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- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha defended past housing initiatives by R. Premadasa and Sajith Premadasa, arguing that the Housing Ministry should focus on concrete delivery rather than lists of projects. He urged the Government to deepen cooperation with India, including reviving Palaly Airport, restarting the Talaimannar–Rameswaram ferry, considering land connectivity, and developing Trincomalee Port as a regional economic hub. He also called for scrutiny of major road and expressway contracts, including CEP-3, the Ruwanpura Expressway and Kadawatha–Meerigama, citing concerns over procurement practices, claims, financing delays and the need to follow National Procurement Commission guidelines. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Jeevan Thondaman urged cross-party cooperation in response to risks from the global geopolitical and trade environment, including potential inflation and reduced demand for Sri Lankan exports. He proposed establishing an inter-party action committee for parties to meet, discuss issues, and develop solutions for the public. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB AI summary Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that regulatory bottlenecks in the aviation sector would be addressed while maintaining compliance with national security requirements and ICAO regulations. He noted that Bandaranaike International Airport handled 8.8 million passengers despite being designed for 6 million, and called for expediting Terminal 2 construction, which would add capacity for 9 million passengers annually. He also highlighted air navigation revenue of Rs. 3,200 million in 2024 and said Rs. 3,500 million had been allocated in the Budget for a new building and technology upgrades. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku argued that Sri Lanka’s strategic maritime location should be used to restore its historical role in international trade, with ports and airports serving as gateways to economic growth. He outlined expansion plans for the Port of Colombo, including the West and East Container Terminals, a proposed West Container Terminal 2, and Colombo North Port, targeting total capacity of about 30 million TEUs by 2035. He also said the Government would address congestion and capacity constraints through improved marketing, fuel storage and bunkering arrangements, and an ADB-funded feasibility study for a rail-linked multimodal logistics centre and inland dry port at Bloemendhal. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem urged the Government to improve transport and port infrastructure, including modern passenger facilities at the KKS terminal for the India-Sri Lanka ferry service and corrective works at Oluvil Harbour, where an allegedly defective DANIDA-funded breakwater has blocked access and affected fishermen in the Ampara District. He called for Oluvil to be properly developed as a fishing harbour while addressing coastal erosion concerns, and for the Batticaloa International Airport runway to be upgraded to accommodate commercial aircraft. He also said the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal should be supported by bus holding facilities at Katugastota, Peradeniya and Pallekele, along with shuttle or rail-based solutions, to reduce congestion in Kandy. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 6 March 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for details on Japanese-assisted projects proposed since 2015. He sought the total number of such projects, the number and names of those currently halted, and the measures planned to resume them, or reasons if the information cannot be provided. Oral Questions (Q.1-4) Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi said the Government is implementing a scientific programme to reorganize and develop the fresh, brackish and marine fisheries sectors, with Budget allocations including Rs. 780 million for fisheries infrastructure in the Northern Province. He stated that 62 anchorage sites in Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi will be developed, and rejected claims of inaction on Indian fishing incursions by citing past protests and legal amendments enabling heavy fines. He also said fisheries harbours, anchorages and related state institutions, including NAQDA, NARA and the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, would be assessed and rebuilt over the next five years, while inviting constructive criticism and support. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged the Indian Government and the Tamil Nadu Government to address the recurring fisheries-related problems affecting northern Sri Lankan communities, particularly in areas such as Mannar, where he said livelihoods have been severely reduced. He argued that assistance to post-war communities should focus on enabling people to sustain themselves rather than only providing relief or cash support. He also commended the Fisheries Ministry and requested that the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation be strengthened and its retail outlets expanded to provide affordable, quality fish to the public. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan urged that the issue of northern fishermen be included in the briefing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Sri Lanka in April. He said the continued loss of property and marine resources is the main problem facing fishermen in the North, distinct from wartime circumstances, and called for discussions aimed at resolving it, offering full cooperation. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan urged stronger support for the fisheries sector, including fuel support, insurance for gear lost due to Indian bottom trawlers, cold storage, fisheries harbours in Mullaitivu or Mannar, inland fisheries development, and a fisheries academic facility in the North. He called for structured talks with the Tamil Nadu Government and the Indian Central Government to stop illegal trawler incursions, while opposing third-country involvement in the northern maritime area. He also requested action against illegal fishing practices, corrupt officials, and delays caused by the fishermen’s pass system, arguing that improved livelihoods and education in fishing communities would help the sector earn foreign exchange. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concern over unlawful incursions by Indian bottom-trawling vessels into Sri Lankan waters, particularly in the North and East, stating that they are destroying marine habitats and undermining local fishermen’s livelihoods. He called for strict enforcement of Sri Lanka’s ban on bottom trawling, legal action against both foreign and local illegal fishers, and stronger action by the Navy, Police and Fisheries authorities to protect maritime boundaries. He urged the Minister to intervene firmly and warned that affected fishing communities in Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi may be forced into public protest if their livelihoods are not protected. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Read →
- 5 March 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism for details on the current status of the Madunagala Tourist Project initiated by the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau. He sought expenditure figures for the unfinished heart revival centre, cafeteria, restroom, dining hall, tourist bungalow and rural bazaar, and asked whether the Minister was aware of their reported disrepair. He also requested the Government’s planned steps to complete, repair, or re-implement the project. Oral Question: Madunagala Tourist Project (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government remains committed to freedom of expression and that Cabinet has initiated a public consultation process to identify amendments to the Online Safety Act, with a concept paper to be submitted by the relevant ministries. He stated that no arrests, remands, or prosecutions have occurred under the Act to date. He also explained that the proposed tax on profits from service exports by residents, including IT services, was reduced from the previous Government’s proposed 30 per cent to 15 per cent, with non-resident migrant worker remittances excluded and expected 2025 revenue estimated at about 0.04 per cent of GDP. Ministerial Statement: Online Safety Act and tax on export services Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Energy was presented as central to the Budget, economic development, and national security, with clarification that the Adani power proposal was referred for Cabinet review because of concerns over the agreed tariff of 8.26 US cents per kWh, while investment remains open and transparent. The Minister rejected claims of overcharging on fuel, stating that prices follow the formula, and called for authenticated evidence to be submitted for investigation where corruption is alleged. He outlined plans for a 2025 Energy Transition Act, a Results Delivery Framework for 2025-2026, and reforms including digitalized procurement, a green hydrogen agency, a National Energy Policy Planning Office, and land-use coordination. The policy objective is to reduce average energy costs by one-third within two to three years while moving towards 70 percent renewables and net-zero by 2050. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget and the Government’s energy policy, rejecting Opposition claims of an emerging fuel crisis and saying the Government would not allow shortages or instability. He tabled a 2022 National Audit Office report on CPC dealer commission overpayments, documents alleging improper overtime and vehicle use by union-linked individuals at CPSTL and CPC, and a list of alleged political links to petroleum dealerships. He argued that Opposition criticism was connected to affected business interests and stated that the Government’s priority was energy security and public relief after the country’s bankruptcy. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka placed Sri Lanka’s energy sector in the context of rising global energy demand and the shift toward clean energy and net-zero policies. He noted that international commitments are expected to reduce fossil-fuel use after 2025–2030, citing decisions by several countries to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, restrict new oil exploration, and limit coal-based power generation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged expedited bail or release for long-term detainees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and questioned delaying its replacement pending new organized crime legislation. He argued that genuine reconciliation is necessary for economic progress and requires careful handling, accountability, adequate funding for the Office on Missing Persons and Office for Reparations, and stronger attention to the Geneva accountability process. He called for a new Constitution to address reconciliation and the national question, proper implementation of language policy, and special attention to the families of the disappeared. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara called for the modernization of the Tri-Forces, particularly through new technologies. He said Sri Lanka should regain lost UN peacekeeping opportunities, which he linked to foreign exchange earnings, international exposure, and improved economic conditions for troops. He also emphasized that national security is a shared responsibility of the Government and all communities in Sri Lanka. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate (Defence & Public Security Heads) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem urged the Prime Minister and Leader of the House to reconsider rules that exclude some party leaders, including himself, from the Parliamentary Business Committee, arguing that responsible opposition scrutiny should be accommodated. He welcomed the Government’s decision to send a ministerial delegation to Geneva and engage with the UN Human Rights Council, contrasting it with what he described as previous governments’ disengagement from Council processes. He also noted that recent reconciliation-related measures, including Northern infrastructure work, Tamil-speaking police recruitment considerations, and allocations for libraries such as the Jaffna Library, were symbolic steps within the broader need for constructive international cooperation on human rights. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem referred to the President’s Budget speech criticism of the previous interim administration over suppression of the public and postponement of the 2023 Local Government Elections, and called for immediate action on cases arising from the Aragalaya protests. He also questioned the consistency of the Government’s claims of inclusivity in Geneva with parliamentary practice, alleging that Opposition access to the Business Committee was being restricted and urging that such changes not be made unilaterally. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →