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- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged Sri Lanka to respond proactively to new U.S. country-specific tariffs introduced under President Trump, noting that other countries are already engaging Washington or offering tariff concessions. He proposed that Sri Lanka offer zero import duties on U.S. goods as a reciprocal, country-specific measure within WTO safeguards, positioning the country as an investment launching pad. He also said the Government should raise the matter with the IMF as an external shock affecting revenue policy, and welcomed the appointment of a committee and the President’s all-party conference on the issue. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva raised a Point of Order regarding his undertaking to table the COPF verbatim record on discussions about proceeding with the Sri Lanka–Singapore Free Trade Agreement. He said the Hansard record was not yet available, but the video showed that the committee had initially not agreed to proceed and had sought a further review, before later agreeing on the President’s recommendation. He clarified that the delay in tabling the record was procedural and not due to him. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar warned that Sri Lanka must urgently pursue technical, state-level negotiations with the United States over newly imposed export tariffs, noting the U.S. is Sri Lanka’s largest export market and that the apparel sector, which supports over 300,000 jobs, is particularly exposed. He also urged the Government to ensure compliance with the EU’s 27 conventions to retain GSP+, arguing that losing both U.S. market access and EU preferences would seriously undermine export earnings and fiscal stability. He questioned the detention and subsequent release of a youth at a Colombo luxury mall, linking it to concerns over continued use of the PTA and delays in reform. He supported accelerating trade agreements with India, Thailand, and Pakistan, warning that lower tariffs for regional competitors could shift apparel investment and employment away from Sri Lanka. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that the Government had previously resisted trade agreements such as the Singapore FTA, CEPA, ETCA and MCC while now blaming others for weak export diversification. He criticized the proposed withdrawal of SVAT, saying VAT refunds would tie up exporters’ working capital, especially for SMEs, and contended that the issue could have been better negotiated with the IMF. He warned that the 44 per cent U.S. tariff, combined with domestic tax burdens and para-tariffs, could harm factories and jobs, and called for trade liberalization, engagement with all parties, and integration with global markets. He also referenced the upcoming EU GSP+ review and urged attention to human rights and PTA reform commitments. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that the proposed VAT amendment should be deferred in light of the United States’ 44 per cent tariff on Sri Lankan exports, which he said could threaten export markets, factory operations, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. He said export manufacturers would face added pressure from VAT obligations and delays in receiving refunds or credits, particularly when demand and prices are already affected by the tariff shock. He requested that the vote on the Bill be postponed for a limited period to give exporters and SMEs time to adjust, warning that immediate implementation could worsen business closures and job losses. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan questioned the Government’s consistency on promises made during the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, citing the nomination of a bar licence holder for local elections and a Sinhalese national list bonus-seat candidate in the Nanattan Pradeshiya Sabha division, where he said there are no Sinhala residents. He supported the agreements signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit, arguing that India had helped Sri Lanka during its downturn and that such agreements were appropriate given India’s position as a neighbour. He stated opposition to any attempts by China-aligned actors to obstruct Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and said Chinese activities should not be permitted in the North and East. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe addressed the VAT (Amendment) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka should improve VAT collection efficiency rather than raise rates, by expanding registration, reducing evasion, plugging leakages, introducing VAT on foreign digital services, and implementing digital systems such as POS reporting. He said SVAT changes had been deferred to October to address exporter concerns through faster digital refunds, and described SME debt relief measures, concessional credit lines, credit guarantees, and ongoing oversight to support business revival. He also stated that Sri Lanka should negotiate rather than retaliate over new U.S. tariffs, pursue trade diversification, reduce public spending waste, and use recent legal reforms to strengthen Inland Revenue enforcement and scrutiny of politically connected assets. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Condolences were offered on the death of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira before raising concerns over the impact of new U.S. tariffs, including a reported 44 per cent tariff affecting apparel exports and wider risks to logistics, ports, IMF targets, employment and investment. Namal Rajapaksa urged the Government to pursue direct negotiations, prepare for broader macroeconomic effects, and consider tax administration relief such as SVAT-related measures to protect industry cash flows. He also called for implementation of the election pledge to remove VAT on rooftop solar electricity bills and requested clear information on which local authorities will proceed with elections scheduled for 6 May. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill’s removal of VAT on employee transport, meals, stamp-related services and reinsurance, but said Sri Lanka’s export sector faces serious risks from proposed U.S. tariffs, particularly apparel-dependent employment in districts such as Batticaloa. He asked the Government to present clear contingency plans, support SMEs, diversify export products and markets, and respond to pending district-level investment and development proposals. He also urged reconsideration of a proposed high-security prison on a Batticaloa island identified for tourism development, and requested action on unresolved security arrangements for Members of Parliament. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, stating that they seek to broaden the VAT base, address gaps in digital services taxation, and improve revenue collection while creating parity between domestic and foreign providers. He said reforms to SVAT and refund mechanisms, including planned system improvements before implementation in October 2025 and a 45-day refund limit for exporters, are intended to reduce fraud, protect cash flow, and support employment. He also addressed concerns over U.S. tariffs, noting their potential impact on Sri Lankan exports and the need for bilateral engagement, while clarifying that the egg tax was not new and that employer-provided meals and transport would be zero-rated for VAT purposes. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to adopt a more informed and sustained diplomatic strategy in response to possible U.S. tariff measures, noting Sri Lanka’s heavy export dependence on the U.S., especially apparel. He argued that Sri Lanka should engage not only the U.S. administration but also Congress, including relevant Senate and House committees and potential Sri Lanka caucuses, because Congress has constitutional and statutory influence over trade and tariffs. He proposed sending a knowledgeable delegation to remain engaged until the issue is resolved, citing past negotiations during the Multi-Fiber Agreement period, and called on the Government to study and leverage the proposed 2025 Trade Review Act and engage key U.S. lawmakers. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary On the VAT (Amendment) Bill, Sajith Premadasa supported the continued operation of the Simplified VAT scheme for exporters until the export sector recovers from current difficulties. He warned that proposed 44 per cent US retaliatory tariffs from 9 April could seriously affect Sri Lankan exports and questioned the Government on whether a promised delegation had been sent, who was included, whom it met, and what outcomes were achieved. He also complained that Opposition attempts to raise proposals and concerns in Parliament were being interrupted. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a question of privilege over the Government’s failure to submit to Parliament agreements reportedly signed with India and China, including a recent defence agreement with India. He argued that such agreements, particularly those affecting national security or the economy, require parliamentary scrutiny and, where applicable, approval under constitutional provisions such as Article 157. He requested that all agreements and related documents, including exchange of letters, be tabled immediately and that Parliament and relevant committees be briefed before implementation. Ministerial Statement and Privilege Question; Procedural Motions Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka should proactively engage members of the US Senate and House Sri Lanka Caucuses to address tariffs unilaterally imposed by the US administration. He said these concerns were foreseeable following President Trump’s election platform on retaliatory tariffs, and noted that bipartisan efforts in the US Senate were reportedly underway to restrict presidential authority to impose such tariffs. Ministerial Statement: SO 27(2) Question to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa thanked the Government for announcing a limited suspension of Parate Law action but urged debt restructuring for NPL and CRIB-listed borrowers and working capital support for over 260,000 affected MSMEs. Raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), he asked for details of the Government’s response to the United States’ 44 per cent retaliatory tariff on Sri Lankan exports, including engagement with any Sri Lanka caucuses in the US Congress, progress by the appointed delegation, and a formal action plan to be presented to Parliament. He also sought information on export market diversification, FDI promotion, and whether the Government would renegotiate the 2028 external debt repayment profile with the IMF and creditors if tariffs adversely affect exports and growth. Ministerial Statement: SO 27(2) Question to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Procedural Matters Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled an answer detailing job quotas under Sri Lanka-Israel employment agreements, totalling 33,800 positions across agriculture, construction, infrastructure, rehabilitation, hospitality, manufacturing and caregiving. It reported that 10,639 workers had been sent for agriculture employment by 2 April 2025, while deployments in hotels, restaurants, infrastructure and manufacturing had not yet begun due to ongoing selection processes. The answer stated that Israel had temporarily suspended recruitment of Sri Lankans for agriculture because of skills concerns and absconding by some workers, leaving about 1,557 selected candidates awaiting deployment. It added that Sri Lanka is continuing discussions with Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority and will deploy candidates when opportunities resume under new fitness, knowledge and interview-based selection procedures. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa requested two weeks to provide answers to the question on Israeli job opportunities for Sri Lankans. The question was ordered to stand down, with details sought on sector-wise vacancies, numbers already deployed, delays affecting about 2,400 qualified applicants, reasons for the delay, and measures to expedite their employment in Israel. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen stated his support for the Proceeds of Crime Bill but urged the Government to meet public expectations and avoid actions that undermine confidence. He criticized the arrest and detention of a person over an anti-Israel sticker and called for an end to unjust use of the PTA, including the immediate review and release of persons he said remain unfairly detained or prosecuted after the Easter Sunday attacks and related cases. He also requested the Attorney General’s Department to expedite or withdraw lingering cases against individuals allegedly connected to him after his acquittal. He warned that Israel’s presence and activities in Sri Lanka could create communal tension and urged the Government not to penalize Sri Lankans in order to protect Israeli visitors. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri supported the objective of the Proceeds of Crime Bill if it enables recovery of unlawfully acquired assets, but questioned whether the Government is using it to distract from other issues, including the undisclosed India agreement. He demanded specific timelines for recovering alleged funds linked to Uganda and Medamulana, bringing back Arjuna Mahendran, and recovering proceeds from the Central Bank bond scam. He proposed that those who made false allegations or defamatory claims should also face legal consequences, while alleging that several current officials and appointees facing corruption accusations should be investigated and cleared before holding office. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath outlined the outcomes of the Indian Prime Minister’s April 2025 visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting agreements and support across debt restructuring, tourism, digitalization, energy, transport, agriculture, investment, and religious-cultural projects. He stated that India agreed to restructure bilateral debt, convert about USD 100 million in recent loans into grants, reduce interest and extend the tenure of the swap facility, and provide grants for Mannar Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit and the Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling upgrade. He also noted Indian financial support for projects in Anuradhapura, the Thirukoneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee, and the Seetha Eliya temple area in Nuwara Eliya, describing these as measures to strengthen religious ties and tourism. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →