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 February 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala supported the motion, emphasizing that embassy and consulate Labour Welfare Officers must act promptly and effectively to assist more than one million Sri Lankan migrant workers, whose remittances are a major source of foreign exchange. He cited the difficulties faced during COVID-19 as evidence of past neglect and called for suitable appointments, greater resources, and stronger funding for labour sections. He also urged missions, particularly in places such as Dubai, to protect Sri Lankan employment opportunities and remittance potential by addressing issues around visit visas, foreign agents, and job quota allocations, citing the Philippines as a model for migrant worker support. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the motion calling for a proper procedure to appoint Labour Welfare Officers responsible for Sri Lankan migrant workers’ welfare. He said past governments had allowed ad hoc contract appointments without standardized criteria, citing Hansard records from 2007 and Cabinet instructions in 2021 that were not implemented. He stated that the Government is reviewing and regularizing the recruitment process to ensure merit, transparency, and improved service at Sri Lankan missions abroad. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy seconded Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri’s motion, emphasizing the need to shift Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector from mainly domestic work to a professionally trained skilled workforce. He proposed a stronger selection and training framework for Labour Welfare Officers, stressing compassion, integrity, independence from agencies and employers, and knowledge of host-country laws, languages, institutions, and labour systems. He called for selecting suitable officers from relevant services and giving them 6–12 months of rigorous preparation before posting, so they can better support and protect Sri Lankan workers abroad. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the names of all deceased persons had already been tabled. He asked the Member to provide specific details so that the Ministry could intervene in the matter. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary As of 20 January 2025, the Ministry reported 554 Sri Lankans recruited to serve in the Russian military, with no confirmed evidence of forcible recruitment, and 59 reported deaths based on information from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia. In response to a question under Standing Order 27(2), the Minister said the Government has been raising individual cases with Russian authorities, facilitating family contact, discussing pension continuity for affected families, and introducing a procedure to seek compensation for those who died in Russian military operations. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna responded to earlier remarks on coconut prices, arguing that profitability conditions have changed since earlier periods of very low land lease costs. He stated that the Government is seeking to restore Sri Lanka’s international reputation after a period marked by heavy borrowing and extrajudicial killings, and defended the use of locally produced cashews at the Independence ceremony. He concluded by quoting the Dhammapada on the value of learning and wisdom. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act for registering geographical indications, arguing that they would make an existing law operational and help protect and promote Sri Lankan products domestically and internationally. He rejected Opposition criticisms and said past governments had damaged Sri Lanka’s reputation, while the current government would not neglect pending legal issues relating to past killings. Referring to Polonnaruwa, he said rice brands, farming communities, national parks, reservoirs and heritage sites should be developed into nationally and internationally recognized assets without dispossessing existing businesses. He also linked intellectual property to retaining and attracting Sri Lankan expertise, stating that legal frameworks would be used to strengthen the country’s development and global image. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake spoke during the debate on regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, briefly linking the issue of rights to the need to protect Sri Lanka’s claim over Katchatheevu. He rejected allegations raised against him by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, challenged the Government to file any pending cases promptly, and referred to his acquittal in a previous matter. He also defended his record at Lanka Phosphate, claiming improved profits, export sales, and resolution of litigation, and disputed claims about problems at the Uma Oya project, stating it is supplying power and water benefits. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked whether the Government is giving specific attention to attracting foreign direct investment to the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone, noting that only a small portion is currently occupied by five factories under construction. He highlighted that 484 acres have been acquired out of a potential 1,200 acres and asked whether the President’s visits to India, China and the UAE include a plan to promote the zone to investors. Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported the regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, framing them as part of the Government’s effort to strengthen the economy and increase reserves. He criticised the Opposition’s interventions as obstructive and linked past governance to indebtedness, poverty and political repression, including references to the 1988/89 period. He said his political movement would continue its programme to build a prosperous country and invited the Opposition to join that effort. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that Sri Lanka cannot rebuild or expand exports through import restrictions, high import taxes, or protectionist policies, because consumers and key export sectors depend heavily on imported goods and inputs. He said quality standards and enforcement should replace punitive duties, and cited the fertilizer restrictions under Gotabaya Rajapaksa as an example of how import controls damaged production. He identified high energy costs, restrictive land policies, and rigid labour laws as major barriers to investment and export growth, calling for reforms including lower energy costs, expanded wind and solar power in the North and East, and greater openness to market-based trade policy. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017, saying it was part of a continuing six-monthly review process and was needed to facilitate foreign investment, including mergers and acquisitions, while safeguarding dollar reserves. He argued that recent vehicle import policy changes were phased to support public transport, commercial transport and private needs, and attributed high vehicle prices to rupee depreciation, past VAT increases and earlier import restrictions, noting that the luxury tax threshold had been raised from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million. He also rejected Opposition allegations regarding foreign assembly positions and vehicle price promises, and said the Government was ending preferential practices in rice imports, taxi operations and land allocation for investment projects. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that no investigation has been conducted in Sri Lanka against USAID or similar institutions. He challenged critics to produce evidence if they have any allegations. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the foreign exchange and import-export regulations, arguing that import controls should be based on reserves, food security, national and environmental security, and human capital needs. He said the Government had increased foreign reserves to USD 6.1 billion and justified the phased resumption of vehicle imports for tourism, public transport and goods transport. He criticized previous administrations over alleged corruption, import policies affecting farmers, and misuse of privileges, and requested an investigation into a Ginigathhena incident involving deaths and alleged foreign employment fraud linked to a former Minister. He concluded by calling for unity across communities to rebuild the economy. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the Government and President failed to address a Customs-led work-to-rule and related “container crisis” at the Port, which he said delayed imports and exports, increased demurrage costs, and harmed foreign exchange earnings. He stated that the problem reflected longstanding resistance to Customs reform and alleged that union influence had prevented effective intervention, while many ordinary Customs officers had worked to clear the backlog. He questioned the President’s explanation for congestion and requested detailed data from the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and the Committee on Public Finance on container examinations, examination capacity, recoveries, staffing costs, demurrage payments and examination yard charges. He estimated delay-related losses at over Rs. 10 billion and called on the Government to address entrenched “mafias” in Customs and other sectors under its “Clean Sri Lanka” agenda. Procedural: Committee Composition and Debate Commencement Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa presented the 2023 Annual Reports of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Fund and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. He moved that the reports be referred to the relevant Consultative Committee, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Tabling of Reports and Orders Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara questioned the motives behind the Adjournment Motion concerning Rohingya asylum seekers, suggesting it may not have been brought solely out of humanitarian concern. He assured Parliament that the Government would not violate the fundamental rights of the Rohingya asylum seekers and would not deport them. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara rejected opposition claims that the Government had increased vehicles and fuel allocations for Ministers, stating that a January 2025 circular reduced each Minister’s allocation from three vehicles and about 1,950 litres of diesel to two vehicles and 900 litres, and that no Ministers or Deputies had taken official residences. Addressing the Rohingya issue, he described it as a humanitarian crisis involving stateless and displaced people, while emphasizing that Sri Lanka must act according to international law and State security responsibilities. He said the 116 arrivals were being cared for, with court processes involving 12 persons, including possible traffickers, and that screening was necessary to identify protection needs and exclude persons involved in serious crimes in line with UNHCR guidance. He stated that the Government would work with UNHCR and the international community on temporary and possible longer-term arrangements while safeguarding rights and applying the law. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake urged that the issue of Rohingya refugees be handled humanely and without partisan politicization, noting Sri Lanka’s own experience with displacement during the war and political exile. He said refugee claims should be addressed through lawful screening procedures rather than automatic blanket recognition, consistent with domestic and international obligations. He stated that the Government would provide maximum assistance within the applicable legal framework. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Welcoming the Navy’s rescue of Rohingya arrivals, Dr. Harsha de Silva criticised Government statements suggesting deportation to Myanmar and argued that such action would breach the international law principle of non-refoulement. He rejected claims of large-scale illegal migration as fearmongering and called for coherent diplomatic handling, including access for UNHCR. He urged the Government to provide humanitarian assistance and not return the refugees to Myanmar against their consent, citing international principles including protections against enforced disappearance. Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka Read →