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- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Hector Appuhamy) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Energy whether the Government is aware of the previous Government’s agreement with India’s Adani Company for a power plant project and whether the current Government intends to revise or cancel it. The question also sought details on measures to attract international investors to Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, and reasons if no action is planned. Oral Questions: Energy (Adani Power Plant) and Agriculture (Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe thanked the President for reaffirming Sri Lanka’s support for Palestine at the UN General Assembly and raised concerns about an alleged illegal Israeli “Shabbat House” in Pottuvil–Arugam Bay, located near a mosque. He tabled local authority documents, noting that the Divisional Coordinating Committee and Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha had unanimously called for its closure. He asked the Minister responsible for cultural affairs what action would be taken to remove it, adding that if the matter falls under Defence, it would be raised with the President or Deputy Minister of Defence. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe questioned the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs about an alleged illegal Israeli-linked “Shabbat House” operating near the Mafasa Muslim Mosque in Arugam Bay, Pottuvil. He asked whether the Ministry is aware of the institution, how long it has operated, the basis on which the land was granted, and whether security arrangements around it have caused fear among residents, tourists, fishermen and farmers. He further sought information on any steps to remove the institution and whether reports have been obtained from the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat and Pradeshiya Sabha. Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage supported the extension of regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, stating that limited vehicle imports were intended to assist tourism recovery after the economic crisis. He argued that the crisis stemmed from past borrowing, particularly International Sovereign Bonds issued during 2015–2019, and said this debt did not generate sustained growth. He outlined the Government’s tourism targets and cited recent indicators on GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, and interest rates as evidence of stabilization before moving toward broader economic growth. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon supported regulations enabling vehicle imports for tourism, arguing they align with the sector’s recovery and the Government’s targets of three million tourist arrivals and US$ 5 billion in revenue. He emphasized expanding tourism beyond coastal areas into inland, community- and environment-based destinations, particularly in the North Western Province and around reservoirs, heritage sites, and rural attractions. He identified poor rural roads and infrastructure as a key constraint and said the Government intends to address this while developing sites such as Yapahuwa, Haththikuchchi, Rasvehera, and areas in Galgamuwa. He also linked tourism growth to wider economic stabilization and welfare measures, while defending the Government’s first year in office against Opposition criticism. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary K. Ilankumaran supported the Import and Export (Control) Act regulations, arguing that the NPP Government had maintained economic and exchange-rate stability despite Opposition predictions of shortages and currency depreciation. He highlighted tourism development in the North, including proposed zones in Poonakary and diaspora investment, as well as plans for a northern coconut cultivation programme with free saplings, fertilizer subsidies and per-acre support. He urged northern Opposition Members to support the Government’s development agenda and said those violating the law or reviving “old political culture” would be dealt with under the law. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath supported the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations, No. 7 of 2025, arguing that they form part of efforts to stabilize the economy and strengthen Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. He linked the debate to the Government’s broader claims of recovery, national unity, inclusive parliamentary representation, reduced privileges for public representatives, and improved democratic standing, citing the President’s address to the 80th UN General Assembly. He criticized the Opposition for allegedly diverting from the subject and said the Government would continue its programme to develop tourism and elevate Sri Lanka internationally. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala linked the tourism debate to the President’s recent UN General Assembly address, highlighting themes of improving Sri Lanka’s international image, combating corruption and transnational crime, poverty eradication, digitization, education, health, and ethical governance. He supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to permit the import of 250 small buses and 750 vans for tourism transport needs. He argued that improved transport and supporting facilities are necessary to develop cultural, ecological, agricultural, coastal, religious, sports, wellness, and culinary tourism, particularly given Sri Lanka’s geographic diversity. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to engage the United Kingdom on trade agreements and pursue new export markets through free trade arrangements, citing a 6.6% decline in apparel exports as a concern requiring quick action. He also questioned delays in tabling the Board of Investment’s 2023/2024 accounts and called for the BOI to operate more efficiently, with a more private-sector-oriented approach to facilitating exports. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka defended the Government’s first year in office, citing economic stabilization, improved revenue, higher exports, tourism arrivals, remittances, foreign investment, reserves, lower interest rates, and a stable exchange rate. He linked these outcomes to what he described as a new political culture, restoration of the rule of law, action against organized crime and narcotics, and the President’s international engagement, including at the UN General Assembly. Responding to Opposition concerns about debt repayments in 2028, he said the Government had begun the process of rebuilding the economy to meet those obligations. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan outlined the sequence of import-control measures on motor vehicles introduced during the foreign exchange crisis and later relaxed through Gazette No. 2421/04 of January 2025, including limits on individual imports, registration deadlines, penalties, and re-export requirements for violations. He explained the March 2025 amendments requiring stronger authentication of vehicle import documents through banks, online verification, and Customs scrutiny. He noted that Bureau Veritas has been designated to issue inspection certificates for vehicle imports from all countries, presenting the regulations as a move to improve document integrity, reduce clearance delays, and support digitized trade procedures. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Chaminda Lalith Kumara supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that facilitating vehicle imports would strengthen transport services needed for tourism. He said the Government is rebuilding and promoting tourism, including community-based tourism in villages, so that benefits extend beyond large hotels and reach rural communities. He highlighted initiatives in districts including Gampaha and stressed the need for reliable transport, accommodation, promotion, and a peaceful environment to sustain rising tourism indicators. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena responded to concerns on fiscal stabilization by citing growth in tourism arrivals and earnings, remittances, exports, foreign direct investment, state revenue, and profits of selected state-owned enterprises. He argued that these indicators, along with stable currency management despite vehicle import-related demand, show progress toward strengthening the external sector and reducing the revenue-expenditure gap. He said the Government is working toward fiscal anchors for 2028 and beyond, including a 2.3 percent primary surplus, lower debt-to-GDP over time, and controlled gross financing needs, while also emphasizing asset declarations and recent narcotics seizures as part of governance and enforcement efforts. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns that EU and Western market restrictions could increase shrimp re-exports through Sri Lanka, creating risks of disease entering local aquaculture zones and damaging Sri Lanka’s export reputation if products are sold under the Sri Lankan name. He also asked how the Government would prevent imported shrimp from entering the domestic market and depressing prices for local producers. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Acting Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Acting Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera provided figures on Sri Lanka Air Force deserters, stating there were 45 officers and 3,402 other ranks, with arrests and surrenders recorded between February and September 2025. He said absentees face disciplinary action and possible discharge, while eligible personnel may be retained after intelligence and police clearance, with the process taking about 30 days depending on the case. He also clarified that two C-130 aircraft are being transferred from the United States under the Excess Defense Articles framework, not purchased, with Sri Lanka expected to bear about USD 30 million for refurbishment, transport and technical support to strengthen heavy airlift capacity. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to vehicle imports. He noted that vehicle imports, suspended during the 2019-2022 crisis, have generally reopened, ending a previous tourism-sector tax concession, while the new regulations permit limited imports across 13 vehicle categories. He said the Committee was satisfied with SLTDA processes and observed that, since individual tax breaks are not possible under the IMF programme, better collection of the 1% Tourism Development Levy could fund targeted relief for the tourism sector. Papers Presented Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath outlined the procedures and support measures for sending Sri Lankan workers to Japan and Korea under existing Memoranda of Understanding. For Japan, he referred to residential training, Japanese language instruction, public notices on skill tests, use of licensed foreign employment agencies, district-level language courses, fee reimbursements and information services. For Korea, he described the transparent recruitment process under the E-9 visa scheme, including language, proficiency and skill tests, verification, medical and police clearances, registration in HRD Korea’s system, and pre-departure residential and practical training. Questions on Defence Advisers, Migrant Workers, and Employment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath provided detailed figures on foreign employment and remittances from 2020 to August 2025, stating that 1,304,545 workers went abroad during that period and that remittances ranged from USD 3,789.4 million in 2022 to USD 7,103.9 million in 2020. He identified Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Japan among countries with the highest registered job orders, while noting that Sri Lankan workers most prefer Israel, South Korea, Japan and Romania. He outlined government measures including MoUs and agreements with South Korea, Israel and Japan, discussions with Romania, pre-departure training, job fairs, social media publicity, and Job Bank access. He said South Korea, Israel and Japan offer higher-wage markets with fewer labour issues, and described selection, skills testing, language training, and pre-departure procedures used to send skilled workers to those countries. Questions on Defence Advisers, Migrant Workers, and Employment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism for detailed annual data since 2020 on Sri Lankan migrant worker departures, remittances, and their share of Gross National Product. He also sought information on countries with high demand and better labour-market benefits for Sri Lankan workers, the Government’s programme to meet that demand, annual deployment numbers to those countries, and measures to send highly skilled Sri Lankan workers abroad. Questions on Defence Advisers, Migrant Workers, and Employment Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed the child protection amendments but questioned whether they were motivated by genuine protection or political considerations, arguing that legal changes are insufficient without action on issues affecting children. He called for the Government to disclose the masterminds of the Easter Sunday attacks and “ice” drug trafficking, raise Sri Lanka’s voice against child deaths in Palestine, and address concerns about increasing Israeli presence and Chabad houses in areas such as Arugam Bay, Colombo and Weligama. He also thanked the Government for initiating preliminary steps toward a bridge in the Karaitivu–Mavadippalli area after the deaths of eight children during floods. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →