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- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda spoke during debate on a Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that the Opposition did not wish to create panic over fuel or gas but urged the Government to address reported shortages of gas at village level. He condemned attacks on Iran, citing Iran’s past support to Sri Lanka and the potential impact of regional conflict on Sri Lankans in the Middle East. He also demanded answers on an alleged fraud in the tri-forces dry rations tender, raised concerns about possible dismissal of Parliamentary Police officers, and objected to alleged attempts to override elected Cooperative Hospital boards in Galle District. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan said raising outward investment limits indicates a shift from crisis management toward a growth-oriented strategy. He argued that Sri Lanka should adopt an automatic route for bona fide capital transactions, drawing on India and Singapore, and stressed that becoming a business and financial centre requires institutional reforms in addition to legal changes. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act as a timely prudential measure to protect reserves while relaxing outward investment limits for companies and overseas business operations. He noted the shift from the older Exchange Control framework to the more facilitative 2017 Act, but raised concerns over frequent Section 22 directions, export proceeds rules, and the adequacy of investment ceilings compared with regional competitors. He proposed a digital National Single Window, phasing out paper clearances, and accelerating digital ID and financial system digitisation to improve foreign exchange monitoring and support Sri Lanka’s positioning as a regional business and finance hub. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act was being debated against a backdrop of global conflict affecting Sri Lanka’s economy and workers in the Middle East, and stated the Government’s position that world leaders should intervene to stop the war and protect lives. He rejected Opposition claims on rising poverty by citing Official Poverty Line figures and argued that recent reductions reflected inflation control and price moderation. He detailed Government measures to secure LPG and fuel supplies, including import volumes, vessel schedules, daily cylinder distribution, action on companies failing to supply the market, possible cylinder exchanges, and plans to expand storage through new LPG and fuel tank farm projects. He urged the public not to panic-buy, stating that fuel and gas supplies were adequate and that recent shortages were easing. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman, speaking during the debate on a Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, criticized the Government for not condemning attacks on Iran and argued that the President should have taken a clear non-aligned foreign policy position rather than focusing on operational matters such as oil stocks. He questioned the Government’s shift from its earlier anti-imperialist positions, cited past Sri Lankan leaders’ stances on Palestine and non-alignment, and said Iran had supported Sri Lanka through development assistance and fuel supplies. He also raised concerns about alleged Israeli activity in Sri Lanka, including the continued operation of an allegedly illegal Chabad House, visa fee waivers for Israeli nationals, and reports of IDF personnel in the country, urging the Government to uphold a principled non-aligned policy. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved foreign exchange conditions allow relaxation of earlier restrictions on outward transactions. He highlighted proposed increases to limits for Business Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000, Personal Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 22,000 to USD 25,000, and the reopening of certain outward capital transactions through rupee-funded Outward Investment Accounts. He linked these measures to the Government’s broader economic management, citing revenue performance, relief funding after the “@DOo” cyclone, capital expenditure, lower interest rates, controlled inflation, and recent GDP growth, while calling for cooperation to expand the economy. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Read →
- 3 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that state policy is flawed if it assumes a person can live on Rs. 16,000–18,000 per month, and called for stronger protection mechanisms through Sri Lankan embassies for over one million migrant workers, particularly in the Middle East. He urged the Government to use the regional crisis to rebuild confidence in Sri Lanka, attract foreign direct investment, and convene an international donor conference, saying an earlier opportunity after the “Ditcha” cyclone had been missed. He proposed an all-party discussion and a two-day parliamentary debate on the international war situation and its impact on Sri Lanka, with the President’s personal intervention. He also condemned attacks on Iran and Gulf states, citing violations of the UN Charter. President's Address on Middle East War Impact and Opposition Response Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Condemning the attack on Iran as a breach of international law, the Opposition Leader urged Parliament also to condemn retaliatory strikes on Gulf states and called for Sri Lanka to take a clear, principled position. He said the Government should revisit the IMF programme and Debt Sustainability Analysis in light of disasters, geopolitical shocks and projected external debt servicing, and offered support for a more people-centred adjustment. He criticised the failure to allow his Standing Order 27(2) question on coal quality, said renewed queues reflected lost public trust and inadequate communication on fuel and gas stocks, and called for contingency planning for energy supplies amid Strait of Hormuz risks. He also questioned official poverty and cost-of-living data, arguing that policy should be based on more realistic statistics to protect livelihoods. President's Address on Middle East War Impact and Opposition Response Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake — President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined Sri Lanka’s assessment of the Middle East conflict, warning of possible effects on fuel, gas, migrant workers, tourism, remittances, shipping and aviation, while stating that current fuel stocks and confirmed shipments indicate no immediate crisis. He detailed available reserves for diesel, petrol, Jet A-1 and crude oil, and said contingency planning would continue if the conflict escalates. He also announced medium-term investments exceeding Rs. 30 billion to expand storage, pipelines, refinery capacity, automation and Trincomalee tank rehabilitation, arguing these measures are needed to strengthen energy security and prevent a repeat of past shortages. President's Address on Middle East War Impact and Opposition Response Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake requested an urgent Government statement on SriLankan Airlines’ finances, restructuring path, and the Rs. 25.3 billion recapitalization in the context of IMF EFF commitments on SOE commercialization and reducing fiscal risks. He sought details on the airline’s going-concern status, debt composition, recapitalization structure and budget approval, annual profits and losses of the airline and related subsidiaries from 2021 to 2025, and the share of tourist arrivals carried by SriLankan. He also asked the Government to explain operational weaknesses such as loss-making routes and staffing levels, outline planned reforms, and disclose projected fiscal exposure over the next three years, including guarantees, leases, refinancing risks, and consistency with fiscal consolidation targets. Question by Private Notice: Current Status of SriLankan Airlines Restructure Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that tourism development is being pursued islandwide rather than limited to a few regions, and confirmed that a programme is in place. He listed numerous identified tourism sites in the Puttalam District, including Kalpitiya, Chilaw, Wilpattu, Anawilundawa, Munneswaram, beaches, religious and archaeological sites, and nature-based attractions. He outlined ongoing and planned measures, including the North Western Province Tourism Master Plan, beach park and road infrastructure projects, sanitation facilities, lifeguard and guide training, the “Discover Kalpitiya” website, and proposed ADB-supported and environmental tourism zone developments. Oral Questions on Tourism, Agriculture and Deferred Question (Q.883/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Judicature Act and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance amendments, saying they would strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal authority to interdict narcotics production and trafficking in its maritime zones and adjacent high seas. He argued that drug trafficking is a complex transnational problem linked to global trade routes, organized crime, political influence and weakened investigative institutions, and cannot be solved by Sri Lanka in isolation. He also called for scientific rehabilitation, psychological counselling, public awareness, stricter enforcement, and independent investigative bodies while noting that some countries are examining decriminalization as part of wider drug policy. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary The Deputy Speaker supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the related Judicature Act amendment, stating that they close legal gaps in prosecuting drug trafficking on the high seas and give the High Court jurisdiction over such offences. He argued that Sri Lanka’s maritime location exposes it to international drug syndicates and that the amendments align national law with international conventions and strengthen maritime enforcement. He also urged a balanced approach combining firm action against traffickers with rehabilitation, prevention, education and treatment for victims of addiction. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah urged the Government to combine agricultural recovery with efforts to attract foreign investment, arguing that inward-looking politics would not address economic problems. He said the “Ditva” cyclone and floods had severely affected fisheries, paddy, vegetable and floriculture sectors, and called for relief including nets, boats, compensation, subsidized seed paddy, fertilizer, fuel, and concessional electricity for agriculture-related production. He asked the Finance Ministry to prepare realistic national recovery plans, reduce barriers such as high power tariffs and input costs, and create a secure, predictable environment for investors, particularly in agriculture. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to criticism over delays at the Women’s Commission, stating that operational and technical issues had been corrected and rejecting claims that the Government was suppressing the Commission. She then supported approval of four Gazettes related to the economy, foreign relations and tourism, citing recent IMF remarks, international engagements, growth, inflation, reserves, debt servicing, tourism, remittances, FDI, exports and the current account as evidence of economic stabilization. She also said the Government had managed the economic impact of the “Ditwah” cyclone without revising the Budget and had negotiated to reduce the impact of US tariffs. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman criticized a political group for allegedly reversing its earlier opposition to military involvement by now supporting the use of the army in mosquito-control activities. He argued that the group had previously spread fears about militarization, India, foreign countries, and investors, and accused it of political inconsistency, including changing its stance toward Indian leaders. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake requested an urgent Government statement on the integrity, composition and usability of Sri Lanka’s Gross Official Reserves, including usable reserves after encumbrances, swaps and pledged funds, income earned from reserves, and detailed holdings of gold, currencies, SDRs, IMF positions and swaps. He also asked for information on Central Bank margins and profits from foreign exchange transactions with the Government, audit oversight by the Auditor General, and the rationale for a recent circular under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017. He questioned whether foreign exchange and tax leakage through foreign credit cards and payment gateways has been quantified, cited a possible loss of about USD 3 billion, and asked why stricter binding action is not taken against non-compliant businesses using foreign gateways while domestic institutions are regulated. Procedural: Question Under Standing Order 27(2) - Gross Official Reserves Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara thanked the Deputy Minister for the replies and raised a supplementary question on private maritime security in the context of threats to global maritime trade. He asked what measures Sri Lanka has taken to regulate and promote services offered to commercial vessels by foreign private maritime security companies. Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan addressed allegations that multiday fishers were assaulted, noting that India had formally denied Coast Guard involvement while Sri Lankan authorities rescued and hospitalized the fishers and pursued investigations with India and domestically. He said beach-seine fisheries must be regulated under the 1984 Beach Seine Regulations and argued that tractor-assisted net dragging damages coastlines, seabeds, and small-scale fishers’ livelihoods. He stated that a stakeholder-agreed tractor ban took effect on 1 January 2026, that court proceedings and protests were ongoing, and that the Ministry would discuss lawful concerns but would not permit prohibited fishing methods. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake commended the President’s use of a helicopter for travel to Kandy as consistent with Head of State security arrangements. He criticized the JVP’s past role during the 1988–89 period and alleged that the present Government is creating excessive dependence on India, while questioning whether Emergency powers and rule of law are being applied equally or selectively against the Opposition. He also raised concerns about Civil Security Department recruits from the North and East being transferred to the South without fair payment, and urged attention to unresolved graduate employment and teacher recruitment issues. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →