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- 9 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka’s Election Commission has received international recognition as the best in the world, extending beyond the regional level. The remark emphasized the Commission’s standing and credibility in the context of electoral administration. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the revived highway project but criticized the increase in its interest rate and the diversion of Road Development funds toward debt servicing. He requested that the IMF Extended Fund Facility technical reports in Sinhala and English be printed and circulated to all MPs. He urged the Government to review airport-issued driving licences for foreigners and visa-free entry arrangements, citing impacts on local tour drivers, tourism revenue, foreign exchange, and airport operations. He also criticized the Government’s handling of the Geneva resolutions, arguing that not calling for a vote weakened support from countries such as Russia, China, and India. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Harsha de Silva rejected the characterization of Sri Lanka as “cursed,” arguing that economic decline followed blocked reforms and poor policy choices. He questioned whether the Public Debt Coordination Committee required under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, had been established and had reported on the proposed US$500 million Exim Bank of China loan for the Central Expressway. He said the loan’s variable interest structure, with a 2.5% floor and 3.5% cap, disadvantages Sri Lanka compared with a fixed 2.5% rate or a symmetric band, and urged the Government to negotiate borrowing terms responsibly and in compliance with the Act. He tabled the PDCC recommendation and related Chinese bank documents. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Kankesanthurai Port rehabilitation project, outlining delays caused by cost increases from the original USD 45.27 million Indian Exim Bank loan estimate to USD 61.5 million in the 2021 Detailed Project Report and the absence of confirmed additional financing. He said the Sri Lanka Ports Authority had meanwhile completed several works with its own funds, including repairs, security infrastructure, utilities, a passenger terminal, a warehouse and weighbridge, and was proceeding with breakwater rehabilitation and rail extension. He stated that India had in March 2024 indicated willingness to fund the full revised cost, but Sri Lanka is negotiating amendments to certain MoU clauses considered potentially adverse before proceeding. The Environmental Impact Assessment was completed in 2018, and procurement and construction are expected to take about three years once the amended MoU is concluded. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to the handling of his question to the Prime Minister, stating that he had amended it under Standing Order requirements rather than withdrawing and replacing it at the last minute. He argued that the Government was avoiding answering on its position at the Geneva Human Rights Council, despite international calls for concrete action rather than assurances. He requested that Members be allowed to question the Prime Minister without such interventions being treated as attempts to initiate a debate. Oral Question: UN Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised an oral question to the Prime Minister regarding the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ recent report on Sri Lanka and related statements following his visit. He asked the Government to clarify its position and intended actions on the report, state whether it will present and implement the report’s recommendations, and explain its view on the recommendation to consider alternative international legal options concerning Sri Lanka. Oral Question: UN Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Asked whether the tourism authorities are pursuing Government policy in relation to promoting LGBTQ tourism, arguing that Sri Lanka should instead emphasize existing attractions such as wildlife, flora, history and heritage. He also questioned whether the politically appointed Chairperson was implementing the Government’s policy framework and, if not, whether any legal action had been taken, raising concerns about unequal enforcement of the law. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya responded that the Government’s tourism promotion policy was set out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism at the World Tourism Day event on 02.10.2025. She stated that Section 365A of the Penal Code, as amended by Act No. 22 of 1995, addresses the relevant legal matter and tabled its text. She added that the Government’s position had been communicated by the President to the Chief Prelates and through the Minister’s speech, and that tourism policy does not promote any special group and will be conducted so as not to harm any person. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned whether the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is promoting LGBTQ tourism in Sri Lanka, in the context of the country’s cultural, religious and tourism policies. He asked what Penal Code provisions apply to homosexuality and sought clarification on what action the Ministry would take following objections reportedly raised by religious leaders, including Chief Prelates and His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan responded to concerns raised about renewing driving licences for Sri Lankans working in Italy, stating that previous governments had failed to create a process. He said he had raised the matter in Parliament and that the Foreign Affairs Ministry, following discussions with Italian diplomatic officials, expected to establish a renewal process within about two months. He rejected the Opposition’s criticism as inaccurate and said the Government was taking steps to address the issue for Sri Lankans overseas. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that debate on prohibited stimulants should remain focused on doping in sport rather than broader political accusations about drugs and crime. He urged the Government to concentrate on lawmaking, coordination, investment facilitation, sports development, and implementation of useful proposals regardless of party origin, while also delivering promised justice for the Easter Sunday attacks. He raised concerns about school-related policies, social issues, and bureaucratic delays, and called for stronger support for Sri Lankans in Italy, including restoration of the driving licence conversion MoU and improved consular services in Rome. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, arguing that anti-doping measures are necessary to ensure fairness in increasingly competitive professional sport, while noting that some athletes may inadvertently use banned medicines for medical reasons. He said sports development also requires grassroots infrastructure and financial support for athletes, referring to proposed facilities in the North, including an international stadium in Jaffna, and defending the Rs. 10,000 stipend for athletes. He also raised a request from Sri Lankans in Saudi Arabia to resume a direct Colombo–Jeddah air service, particularly for Hajj, Umrah and urgent family travel, and said discussions were under way with SriLankan Airlines, Saudi authorities and relevant Ministers. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage clarified that Sri Lanka’s WADA non-compliance issue was not due to negligence, stating that the Government had followed the required Cabinet, Attorney General’s Department, and legislative processes. He rejected claims that the issue had led to bans on hoisting the national flag, loss of international participation, or funding cuts, noting that Sri Lanka does not receive WADA funding. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa sought detailed information on the Government’s economic and debt management position one year into the IMF-supported programme. He requested figures and projections on foreign reserves, public debt, debt servicing, GDP growth assumptions, export earnings, remittances, and foreign direct investment, including quarterly or multi-year breakdowns where relevant. He also questioned the abolition of the SVAT scheme from 1 October and asked for the impact assessment and supporting data, citing exporters’ concerns. Premadasa framed the questions as necessary ahead of the forthcoming Budget and in the context of Sri Lanka’s recovery from bankruptcy. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said lands previously held by the Tri-Forces are being progressively released after the war, while the Sweat Bay land remains subject to court proceedings. He stated that, once legal matters conclude, SLTDA lands will be opened for proposals for environmentally appropriate, sustainability-focused tourism projects involving local and foreign investors, and that discussions will be held with Defence authorities to release other suitable military-held lands for commercial tourism investment. Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to provide details on lands owned by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in the Trincomalee District and the Government’s future plans for them. He specifically sought information on an SLTDA land in the Sweat Bay area, including its extent, the identity and legal entitlement of a company allegedly fencing and occupying it unlawfully, and what legal action would be taken if the company has no valid claim. Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to act impartially on its anti-corruption mandate, including investigating past corruption and preventing future abuses regardless of political affiliation. He welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s remarks at the United Nations on Palestine, but called for action regarding Israelis in Sri Lanka who, he said, were causing visa and access-related problems. He strongly opposed additional wind turbine installations on Mannar Island, citing prolonged public protests, environmental and community concerns, and alleged tender and approval irregularities, and asked that the proposed 10 turbines be relocated to alternative sites in Mannar District rather than imposed on the island. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe urged the Government to resume direct flights between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, including to Jeddah, citing high fares, long transit times, the needs of Sri Lankan migrant workers, and the cost of Hajj and Umrah travel. He also requested the revival of domestic air services from Ratmalana to the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the resumption of suspended seaplane services to destinations such as Batticaloa, Pottuvil, Arugam Bay, and Akkaraipattu. He argued these measures would support pilgrims, migrant workers, regional connectivity, tourism, investment, and foreign exchange earnings. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah raised concerns that Batticaloa Airport, though gazetted as an international airport, lacks adequate facilities and has no foreign or domestic flight operations. He requested the resumption of Sri Lanka Air Force-operated low-cost flights to Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee, and Palaly, citing difficulties for travel to the North and East and the unreliability and high fares of private operators. He also urged the Government to engage Saudi Arabia to restore Saudia Airlines services to Sri Lanka and to pursue bilateral agreements to support pilgrims, migrant workers, investment, and wider economic cooperation. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Adani Green Energy Limited had signed a 2022 MoU with several Sri Lankan institutions to promote wind power, but the Government later decided to re-examine the purchase tariffs agreed by the previous administration and appoint committees for that purpose. The Minister stated that Adani informed the Board of Investment on 12 February 2025 that it was withdrawing its project proposal, so cancellation does not arise. For future large-scale renewable projects, the CEB and Sustainable Energy Authority will complete preparatory work, use competitive international bidding with dollar-denominated tariffs, and discuss a payment guarantee mechanism with the World Bank. Oral Questions: Energy (Adani Power Plant) and Agriculture (Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority) Read →