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- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticized the President’s handling of the War Heroes’ commemoration, alleging political motives and questioning government reluctance to use the term “war heroes” while emphasizing the need to honour those who died in the war. He accused the Government of making unfulfilled election and policy promises, citing rice, salt, and coconut imports despite earlier claims of self-sufficiency. He raised concern over the closure of the NEXT apparel factory in Katunayake and warned that uncertainty over US tariff discussions, particularly affecting apparel exports, could harm the sector. He urged the Government to provide truthful updates, intervene seriously to protect industry and employment, and implement a clear economic plan. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized the Government’s vehicle import policy, arguing that despite regulatory changes, high taxes and levies make vehicles unaffordable and discourage importers, undermining expected revenue. He urged reductions in duties and action to resolve port and customs delays, corruption allegations, and informal payment demands affecting importers and exporters. He further called for a structured programme to protect foreign exchange-earning sectors, particularly apparel and tea, citing factory closures, rising electricity and production costs, and the need for relief to sustain exports. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s import and export policy, arguing that it has favoured imports over domestic production and exports despite pre-election pledges on rice, fertilizer, fisheries subsidies and salt. He called for a more rational distribution system for essential goods such as salt, warned that taxes, energy costs, SVAT removal and delays in renewable energy had hurt industries and exporters, and urged active negotiations on tariffs and investment promotion, including for Colombo Port City. He also asked the Government to investigate factory closures and job losses and to consistently uphold the dignity of armed forces personnel. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to prioritize securing foreign exchange through migrant worker remittances, estimating that about USD 1.5 billion could be brought in through this avenue. He called for urgent action to pursue this measure. Oral Question: Minimum Monthly Wage for Migrant Workers (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Finance on the annulment of the 2016 minimum monthly wage policy of USD 300 for Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. He asked whether current minimum wages, bilateral labour agreements, legal protections, recruitment guidelines and monitoring mechanisms exist to prevent wage fraud, underpayment and contract violations. He also urged consideration of reintroducing a mandatory minimum wage policy, citing wage standards in countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia and arguing that improved wage protection for about 1.7 million workers could substantially increase foreign exchange inflows. Oral Question: Minimum Monthly Wage for Migrant Workers (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister announced the launch of the National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Committee to coordinate emergency aviation responses across state agencies, citing gaps exposed by incidents such as the X-Press Pearl fire. He said airport and aviation tax policy should support wider economic objectives, including extending a prior Embarkation Tax reduction for one year, fully exempting departures from Mattala, and strengthening legal mechanisms to recover about US$27.7 million in reported unpaid remittances from airlines. He outlined development plans for Mattala across seven investment sectors beyond passenger traffic, measures to ease overcapacity at Bandaranaike International Airport including eGates and a Terminal 2 contract by September, and a Rs. 750 million terminal investment at Jaffna International Airport to expand services and destinations. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran responded to Opposition criticisms, stating that the underused Vavuniya Economic Centre would be repurposed following a District Development Committee decision and that land issues would be discussed under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He cited increased National People’s Power representation in Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu as evidence of public confidence, and said the Government had allocated Rs. 5,000 million for road and infrastructure rehabilitation in the Northern Province. He also defended changes to embarkation fees and the Luxury Tax threshold, arguing these would promote tourism through MRIA and Palaly, support airport development including the revived BIA terminal project, and make vehicle purchases more accessible. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment AI summary The Deputy Minister provided annual figures for Sri Lankan workers who departed for agricultural employment in Israel from 2015 to 2025, noting a sharp increase under the 2023 bilateral agreement, with 3,793 departures recorded in 2025 to date. He explained that recruitment operates through seasonal placements and the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau under the agreement, with eligibility criteria and selection conducted by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority through a lottery. He stated that demand had fallen after many 2023 recruits left their workplaces due to insufficient agricultural skills, but discussions with Israeli authorities are ongoing; a January 2025 Israeli delegation selected 95 workers, of whom 20 have departed and 4 more are scheduled to leave on 28 May 2025. Oral Questions - Various Tabled and Private Notice Questions Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that revenue policy should not rely mainly on vehicle taxes, noting a Rs. 5,000 billion revenue target and about Rs. 420 billion expected from cars, while revenue collections were reportedly 3 percent below estimates and expenditure 22 percent higher by 20 May 2025. He urged measures to protect the rupee, control expenditure, and broaden revenue sources, warning that depreciation increases inflation and foreign debt burdens. He questioned IMF concerns over Colombo Port City agreements and processes linked to major investments such as Sinopec in Hambantota, saying Sri Lanka should negotiate with the IMF while retaining control over tax and spending policy. He called for investor discussions and targeted incentives or qualifying payments to attract dollar-generating investment despite high taxes, interest rates, and utility costs. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the Gazette regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that eased vehicle import restrictions, particularly for electric vehicles, could increase Treasury revenue while aligning with green energy policy and the Paris Agreement. He said EV taxation remains lower than for fossil-fuel vehicles and framed the measure as part of a fair, environmentally oriented tax policy amid efforts to protect foreign reserves. He also rejected Opposition claims regarding National War Heroes Day and an India-related MoU, citing its termination clause to argue that it can be ended with three months’ notice and tabling a related EconomyNext document. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that Sri Lanka has consistently objected to the “Tamil Genocide Memorial” unveiled in Brampton, Canada, and outlined the project’s development since 2021 despite protests by Sri Lankan diplomatic missions. He said the Foreign Minister summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to reject genocide allegations as unsubstantiated and to protest related Canadian proclamations, while noting Canada’s position that the memorial was a municipal and privately funded initiative. He argued that such initiatives could undermine Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts and said the Government would continue diplomatic action to challenge these narratives and prevent similar measures. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that recent violence is linked to internal clashes among organized criminal gangs and drug trafficking, but said the Government does not consider it a threat to the State or national security. He outlined enforcement actions including arrests in 32 concluded incidents, seizure of weapons and vehicles, Red Notice requests for overseas traffickers, repatriation of 11 suspects, and airport arrests using facial recognition. He also described measures against drug smuggling and gang operations, including scanners at ports, limits on SIM ownership, financial controls, prison phone disruption, rehabilitation programmes, and school awareness initiatives. Referring to threats against public officials, he said complaints are under investigation, including an alleged assassination contract involving “Kanjipani Imran” and an inmate at Boossa Prison. Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma replied to a Standing Order 27(2) question by Sajith Premadasa on Sri Lanka’s engagement with the United States regarding trade and tariff issues. He said discussions and official correspondence had taken place with the US Government and the Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the aim of maintaining market access and Sri Lanka’s competitive advantage, and undertook to table the Government’s press release on the matter. He outlined measures to diversify export markets, support SMEs to become export-oriented, maximize GSP Plus and other market access, strengthen the BOI, improve transparency and investor facilitation, implement the National Single Window, reduce corruption, and develop enabling regulations and market infrastructure. He added that tariff discussions were not finalized and that the Government was preparing broader strategies on exports, tourism, FDI, foreign exchange retention, and reduced overseas spending on education and health services. Ministry Statements and Privilege Matter Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism for details on the tourist comfort centre established in Mahiyanganaya by the Uva Provincial Ministry of Tourism. He sought information on the premises’ size, construction cost, purpose and whether that purpose had been achieved, as well as whether the building had been leased, the lessee’s name and the monthly rent. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake argued that the Government has gained significant international recognition under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, citing visits and engagements with India, China, Vietnam, Dubai, and the World Bank. He said World Bank support of USD 1 billion was linked to low corruption and discipline, and explained that Vietnam facilitated a private jet for the President’s return to vote and meet the World Bank President. He defended continuing with the existing IMF framework as it had already been signed and made law before the Government took office, and said Sri Lanka would engage diplomatically on regional economic issues including Maldives’ request for support. He also claimed the Government had won majorities in 267 local authorities and warned against bribery or “horse-trading” of elected members. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran questioned Gazette No. 2430 of 28.03.2025, which he said seeks to acquire 5,941 acres in the Northern Province as state land, and demanded its withdrawal, arguing that displaced people are being asked to produce documents under unfair circumstances. He also urged the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister to establish dedicated tourism units and appoint officers at district and divisional secretariats in the Northern Province to support tourism development linked to Palaly Airport, the Nagapattinam ferry, and local cultural and natural assets. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake addressed the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance in the context of reopening vehicle imports, noting expected revenue targets and current Customs collections, and urged measures to increase receipts while maintaining rupee stability. He raised concerns over delays in vehicle clearance, demurrage costs to consumers, valuation procedures, and reported difficulties with Japanese banks accepting Sri Lankan letters of credit, calling for steps to restore trading confidence. He also urged stronger trade negotiations for tariff relief, better use of the Indo–Sri Lanka FTA, and more active promotion of the Port City with competitive incentives to attract investment and position Sri Lanka as a financial and trading centre. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Raised concerns over the handling of a sensitive case involving a schoolgirl, urging government intervention, clarification on reported medical evidence, and action without protecting any political party organizer, while also linking the issue to broader concerns about ragging and third-party interference. He questioned the government’s response to a reported rise in shootings and murders, asking what concrete measures would be taken. He also called for a practical review of vehicle import HS code classifications and IMF-related policy implementation, saying customs issues were causing vehicles to remain in yards and sharply increasing costs. Additionally, he sought clarification on the contents and implications of the security agreement with India, particularly in the event of an India-Pakistan conflict, and said the Opposition would support measures that address public concerns and build the country. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance concerns the orderly reopening of vehicle imports after earlier prohibitions, with regulations aligned to reserves and inflation objectives. He rejected allegations that the Government or military were promoting racism in the North and East, stating that genuine land issues would be addressed while action would be taken against misuse of State lands. He also defended the Government’s local election performance and outlined its economic outlook, citing expected GDP growth, nominal GDP expansion to 2030, exchange-rate stability, and a cautious approach to import liberalization. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath clarified that the President’s visit to Vietnam involved two separate events: a State diplomatic invitation from the Vietnamese President and the UN Vesak event organized by a UN-affiliated Vesak Organizing Committee with Sri Lankan Buddhist clergy participation. He stated that accommodation and internal transport were provided by the Vietnamese Government, while the return aircraft was arranged and paid for by the Vietnam Buddhist organization affiliated with the Vesak Committee. He emphasized that no Sri Lankan public funds were spent on the private jet. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →