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- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy asked whether the Government would support and develop traditional medical institutions such as the century-old Sri Lanka Ayurveda Siddha College and its practitioners. He argued that prioritizing indigenous medicine, local herbs, and traditional formulations could reduce imported drug costs, meet domestic demand, preserve traditional systems, and promote medical tourism. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake addressed concerns over the arrests of Sri Lankan refugee returnees from India, including Ramasamy Thecharaja and Thecharaja Pushprani, stating that such arrests under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act were not Government policy and that those arrested had been released on bail. He recalled past parliamentary action to grant citizenship to 28,500 war-displaced refugees in India and said the Government welcomes returnees and will support their resettlement. He said relevant Ministers, including the Justice Minister, are being consulted to remove legal obstacles and prevent further arrests, while urging Members not to communalize isolated administrative errors. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation about delays in Phase II development of the Jaffna/Palaly International Airport. He argued that extending the runway would allow larger aircraft, increase passenger and baggage capacity, and support diaspora travel, tourism, and economic activity in the North and East. He requested details on the status and timeline of rehabilitation works, government plans to expand services, Indian funding for Phase I and requirements for Phase II, constraints on securing further funding, and compensation payments to landowners affected by airport expansion. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Energy seeking details on the Trincomalee oil tank farm, including whether Ceylon Petroleum Corporation tanks are inside or outside Trincomalee Harbour, the total number of tanks, and whether they have been leased out. It asks for the lessees’ institutions and countries, annual income earned from leasing, and the latest investment made in the Trincomalee Oil Tank project. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha tabled a written answer on Sri Lanka’s IMF Extended Fund Facility programme, citing public IMF staff reports and reviews available online. The answer states that two IMF reviews were completed before September 2024 and two after the current Government took office, and outlines revenue measures agreed by the previous Government, including property tax proposals, service export taxation, VAT/excise changes, and removal of SVAT. It further states that after September 2024 the Government secured amendments including higher personal income tax thresholds and bands, VAT removal on fresh milk and yoghurt, deferral of deemed rental property tax, reduction of the services export corporate tax rate to 15 per cent, revised withholding tax arrangements, and removal of vehicle import restrictions. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to table Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund and provide details of any amendments made before and after the current Government took office. The question seeks information on who approved such amendments, whether the IMF accepted them unconditionally, and which Government proposals or IMF counterproposals were accepted. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the Gaming Regulatory Authority Bill, the Foreign Exchange Act Order, and the Public Debt Management Regulations, arguing that all three establish frameworks needed for development and to prevent past policy failures. He said gambling, including online platforms, should be registered, licensed, taxed, and subject to social safeguards, with licences revoked for non-compliance. He also backed higher outward investment limits for listed and unlisted companies to help Sri Lankan firms earn abroad, and said the debt regulations would impose prudent controls on guarantees, approvals, and maturities following the 2022 default. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that regulated gambling, including casinos, online gaming, ship-board casinos and junket operations, would help standardize the sector, reduce social harm and strengthen tourism. He said tourism remains a major source of foreign exchange, with Sri Lanka having passed half of its 2025 target of three million arrivals, and linked entertainment regulation to economic expansion. He also defended the Government’s economic management, citing improved revenue and tax performance, rejecting Opposition claims on money printing, and referring to negotiations that reduced a US reciprocal tariff from 44 per cent to 20 per cent. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando supported regulating casinos and gambling to attract foreign exchange, tourism and investment, citing the City of Dreams Sri Lanka project and Melco Resorts’ concerns about legal and regulatory uncertainty. He argued that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill gives extensive control to the Minister, including over appointments, removals, capital requirements, funding, staffing, directives and regulations, undermining the stated independence of the regulator. He urged a stable and credible framework to reassure investors and warned that political inconsistency and excessive ministerial control could deter investment. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act and Foreign Exchange Act, arguing that the 2022 debt crisis exposed misuse of borrowing, weak transparency, and inadequate legal frameworks. He said the 2024 Public Debt Management Act and related regulations, including the establishment of a State Debt Management Office and Committee, respond to World Bank and IMF recommendations for structured borrowing and repayment oversight. He also cited recent economic indicators, including tourism growth, higher Customs revenue, Ports Authority profits, and FDI commitments, as evidence of economic and political stabilization. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Asked for details on the Sampur Solar Power Plant jointly developed by Sri Lanka and India, following the tariff framework signed on 1 April 2025. Specifically sought clarification on the benefits to Sri Lanka and the division of project ownership. Oral Question: Petroleum Corporations and Companies (Q.5/623/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Government’s economic stabilization efforts, citing the President’s statement and data showing increased FDI, foreign exchange earnings, tourism revenue, exports and remittances in the first half of the year. He argued that Sri Lanka’s poverty cycle requires higher investment, and said the Government is pursuing foreign and domestic investment while reducing public expenditure and directing tax revenue to welfare and capital development. He rejected Opposition criticism and stated that the Government is rebuilding the economy and advancing development based on measurable outcomes. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper asked whether, in connection with the security agreement with the United States, the Government made any concession relating to the security of Sri Lankan Muslims. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the U.S. tariff imposed on Sri Lanka, initially 44 percent and later reduced to 20 percent, formed part of a wider economic and strategic pressure campaign in the Asia-Pacific region. Referring to the relevant U.S. order, he questioned whether Sri Lanka had made trade and security concessions to regain market access, despite the trade imbalance with the United States. He alleged that the Government had compromised national security and specifically the safety of Sri Lanka’s Muslim community by facilitating the entry of Israel Defense Forces personnel, and demanded that the Government state its position in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim criticised the President’s claim of an Opposition conspiracy, arguing that conflicting statements within the Government over economic data indicated internal disunity rather than external destabilisation. He said the Opposition was not seeking to topple the Government but was ready to govern if the Government failed. He welcomed the reduction of US tariffs to 20 per cent and credited a joint effort by the Government, officials, the Ambassador, the private sector and the Opposition, while calling on the Government to disclose any conditions attached to the agreement and referencing India’s firm stance on sovereign interests. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the NPP Government’s economic management, arguing that previous governments had burdened the country with debt, taxes, asset sales and communal politics, while the current administration had restored stability and avoided reckless borrowing. He cited reductions in US export tariffs, public sector salary increases supported by a Rs. 110 billion allocation, and higher tourist arrivals as evidence of economic improvement. He also highlighted tourism development in Kalpitiya, including road projects, as part of the Government’s practical efforts to support the economy and future generations. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the President’s economic address as lacking a data-driven roadmap on growth, exports, poverty reduction, FDI attraction and debt repayment capacity, especially given expected external debt payments of about US$ 5.5 billion annually from 2028. He welcomed the reduction of US tariffs on Sri Lankan goods to 20 per cent but urged further negotiations toward below 15 per cent, led by trade economists and negotiators. He demanded transparency on any “trade and security” understandings with the United States, including whether SOFA or ACSA were discussed, and called for the Foreign Minister to brief Parliament. He also argued that poverty, unemployment, factory closures and high living costs show that claimed macroeconomic gains are not translating into relief for the public. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said Sri Lanka’s 44 per cent U.S. tariff was derived from the bilateral trade imbalance formula rather than domestic policy failure, and that negotiations by a government team had reduced it by about 20 percentage points, though no final agreement had been signed. He outlined concurrent economic pressures from the IMF programme timetable, the U.S. tariff issue, and the possible loss of GSP Plus in 2027, stating that IMF reviews had proceeded with tax adjustments and tranche approvals. He defended electricity and fuel pricing as cost-based and formula-driven, with targeted subsidies where needed, and said discussions with the EU on GSP Plus involved repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, amending the Online Safety Act, and investigating disappearances and crimes. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary During the economic debate, the President argued that opposition predictions of government collapse due to regional conflicts, Middle East tensions, or United States tariff policy had not materialized. He criticized the Opposition for, in his view, framing political and economic developments around expectations of crisis, and urged them to engage within a more realistic political framework. He also referred to claims about an alternative “August” or “December” President, dismissing them as unfounded. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon seconded the Adjournment Motion and argued that Sri Lanka’s economy has shown recovery since the formation of the new government in late 2024, citing improved GDP growth, lower unemployment, near-zero inflation, higher savings, credit growth, and equity market activity. He said the external sector was strengthening through a higher current account surplus, increased exports and services receipts, gradual normalization of vehicle imports, and a managed exchange rate around Rs. 300 per US dollar. He also noted that US tariffs had been reduced from 44% to 20%, and stated that fiscal stability was being restored through improved revenue collection while continuing spending on social sectors, wages, pensions, and priority infrastructure. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →