capital transaction caps reflect improved foreign exchange confidence and broader economic and political stability. He linked the policy to rising exports, tourism, remittances, investor interest, transparent PPP processes, and controlled vehicle import-related outflows, while arguing that public confidence had prevented panic during recent fuel queues. He said the Government would manage international risks, avoid abusing its parliamentary majority, and use the liberalisation to encourage reinvestment, strengthen markets, and sustain stability. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne defended the President’s remarks and the Government’s cyclone relief response, citing payment and reconstruction figures, before supporting regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act to further relax capital outflow limits. She said the measures reflect stronger reserves and economic expansion under the IMF-supported programme, with increased revenues from vehicle imports and customs helping fund welfare, disaster relief, wages, health, education and transport. She also highlighted external risks from the Middle East conflict and said Rs. 47.6 billion has been allocated to expand and rehabilitate fuel storage capacity, including tanks, pipelines and new storage facilities. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran argued that Sri Lanka needs stronger investment promotion, export development, tourism promotion, and diplomatic engagement to generate and retain foreign exchange. He raised concerns that high interest rates would not support growth, and questioned how the Government would assist families dependent on remittances if overseas workers are affected by the Gulf conflict. He also asked what contingency plans exist if fuel supplies are disrupted, warning that agriculture, fisheries, and the wider economy could face conditions similar to the 2022-2023 crisis. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the relaxation of regulations under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved reserves and IMF-linked restructuring had created conditions to attract investment and permit capable Sri Lankan businesses to invest abroad. He cited reserve growth from USD 4.39 billion in 2023 to USD 6.3 billion by January 2026, alongside the resumption of vehicle imports and LC payments, and said the Central Bank sets the relevant thresholds independently. He criticized opposition statements about instability and alleged attempts to create public panic, arguing that such actions could deter investors and risk a return to the 2022 economic crisis. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister condemned the conflict in the Middle East, arguing that violations of sovereignty and military action cannot resolve disputes and should be replaced by dialogue and diplomacy. He said the Government is monitoring and supporting the safety of over one million Sri Lankans working in the region, whose families and remittances are important to Sri Lanka. He warned that the war could have economic and social repercussions for Sri Lanka, especially after its recovery from bankruptcy, and criticized attempts to create panic over fuel supplies or gain political advantage from the situation. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved reserves, tourism receipts, remittances, and export earnings allow Sri Lanka to gradually relax capital flow measures in line with the IMF EFF programme. He said the regulation facilitates overseas business expansion by increasing limits for capital transactions through foreign currency accounts and reflects economic stabilization. He also defended the President’s statement to Parliament on the Middle East conflict, criticized opposition allegations of corruption, and condemned civilian killings and attacks in Iran while calling for a swift end to the war. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported amendments to the Exchange Control framework but argued that higher nominal outward investment limits are insufficient without genuine liberalisation, given the erosion of purchasing power since the economic crisis. He urged faster regularisation of outward investment accounts, stronger Central Bank action on durable reserves, exchange-rate stability, growth and employment, and greater investment in renewable energy while scrutinising procurement costs. He called for government and opposition cooperation amid global geopolitical risks, particularly potential disruptions to oil, LNG and LPG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East. He also said Sri Lanka should use the situation to attract foreign direct investment through the BOI and Port City with clearer marketing, tax incentives and investor-friendly policies, while planning for fuel and gas supply continuity. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, arguing that the Government has stabilised key economic indicators since taking office after the crisis and bankruptcy period. He cited higher revenue-to-GDP figures, a reduced budget deficit, a positive primary balance, lower interest rates and inflation, and improved balance-of-payments conditions as evidence of recovery. He explained that the Regulation relaxes foreign currency account limits, raising the Business Foreign Currency Account capital payment cap from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and the Personal Foreign Currency Account cap from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, to support investment, debt servicing and resident flexibility. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →