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- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath supported reviewing the concerns in the Adjournment Motion while stressing that tourism should be protected and the law applied equally to foreigners and Sri Lankans. He presented data showing that only about 1.17 to 1.29 per cent of tourists from August to October 2025 obtained temporary licences, generating Rs. 13.27 million in State revenue. He clarified that licences issued at Bandaranaike International Airport cover only light vehicles, not three-wheelers or heavy vehicles, while the Automobile Association of Ceylon issues certain permits under relevant road traffic conventions and ordinances. He said there was no evidence of a surge of accidents caused by these licences, but agreed that the issues raised should be examined and acted on if necessary. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala seconded the Adjournment Motion on three-wheeler licensing, noting that three-wheelers require distinct handling skills and that issuing licences without adequate training could contribute to accidents. He also raised tourism-sector concerns, arguing that the removal of minimum room rates has led some five-star hotels to sell rooms at very low prices, reducing national revenue. He proposed reconsidering a price floor for five-star hotel rooms to prevent underpricing and encourage higher tourist spending in Sri Lanka. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra stated that he wished to clarify matters relating to the Qur’an translation issue. He referred to a recent interview in which the Secretary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama had explained the matter. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) on the 25-year performance of the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and the need to upgrade economic cooperation with India through the proposed ETCA. He asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to address the trade deficit, non-tariff barriers, stalled ETCA negotiations, safeguards, value-chain integration, investment and technology priorities, professional mobility through mutual recognition agreements, and sectoral opportunities in tourism, ports and banking. He also requested accountability measures, including tabling a 25-year review of the ISFTA, in the context of the President’s Budget Speech. Question by Private Notice: Benefits of Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and Negotiations on ETCA Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary The Prime Minister responded on Sri Lanka’s engagement with the UN Human Rights Council following Resolution 57/1 and the High Commissioner’s report, noting that the Government submitted observations while rejecting the resolution. She said the Government acknowledged positive references in the report but disagreed with recommendations for international action, arguing that external mechanisms could undermine domestic reconciliation and accountability efforts. She outlined planned national measures, including strengthening institutions, establishing an Independent Public Prosecutor’s Office, and initiating a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, while continuing cooperation on capacity-building and technical assistance. Oral Answer: Human Rights Situation in Sri Lanka and Reparations (Q. raised 08.10.2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe supported the proposal on organized crime and drugs, but argued that the Government was using the issue to distract from failures in governance, the economy, and delivery on promises. He said drug policy must focus on reducing demand and rehabilitating users, citing international experience, and criticized public displays that he said risk glorifying traffickers. He also criticized recent ministerial remarks following a killing, stressing that even alleged criminals must be dealt with through police investigation, courts, and due process rather than extrajudicial justification or political labelling. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman raised concern that the media head of the Palestine Embassy had allegedly been repeatedly summoned and questioned by local police over pro-Palestine social media content, and asked for an inquiry into why officials were exerting pressure on Palestine-related media activity. He also questioned the new requirement limiting post-Cabinet media briefing attendance to journalists holding Government Information Department identity cards, asking whether the rule could be relaxed to allow broader media access. Oral Question: Investigations into Assassinations, Abductions or Assaults of Journalists Since 2010 (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman raised a supplementary question about journalists, noting past incidents involving print media around 2010 and alleging that, over the past year, YouTube and social media journalists posting content on Palestine have been summoned and questioned for hours by the Terrorism Investigation Division. He asked whether the authorities are aware of this practice and what action they intend to take. Oral Question: Investigations into Assassinations, Abductions or Assaults of Journalists Since 2010 (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported the motion on climate change and vulnerable states, stressing Sri Lanka’s exposure to floods, landslides and other disasters and citing 2021 disaster impacts including deaths, injuries and housing damage. He referenced Sri Lanka’s obligations under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, noted the cancellation of the Kelani River flood mitigation component of the Climate Resilience Improvement Program in 2018, and called for clearer national decisions on emerging carbon market opportunities. He said consultations are under way to submit a national plan to Cabinet and that the Government is preparing a structured mechanism, led by the Prime Minister, to mitigate Kelani River flooding affecting Colombo District. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala supported the motion on climate change, noting that Sri Lanka faces severe droughts, floods, food and water shortages, and energy disruptions despite contributing relatively little to global emissions. He referred to Sri Lanka’s role in the Climate Vulnerable Forum and its 2026-2035 commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11,675,800 metric tons. He welcomed the Ministry of Environment’s renewed work on climate planning, including the Climate Prosperity Plan, and called for cross-party and public cooperation to meet these obligations. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri alleged that the Minister of Foreign Affairs was misleading Parliament. No further details, evidence, or specific policy issue were provided in the recorded remark. Point of Order on Foreign Affairs Statement Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary On behalf of the Opposition, Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka requested clarity on scheduling a debate on the UN Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, noting that the previously suggested date of 4 November may not be possible due to the Foreign Minister’s unavailability. He asked that, if a separate debate cannot be held before year-end sittings conclude, two additional hours be allocated during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. He also requested the announcement of the membership of the agreed Special Committee on the release of about 300 containers without proper inspection, and urged the Government to expedite relief measures in response to adverse weather and flood risks, including in Galle District. Parliamentary Business and Disaster Management Discussion Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the proposal for a Ratnapura highway but urged the Government to give equal priority to transport connectivity in the underdeveloped North and East, including earlier proposals for expressways to Batticaloa and the Northern region. He raised concerns about loan terms and corruption allegations linked to past highway projects, calling for prudent financing and greater reliance on grants, including from India. He also urged development of Trincomalee Harbour, Batticaloa Airport, Jaffna–Palali Airport and Kankesanthurai Harbour, stating that improved regional infrastructure could help attract funding for further highway development. Private Members' Motion P.41/2025: Ruwanpura Expressway Read →
- 9 October 2025 Mr. Presiding Member AI summary A Government member stated that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks are ongoing and that legal action will follow once results are available. He rejected media reports claiming that the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security had linked India to the attacks, said a CID complaint had been lodged over the alleged false disclosure from the Committee on High Posts, and warned that legal action would be taken against those who spread or supplied the claim. He also cited improvements in foreign reserves, exports, tourism arrivals and earnings, remittances, and investment climate, attributing these to political stability and government policy, and said further measures would be taken to sustain economic recovery. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath stated that the Government had overseen peaceful presidential, parliamentary, and local elections and that no ethnic or religious clashes had occurred during the past year. He rejected claims that Sri Lanka’s foreign relations would be limited to a few countries, citing engagement with major global partners and grants, investments, and agreements from Japan, China, and others, including discussions on direct flights from Belarus. He said the recent UNHRC resolution only extended the reporting period to September 2027 and maintained that Sri Lanka would address human rights and national harmony through domestic measures while acting on corruption. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Government is implementing a socialist-Marxist policy direction and linked this to its positions on territorial integrity and the unitary state. He questioned why Sri Lanka did not call for a vote on UN Human Rights Council draft resolution A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1 despite stating opposition to it, and objected to the proposed Independent Prosecutor’s Office, saying it undermines confidence in domestic legal institutions. He warned of consequences for war veterans and national sovereignty, criticized perceived shifts away from alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and tabled a Cardinal’s homily urging development consistent with culture, dignity, and independence from IMF-related dependency. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government had failed to implement promised changes, citing the unfulfilled pledge for a new Debt Sustainability Analysis framework and IMF agreement, and criticized electricity tariff increases despite earlier promises of a 33% reduction. He questioned the Government’s economic direction in light of IMF conditions, future external debt servicing of about USD 5 billion annually from 2028, weak investment climate assessments, and World Bank concerns on poverty, wages, food prices, health and education. He also challenged the Government to explain why favourable statements by many countries at Geneva were not converted into votes against the Sri Lanka resolution, describing this as a failure of diplomacy and urging national unity and transparent domestic resolution of issues. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Government not to fear votes, citing Sri Lanka’s experience in Brussels regarding GSP Plus. He said that when a vote was sought there, Sri Lanka’s position prevailed by a large margin, with around 400 votes in favour and about 100 against. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake acknowledged the Foreign Minister’s response and the statement made by Sri Lanka’s UN Permanent Representative, Himali Arunatilaka. He questioned why Sri Lanka did not call for a vote, arguing that doing so would have demonstrated global support following the statement. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath reviewed the history of UN Human Rights Council resolutions on Sri Lanka, arguing that successive governments failed to address post-war human rights, reconciliation and accountability issues domestically, leading to continued international scrutiny and mechanisms such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. He said the current Government inherited this situation in 2024 and intends to “de-internationalize” the process by protecting the rights of all communities and resolving issues through strong, independent domestic institutions. He also noted that the composition and voting dynamics of the Human Rights Council make it difficult for Sri Lanka to defeat such resolutions, with Sri Lanka having won only the 2009 vote on its own resolution. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →