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 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that a zero-tariff approach is not the only option under consideration and that the Government is exploring alternatives in response to the issue raised. He said a meeting with US authorities would be held that night and that information would subsequently be provided to Parliament. He also argued that tariff comparisons should not focus on a single country, noting differing rates in India, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, and said the matter relates more to the trade deficit than to tariff levels alone. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka should respond pragmatically to new US tariff pressures by offering zero-duty market access and a stronger investment climate for US companies, positioning Sri Lanka as a gateway to India. He highlighted the importance of US trade to Sri Lanka, citing 875,000 export-related jobs and a significant share of exports to the US, while noting broader shifts toward deglobalization. He called for a full-day parliamentary debate on trade policy, stating that the issue should not be addressed incidentally during other debates in breach of procedure. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said the Government had engaged diplomatically with the White House, USTR, the IMF and Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Washington before and after the 2 April 2025 US tariff announcement, and that a Presidential Special Committee was appointed to propose responses. He said discussions focused on mitigation options linked to reducing the trade deficit used in the US tariff formula, with further virtual talks with USTR scheduled and a letter from the President to President Donald Trump acknowledged by the White House. He rejected claims of inaction, noting the US applied a global formula and that negotiations were expected only after figures were issued. He also outlined efforts to diversify markets through EU GSP+, the UK DCTS and opportunities in China, the Middle East, India and South Asia, while identifying apparel and food exports as priority sectors affected by the US measures. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a question to the Minister of Finance on the reported 44 per cent US tariff on Sri Lankan exports, asking what diplomatic, trade, and policy steps had been taken since 18 March 2025 to prevent or mitigate it. He sought details on engagement with the US administration and USTR, any request for a special exemption, comparative tariff treatment of competitor countries, and five-year export data to the US. He also asked for short- and long-term strategies to protect sectors such as apparel, rubber, tea, and marine exports, diversify markets, improve competitiveness, and support affected exporters, especially SMEs, framing the issue as a national concern. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the unresolved difficulties facing MSMEs and the wider industrial sector, particularly after the expiry of the suspension of banks’ parate execution powers and the threat of new US reciprocal tariffs. He asked whether the Government would extend the parate suspension, table data and a Central Bank roadmap on parate execution, and introduce measures such as affordable working capital, interest relief, and loan restructuring for distressed and blacklisted businesses. He also sought clarification on the Government’s response to the proposed 44 per cent US tariff on Sri Lankan exports, including efforts to secure alternative market support such as an expanded Indian apparel quota, and called for an All-Party Conference to address the issue. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Asked the relevant Minister to brief Parliament on actions taken regarding the 44% tariff imposed by the United States, which he said had been identified as needing attention before 9 April. He emphasized that the issue affects the country and sought an update on the Government’s response. Oral Question: EPF and ETF Files (276/2024) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath — Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary The Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations. The motion was agreed to. Papers: Annual Reports and Institutional Statements Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism met on 08 April 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Vijitha Herath, with the participation of ministers and members from government and opposition. The listed attendance indicates a committee proceeding concerning the subject areas of foreign affairs, foreign employment, and tourism, but no specific speech content, decisions, questions, or proposals are provided in the supplied text. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism met on 08 April 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Vijitha Herath. The listed Members participated as members of the Committee, which is responsible for considering matters related to foreign affairs, overseas employment, and tourism policy and administration. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - President AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka rejected claims that projected government revenues, including those expected from reopening vehicle imports, would not materialize. He challenged critics to identify any investor who had withdrawn after committing to Sri Lanka, arguing that unsubstantiated statements about investors leaving could undermine confidence and create instability. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - President AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said the Government inherited a bankrupt economy in which revenue is almost entirely absorbed by interest payments, public sector salaries and pensions, while many state enterprises carry large debts and losses. He argued that the Government’s immediate priority was macroeconomic stabilization, including continuing the IMF Extended Fund Facility and moving from unilateral debt default to an agreed creditor standstill from 21 December. He cited the restart of Japanese and Chinese funded projects, the costs of stalled infrastructure during default, and new energy projects with India and the CEB as evidence of improving stability and restored external confidence. