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- 20 March 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan condemned the US-Israeli war against Iran and its impact on civilians, global energy security, and Sri Lankan livelihoods, including fuel shortages and risks to Sri Lankans working in the Middle East. He urged Iran not to retaliate against neighbouring Middle Eastern countries or oil facilities, called for diplomacy and UN General Assembly intervention to end the conflict, and said Sri Lanka should condemn both US-Israeli aggression and any Iranian attacks on regional states. He also requested the Government to appoint an independent commission to investigate the reported sinking of the Iranian ship “IRIS Dena” near Sri Lanka’s maritime zone, for which he said the US had claimed responsibility. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the absence of Middle Eastern ambassadors at an Iftar ceremony held at the President’s Office reflected their reaction to the Government’s foreign policy. Referring to past approaches under J.R. Jayewardene and Sirimavo Bandaranaike, he urged the President to take the lead in resolving the resulting diplomatic crisis and correcting foreign policy. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka’s foreign policy should prioritize strategic neutrality, sovereignty, and protection of citizens amid global uncertainty, particularly the Middle East conflict’s effects on energy, shipping, tourism, aviation, and overseas workers. He stated that the Government had restored stability after bankruptcy by improving public finances, reserves, inflation, essential supplies, and services, while also managing Cyclone “Ditwah” relief. He said Sri Lankan missions were assisting nationals abroad and called for restraint, respect for international law, freedom of navigation, maritime security, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. He urged political actors to act responsibly and said Sri Lanka should use its ports, airports, maritime position, and national assets to strengthen tourism, logistics, aviation, shipping, and energy security. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara criticized the Government for lacking a coherent foreign policy amid rising US–China–India competition and the Iran-Israel conflict, urging solidarity with Iran and earlier action to manage fuel and energy security risks. He questioned fuel stock management, called for exporters to be allowed to maintain operational fuel reserves, and proposed using regional instability to attract tourism, logistics investment, and coconut-sector development, including a Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries. He also raised concerns over judicial independence, politicization of prosecutions, the Krish transaction case, and allegations involving the Bribery Commission’s Director-General, calling for transparency, due process, and equal standards in anti-corruption action. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih argued that Sri Lanka should maintain principled non-alignment and uphold the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace amid growing global uncertainty. Referring to the rescue and repatriation of Iranian naval cadets after an attack on an unarmed vessel within Sri Lanka’s EEZ, he said humanitarian obligations at sea must prevail over political pressure. He also called on parliaments worldwide to establish stronger safeguards over leaders’ authority to command armed forces or catastrophic weapons, including regular independent assessments of mental and emotional fitness. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the President’s response to the wartime situation, arguing that neutrality should not prevent Sri Lanka from condemning alleged violations of international law and the UN Charter. He questioned whether maritime domain awareness agreements with the United States had been breached in relation to reported military activity near Sri Lankan waters, and disputed the President’s interpretation of rights in the Exclusive Economic Zone under UNCLOS and related law. He also accused the Government of failing to use a temporary sanctions pause to pursue Russian oil purchases, warned of energy security risks from under-generation at the Lakvijaya coal plant, and proposed measures including a tourism support programme, steps to stem professional emigration through tax and salary reforms, and renegotiation with the IMF. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s position of neutrality regarding the Middle East conflict, stating that the Government refused both Iran’s request for naval goodwill visits and the United States’ request to land military aircraft at Mattala to avoid involvement in the war. He said humanitarian assistance was provided to Iranian personnel following attacks and distress situations, including medical evacuation, rescue operations, recovery of bodies, custody of naval personnel, and welfare support, in line with international obligations. He rejected claims of delay or partiality, explained that existing security understandings with the United States do not require Sri Lanka to take sides in a conflict, and said Sri Lanka also withheld support for a UN Security Council draft resolution because it was incomplete. Adjournment Debate: Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said Sri Lanka is facing an external shock from war-related disruptions to shipping, fuel, insurance, freight and aviation costs, but that the Government’s objective is to prevent it becoming a domestic crisis. He outlined measures to contain inflation and maintain financial stability, including an estimated 8 percent domestic fuel price adjustment, prioritising scarce fuel for essential services, protecting reserves, supporting exporters, tourism and remittances, and encouraging reduced non-essential fuel use. He stated that low recent inflation, a relatively stable rupee, reserves above US$7 billion, debt restructuring progress, and expected IMF, ADB and World Bank inflows provide resilience, while a Prime Minister-led committee will prepare targeted relief for vulnerable groups. Adjournment Debate: Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim questioned the Government’s foreign policy stance, arguing that the JVP-led administration has departed from its long-held anti-imperialist positions and now appears unclear on neutrality amid the Iran-Israel conflict. He cited media reports and diplomatic developments to argue that Israel initiated hostilities and asked whether Sri Lanka’s reported expression of solidarity with Qatar over “Iranian aggression” implied support for the US-Israeli position. He demanded clarification from the Foreign Minister on Sri Lanka’s neutrality, the reported 11-hour delay in assisting an Iranian vessel, obligations under UNCLOS, the meaning of “Net Security Provider”, and whether sovereign decision-making had been affected by external consultations. Adjournment Debate: Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Question by Private Notice requesting detailed information on official passports issued to religious leaders, including recipients’ names, districts, and dates of issue. He also sought full details of foreign visits made using those passports, the criteria and conditions for renewing expired official passports, and the names of religious leaders whose passports had been renewed, or reasons if such information could not be provided. Oral Question (Private Notice): Official Passports Issued to Religious Leaders Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary In reply to Question 24/2024, details were tabled on complaints recorded by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment regarding hardships faced by migrant workers from 2019 to February 2026, ranging from 4,185 cases in 2021 to 8,323 in 2025. The response outlined existing relief mechanisms, including insurance for registered workers, welfare fund assistance for non-insured cases, conciliation and recovery action under Section 44(1) of the SLBFE Act, and coordination with Sri Lankan missions for wage and compensation claims. It also noted enhanced benefits from 25 June 2025, including an increase in death compensation to Rs. 1.4 million and optional upgraded insurance coverage for departing registered workers. Oral Question: Migrant Workers Hardship Statistics (Q.24/2024) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Arguing in support of the visa arrangement with the Maldives, (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe stated that Maldivians use Sri Lankan private hospitals for treatment under the Aasandha health insurance scheme, contributing to medical tourism. He added that Sri Lankans travel to the Maldives mainly for employment, bringing economic benefits to Sri Lanka, and concluded that the arrangement is broadly beneficial to the country. Oral Question: Sri Lankan-Maldivian Tourism and Travel (Q.1311/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked who benefits more from the 90-day free visa arrangement with the Maldives, noting that many Maldivians travel to Sri Lanka primarily for medical treatment rather than tourism. He sought clarification on whether the policy advantages Sri Lankans or Maldivians more. Oral Question: Sri Lankan-Maldivian Tourism and Travel (Q.1311/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary In response to Question 1311/2025, the Deputy Minister of Tourism provided arrival and departure figures between Sri Lanka and the Maldives from 2022 to 2024, showing increases in both Sri Lankans travelling to the Maldives and Maldivian tourists visiting Sri Lanka. He stated that the Maldivian visa-on-arrival facility for Sri Lankans offers a 90-day stay without prior visa requirements or fees, supporting travel, business, education, medical, leisure, economic, and cultural links. He also noted that Sri Lanka grants Maldivian visitors a reciprocal 90-day tourist visa on arrival without fees, and that the remaining part of the question was not applicable. Oral Question: Sri Lankan-Maldivian Tourism and Travel (Q.1311/2025) Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake commended Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe as practical and sought a clear response on an unspecified issue, noting Sri Lanka’s population of 22 million as the context for his question. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe condemned the United States and Israel for military action against Iran, including the reported assassination of Iran’s supreme spiritual leader, and cited criticism from several countries and leaders. He questioned the Sri Lankan Government’s position of neutrality and rejected the Foreign Minister’s statement that both sides were at fault, arguing that Iran had been the victim of aggression. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed the economic and security implications for Sri Lanka of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, particularly for Sri Lankans working in the Middle East, and urged national unity in responding to the crisis. He condemned the attacks on Iran, praised the President and Navy for assisting injured and deceased Iranian naval personnel near Sri Lankan waters, and criticized a neutral stance based on economic considerations. He called on the Government to issue clear diplomatic communications, urge world leaders to secure a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East, and identify those responsible for alleged war crimes. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the Middle East conflict had created an external shock affecting Sri Lanka, but argued that the Government had stabilized the economy sufficiently to procure and pay for fuel, unlike during the 2022 crisis. He accused the Opposition and parts of the media of creating panic through misleading comparisons, fuel-stock claims, and other campaigns, leading to hoarding and unnecessary consumption. He urged citizens to rely on accurate information, reduce non-essential fuel use, and avoid actions such as hoarding or trade union disruption, while noting that government committees were continuously reassessing fuel and economic conditions. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir SJB AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir attributed the fuel crisis to international conflict involving the United States, Israel, Palestine and Iran, and urged the Government to condemn such actions while recognizing the hardships faced by Sri Lankans, including those working in the Middle East. He emphasized that effective petrol and diesel management is essential for agriculture, fisheries, transport and food distribution, and called for higher QR fuel allocations for long-distance freight, farming and fishing-related activities based on sectoral needs. He also asked the Fisheries Minister to address alleged unequal application of trawling restrictions in Jaffna, Mannar and Kalpitiya, and to allow affected fishermen to continue their livelihoods at least temporarily. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper questioned why the Government had not condemned or expressed condolences over the alleged US–Israel killing of Iran’s elected President, contrasting it with Sri Lanka’s earlier condemnation of US action concerning Venezuela. He argued that the incident and Middle East escalation expose Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to oil supply shocks, and proposed government-backed conversion of three-wheelers and bicycles to electric models. He called for substantial subsidies, including a 50 per cent subsidy for electric three-wheelers, and for solar-powered daytime battery charging and swapping stations at public parks to reduce dependence on diesel during future crises. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →