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- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath recalled that, as Cultural and National Heritage Minister in 2005, he opposed a proposed celebration marking 500 years since Portuguese arrival and instead sought reparations for looted artifacts, loss of life and destruction under colonial rule. He stated that this led to agreements for the return of artifacts, including from the Netherlands, and said the Government is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure restitution while safeguarding sovereignty. He added that the Opposition Leader’s proposal aligns with ongoing action and that the Government is prepared to pursue economic reparations where necessary. Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to consider pursuing reparations from former colonial powers for economic harm caused during colonial rule. Citing international efforts by formerly colonized countries, African initiatives, and Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s Oxford lecture on the subject, he urged the Minister to examine a programme for Sri Lanka to seek redress for specific colonial-era wrongs. Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on UK travel bans imposed on Sri Lankans, stating that the measures are unilateral actions under UK domestic law and are not legally binding on Sri Lanka. He said the Government had raised objections diplomatically, including with the British High Commissioner after the UK’s March 2025 sanctions announcement, and argued that such measures complicate domestic reconciliation efforts. He reiterated that allegations concerning past human rights violations should be addressed through strengthened domestic accountability mechanisms, while rejecting international accountability processes and external evidence-gathering mechanisms. Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah commended the Transport Ministry’s response in restoring bus and train services after recent floods and Cyclone Ditwah, and requested attention to cyclone-damaged roads in Batticaloa District. He urged the Fisheries and Ports Ministers to operationalize the unused Oluvil Harbour as a fisheries harbour, noting the burden on coastal fishermen and suggesting possible support through financial institutions or private operators. He also called for urgent government action to protect the garment industry from tariff disadvantages, including negotiations with the United States or securing GSP concessions, and demanded that long-delayed Provincial Council elections be held to restore elected provincial administration under the Thirteenth Amendment. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson contrasted current Government members’ past support for the Rajapaksas with earlier restrictions faced by his party, then urged the Government to release over 1,000 imported luxury vehicles at a fair duty rate to prevent deterioration and raise revenue. He reported on attending the International Parliamentary Conference on Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Botswana and called for cooperation with Inter Pares and other international partners to address human-elephant conflict, tabling related proposals by S.W. Wickramaratne. He also requested that campsites and Block 2 of Yala National Park be reopened, arguing that closures reduce tourism access and may enable poaching. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that improving competitiveness is essential amid rupee fluctuations, cost-push inflation, and the need to meet major external debt repayments, including USD 14 billion due in 2028. He supported modernizing the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers, and Container Operators Act, stating that legislation must be effectively implemented. He called for digitalization of freight forwarding, including connectivity with systems such as ASYCUDA, to strengthen exports, professional standards, and Sri Lanka’s position against peer countries. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that reducing trade and logistics barriers is necessary to lower the cost of goods, urging legal and regulatory reforms to speed imports and exports. Referring to the Manning Market, he requested additional entry and exit routes to ease congestion caused by wholesale, fish market, and produce traffic. He also responded to allegations about his visit to India with other MPs, explaining the delegation arrangements and criticizing what he described as politically motivated claims about the trip. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked the Government to state what steps it is taking on the issue under discussion. He urged the Government not to attack religious leaders or encourage divisive nationalism for political gain, and criticized diaspora engagements, saying they should not be conducted at public expense or at the cost of national interests. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of imposing burdens on poor and middle-income people, electricity consumers, and professional valuers through the Bills under debate, specifically alleging interference with the Institute of Valuers’ role in pricing and appraisal. He questioned the Government’s handling of trade policy, noting that Sri Lanka’s claimed 20 per cent US tariff advantage had been undercut by India’s 18 per cent rate, and asked whether negotiations were underway to secure better terms if Bangladesh also received similar treatment. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition accused the Government of reducing benefits for pensioners, elders, war heroes and disabled personnel, including the previous 15 percent senior citizens’ deposit interest concession. He questioned the impact of US–India tariff arrangements on Sri Lankan export competitiveness, especially apparel, and demanded an urgent Government response. He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in coal procurement, the shifting of streetlamp electricity costs to the public, and the status of the next IMF tranche and electricity tariff conditions, while criticising the Government’s approach to Buddhism and inter-religious harmony. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked whether the Government would take the lead in concluding a trade agreement with President Trump, citing the EU-India deal and an 18% arrangement between the United States and India. He argued that securing Sri Lanka’s approximately USD 3.4 billion in exports from the previous year would strengthen foreign reserves and support economic recovery. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that recent US tariff actions show preferential access is not automatic, noting Sri Lanka’s reciprocal tariff rate of 20 per cent compared with higher initial indications and varying rates for selected regional countries. He said discussions with the US are ongoing on a reciprocal tariff agreement covering goods, services, investment, digital trade, labour-related standards and other areas, but no final timeline or binding terms have been agreed and details remain confidential. He emphasized that the Government will protect vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, apparel and fisheries through safeguards, phased liberalization, negative lists and trade remedy laws, while monitoring impacts and updating Parliament according to procedure. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Discussions with the United States are being handled through formal intergovernmental channels, involving USTR and other US agencies, while Sri Lanka is represented by an inter-agency team chaired by the Finance Ministry Secretary. The process is conducted in line with Cabinet decisions and includes consultations with relevant ministries, regulators, and the private sector where appropriate. The response emphasized that Sri Lanka’s economic context, IMF-related reforms, vulnerabilities, and recent consolidation are being raised in the talks, and that the Government also briefed the US Embassy on the impact of Cyclone “Ditwah”. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe — Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development AI summary The Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development responded to eight questions raised by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake under Standing Order 27(2) concerning United States tariff measures. He indicated that the answers were available and offered either to read them out or table them to save time. Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of undermining Buddhism and the Maha Sangha, arguing that this contravenes the Constitution’s requirement to give Buddhism the foremost place while protecting all religions. He demanded action on the teacher shortage by absorbing about 17,000 experienced development officers into the teaching service through a structured trainee and confirmation process. He also raised concerns over a US-India trade arrangement reducing India’s tariff to 18 per cent, warning that Sri Lankan exporters would face a disadvantage, and questioned Government action on reported garment factory closures and potential job losses. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said the regulations would enable shared telecommunications infrastructure to improve coverage, reduce duplication of towers and trenching, and lower capital, operational, import, and power costs. He outlined permitted sharing layers, including passive infrastructure, active radio access networks, and spectrum-related sharing for services such as 5G, while clarifying that core network sharing is not mandated due to resilience and national security concerns. He said TRCSL would support around 150 new towers annually under the “Gamata Sannivedanaya” programme, issue infrastructure licences under Section 17(6)(a), and introduce minimum resilience guidelines following outage experiences during Cyclone Michaung. The measure was presented as a way to support smaller operators, ensure fair access to infrastructure, improve service quality, and potentially reduce consumer tariffs over time. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Responding to a question by Hon. Thilina Samarakoon, the Prime Minister stated that Sri Lanka recorded 2,362,521 tourist arrivals in 2025, the highest in its history, generating USD 3.2 billion in gross foreign exchange earnings. She said the 2026 target is 3 million arrivals, supported by a 2026–2030 strategic plan, airport expansion, tourism zones, a Presidential Task Force, infrastructure development, digital access systems, workforce training, promotion, regulation of service providers, and measures on sustainability and social security. She also noted steps to seek Blue Flag certifications to strengthen international recognition of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. Parliamentary Announcements and Ministerial Statement Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled data on registered Sri Lankan labour migration from 2018 to 2025, showing 1,825,256 departures and annual remittances ranging from USD 3,789.4 million in 2022 to USD 8,070 million in 2025. He also tabled an annex and detailed welfare measures implemented through the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, including scholarships, school supplies, medical and emergency assistance, insurance, housing support, pension arrangements, loans, self-employment and entrepreneurship grants, counselling, and market access for returnees and migrant families. The response set out expenditure, beneficiary numbers, eligibility criteria, and proposed expansions of support mechanisms for migrant workers and their families. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism is listed as having met on 3 February 2026 under the chairmanship of Hon. Vijitha Herath, with the participation of ministers and members named in the record. No substantive speech, discussion, proposal, question, or decision is provided in the supplied text beyond the attendance and committee context. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya asked the Minister of Finance about the Colombo Stock Exchange’s growth since the Government took office, citing a rise in the ASPI from 11,096.81 on 23 September 2024 to 23,958.51 and an increase in market capitalization from Rs. 4.04 trillion to over Rs. 8 trillion. He sought clarification on a recent questionable trading incident, including whether it had been resolved, who was responsible, and what safeguards would prevent recurrence. He also requested details on measures to attract more investors, broaden market activity, increase IPOs, and set targets for 2026, while arguing that market data reflected investor confidence despite Opposition claims of instability. Adjournment Debate: Stock Exchange Activity and Ministerial Response Read →