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer condemned recent Israeli strikes on Palestine, citing reported deaths and injuries after the January 2025 ceasefire, and said the attacks during the fasting season were inhumane and must be denounced. He stated that the NPP’s position has consistently supported freedom, justice, and peace for Palestine on humanitarian grounds, noting that Middle East conflicts also affect Sri Lankans living in the region. He rejected claims that the issue was being politicized, saying the Government would continue to oppose inhumanity regardless of electoral considerations. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake defended the Government’s early performance, citing the reopening of factories in the North, revival of the Elephant Pass salt factory, debt reduction at Milco, and electricity tariff reductions as evidence of delivery. He argued that the State should remain an active economic player in strategic areas while also attracting private investment, and referred to planned capital spending, the Central Expressway, ports, and large industries. He also highlighted the President’s recent foreign visits and diplomatic relations, and said rule of law and security matters, including Easter Sunday investigations and the Arugam Bay incident, were being handled professionally. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna argued that the Government is continuing and benefiting from the IMF programme initiated under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and said its success should be judged by whether ministries can utilize at least 60 to 65 per cent of capital allocations. She welcomed the Government’s improved engagement with India, including economic and energy cooperation, while recalling that UNP members who supported close India-Sri Lanka relations in the past were killed. She tabled a document listing alleged JVP-era killings of UNP and other party members and contrasted this with references made by Government members to Batalanda. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the 2025 Budget debate for continuing election-style rhetoric and questioned whether the Government could meet its domestic revenue targets without further borrowing, calling for clear disclosure of any new borrowing plans or agreements. He urged immediate action on problems faced by Sri Lankans overseas regarding driving licences, disputed Government claims over Italian visa processing, and demanded relief or alternatives for daily-wage workers affected by suspended sand, clay and gravel licences. He also raised concerns about the quality of New Year rice packs and asked the Government to address national security comprehensively if heightened screening at Parliament reflected wider risks. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem used the final day of the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill to urge Sri Lanka to take a stronger position on the renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza. He described the humanitarian crisis, cited alleged violations of international humanitarian law, and referred to UN, ICJ and ICC actions, as well as responses by various states and regional bodies. He called on Sri Lanka to support an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, accountability for violations, and a renewed diplomatic role in support of Palestine and a two-State solution. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that matters raised under Standing Order 27(2) should be judged by urgency and national importance rather than by the number of questions or pages. Citing his earlier question on Donald Trump’s deglobalization and tariff policies affecting Sri Lanka, he said delayed answers could make parliamentary responses ineffective when policy impacts are imminent. He urged ministries, with their staff resources, to provide timely answers to such urgent matters. Question by Private Notice: Power Generation Policy Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned a statement by Hon. Wijitha Herath that Booking.com should leave Sri Lanka if it does not pay taxes, noting that about 40 per cent of tourists use the platform. He asked whether the matter had been discussed with the Ministry of Finance, given the absence of a legal framework to tax such platforms, and sought clarification on what was meant by “removing” Booking.com. Oral Question No. 127/2024: Currency Notes and Coins Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake sought a scheduling clarification on the Committee of Selection before opposing the proposed 15 per cent tax on foreign-earned service income, arguing that it would discourage foreign exchange inflows from professionals and IT services that were previously exempt. He said the expected Rs. 10.2 billion revenue was small and counterproductive, proposing alternatives such as minor fuel price adjustments and warning that firms and individuals could route income through low- or zero-tax jurisdictions, keep funds offshore, or relocate. He urged the Government to negotiate with the IMF rather than accept measures he described as damaging, cited SLASSCOM’s export and startup targets, and said the policy was inconsistent with tax-free incentives in Colombo Port City. He also questioned the proposed increase in betting and gaming taxes to 45 per cent, calling for a regulator and a more sustainable revenue strategy. Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary During the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Rizvie Salih highlighted tourism as a key source of foreign exchange for economic recovery, but raised concerns about alleged illegal business operations and disruptive conduct by some Israeli tourists in surfing destinations, citing a recent newspaper article. He argued that such activity may reduce benefits to the Sri Lankan economy and damage the country’s reputation as a peaceful tourist destination. He also referred to renewed Israeli military action in Gaza following ceasefire breakdowns, citing reported civilian casualties and attacks on designated safe zones. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →