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 September 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates agreement as important for attracting investment, but argued that investment facilitation depends on a confident and efficient public service. He said officials are reluctant to make decisions because of the way the Public Property Act is being applied, leading to arrests and remand even where decisions may have been made in good faith, and urged protections for public servants to enable approvals and implementation. He also expressed condolences over the Ella bus accident and asked transport authorities to act against specific offenders rather than impose blanket punitive measures on all bus operators and staff. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva defended the NPP Government’s foreign policy as non-aligned and consistent, rejecting Opposition claims that it was retreating or creating divisions, while reaffirming support for Palestinians and opposition to attacks on civilians. He highlighted the Foreign Minister’s statement at the 60th UN Human Rights Council session and said the Government is drafting a new Bill, now with the Legal Draftsman, to align Sri Lanka’s disability law with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He argued that the existing 1996 Act is inadequate and called for a whole-of-government framework with ministry focal points, coordination mechanisms, and independent monitoring to secure the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said foreign agreements, including the Sri Lanka–UAE agreement before Parliament, should be evaluated primarily on their contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and development. He rejected reliance on domestic mechanisms for accountability over alleged wartime human rights violations, citing the UN Human Rights Council context, and called for an international mechanism with international support. He also raised the Kalmunai North administrative issue, objecting to plans for a joint Coordinating Committee with Kalmunai South and urging the Government to preserve the long-standing separate arrangement to avoid community tensions. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman stated that representatives from Rupavahini, KDU, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority participated in an Israel tour, with the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Israel also present, indicating Government involvement because state officials require approval to travel. He framed the matter as a humanitarian issue and criticized the previous speaker’s remarks as insensitive. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne rejected calls to sever diplomatic relations with Israel, noting that the journalists’ visit was privately sponsored by Israel and that around 20,000 Sri Lankans work there. She supported the new bilateral investment treaty, arguing that it improves on earlier agreements by recognizing sustainable investment, the State’s right to regulate, environmental protection, narrower definitions of investor and investment, safeguards during balance-of-payments crises, and investor obligations. Citing past arbitration awards against Sri Lanka, she said the treaty better protects public welfare while attracting investment, and proposed further measures such as dispute-prevention mechanisms and developing Sri Lanka as an arbitration venue. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman urged authorities to address what he described as pressure by the CID on women activists supporting Palestine and online campaigns portraying local activists as terrorists. He said complaints had been made to the IGP in April without action, and registered his opposition and concern over the matter. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman used the debate on the Sri Lanka–UAE investment agreement to raise concerns about the Gaza conflict and its implications for Sri Lanka’s relations with the Arab world, citing the importance of Middle East remittances to the economy. He questioned the Government’s policy after reports that Sri Lankan media and state-sector personnel travelled to Israel, asking whether the CID would investigate the purpose of the visit and whether it was consistent with Sri Lanka’s stated support for Palestine. He also called for clarification on the role of Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, urged the Government to recall him if his actions contradicted official policy, and criticised free visas for Israeli tourists while alleging a “double standard” in the Government’s position on Palestine. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Moved a resolution under Article 157 of the Constitution to approve the Sri Lanka–United Arab Emirates Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, signed on 12 February 2025 and presented to Parliament on 21 August 2025, noting Cabinet approval and the requirement of a two-thirds majority. He outlined the agreement’s provisions on investment definitions, state and investor obligations, protections against discriminatory treatment and expropriation, transfer safeguards, and dispute settlement through domestic courts and possible arbitration. He argued that the agreement would support economic growth by improving investor confidence, attracting UAE investment, reducing the bilateral trade deficit, and expanding opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, tourism, and agri-industries. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates on Investment Promotion and Protection Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that as of 26 August 2025 there were 981 licensed foreign employment agencies registered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, with 48 agencies in the process of renewing licences, and tabled the relevant lists. He said only licensed agencies, Government-to-Government schemes, or self-secured employment are lawful under the SLBFE Act, and that legal action is taken against unauthorized recruiters. He further reported that from 1 January to 31 July 2025 the SLBFE received 662 complaints about fraudulent foreign employment recruitment, involving an alleged Rs. 488.32 million, and that such cases are handled by the SLBFE Special Investigation Unit under the Act. Oral Question: Foreign Employment Agencies - Details (Q.1234/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 President - Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake spoke in his capacity as President and as Minister of Defence, Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy, and Digital Economy. No substantive speech content or policy statement was provided to identify specific arguments, proposals, or questions. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government had acted on reports that returnees from India were being detained, describing it as an isolated technical issue and asking the UN and international partners to cooperate reasonably while offering assistance. He acknowledged criticisms of the Office on Missing Persons, citing weaknesses noted in the UNHRC report, and said he would submit a Cabinet Paper to appoint a 75-member expert panel and seek allocations to expedite investigations. He also said ONUR is working with the UN on a reconciliation roadmap, and that the OMP is engaged with 17 mass grave sites, including Chemmani and Matale, with support being sought from the ICRC and other partners. He urged members to work together on reconciliation and missing persons issues beyond partisan politics. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan stated that Tamil representatives remain willing to negotiate a political solution within Sri Lanka, citing previous talks from S.J.V. Chelvanayakam’s era through R. Sampanthan’s leadership. Referring to the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session, he raised the unresolved question posed by the late Bishop Rayappu Joseph to the LLRC about 146,679 people unaccounted for after the 2009 conflict. He noted that several UN officials and panels had investigated related issues and that the matter remains before the UNHRC. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Bimal Rathnayake tabled a written answer on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s official visit to Germany from 11 to 13 June 2025. The answer stated that the visit sought to strengthen bilateral and EU-related economic ties, promote investment, tourism, vocational training and cooperation in sectors including renewable energy, IT, logistics and hospitality, with meetings held with German political leaders and business bodies. It reported investor interest and possible expansion by German companies in Sri Lanka, and placed the visit expenditure at Rs. 2,533,748.91 with an annexure in the Library. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka) SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Suranga Rathnayaka, asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to inform Parliament of the outcomes of the President’s recent official visit to Germany. The question sought details on the benefits accrued to Sri Lanka, the total expenditure incurred, and the names of any Heads of State who met the President during the visit, or reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka defended the Government’s economic management, stating that vehicle imports had resumed in 2024/2025 after a five-year halt and that letters of credit worth US$1,378 million had been opened by 19 August. He said the Government had stabilized an economy it inherited 11 months earlier, citing IMF, World Bank and media assessments, and reported improved fiscal performance including revenue of Rs. 2,325 billion in the first two quarters of 2025 and a 32.3 per cent reduction in the budget deficit. He also highlighted increases in port profits, FDI, tourism earnings, remittances, exports, reserves and domestic investment, and urged public confidence in the Government’s economic programme. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that a dispute over whether certain vehicle motors are rated at 150 kW or limited to 100 kW by software led Customs to withhold release due to risk concerns. He said court-facilitated discussions allowed some vehicles to be released conditionally, with bank guarantees and further action depending on test results. He also noted cross-border transaction compliance issues and said re-exportation remains an option, but the matter will be resolved through the ongoing court process. Debate: Customs Ordinance Resolution and Related Regulations Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan, raising a matter under Standing Order 27(2), asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation whether the Government plans to start a direct passenger ferry service between Mannar and Rameswaram. He sought details on impact assessments, timelines, required port and customs infrastructure, passenger safety, immigration and bilateral operational arrangements with India, and the expected benefits for Northern Province residents and Sri Lanka–India relations. Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Government’s plan to increase exports from USD 16 billion to USD 36 billion by 2030 in the context of bankruptcy recovery, global instability, and new US tariff measures. He requested a detailed export roadmap with sectoral targets, measures for market diversification and operationalizing FTAs, responses to tariff impacts, and steps to improve value addition, infrastructure, ease of doing business, SME export finance, and investor incentives. He also asked for projections on investment mobilization and whether export-led growth can build sufficient reserves ahead of debt repayments from April 2028, including current and monthly reserve figures for 2025. Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media (for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) AI summary The Minister, responding on behalf of the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister, said the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment regulates foreign employment and prohibits sending persons under 18 abroad for work. He reported that a female who travelled to Oman in 2022 without SLBFE registration and under another passport identity was later identified as a minor, and the matter has been referred to the CID’s Human Trafficking, Smuggling and Maritime Crimes Division. He added that SLBFE applies minimum age limits for registration and has instructed airport officers to conduct strict scrutiny to prevent minors being deployed for foreign employment. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary The Minister stated that the Government supports promoting Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and traditional medicine in connection with tourism. He noted that this area is a concurrent subject involving Provincial Councils and said opportunities would be pursued in regions such as Jaffna and other areas. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →