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- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister explained that the President, he, and officials travelled to Vietnam on a State diplomatic invitation and to attend the UN Vesak celebrations. He said Sri Lankan officials informed the hosts that returning on the same day as the main ceremony would be difficult due to a vote, after which the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha arranged and paid for a special return aircraft. He stated that no public funds were spent on the return flight, while outbound tickets were paid by the Sri Lankan Government and accommodation and internal logistics were provided by the Vietnamese Government. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna criticized the Government for failing to fulfil campaign promises, including reducing vehicle prices and revealing those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. He cited local election results to argue that the Government had lost public support, contrasting its vote decline with gains by the SJB, particularly in Gampaha. He also called for transparency over who paid for the President’s private jet travel after the Vietnam visit and questioned whether the Government would apply the same standard it had used in 2018 when it demanded dissolution after local election losses. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar argued that recent election results show a significant decline in support for the NPP and rejected claims that the Opposition had nothing to celebrate, citing seat and vote figures for the SJB, Opposition, and Government. He said the Opposition would support the Government on national economic issues such as US tax exposure, EU GSP+, growth, revenue, and investment, but urged the Government to stop misleading the public. He alleged attempts to buy local councillors in Colombo and Hambantota and questioned the source of funds, while also calling on the Government to table agreements with India and govern transparently now that no national election is imminent. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said the vehicle import ban was being lifted in phases, with Customs Import Duty raised from 20 per cent to 30 per cent to manage pressure on reserves and the exchange rate after years of restricted imports. He cited improving macroeconomic indicators, including reserves of about USD 6.5 billion, a stable rupee, controlled inflation, lower interest rates, stronger revenue, and progress under the IMF programme and World Bank support. He also noted reforms to improve tax and customs administration, disclosure of large tenders, and ongoing engagement with the United States on tariffs to protect Sri Lankan exporters during the consultation period. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning rejected the Opposition Leader’s claim that his earlier answers were contradictory, stating that Sri Lanka had agreed with the IMF to implement a cost-recovery method in line with existing systems and procedures. He also clarified that IMF tranche disbursement follows a formal sequence from Staff-Level Agreement to Executive Board consideration and decision, and said characterizing the timeline as a delay was inaccurate. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Deputy Minister’s claim that electricity tariff increases were not linked to IMF conditions, citing an IMF statement of 29 April 2025 referring to prior actions on electricity cost-recovery pricing and the automatic price adjustment mechanism. He argued that delays to the EFF tranche were connected to these conditions and asked the Government to clearly acknowledge that proposed tariff increases arise from commitments under the IMF agreement, tabling the relevant document. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary International media reports about an investment in the Maldives were referenced, with clarification that the project had been under discussion for years and was only now nearing agreement. Regarding Sri Lanka, plans are underway to advance the Port City by strengthening its legal framework, resolving outstanding issues, and attracting primary developers and secondary industries. Further details are to be provided after the relevant subordinate legislation is approved and finalized. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked about Sri Lanka’s response to the Maldives International Financial Centre, noting its tax-free status, absence of exchange controls, and constitutional guarantees for investment. He questioned the current status of Sri Lanka’s Port City financial centre plans and sought clarification on how the Government intends to protect Sri Lanka’s competitive position if the Maldives initiative advances. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake requested detailed data on Sri Lanka’s export totals over the past 20 years in both rupees and US dollars, including exports as a percentage of GDP. He also asked for clarification on impediments affecting exports and the progress of overseas discussions aimed at advancing Sri Lanka’s export sector. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns about the impact of tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Sri Lankan exports. He asked the Deputy Minister to clarify whom he engaged with on Sri Lanka’s behalf in related discussions, whether direct talks had occurred with U.S. leaders, and what steps were being taken to secure an agreement or solution to protect Sri Lanka’s export interests. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma, responding on behalf of the Finance Minister, provided national accounts, GDP growth projections, export values, main export items, and service export earnings through annexes, noting that service earnings rose to a provisional USD 6,910 million in 2024. He outlined the legal history of export proceeds repatriation, stating that the 1993 exemption was revoked in 2016, requirements continued under the Foreign Exchange Act and later Central Bank rules, and current rules require goods and services exporters to repatriate proceeds within 180 days. He said the Central Bank is developing an Export Proceeds Monitoring System, reported 2022–2024 export proceeds figures, and noted that administrative action for non-compliance can be taken once procedures are finalized. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake requested detailed economic data from the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, including Sri Lanka’s GDP values and growth rates over the past 20 years, projected GDP growth for the next five years, export values as a share of GDP, leading export commodities, and service-sector foreign exchange earnings. He also asked for information on foreign currency retained overseas, the permitted retention period, and any enforcement action taken against violations of exchange control regulations. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa provided details of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s official foreign visits from 2022 to 2024. He stated that there were 23 visits in total, with 426 accompanying persons funded by the Government, and that the total reported expenditure for the visits by the former President and his nominees was Rs. 1,027,168,778.75. He tabled annexes giving details of destinations, objectives, benefits to Sri Lanka, participant purposes, and expenditure. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to provide details of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s official foreign visits from 2022 to 2024. She requested the number of visits, countries visited, objectives, benefits to Sri Lanka, accompanying persons funded by the Government and reasons for their inclusion, as well as the total expenditure incurred. Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions Read →
- 8 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested that the Government report to Parliament on the outcome of discussions with the United States regarding newly imposed tariffs affecting Sri Lanka, following the all-party meeting convened by the President on 10 April. He also asked the Government to inform the House about recent discussions with a European Union delegation concerning GSP+ concessions. Procedural - Interjections on Order of Business Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe condemned Israel’s actions and raised concern over the arrest and 90-day detention of a youth, Rusthi, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act after he allegedly pasted a sticker criticizing Israel. He disputed a Police Media Spokesman’s statement suggesting the All Ceylon Jameiyyathul Ulama had described the youth as needing rehabilitation, saying ACJU had rejected such a claim. He argued that the Government, despite previously opposing and promising to abolish the PTA, was now using it in a manner that undermined Muslim public trust. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe used the debate on the alleged Batalanda torture camp to recall wider post-Independence restrictions on freedoms, the impact of the three-decade war, and the losses suffered by all communities. He argued that the 1987 Indo–Lanka Accord and Provincial Councils provided an important political and development mechanism for Tamil-speaking communities and helped promote ethnic harmony in the Eastern Province despite conflict conditions. He urged the Government to restore provincial powers and hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections, criticizing governance through Governors and noting inconsistent statements on whether elections would be held or the system abolished. He also briefly referred to Sri Lanka’s position on continuing violence against Palestinians. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 10 April 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman informed the Minister in charge of Police of an incident in which the Colombo Crime Division allegedly questioned a person for calling Netanyahu a terrorist and for expressing concern over children dying in Palestine. He asked why police officers were posing such questions and urged the Minister to be aware of such conduct, clarifying that he was raising the matter as information rather than an accusation. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana argued that Sri Lanka’s renewable energy transition should be viewed as a political and social issue tied to energy sovereignty, not only as a technical matter. He said dependence on imported fuel and coal exposes the country to foreign exchange crises and geopolitical pressure, and urged expansion of solar and wind resources, particularly in Trincomalee, Mannar, Puttalam and the Eastern Province. He proposed developing a Green Energy Tourism Zone along the Eastern coastline, with incentives for tourism investors using renewable energy. He also emphasized “energy democracy,” including wider grassroots access, collective ownership, and state participation such as retaining a 50 percent stake in the Sampur Solar Park. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the increase of U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports from 11% to 44% would seriously affect garments, tea, rubber and cinnamon exports, foreign exchange earnings and livelihoods, and called for an all-party response and urgent talks with the U.S. Government. He urged the Education Minister to provide relief to students at Kathankudy Central College who were allegedly made to stop a Tamil Language and Literature O/L examination early. He also requested action to reopen the Kathankudy Jamiul Azhar Mosque, citing confirmation that it had no extremist links, and cautioned against using the PTA for minor protest-related acts, referring to the release of a youth arrested over an anti-Israel sticker. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →