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- 11 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the US trade measure was part of a general global policy based on a common formula tied to trade gaps, not a bilateral tariff decision targeting Sri Lanka. He said Sri Lanka was among the earliest countries to engage in talks and, among 25 countries sent courtesy letters, received the largest reduction, from 44 per cent to 30 per cent. He stated that the matter would continue to be handled diplomatically in the national interest, rather than through association-level positions or separate side discussions. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Raising a point of order, Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna warned that tariff advantages for countries such as Vietnam, India and Bangladesh could seriously affect Sri Lanka. He urged the Government to resume urgent negotiations with the United States, noting that the relevant letter left room for further talks, and said members of the Sri Lanka–US Parliamentary Friendship Association and Opposition representatives were ready to assist in a united national effort. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake referred to a British High Commission news alert on new UK trade measures allowing Sri Lankan apparel and other goods tariff-free access under liberalized rules of origin. He said he would table material on how other countries had secured relief from US tariffs, noting that some had offered significant concessions such as aircraft purchases. He urged a national, serious approach to trade negotiations, acknowledged the work of the Minister, officials, and industry organizations, and called for any debate on the matter to provide equal opportunity to both sides. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the United States were clarified as accounting for about 69–70 per cent, higher than the previously cited 60 per cent. The Minister said the matter had been discussed the previous day, further meetings with industry stakeholders were scheduled, and the Government would continue addressing it through diplomatic engagement. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to Opposition remarks on US tariff measures, saying the issue reflects a broader global US trade posture rather than a bilateral matter that can be solved through informal political interventions. He stated that Sri Lanka’s reduction from 44 per cent to 30 per cent was achieved through state-to-state trade diplomacy and was the best outcome among 25 notified countries. He also clarified that India had not received a formal tariff reduction notice, and that the cited 26 per cent figure referred only to an earlier general calculation, not an applied reduction. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa said the Opposition would provide bipartisan support to secure a favourable outcome on US tariffs, noting the importance of the US market for Sri Lankan exports and apparel. While welcoming the reduction from 44 per cent to 30 per cent, he argued that Sri Lanka must assess its competitiveness against exporters such as Vietnam, India and Bangladesh, given the price sensitivity of apparel. He proposed intensive diplomatic engagement over the next three weeks with US trade agencies, Congressional Sri Lanka Caucuses and the White House, including the Chief of Staff, to protect export earnings and around 350,000 apparel jobs. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister outlined Sri Lanka’s negotiations with the United States following the imposition of a 44% tariff on Sri Lankan exports on 2 April, noting that a committee was appointed and officials held discussions in the US on a possible bilateral trade agreement and the trade imbalance. He stated that, after negotiations, the US notified Sri Lanka that a reduced 30% tariff would apply from 1 August if no agreement is reached, describing this as the largest reduction among countries receiving similar letters. He said the Government will continue diplomatic negotiations to further reduce the tariff and improve trade relations. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concern over an official notification on tariff issues, warning that it could seriously affect Sri Lanka’s apparel and export sectors. He noted that although he expected the matter to be included on the Order Paper, only Private Members’ Motions were listed, and he therefore invoked the Standing Orders to draw the Government’s attention. He requested a clarification of the Government’s position on the issue. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised, under Standing Order 92(2)(a), the issue of United States tariff duties imposed in April and the Government’s response. He noted that the Opposition had participated in an all-party discussion with the President on reducing tariffs and supporting related measures, and referred to a subsequent visit by a Government team, including a Deputy Minister, for discussions. US Tariff Duties - Member's Attention Matter and Discussion Read →
- 9 July 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized the limited role being attributed to the Office on Missing Persons, arguing that when Sri Lanka’s international reputation is at stake, the OMP should not be reduced to a merely observational body. He characterized the situation as a serious tragedy. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised concerns over alleged land appropriation in the North, citing forest clearance under the Mahaweli scheme in Vavuniya, police fencing near Omanthai, military-held civilian lands, and secret land surveys that had prompted public protests. He argued that such actions, even when described as development, undermine public trust and threaten community existence, and urged the Government to act on the President’s pledge to release civilian lands held by the military. He also noted local opposition in Mannar to wind power projects and sand mining where he said drilling and soil removal occurred without informing residents. He cautioned against anti-India rhetoric in relation to India–Sri Lanka security MoUs and called for balanced foreign relations. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera accused the Government of failing to uphold the principles of the Right to Information Act, which he said had been supported by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake when in Opposition. He cited the refusal to provide activist Anuruddha Bandara with details of Presidential Media Division staff and the lack of response to his own parliamentary questions on India-Sri Lanka agreements as examples of withheld public information. He questioned whether the Government had changed its stance on transparency and argued that its failure to disclose basic information undermined citizens’ right to know. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the need to debate salt import licences in an island nation and argued that the country has become dependent on imports for basic goods. He raised allegations regarding the National Lotteries Board Chairman’s conduct and official housing, called for recovery of stamp duties on undervalued land transfers, and demanded action on public security, including the arrest of Ishara Sewwandi and measures against alleged overseas-linked crime networks. He also urged diplomatic action to reduce a potential 44 per cent US tariff on apparel exports, warned of job losses, and said investigations by CIABOC and the CID were creating fear among officials and paralysing public administration. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 30 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah expressed support for the Government’s efforts to rebuild the economy but urged faster action on economic stabilization. He called on the President as Finance Minister to directly engage the U.S. President to seek relief from increased tariffs on Sri Lankan apparel exports, warning of serious impacts on factories and SMEs. He also objected to requiring local authorities to fund an increasing share of staff salaries under IMF-related measures without first strengthening their revenue base, especially in war-affected rural councils. He further urged faster implementation of capital expenditure allocations, cautioning against excessive taxation and the relocation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs abroad. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka said the special sitting should have produced clear Government plans for 2026–2030, but instead heard attacks on the Opposition, while Sri Lanka remains constrained by the IMF programme and vulnerable to another economic setback. He urged coordination between the President and the Finance Ministry, and called for contingency plans on external shocks, including Middle East conflict risks to tea exports and migrant workers, alternative markets, and US tariff issues. He criticised broken promises and policy outcomes on electricity tariffs, food prices, “Clean Sri Lanka,” the “Monkey Census,” apparel factory distress, and low priority for agriculture despite food insecurity. He said the Opposition supports economic recovery but expects the Government to continue the IMF path while providing relief and strengthening food security and economic resilience. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 30 June 2025 Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticised the 2026 Fiscal Strategy Statement under the State Financial Management Act, arguing that it lacks a clear fiscal strategy, innovative thinking, and a roadmap for wealth creation alongside fiscal discipline. He called for stronger policies to attract FDI, clearer incentives and processes for investors, and a rehabilitation framework for viable local enterprises facing debt recovery. He also questioned current tourism policy, urging the use of digital ID and digital platforms to collect reliable data on tourist spending and net economic inflows. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported the objectives of the Stamp Duty Order and import/export regulations but questioned whether increased stamp duty revenue would be sufficient for local authorities to progressively bear staff salary costs, and urged that other revenue streams be restored to local bodies. He criticized the Government’s conduct in forming local authority administrations and argued that public confidence, particularly among Muslims, had declined despite earlier support for the NPP. He also condemned Israel’s actions against Iran, recalled Iran’s assistance to Sri Lanka, and urged the Government to express support for Iran and pay greater attention to issues affecting the Muslim community, including representation and past arrests under the PTA. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva objected to off-topic remarks under Standing Order 91(e) and criticised the Government for opposing key economic reform laws during the crisis, including measures on Central Bank independence, public finance, public debt and economic transformation, while now relying on those frameworks. He supported digitising tax payments but questioned a tender for 15 million polycarbonate ID cards, proposing cheaper temporary cards and legal changes if a physical card is needed alongside a Unique ID system. He argued that stabilization is insufficient without investment-led growth, called for verification of claimed FDI inflows, and raised concern over factory closures and the unresolved U.S. tariff issue before the expiry of the 90-day window. He urged the Government to prioritise jobs, incomes, investment and poverty reduction, citing Department of Census and Statistics figures that a four-member family in Colombo needs Rs. 70,328 per month to survive. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that the escalating Israel-Iran conflict should not be fuelled by other states and called for urgent negotiations, while noting risks to Sri Lankan citizens abroad and possible economic effects such as rising oil prices. He linked the conflict to the unresolved Palestine question, stating that the failure to establish a free Palestinian state alongside Israel has prolonged instability and led to severe humanitarian consequences. He urged responsible international action, criticized the justification of military escalation as self-defence, and cautioned against blaming entire populations for the actions of their governments. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified media reports that around 700 vehicles were stuck at the port, stating that about 4,020 imported vehicles were parked there as of 10.00 a.m. and that the issue was not due to SLPA charges or yard facilities but to Customs procedures and related Gazette requirements. He said Sri Lanka Customs, the Controller General of Imports and Exports, and the Attorney General’s Department were discussing a solution, which was expected shortly, while noting Customs is not under SLPA control. He also referred to global disruptions and the Iran–Israel conflict, stating that a requested parliamentary debate had not proceeded because the proposing Member was absent, and placing the conflict in the context of Israeli actions against Iran and Gaza. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →