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- 18 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper called for dedicated sections in Sri Lanka’s overseas missions to protect citizens abroad and facilitate necessary services under the relevant Orders. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the CMC mayoral election law generally requires open voting, and that any move to secret voting must be properly determined with reasons and, in his view, majority support rather than on a single member’s request. Addressing Orders under Act No. 49 of 2024 on recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, he questioned how 53 designated countries were selected and whether reciprocity, comparability of legal systems, and Foreign Affairs consultation had been verified. He asked the Minister to clarify these matters and proposed practical assistance through Sri Lankan missions for citizens facing foreign proceedings, to prevent unaffordable overseas cases leading to ex parte judgments enforceable in Sri Lanka. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa raised concerns about prisoners transferred to Sri Lanka from Kuwait and the Maldives under prisoner exchange arrangements, noting uncertainty over how their conviction periods and remission eligibility are calculated locally. He said some co-accused in the foreign jurisdictions have already been released, while the transferred prisoners in Sri Lanka continue to serve full terms, and asked the Minister to address the issue since it is not covered by the relevant Regulations. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 19(2)(a), Sajith Premadasa requested an urgent debate, with the support of more than twenty Members, on the implications of the Israel–Iran war for Sri Lanka. He highlighted concerns over the safety of 10,000–20,000 Sri Lankan workers in Israel, risks to tea exports to Iran, possible disruption to oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz, and wider economic impacts on growth, industry, services, agriculture, and the public. He asked that Standing Orders be suspended to hold the debate immediately or the next day, and called for a formal Government position and plan rather than separate ministerial statements. Procedural: Urgent Debate Motion on Israel–Iran War (Standing Order 19) Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hector Appuhamy questioned the valuation and payment arrangements for leases and a limestone quarry linked to a locally operating foreign investor, noting concerns over profits being repatriated in dollars. He requested a structured discussion with the cement plant and quarry stakeholders to develop a proper programme, offering support at both district and national levels. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister reported that four Sri Lankans in Israel had been injured amid the Middle East conflict and said the Embassy in Israel had facilitated treatment, while Sri Lankan missions in Israel, Iran, Türkiye and the wider region were coordinating safety measures and consular support. He said the Government had temporarily suspended sending workers to Israel, including those on leave in Sri Lanka, and was seeking visa extensions from Israeli authorities while advising Sri Lankans to use shelters and contact embassies as needed. He added that evacuation from Israel was difficult due to airport and land-route restrictions, that relocation options from Iran were being prepared with friendly governments, and that contingency measures were being considered for possible impacts on remittances and oil prices. Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath raised an Adjournment question on the Iran–Israel conflict, citing concerns about the safety of Sri Lankan workers in Israel and potential economic effects on Sri Lanka, including fuel prices. She asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs whether any Sri Lankans had been harmed, what interventions had been made, what contingency measures exist if the situation worsens, and what steps are being taken to address possible economic impacts. Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake warned that Sri Lankan exporters cannot quickly replace the high-value US market with alternatives such as India or SAARC, noting that new markets may take two to four years to develop. He said high domestic taxes, labour and electricity costs are reducing competitiveness, while exporters are already facing thinner margins, stalled new orders and cash-flow pressures despite a temporary tariff suspension. He urged that the planned VAT digitalization and abolition of SVAT be implemented seamlessly, and called for priority attention to existing US, UK and EU markets that support around 1.5 million jobs. Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma said Sri Lanka must respond to changing global conditions and regional tensions by diversifying markets and engaging with governments of all sizes. He cited ongoing discussions with the United States as constructive and said the Government’s aim is to secure favourable outcomes for exporters while opening alternative opportunities when access to traditional markets becomes constrained. Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns that emerging regional alignments among major economies could disadvantage smaller exporting countries such as Sri Lanka. Referring to Sri Lanka’s USD 3.2 billion in exports to the United States, he asked whether possible universal tax arrangements and reduced cost disparities would weaken Sri Lanka’s competitiveness, and urged the Minister to anticipate these risks in ongoing negotiations. Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to a multi-part question on trade policy, stating that discussions with the United States on tariffs, reciprocity, export diversification and alternative markets are ongoing and not yet finalized. He said engagement with the EU on GSP Plus is continuing, including discussions on identified governance and regulatory issues such as the Online Safety Act, while the Government awaits further details on possible EU regulatory changes. On the United Kingdom, he said Sri Lanka is pursuing post-Brexit market access arrangements for sectors such as apparel, tea and rubber products, and is monitoring the India-UK FTA to assess potential impacts and opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters. Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a series of questions on trade policy, focusing on the impact of the United States’ new tariff regime, the status of Sri Lanka’s discussions with US officials, and measures to protect key exports such as apparel, rubber products and tea. He also sought information on market diversification, reciprocal trade policy, and whether economic analyses on inflation, supply chains and employment would be presented to Parliament. He further questioned the Government on EU GSP Plus negotiations, including stakeholder engagement, labour law reforms, the PTA, the Online Safety Act, and contingency plans if preferences are lost. He also asked whether Sri Lanka is pursuing a bilateral or protective trade arrangement with the United Kingdom in response to the UK-India FTA and potential risks to Sri Lankan exporters. Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih JJB AI summary Dr. Rizvie Salih supported the Bill to curb banned substances in competitive sports in line with WADA directives, arguing that anti-doping policy should be punitive, preventive, proactive and rehabilitative, with responsibility extending to coaches, trainers, sponsors and institutions. He called for mandatory registration and licensing of gyms, certification of trainers, regulation or banning of harmful supplements, and awareness campaigns targeting students and parents, citing health risks and possible narcotics activity linked to unregulated gym culture. He also briefly congratulated the Colombo Municipal Council members and urged action on Gaza, calling for an end to violence and support for a UN-endorsed two-State solution based on 1967 borders. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Minister to expedite renewable energy initiatives, citing the risk of a worsening oil situation amid the Iran–Israel conflict. He asked why the Government was proceeding with renewables in the current manner and called for faster action at least until the international crisis is resolved. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake warned that Iran’s reported intention to close the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a fuel crisis and argued that Sri Lanka’s response should be to accelerate renewable energy. He said this was why he raised the matter earlier in the day, indicating concern that the issue was not being adequately addressed when brought up with ministers. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concern over a nationally significant matter involving Sri Lanka’s ties with Iran and Israel. He noted that Iran is a major buyer of Sri Lankan tea, affecting many livelihoods, while many Sri Lankan workers are employed in Israel, underscoring the economic and employment implications of the issue. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath noted that the Opposition intended to raise a question regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. The excerpt provided contains only the opening reference to that issue and does not include further argument, proposals, or demands. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the escalating Israel-Iran military situation and its potential impact on Sri Lankan citizens living and working in Israel. He called on the Government to inform Parliament of measures taken to ensure their safety and protection. He also noted possible economic consequences for Sri Lanka, including through oil prices and effects on industry, tea, and exports. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled the Government’s response on tourism targets, estimating 2025 arrivals at 3 million under an optimistic scenario and 2,676,596 under a conservative scenario, with key source markets led by India, Russia and the United Kingdom. The answer detailed SLTDA-registered accommodation capacity of 4,519 establishments with 55,455 rooms and outlined short-, medium- and long-term measures to revive and develop tourism, including regional promotion, sustainable product development, marine tourism mapping, the Pekoe Trail, themed clusters in the North and East, and tourism law enforcement arrangements. It also listed declared and proposed Tourism Development Areas under the relevant tourism legislation, including existing zones such as Mount Lavinia, Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Arugam Bay and Pasikuda, and areas under consideration such as Habarana, Jaffna, Mannar, Wilpattu and Hambantota. Oral Questions Second Round Q.875/2025 and Related Questions Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana) SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to provide details on Sri Lanka’s 2025 tourist arrival target, expected source countries, and whether sufficient accommodation is available. He also requested information on measures to revive the hotel sector and tourism industry following the impacts of Covid-19, the Easter Sunday attacks, and the Aragalaya protests, as well as the number of tourist zones in each province. Oral Questions Second Round Q.875/2025 and Related Questions Read →