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- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Chief Government Whip to clarify the Government’s position on allegations that India was behind the Easter Sunday attacks. He demanded that the statement be made to both sides of the House, noting that the Chief Government Whip had earlier claimed India was involved. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the consistency of Central Bank reserve figures, arguing that reported foreign exchange purchases should have raised Net Reserves beyond the latest stated level. He warned that failure to build reserves under the IMF debt sustainability framework could affect the rupee and external creditor confidence, and called for more candid reporting and policy focused on export growth and reserve accumulation. He also criticized the independent Central Bank’s role in past economic management and its internal spending priorities. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question, stating that the projected US$7.2 billion in gross official reserves by end-2025 is an IMF projection, not a binding performance criterion under the IMF Extended Fund Facility; the relevant monitored target is Net International Reserves. He said Sri Lanka had met the end-2024 NIR target and was on track for the June and December 2025 targets, supported by Central Bank foreign exchange purchases exceeding US$1.2 billion by end-August 2025. He added that there was no plan to restrict imports, monetary policy decisions remain with the Monetary Policy Board, reserve and debt service data are published regularly, and the Government and Central Bank would continue measures to build reserves and strengthen investor confidence. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged the Minister to provide an immediate response on the abolition of SVAT, noting that only one week remained before it took effect. He said exporters needed clarity urgently and requested an answer the same day or the next day to support export activity. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns under Standing Order 27(2) over the abolition of the Simplified VAT system from 1 October 2025, arguing that it would create serious cash-flow, refund delay, and competitiveness problems for exporters, SMEs, deemed exporters, and related sectors such as apparel, tea, rubber, logistics and shipping. Citing warnings from export industry representatives, he said the change would replace immediate VAT relief with refunds delayed by 105–180 days and effectively require exporters to finance the Treasury interest-free. He asked the Minister of Finance what measures, safeguards, interim digital mechanisms, and transitional support would prevent insolvency and protect the Government’s stated target of increasing exports to US$36 billion by 2030. He also sought the projected fiscal benefit to the Treasury and clarification to ensure entrepôt trading and related transport sectors are not adversely brought within SVAT-related changes. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Executive Presidency and SVAT Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer stating that a detention place had been declared by a Special Gazette of the Ministry of State for Defence on 19 July 1988, but that no detainees are currently held there and maintenance work is underway. He outlined measures by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to control illegal migration, including adverse records and INTERPOL database integration, a trained Border Surveillance Unit, participation in the Bali Process Regional Support Office, and risk assessment through the ETA system, which is to become mandatory for all countries from 1 October 2025. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Kins Nelson) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Kins Nelson, asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs whether the Government is aware of a detention centre in Mirihana for illegal foreign immigrants. He requested details on the number of detainees by country and the measures planned to control illegal immigration into Sri Lanka. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the incident involving missing fishermen occurred under the previous Government and that Navy searches, including aerial searches, had failed to locate them at the time, leading to the belief that they may have drowned. He said it was only later discovered that they had washed ashore, and that his Ministry is taking steps to provide justice and relief to affected fishermen while pledging measures to protect fishermen in future. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe raised the case of four Point Pedro fishermen who, after departing with Coast Guard clearance on 07.07.2024, suffered engine failure, drifted at sea, and were ultimately rescued by Indian fishermen before returning after 194 days. He noted that local fishermen’s representatives had alerted Fisheries officials and offered to cover fuel costs for a search, and that over Rs. 300,000 was later spent to bring the fishermen back from India. He asked whether the Government would establish a special immediate rescue protocol for fishermen who go missing or face natural disasters at sea. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Four fishermen who went missing after leaving Point Pedro in July 2024 were rescued by Indian fishermen, detained by Indian authorities, and repatriated to Sri Lanka on 25 February 2025 through the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at a cost of Rs. 344,424. The Minister stated that no compensation was paid because they returned safely, noting that government compensation applies to deaths from natural disasters while fishing, with separate insurance and foreign-vessel collision compensation mechanisms available in relevant cases. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested brief time to conclude and referred to ongoing discussions in Geneva. He indicated that the matter under debate had reached an international forum, implying the need to consider developments there in the parliamentary discussion. Procedural: No-Confidence Motion and Speaker's Rulings Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister outlined measures against organized crime, including facial recognition at Bandaranaike International Airport, centralized criminal databases, monitoring of 556 remanded suspects, police communication networks, patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence operations. He reported that from 1 January to 10 September 2025, 105 organized crime incidents had led to 322 arrests, while 1,698 firearms and weapons were seized. He said Sri Lanka is pursuing suspects abroad through diplomatic channels and INTERPOL, with Red Notices issued for 72 persons and arrangements ongoing to repatriate suspects arrested in several countries. He added that investigations are continuing into alleged links between organized criminal groups and politicians, but details could not be disclosed due to ongoing court proceedings and inquiries. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled an answer stating that, in line with ICAO standards, Sri Lanka will issue only “All Country Passports” for foreign travel, and EC passport applications were accepted only until the existing blank EC stock was exhausted. He said the forthcoming electronic passport will also comply with ICAO standards, with no separate regional passports. For pilgrims to India and Nepal, a P-category all-country passport is issued, while Emergency Certificates are not issued to patients travelling to India for medical treatment. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. S.M. Marikkar) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs asking whether the Department of Immigration and Emigration had stopped issuing Emergency Certificates from 24 December 2024. It sought the reasons for the cessation and asked what alternative arrangements had been provided for pilgrims travelling to India and Nepal and for patients travelling to India for medical treatment. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary From 2015 to the date of the statement, no Indian investments had been made in Sri Lanka’s energy sector. The Minister indicated that future developments may include the Sampur project, but the provided excerpt ends before further details are given. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Read →
- 10 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the Prime Minister on the Government’s response to the Supreme Court judgment of 24 July 2025 relating to the environmental damage from the MV X-Press Pearl disaster. He sought details on implementation of the Court’s orders, the status of related proceedings in the Singapore International Commercial Court and the Admiralty Court in London, and measures to prevent future marine pollution. He also asked what steps the Government would take to ensure greater transparency in the ongoing international litigation. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said a national branding campaign and tourism marketing programme are being developed systematically, with the Presidential Task Force established to coordinate existing tourism institutions and improve decision-making. He tabled Extraordinary Gazette No. 2450/27 of 20 August 2025 on the establishment of the Task Force for implementing the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Programme. He also outlined its 28-member composition, including ministers, ministry secretaries, heads of tourism and related public agencies, law enforcement and immigration officials, and private sector tourism experts. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister reported that tourism earned USD 3.17 billion in 2024 and USD 1.7 billion in the first half of 2025, with a 2025 target of USD 5 billion and a projected GDP contribution of about 4.5%. He said arrivals up to 31 August 2025 reached 1,566,523, a 16% year-on-year increase, and noted the recent fatal incident in Ella while acknowledging local and emergency responders. He outlined the Presidential Task Force on Tourism’s role in policy planning, monitoring, decentralised implementation, infrastructure development, sustainable community participation, and international promotion, and stated that its Gazette and membership would be tabled in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan asked the Deputy Minister for details on Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, noting its contribution to GDP and the President’s appointment of a Presidential Task Force on tourism promotion. He requested figures on annual tourism revenue and its share of GDP, tourist arrivals up to 31 August 2025 with year-on-year comparison, and the objectives and membership of the Task Force. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said drug and underworld networks had developed over decades with political links, and that ongoing investigations would be given independence and support to identify and punish those responsible. He argued that, in the context of bankruptcy and heavy debt, Sri Lanka must attract investment, promote tourism, and sustain remittance growth to rebuild the economy. He urged Parliament to approve the Agreement before the House by a two-thirds majority as part of a broader effort to secure long-term foreign direct investment and economic stability. Division Vote on UAE Agreement Read →