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 December 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka urged a non-partisan national response to the recent disaster, proposing that the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme use expert input, international assistance, and long-term planning to repair damage and build stronger systems. He outlined foreign humanitarian support from around 70 countries and operational measures to expedite duty-free clearance of relief consignments through ports and the airport. He also reported on the restoration of airport operations after over 12,000 passengers were stranded and described relief efforts in Biyagama, where about 20,000 people were affected and 19 safe centres were established. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan expressed condolences for those killed or missing in the disaster and urged Members to avoid blame and work collectively on relief and rebuilding. He thanked India, Tamil Nadu, the President, government officials, local authorities, volunteers and the Tri-Forces for their assistance, while requesting special attention to the badly affected Vanni area, particularly Mannar. He called for non-discriminatory assistance to all affected citizens, welcomed the Rs. 25,000 grant for cleaning flooded homes, and asked that it be extended to all affected families. He cited district-level impact figures for Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, noting losses to homes, livestock, farmers and fishing gear, and said he would table the relevant report. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Weeraratne clarified that India’s role in the digital ID project is limited to assistance in procuring and installing the initial system, not ownership or control of an operating entity. He stated that no company will be created with a 51 per cent Indian stake, and that the system will remain in Sri Lanka under the Department for Registration of Persons, operated by Sri Lankan public officers. He emphasized that no digital IDs or biometric data will be populated during initial setup, and that data will not be sent abroad or accessed by foreign entities. Oral Question: Digital Identity Card Introduction (Q.552/2025) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned a tender condition requiring the master systems integrator for a biometric digital initiative to have at least 51 per cent Indian shareholding, arguing that this could exclude Sri Lankan companies and affect national control over citizens’ data. He asked the Government to table the related agreements and procedural framework in Parliament, citing concerns over sovereignty, data safeguards, and the absence of Supreme Court review without a Government reference. Oral Question: Digital Identity Card Introduction (Q.552/2025) Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando proposed digitizing Parliament alongside the digital economy agenda, arguing that Hansards, Gazettes, and other parliamentary documents should be distributed electronically to reduce waste. He sought clarification on the Fisheries Ministry’s Rs. 100 million allocation for satellite-based oceanographic information, urging the Government to seek Indian ISRO support for systems such as NavIC and GAGAN to improve fisher safety, rescue coordination, and identification of fishing grounds. He also asked the Fisheries Minister whether a requested report on banning winches in stake-net fishing had been submitted, and called for a grace period while alternatives are developed. He further raised concerns over an alleged illegal rice import linked to a private entity using the name “United Nations Human Rights Organization,” calling for enforcement of licensing laws, release of the full audio recording, and clear answers regarding the relevant container and impact on local paddy farmers. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva supported the development of digital public infrastructure and referred to the IPS “State of the Economy 2025” report, but urged that digitalisation be designed with safeguards for democracy, human rights, transparency and Sri Lanka’s post-war context. He called for wider public consultation, including a Parliamentary Select Committee, and asked how the Digital Sri Lanka programme would reconcile with the Online Safety Act and the Personal Data Protection Act. He criticised the lack of publicly available Sinhala and Tamil documentation on the programme and requested inclusive communication before implementation. He also questioned the reported tender for 15 million pre-printed polycarbonate ID cards, asking whether such a quantity and format are necessary if the country is moving to a digital identity system. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to points raised by Hon. Ravikaran on fisheries issues in the Northern Sea, noting that Tamil Nadu trawler intrusions severely affect local fishers and require broader action beyond Tamil MPs speaking out. He also referred to illegal and destructive fishing methods, suggesting that those responsible are known, and offered to work with Hon. Ravikaran to support measures to curb such practices. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa noted that the education allocation had increased only from 1.8% to 2% of GDP between 2025 and 2026, arguing that progress toward the 6% target should be faster. Citing the Government’s Policy Statement on recruiting 35,000 graduates, he proposed a one-year stipend-supported apprenticeship programme for unemployed graduates before recruitment into teaching, STEM, technical and other sectors. He also urged diplomatic action with South Korea to restore EPS-TOPIK job placements, saying around 5,000 qualified candidates risk losing opportunities due to the two-year departure limit, and called for filling identified public sector vacancies. Ministerial Statement: Minimization of Unemployment Read →
- 25 November 2025 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim cited a British Council survey indicating that Sri Lanka is among the highest sources of foreign students to the UK, ranking second in the referenced list despite its small population compared with China. He argued that this reflects the consequences of wrong policy decisions in Sri Lanka. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that, in addition to ETCA, previously signed agreements with Singapore and Thailand had been halted, with litigation on the Singapore FTA now understood to have concluded. He said a Cabinet-appointed high-level expert committee is reviewing these agreements to identify gaps and priorities, with recommendations expected by January on the President’s instructions. He indicated that, subject to the committee’s guidance, the Government aims to begin negotiations in the first quarter of the following year. Oral Question: India Trade Relations - Standing Order 27(2) Response Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted uncertainty over US tariff preferences for the apparel sector and identified India as an important alternative market if the proposed ETCA is expedited. He stated support for ETCA in principle and asked the Minister when negotiations would begin and how soon the agreement could be made operational. Oral Question: India Trade Relations - Standing Order 27(2) Response Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the Government’s approach to advancing ETCA with India, stating that a Cabinet-appointed high-level committee is reviewing existing FTAs, including the ISFTA, to guide future negotiations with data, clear objectives and parliamentary disclosure. He said engagement with India would be strategically sequenced to benefit from India’s economic growth while protecting domestic industries, services, regulatory standards and national development priorities. He noted that cooperation may expand in areas such as tourism, ports, finance, renewable energy, digital technology, maritime services and higher education, with safeguards, trade remedies and a proposed bilateral investment treaty to precede ETCA commitments. Oral Question: India Trade Relations - Standing Order 27(2) Response Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe responded that Sri Lanka’s trade deficit with India in 2024 should not be attributed to the Indo–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, arguing that the agreement has provided significant preferential access for Sri Lankan exports. He stated that USD 493.22 million of exports to India used ISFTA concessions, compared with only USD 324.78 million of imports from India under such concessions, indicating greater relative benefit to Sri Lankan exporters. He said India remains a natural trading partner for Sri Lanka and that the policy focus should be on improving export competitiveness and diversification rather than questioning the agreement itself. Oral Question: India Trade Relations - Standing Order 27(2) Response Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga supported the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy, reduced the budget deficit, and is pursuing an entrepreneurial and export-oriented development strategy. She cited the National Export Development Plan, Rs. 1,799 million for export promotion, a five-year export target of USD 36 billion, the current year target of USD 18 billion, and reported progress including USD 13 billion in exports by mid-year and 482 new exporters in 10 months. She also highlighted measures such as assigning export targets to ambassadors, setting targets through district and divisional administrations, introducing a VAT refund system for tourists, and convening the Export Development Council of Ministers under the President. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said CPC’s financial position had been mischaracterised, distinguishing debt from LC/indemnity instruments and noting an estimated Rs. 32 billion profit by October. He outlined progress on the India HVDC interconnection, Trincomalee oil tank farm, and major North-East transmission projects, while stressing that import/export pricing and transmission costs must be carefully assessed. He said the Government rejected the Adani wind proposal because the quoted USD 8.26 cents per kWh excluded unresolved transmission costs and was above competitive benchmarks, and that renewable and grid projects are being accelerated to reduce generation costs. He detailed recent electricity tariff reductions for domestic consumers, said about 70 per cent of customers under 90 units are supplied below cost through cross-subsidy, and argued that Sri Lanka’s household and industrial electricity prices have become comparatively competitive in the region. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne said Sri Lanka’s energy-sector restructuring under the amended Electricity Act, including separate entities for generation, transmission, distribution and system operation, is intended to improve efficiency and lower costs. He linked reliable electricity supply to the digital economy, arguing that AI data centres and proposed “data embassies” require 24/7 redundant power and grid resilience, and that Sri Lanka’s location on submarine cable routes creates investment opportunities. He said the Government is pursuing dual-supply regions, smart grids, smart meters, sector digitization, and a power-wheeling framework to enable renewable self-generation and support data-centre-related foreign investment. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted that the debt-to-GDP ratio remained at 104 per cent and argued that the stated Rs. 102 trillion GDP figure partly reflected rupee depreciation alongside rising debt stock. He called for careful capital absorption, energy planning that accounts for geopolitical factors in LNG decisions, timely retirement of old power plants, and investment in new capacity, including through private capital. He also urged that successful subsidiaries should not be weakened, but instead managed through taxation and regulation. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam argued that Sri Lanka should use energy policy to prevent future crises and generate foreign exchange, drawing lessons from countries such as Bhutan and Nepal that trade electricity with neighbouring grids. He supported the proposed HVDC grid interconnection with India, stating it would allow Sri Lanka to import power during shortages and export surplus renewable energy, particularly to meet growing demand in southern India. He proposed developing solar capacity, especially given Sri Lanka’s geographic advantages, and urged the Government to move beyond political objections to regional energy connectivity. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Government to move beyond anti-India attitudes and pursue mutually beneficial investment, particularly by activating the 66 unused oil tanks at Trincomalee through Indian participation or other investors with India’s concurrence. He criticised the lack of progress at Trincomalee Port and described it as a missed national opportunity rather than an India-related obstacle. He welcomed the move from the earlier Adani power proposal to competitive tenders yielding lower renewable energy prices, and called for all future power generation projects to be awarded only through competitive tendering to ensure cheaper, secure electricity for industry and employment. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the tabled document was an agreement signed with the United States of America involving the defence establishment. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: 'Aruna' News Report (19.11.2025) and Related Procedural Matters Read →