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- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that proposed education reforms are being implemented hastily and should be assessed by whether they strengthen national harmony, preserve History as a compulsory subject, improve access to higher education, and reduce reliance on tuition. He questioned the suitability of module-based assessment for some subjects, raised concerns about textbooks, teacher training, science-stream access, BEd and pirivena issues, examination delays, and result formats needed for foreign university admission. He called for reforms that expand university pathways beyond the small share entering State universities, improve school resources, support additional language learning, and avoid portraying critics as opponents of free education. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda said the SLPP supports the need for reforms but wants the deferred reform package strengthened and presented with broader consensus. He alleged procedural irregularities in a Ministry of Defence tender for dry rations for the Tri-Forces, claiming the lowest bidder was removed in favour of higher bidders despite procurement committee findings, and urged authorities to stop the agreement while tabling related documents. He also requested action on delayed state-to-state employment arrangements for Sri Lankans seeking agricultural and other jobs in Israel, and asked that 60 pupils from Elpitiya Saranankara Primary School be admitted to Elpitiya Ananda Vidyalaya under the existing cluster school arrangement. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about a land handover in Kinniya for tourism, noting public confusion in Trincomalee about whether tourism development may be linked to increased Israeli arrivals, especially following the Deputy Minister’s visit to Israel. He said elephant movements affect much of the district, including areas with educational institutions, and urged the Government to address the difficulties faced by students. He requested that any error in the land decision be corrected and that the possibility of continuing educational activities at the site be examined. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary M.K.M. Aslam clarified that the President’s disaster assistance programme provides an initial Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 250,000 for partially damaged houses after assessment, and Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses, rejecting claims of a Rs. 1 million entitlement. He contrasted the current natural disaster response with past man-made crises and said the Government plans to strengthen the Meteorology Department, NBRO and DMC with modern technology and funding. Citing severe losses from the 2025 Ditva cyclone, especially in Kurunegala and Ridigama, he praised the coordinated work of officials, political authorities, NGOs and revised procedures that enabled faster relief and reconstruction, while noting the need for over 20,000 new or relocated houses. He also raised the appointment of the Consul General in Jeddah, stating that Muslim Government MPs had asked the Foreign Minister to appoint a Muslim candidate because of Hajj-related responsibilities. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on tourism earnings, noting that 2025 arrivals exceeded 2.36 million while per-tourist spending fell and foreign exchange inflows to the banking system appeared weak. He asked the Government to explain the decline in per capita spend, quantify tourism foreign exchange converted through licensed banks, reconcile this with SLTDA earnings figures, and address alleged leakage through offshore booking platforms, overseas card settlements, and unregistered accommodation providers. He further questioned weak enforcement of registration, banking-channel settlement and foreign exchange repatriation requirements, and asked when a tourism policy linked to earnings, reserve accumulation and tax compliance would be presented to Parliament. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Tourism Performance and Deferral of Ravi Karunanayake Question Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera, speaking during debate on regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, argued that Sri Lanka’s external finances remain in severe distress despite reported export earnings, tourism income and remittances, citing import costs, weak official reserves, rupee depreciation and a negative international investment position. He called for more transparent, data-based parliamentary debate rather than leaving economic decisions to technocrats, and urged collective national action in response to IMF-recognised vulnerabilities. He also criticised the Government as a continuation of the 2015 Yahapalana administration and alleged risks to sovereignty, public education, culture and wealth creation under current policies. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne presented Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to expedite the clearance of relief goods sent after the “Dissa” cyclone, based on a Presidential Secretariat decision. The Regulations allow Customs release of donated goods to the Disaster Management Centre or Government institutions despite certain licensing controls, permit release of specified banned items received as relief, and allow some food items to be cleared with Food Policy and Safety Committee approval without SLSI certification. She also stated that the Government does not intend to close the “Suwasariya” ambulance service, but plans to expand and improve it to international standards. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said reserve accumulation remains a priority and outlined a diversified export-promotion approach, including tourism and remittances. He stated that the exchange rate operates under a flexible regime, with current volatility around 5.1 per cent, and said Central Bank interventions cannot be pre-announced due to market sensitivity. He maintained that the situation is being managed rather than indicating a crash, while noting links to interest rate dynamics and agreeing to consider the points raised. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary In reply to a question by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Minister set out export earnings targets rising from USD 23.6 billion in 2026 to USD 36 billion by 2030, with sectoral strategies aimed at higher value-added exports and access to new markets through FTAs, PTAs and improved existing agreements. He said the impact of new Trump tariffs would depend on bilateral negotiations and regional outcomes, while investment facilitation would proceed through the BOI and the amended Colombo Port City framework. He detailed MSME support measures, including concessional credit schemes, ADB programmes, and credit guarantees through NCGIL, with Rs. 96 billion budgeted across SME and related financing. He also stated that incentives remain rules-based under existing tax, strategic development and Port City laws, and that reserve accumulation is expected to support debt servicing after gross official reserves reached USD 6.82 billion by end-2025. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought an urgent explanation from the Prime Minister regarding UK unilateral travel bans and asset freezes on Sri Lankan nationals, including former senior military officers, imposed outside UN or bilateral legal processes. He asked for details on the Government’s ministerial committee, any Cabinet decisions, diplomatic or legal responses, representations made to the UK, and safeguards against extra-territorial measures without due process. He also called for a clear foreign policy position on unilateral sanctions and for reaffirmation of support for Sri Lanka’s armed forces and Police. Questions by Private Notice under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the Port City project as a key economic initiative but urged the Government and Commission to ensure recent amendments translate into accelerated foreign direct investment and removal of bottlenecks. He called for investigation of inconsistent land pricing to investors, lower event-space rental costs, and coordinated legal and environmental measures for special event zones. He also raised the need to strengthen financial and digital infrastructure, tabled concerns over SLT-Mobitel procurement and governance, and requested updates on power-sector measures, including battery storage, to prevent future outages affecting investment and economic activity. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe supported the amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that they replace overly broad and discretionary tax concessions with shorter, threshold-based incentives and greater transparency. He said previous strategic development incentives caused major tax expenditure losses, cited IMF-related fiscal obligations, and proposed publishing project costs while ending full employment income tax exemptions for Port City employees with transitional arrangements. He also defended education reforms and the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund as subject to proper procedures, and said post-cyclone rebuilding and investment promotion should proceed with stronger oversight. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that the Colombo Port City Economic Commission should be used more proactively to attract investment, with targeted tax and non-tax incentives rather than waiting on IMF programme constraints. He said Port City must develop a clear value proposition as an offshore financial, services, and manufacturing hub, leveraging access to India through the Indo–Sri Lanka FTA and offering regulatory certainty, market access, and efficiency. He criticized over-regulation, approval delays, and recent Colombo Stock Exchange technical issues as damaging investor confidence, and urged reforms to attract US$3–4 billion in investment while addressing outward labour migration. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Member supported the Amendment to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, stating that it retains tax incentive powers but introduces clearer rules, technical assessments, investment and employment thresholds, monitoring, and national tax oversight. She said the purpose is to replace blanket concessions with a transparent, rules-based scheme aligned with long-term economic objectives. She also objected to vulgar language used in Parliament and clarified that, on Venezuela, the Government’s position is based on international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and UN principles, distinct from party rhetoric. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara welcomed efforts to attract investment to the Port City by reducing unnecessary burdens, while urging that national policy avoid creating international controversies, particularly over Government-linked statements on Venezuela that he said could affect Sri Lanka’s foreign relations and security. He criticized elements in Grade 6 English textbooks and related education policy, calling for broader consultation, cultural safeguards, and a focus on vocational excellence without normalizing practices he opposed. He questioned disaster-relief allocations in Anuradhapura, alleging many affected families and students were excluded from compensation after recent cyclone damage. He also raised health-sector concerns, including the non-functioning radiotherapy machine at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, and asked the Government to provide the required equipment and services without political bias. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, stating that Port City is a key vehicle for attracting FDI within a context of restored macroeconomic stability. He highlighted provisions on employment tax treatment, offshore banking regulation, prudential standards, and ex-post monitoring of Businesses of Strategic Importance to ensure tax incentives are performance-linked. Citing IMF assessments and 2025 indicators, he argued that Sri Lanka had achieved stronger-than-projected growth, fiscal consolidation, remittances, tourism, and FDI, enabling cyclone relief through a Treasury cash buffer. He also noted the need to continue education reforms begun in 2019 to align the system with future needs. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith Agalakada JJB AI summary The Hon. Ajith Agalakada supported amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that Sri Lanka needs new foreign exchange-generating avenues ahead of resumed external debt repayments from 2028. He said the amendments are based on expert review and would rationalize tax concessions, limit employment income tax exemptions, and strengthen regulation of Businesses of Strategic Importance through investment- and employment-based categories rather than blanket tax holidays. He emphasized that attracting investment depends not only on incentives but also on stability, infrastructure, human capital, rule of law and transparency, and cited recent improvements in exports, remittances, tourism receipts, FDI and macroeconomic indicators. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Nimal Palihena supported the amendments to Act No. 11 of 2021, arguing that reform of the Port City framework is needed to realize its objective of attracting foreign direct investment after the initial US$ 1.4 billion land reclamation investment. He highlighted changes including a three-year transition for already-registered companies on employee personal income tax, standard tax treatment for new employees, reduced upfront application charges, and Central Bank oversight of offshore banking and related entities. He said the zone would target sectors such as IT, finance, professional services and tourism, operate in approved foreign currencies, and was expected to generate stronger investment inflows in 2026 amid improved economic conditions. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the 2025 Amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act as a shift from an insulated special zone toward stronger integration with national financial, tax, and foreign exchange laws. He highlighted Central Bank oversight of offshore banking, reduced tax holidays, mandatory tax filing, and Ministry of Finance technical review of incentives as safeguards against shadow banking and revenue loss. He cautioned that reduced incentives could affect investor confidence, but argued that non-tax facilitation, policy stability, local economic linkages, and transparent regulation are more important for positioning Port City as a credible global financial and business centre. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported amendments to Act No. 11 of 2021 concerning the Port City framework, arguing that stronger provisions are needed to make it a competitive Special Economic Zone and financial hub. He outlined investment routes through BOI-facilitated FDI, forthcoming PPP legislation, joint ventures, and the Port City, and said reforms would introduce a single-window mechanism, clearer incentives, tax fairness, and Central Bank-regulated offshore banking. He highlighted changes ending employment income tax exemptions for new zone employees, transitioning existing registrants over three years, and setting time-bound, criteria-based incentives for Businesses of Strategic Importance. He also cited recent economic growth figures and criticized opposition to certain public appointments, urging cooperation in national development. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →