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- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka’s economic strategy should focus on export-led growth, faster investment facilitation, and practical revenue reforms to reduce debt and raise incomes. He proposed improving valuation and taxation of long-term land leases to foreigners, saying this could raise significantly more revenue than the proposed stamp duty increase without burdening Sri Lankans. He also called for fairer treatment between public and private sector workers, including EPF returns, and suggested raising migrant worker wage benchmarks to increase remittances by about USD 1 billion annually. He urged the Government to cut red tape, speed up land allocation and approvals, and use investment incentives such as tax holidays and qualifying payments to generate future revenue. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Rishad Bathiudeen said wrongdoing identified in the COPE process should be punished, but cautioned against broadly branding people as corrupt while officials were jailed and politicians remained unaffected. He criticised the Government’s response to Israel’s attack on Iran, arguing that Sri Lanka should more clearly condemn Israel given Iran’s past financial assistance to Sri Lanka and ongoing debt repayments. He also rejected allegations concerning the Nintavur Pradeshiya Sabha and alleged that a supporting member in the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha chairman vote was unlawfully prevented from voting, saying his party would seek legal redress. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued that alleged irregularities in dairy cattle imports should be investigated on the basis of the Auditor General’s findings, drawing a comparison with Opposition-led scrutiny of the e-Visa transaction and IMF-related anti-corruption requirements. He raised a legal interpretation issue under the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act on whether secret voting in mayoral elections can be determined by the presiding officer, suggesting judicial clarification if necessary. He also criticized the denial of an urgent adjournment debate on the Israel-Iran conflict and faulted the Foreign Ministry’s statement on Israel’s attack on Iran for not identifying the aggressor or invoking international law and non-alignment principles. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Welcoming the debate on the dairy cow import scandal, K. Kader Masthan called for punishment of those responsible for alleged fraud involving the planned importation of 20,000 cows from Australia, of which he said only about 5,000 arrived. He urged that anti-corruption commitments not be undermined in local authority arrangements and that corrupt individuals not escape accountability. He also cited a Human Rights Commission finding that a PTA arrest over a pro-Palestinian sticker was wrongful, asked that such action not recur, and criticized the refusal of an adjournment debate on the Israel-Iran conflict. He condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, questioned Sri Lanka’s lack of condemnation, and called for the safe repatriation of Sri Lankans working in Israel, including after reports that a Sri Lankan nurse was injured. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera raised concerns that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy response to the Israel–Iran conflict lacks clarity, noting its implications for Muslim communities, migrant workers, and economic ties with both countries. He criticized recent diplomatic appointments, saying most were non-career despite earlier pledges to rely on career diplomats, and questioned the propriety of appointing a retired Chief Justice as an ambassador. He also argued that the President’s visit to Germany, without meeting the Chancellor, reflected poorly on Sri Lanka’s foreign relations. Domestically, he denied allegations of a deal with the NPP over the Dodangoda Pradeshiya Sabha and accused the Government of using inducements and secret-ballot processes to influence local authority outcomes. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran addressed the Adjournment Debate on the dairy cow import audit and COPE Report, highlighting inadequate domestic milk production, unallocated grazing lands in Ampara, and losses caused by earlier imports of poor-quality cattle. He urged the Government to assess the economic impact of the Iran-Israel conflict, assist efforts to end the war, and establish a mechanism to return or compensate jewellery pledged by Tamils in LTTE-controlled areas before 2009. He also questioned what investments and employment had been provided to the North and East since the Government took office, and called for non-discriminatory coastal protection measures in Ampara and Batticaloa, warning that selective groyne construction and proposed ilmenite mining could worsen sea erosion. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to adopt contingency measures in response to the Israel–Iran conflict, citing risks to Sri Lankan workers in Israel, remittances, fuel costs, tea exports, shipping, tourism, FDI, reserves, inflation and poverty. He called for energy security measures, including supplier diversification and strategic reserves, and urged diplomatic engagement to de-escalate the Gaza crisis while supporting a fair two-state solution for Palestine. He also demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged assault on Colombo Municipal Councillor Uluwaduge Sandamali and raised a procedural concern that parliamentary rulings should be given before adjournment on a point of order, citing parliamentary authorities and Commonwealth principles. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper questioned the specificity of the Motion on referring COPE matters to the Attorney-General, noting that it did not identify the legislation requiring amendment and that existing mechanisms may already allow action. He also clarified that, under Section 66A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, the method of electing a Mayor is decided by a motion of members present, not by the Presiding Officer’s discretion, and said he would table the reference. He urged the Government to address the economic and security implications of the Israel-Iran conflict and Gaza crisis, including tourism, labour migration to Israel, fuel prices, and regional spillover risks, while also raising procedural concerns about the previous day’s adjournment. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake thanked the Minister for the reply and highlighted the foreign exchange potential of tourism and worker remittances. He recalled the 2016 policy setting a US$300 minimum for migrant workers and urged the Minister to review and raise the effective minimum to about US$350, arguing that current earnings of roughly US$175–250 limit monthly remittance inflows. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said Sri Lanka removed the mandatory US$300 minimum monthly wage for migrant workers in 2021 and currently relies on host-country wage laws, bilateral labour agreements, contract vetting, mission monitoring, and recruitment regulation to protect workers in the Middle East. He outlined wage arrangements in Qatar and Kuwait, noted the absence of statutory minima in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and described SLBFE and embassy mechanisms for dispute resolution, complaints, blacklisting abusive employers, and repatriation support. He stated that the 2023 National Policy and Action Plan does not reintroduce a fixed outbound minimum wage, but the Ministry is open to reviewing such a mechanism through consultations. He also said SLBFE is preparing standardized wage guideline benchmarks for high-demand jobs to reduce wage theft and protect remittances. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Raised a brief request regarding the Bureau under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asking that staff transfers be handled fairly and practicably rather than on purely political grounds. He indicated that such an approach would allow officers to manage their duties effectively. Oral Question: Sri Lankans Departed for Seasonal Employment in South Korea (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Government and Sri Lankan missions are monitoring the Israel–Iran hostilities and assisting Sri Lankans, including about 35 in Iran and 20,000 in Israel. He reported that four Sri Lankans in Israel were injured, with embassy support provided for medical care, food, shelter, funds, and travel, including facilitating overland exit in urgent cases. He said most Sri Lankan workers in Israel wish to remain under local security protocols, but evacuation through neighbouring countries is being planned if the situation worsens. He also advised Sri Lankans on leave not to return to Israel for now and said visa-extension arrangements are being pursued to protect both lives and employment. Oral Question: Sri Lankans Departed for Seasonal Employment in South Korea (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara raised concerns about Sri Lankan youth seeking employment in Korea, stating that some who passed required examinations had not received placements while others had, and requested ministerial attention to the issue. He also asked what measures the Government was taking to ensure the safety of approximately 20,000 Sri Lankan workers in Israel amid the Israel–Iran conflict, including whether it would intervene to evacuate them if necessary. Oral Question: Sri Lankans Departed for Seasonal Employment in South Korea (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath stated that South Korea has no “E.S.” visa scheme and that seasonal employment is handled under the E-8 visa categories for agriculture and fisheries, including arrangements through provincial government MOUs and relatives of F-6 visa holders. He said three persons self-registered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and departed in 2025 under the approved process, while seven unregistered jobseekers were stopped at Katunayake Airport in September 2024 for violating the SLBFE Act. The Minister added that Rs. 7,172,400 paid to Sejong World (Pvt.) Ltd. had been refunded by court order, the agency’s licence was suspended, private-sector recruitment for South Korean seasonal jobs is not permitted, and CID and Bribery Commission investigations are ongoing into visas obtained through an improperly executed MOU. Oral Question: Sri Lankans Departed for Seasonal Employment in South Korea (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 19 June 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to provide year-by-year figures since 2015 for Sri Lankans who left for seasonal employment in South Korea under the E.S. visa scheme. He also sought clarification on whether an external party is now involved in the process and whether that involvement has caused inconvenience to Sri Lankan jobseekers. Oral Question: Sri Lankans Departed for Seasonal Employment in South Korea (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement, Registration and Execution) Act, No. 49 of 2024, noting that they would allow certain foreign judgments, such as divorce decrees and contractual dispute decisions, to be recognized and enforced in Sri Lanka without re-litigation. He rejected allegations about injustices faced by Muslims, criticized Dayasiri Jayasekara’s conduct, and disputed opposition claims about local government voting arrangements and alleged dealings with the SLPP. He also warned that the Gaza conflict and Iran-Israel tensions could harm Sri Lanka through wider economic effects, particularly given reliance on Middle Eastern remittances, oil supplies, and regional-funded projects, while calling for opposition to wars and cooperation to protect economic stability. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported scrutiny of the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, but asked the Government to explain how Sri Lankan citizens involved in foreign proceedings would receive consular coordination, legal support, due process safeguards, and practical assistance, especially in countries without embassies or in cases such as fishermen detained in India. He argued that a procedural framework and dedicated programme should accompany reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments to ensure citizens can effectively participate before judgments are recognized or enforced. He also raised concerns about recent local authority power formations, alleging that a Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha member was arrested before a vote and denied the opportunity to vote, and questioned the handling of open versus secret voting requests by the Commissioner. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody defended the Colombo Municipal Council secret ballot process, stating it was unanimously agreed after being proposed by an Opposition member and that secret ballots protect members’ ability to vote according to conscience. He supported the Orders on recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, particularly in monetary and divorce matters, arguing they would reduce delays and difficulties for parties living in different jurisdictions and strengthen international legal cooperation. He also suggested that future legal frameworks consider certain criminal matters where offenders flee abroad, to improve accountability through domestic and international mechanisms. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Orders under the Foreign Judgments Act, while noting that they apply only to civil and commercial judgments and suggesting future consideration of criminal cooperation frameworks. He questioned the exclusion of major partner countries such as China, Russia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, called for longer appeal or objection periods, and urged clearer criteria for ministerial discretion. He also argued that open voting is preferable to secret ballots in the CMC context and raised concerns about reported shift and overtime changes affecting Ceylon Petroleum Corporation workers, asking the Government to intervene. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The remarks supported Orders under Act No. 49 of 2024 to recognize and enforce designated foreign civil judgments in Sri Lanka, particularly monetary and divorce decrees, describing them as beneficial to Sri Lankans abroad by avoiding re-litigation. It was stated that consultation with the Foreign Minister or Attorney-General under the Act is discretionary rather than mandatory. The speech also rejected Opposition claims about the legality of a CMC secret ballot, saying the matter should be taken to court if contested, and emphasized that judicial reforms require implementation capacity, including staffing, infrastructure, digitization, and process improvements. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →