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- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem paid tribute to former Secretary-General Nihal Seneviratne and thanked foreign rescue teams, especially from the UAE, for assistance after Cyclone “Ditwah”, while urging attention to continuing inundation and housing needs in Karaitivu–Chinna Nagavillu, Puttalam. Addressing the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act amendments, he said the changes may restore regulatory clarity but warned that reducing incentives to meet IMF revenue expectations could undermine Sri Lanka’s competitiveness for foreign investment. He cited concerns over tax policy, including personal income tax and corporate tax rates, and questioned whether projected Port City investment and value addition figures are realistic given the limited number of developers currently near commitment. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said past foreign employment frauds, including the Rainbow case, involved political patronage and that court action is underway, while six SLBFE officers have been suspended and a special police investigation unit established. He stated that the 1985 Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act is being amended because current penalties and safeguards are inadequate. On overseas employment, he said Sri Lanka is pursuing new agreements, including implementation of an Italy driving licence MoU, and is seeking changes to the Korea MoU so worker listings can be extended and quotas increased, with a ministerial visit planned to press these requests. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Minister to seek an extension from HRD Korea and the Korean Government for the expiring web-listing of about 10,000 Sri Lankan candidates who had completed language tests, interviews and medicals for Korean employment. He also requested intervention to enable departure of candidates already approved for jobs in Italy but delayed due to issues between old and new agreements. He further raised allegations that two foreign employment agencies defrauded over Rs. 860 million from more than 640 people over promised jobs in Romania, calling for a transparent investigation and action against those responsible. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister responded to the Opposition Leader’s Standing Order 27(2) question on foreign employment opportunities, stating that current bilateral channels are mainly with Korea and Israel, with Korea indicating 6,800 manufacturing jobs for 2025 and Sri Lankan departures under SLBFE registration declining after a 2022 post-COVID peak. He said recruitment under the Korea EPS scheme does not guarantee employment, web-listed candidates remain eligible for only two years under current Korean policy, and reduced quotas are linked to Korean policy and economic factors, overstaying, and worker job-hopping. He outlined ongoing measures, including discussions with HRD Korea to shift eligible services and shipbuilding candidates into manufacturing, a planned high-level mission to Korea to seek increased quotas, job promotion through the Sri Lankan Embassy, and efforts to renew labour recruitment arrangements with Italy. Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s handling of investigations into Sara Jasmine, a figure linked to Zaharan’s group in the Easter Sunday bombings, noting that earlier claims of her death are now disputed and DNA findings were accepted as flawed. He asked why no open warrant has been issued and whether the Government has raised the matter with Indian authorities, given reports she may be in India and recent high-level bilateral engagements. Oral Question: Detention Orders (Q.1638/2025) Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Thilina Samarakoon asked the Prime Minister to provide figures on tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in 2025, including whether it was a record year, and the approximate revenue earned from tourism. He also requested the Government’s target for tourist arrivals in 2026 and the measures planned to achieve it. Oral Questions: Prime Minister Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister outlined Sri Lanka’s international climate commitments under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, including the preparation of successive Nationally Determined Contributions, with NDC 3.0 approved by Cabinet in September 2025 for 2026–2035 across mitigation and adaptation sectors. He stated that implementation will be coordinated through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Secretariat and inter-agency mechanisms, with budgetary, technology, monitoring and capacity-building needs. He also described the development of a 2050 Carbon Net-Zero Roadmap, the updated National Adaptation Plan for 2026–2035 with province-based costed plans, and Sri Lanka’s engagement with international adaptation and loss-and-damage financing mechanisms such as the Adaptation Fund and the COP28 Loss and Damage Response Fund. Questions and Papers (Resumption after Adjournment) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said the Government had introduced a new fishers’ pension scheme and the “Sayura” emergency insurance programme in its first year, describing them as measures to provide security and professional recognition to the fisheries sector. He outlined the pension contribution options and benefit tiers, invited Opposition proposals to improve the scheme, and said future policy would include formal training to attract educated youth into fisheries. He also reported on Cyclone “Dicha” warnings, damage assessments and compensation measures, including repairs, grants for fishing gear and concessional loans for affected aquaculture sectors. He further stated that the Ministry was assisting Sri Lankan fishers detained in Seychelles and that repairs to damaged radio equipment had been funded. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi supported the fisheries regulations, stressing that export sectors such as mud-crab, prawns, cuttlefish and tuna must comply with EU standards to protect foreign exchange earnings, recalling the previous EU fish export ban and its later removal. He criticised the proposed fishermen’s pension arrangements as placing too much cost on fishers and urged a State co-contribution or relief mechanism, including suggesting that MPs’ pensions could be redirected to support the scheme. He also called for diplomatic action over a Sri Lankan vessel reportedly seized and burned in Seychelles, and requested repairs to harbour radio stations and the Southern mobile slipway to support fishermen’s safety and costs. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question seeking clarity on the status of Sri Lanka’s trade negotiations with the United States amid indications of a possible March 2026 deadline and the economic impact of Cyclone “Ditwah.” He asked whether talks cover only tariffs or wider areas such as services, investment, digital trade and labour, who is negotiating on Sri Lanka’s behalf, and whether Parliament will be consulted or asked to approve any final agreement. He also sought details on any requests for post-cyclone concessions, preferential tariff treatment comparable to other Asian countries, measures related to the trade imbalance, trade data for 2023-2025, and safeguards for vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, apparel and fisheries. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Trade Negotiations between Sri Lanka and USA (Hon. Ravi Karunanayake) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government for raising electricity tariffs without conducting an impact assessment on low- and middle-income households and small businesses. He argued that the increases in electricity and fuel prices contradicted election promises on tariff reductions, pricing formula changes, renewable energy, and IMF conditions. He urged the Government to renegotiate IMF conditions in light of Cyclone “Ditwah,” convene an international donors’ conference, and implement relief measures. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): National Electricity Policy (Hon. Sajith Premadasa) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister tabled an answer stating that there is currently no delay in passport processing for Sri Lankans abroad, with urgent procedures in place and online processing planned in 20 countries during 2026. He said overseas missions provide mobile consular services, guided by Ministry standards, to assist Sri Lankans in remote areas with passports, civil registrations, attestations and related services, with expansion considered where demand is high. He also outlined plans to strengthen legal and consular support through designated liaison points where needed, digitization, increased staffing and training, wider outreach, and closer coordination with host authorities and community organizations. Oral Question: Passport Issuance Delays for Sri Lankans Living Abroad (Q. relating to Hon. Gayan Janaka) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of the Hon. K. Ilankumaran) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to explain delays in issuing passports to Sri Lankans overseas and whether affected applicants who missed urgent travel would receive compensation or priority processing. The question sought details on measures to expedite services, including digital or biometric methods, improved coordination between Immigration and Emigration officials and foreign missions, and mobile or on-site services in countries with large Sri Lankan communities. It also asked whether embassies would establish special units for urgent legal matters and what future steps would improve services for Sri Lankans abroad. Oral Question: Passport Issuance Delays for Sri Lankans Living Abroad (Q. relating to Hon. Gayan Janaka) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about Sri Lankan youth awaiting foreign employment, particularly under Korea’s Employment Permit System, and urged the Government to extend or renew relevant bilateral arrangements before thousands are removed from the waiting list. He asked for details on bilateral job schemes, Korean job quotas by category, reasons for any decline in opportunities, and studies conducted by the Government. He also called for a special relief or priority mechanism for over 9,000 qualified Korean job applicants and questioned what new government-to-government agreements have been secured for other overseas labour markets. He further sought an explanation and remedial action for candidates affected under the 2011 G2G agreement with Italy, including those who passed the 2014 examination but did not receive employment placements. Question by Private Notice: Foreign Employment in Republic of Korea Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary The Minister said the Government declared a state of emergency under the Public Security Ordinance after the disaster worsened, mobilized the Tri-Forces and Police, and coordinated international assistance for rescue and relief, including support from India, Pakistan, UN agencies, financial institutions, civil society, and Sri Lankans overseas. He outlined mechanisms for receiving funds and in-kind donations, including authorized Finance Ministry accounts and a bonded warehouse system at the airport to route supplies through the Disaster Management Centre to local officials. He stated that tourism had remained resilient, with no tourist deaths and about 2.2 million arrivals year to date, and rejected claims of imminent economic collapse or LPG shortages, saying a new supplier had been contracted and the first vessel was expected early next month. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra thanked foreign governments, organizations and humanitarian partners for emergency relief, technical support and financial assistance after Cyclone Ditwah, stating that aid was coordinated through government mechanisms and respected Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. Reporting on Trincomalee, he said district disaster preparedness meetings, drainage investments and daily coordination among officials, security forces and agencies helped limit damage and avoid deaths, despite evacuations including the airlifting of about 260 people. He said 80 relief camps housed 26,694 people, and that payments of the Rs. 25,000 home-cleaning grant had been completed for 13,956 of 15,943 eligible families, with a decision to include public officers and persons abroad after initial circular-related delays. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath stated that preparatory work has begun on a nation branding initiative to support tourism development. He said stakeholder consultations are under way, substantial funding is being allocated, and the process will proceed in a structured manner. Question by Private Notice: Credit Expansion and Ministerial Statement on Tourism Read →
- 18 December 2025 Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera said tourism earnings remain low despite high domestic costs, noting that average room rates are still over 20 percent below pre-Easter 2019 levels and that some Colombo five-star rates may amount to a net loss for the country. He proposed using Tourism Development Levy revenues for stronger nation branding and global promotional campaigns to attract higher-spending tourists and better position Sri Lanka against competing destinations. Question by Private Notice: Credit Expansion and Ministerial Statement on Tourism Read →
- 18 December 2025 Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Multiple tourism initiatives are being coordinated through the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Tourism Promotion Bureau, overseas missions, and industry stakeholders to accelerate policy implementation, worker onboarding, and promotion. The Minister reported increased Tourism Development Levy revenue in 2025, tourism receipts approaching USD 3 billion, and preparatory work for a unified national tourism brand. He said both budget and high-end travelers contribute to local economic activity, while noting hotel room supply of about 90,000 rooms affects room rates. He also referred to the Presidential Task Force on Tourism Development established by Gazette Extraordinary No. 2450/27 of 20 August 2025, which is coordinating relevant institutions and ministries. Question by Private Notice: Credit Expansion and Ministerial Statement on Tourism Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna urged authorities to identify assets and liabilities rather than seek funds from Sri Lankans working abroad under claims of rebuilding the country. He said that, if necessary, he would raise funds from the diaspora specifically for the North and East. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →