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- 19 March 2026 Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer criticized Opposition claims about economic competence and accusations regarding possible festive-season price and fuel increases, arguing that global war and economic instability require necessary government measures. He defended the Government’s neutrality policy and humanitarian stance in international conflict, stating that attacks on civilians or economically significant sites cannot be condoned. He also condemned attempts to politicize religious events such as the President’s Iftar and urged attention to food, fuel, and security while discouraging fearmongering, racism, and communal suspicion in politics and media. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected claims that the Government was endorsing war, stating that Sri Lanka follows a non-aligned foreign policy and condemns attacks on countries and petroleum infrastructure. He argued that the current fuel pressures arise from a global conflict, not a nationwide crisis, contrasting it with the earlier economic collapse linked to dollar shortages and corruption. He outlined tourism-sector measures including 24/7 assistance, free visa extensions, a dedicated QR fuel system for registered tourism providers, arrangements for kerosene and fuel for safari and boat operations, and Litro’s support for hotel LPG supplies. He also said alarmist statements could worsen panic buying and black-market activity, and called for responsible management of fuel until global conditions stabilize. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka rejected Opposition claims that Sri Lanka was in a broad national crisis, citing improved fiscal, foreign exchange, inflation, tourism, remittance, export and reserve indicators since 2022. He argued that current pressures, especially on fuel and energy, stem mainly from external shocks linked to Middle East conflicts rather than domestic policy failure or political instability. He said the Government would protect essential services and economic activity through fuel procurement, public service, distribution and social protection committees, temporary QR-based limits on non-essential consumption, and possible targeted relief including fuel tax reductions. He also proposed using the situation to promote Sri Lanka as a stable tourism destination and strengthen Colombo’s aviation and port transit roles. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne called for immediate, medium-term and long-term measures to manage risks to energy, trade, remittances and tourism arising from regional instability and fuel supply constraints. He proposed rationalizing energy use, diversifying fuel supplies beyond the Gulf, prioritizing foreign reserves for essentials such as medicine, food and fertilizer, and considering limited power cuts if needed to avoid severe outages. He warned that disruptions could affect tea exports, Middle East remittances, aviation routes and tourist arrivals, and urged monitoring and support for affected sectors. He also advocated digitalized work-from-home arrangements, faster renewable energy development, stronger port and logistics positioning, and strengthening SriLankan Airlines rather than ceding strategic aviation opportunities to conflicted private interests. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government recognizes teacher shortages and other education challenges in the estate community, and will consider special deployment and training measures within the ongoing recruitment of over 23,000 teachers required by a Court determination. She said the current fuel and energy pressures arise from a global crisis linked to the Middle East war and rising commodity prices, not from Government failure, and outlined measures including monitoring fuel supplies, using diplomatic channels, reintroducing the QR fuel system, and daily Cabinet subcommittee meetings. She also stated that a committee chaired by Hon. Upali Pannilage has been appointed to propose social protection measures for informal workers and small businesses likely to be affected. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath rejected claims that an attack was linked to Sri Lanka denying permission for a visit, stating the timelines did not support that allegation and that Sri Lanka had complied with international maritime law. He said the Government was maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy, engaging Middle Eastern countries and others diplomatically, and had opposed what it viewed as an unbalanced UN Security Council resolution while calling for all sides to halt the war. He added that rescued Iranian sailors would be cared for and repatriated under international law, and that Sri Lanka was pursuing balanced relations, including with the U.S., China, Russia and India, to secure assistance on fuel and other needs. He acknowledged impacts on tourism, remittances, outbound workers, hotels and exporters, and said the Government was preparing relief measures in response to the oil and war-related crisis. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Government had restored economic stability through debt restructuring, growth in tourism, remittances and exports, but that recovery was disrupted by Cyclone “Ditha” and a subsequent global war affecting energy supplies. He argued that Sri Lanka’s vulnerability reflects past failures to build fuel storage capacity, and cited the trilateral Sri Lanka-India-UAE arrangement to refurbish Trincomalee oil tanks and develop pipeline-based supply as a long-term response. He stated that Sri Lanka does not import oil through the Strait of Hormuz, sourcing instead from countries such as India, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore, while warning that global disruptions still affect the country. He also rejected remarks by Hon. Rauff Hakeem regarding an Iranian ship, saying the vessels were part of a naval fleet exercise in Visakhapatnam involving Sri Lanka, Iran and other participants. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem seconded the Motion and urged that Mondays be designated as sitting days to compensate for the Wednesday fuel-conservation holiday, arguing that Parliament should maintain four sitting days during national crises and that the decision lies with parliamentary authorities rather than the President. He criticized the Government’s foreign policy response to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, alleging silence and mixed signals, including over the reported torpedoing of an Iranian frigate near Sri Lankan waters. He warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea could threaten global oil supplies and called for clearer preparation and a more forthright Government position. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Government to explain discussions with visiting US officials following reports of talks on safeguarding Sri Lanka’s ports and airports. He urged rapid use of Port City and Urban Development Authority projects to attract foreign exchange, including expedited approvals and targeted liberalization, while questioning the practicality of “work from home” policies for several sectors. He also alleged serious losses from substandard coal shipments, citing increased diesel generation, demurrage, penalties, and emergency procurement costs, and called on Minister Jayakody to resign pending an impartial inquiry. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra said the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act should be considered in the context of global instability caused by conflict in the Middle East and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, which could affect oil and food supply chains. She supported temporary conservation measures such as the Wednesday holiday, QR system, and a 25 percent reduction in government fuel use, while acknowledging the burden on workers. She argued that Sri Lanka’s political neutrality, fiscal stability, and energy-security planning should be used to attract long-term investment and strengthen the country’s position as a stable destination. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera said the technical correction to land parcel and street classifications forms part of broader reforms to facilitate investment. He argued that attracting FDI is central to achieving the Government’s medium-term growth targets, noting USD 1.057 billion in FDI in 2025 and a target of around USD 2 billion in 2026. He outlined measures on stability, infrastructure, digital systems, skilled labour, and tax incentives, including the National Single Window, Colombo Port City Act amendments, and proposed Investment Protection and Investment Promotion Bills. He also stated that the Government would ensure uninterrupted power supply and infrastructure support for investors. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Welcoming the Regulations under the Port City Act, Faiszer Musthapha urged the Government to actively attract Middle Eastern investment amid regional conflict by offering competitive concessions and not allowing IMF conditions to prevent growth-oriented incentives. He compared Colombo Port City with Dubai’s DIFC and India’s GIFT City, calling for transparent, time-bound approval processes, answers to COPF concerns about entity approvals, a dedicated Commercial High Court, and expedited arbitration. He also cautioned against publicly damaging the reputation of local developers such as Home Lands and Prime Lands, arguing that domestic firms that have delivered projects should be protected while regulatory issues are resolved. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the Regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, describing them as technical adjustments, including changes to permitted building heights, needed to make the project viable. He said past large-scale projects had suffered from poor planning, corruption, and inadequate returns, and argued that the current Government has a responsibility to correct deficiencies rather than abandon such projects. He highlighted efforts to create an investor-friendly “Single Window” system covering institutions such as the BOI and Port City Commission, and said allegations of corruption or underperformance in projects such as the Norochcholai coal plant would be handled through institutional mechanisms including COPE. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the organizers of the NXT Summit 2026 for hosting a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation in India. He said the delegation met Indian leaders, including the Chief Minister of New Delhi, to study India’s economic growth, health system, medicine and other sectors, with the aim of identifying lessons relevant to Sri Lanka’s development. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged a non-partisan approach to using the Colombo Port City and Sri Lanka’s geographic position to attract investment, particularly in offshore banking, insurance, digitalization, crypto regulation and service-sector activity. He questioned prioritizing housing within the Port City and called for stronger incentives, Central Bank action, and use of Mattala Airport to capture aviation opportunities arising from Middle East instability. He also pressed for urgent structural reforms, including SOE commercialization, action on SriLankan Airlines losses, trade agreements with Singapore, Thailand and India, and labour reforms to support digital economic growth. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Minister’s answer but asked that the Hingurakgoda Airport, referenced by the President, be included in the Government’s airport development plans. He proposed converting one VIP terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport into an active passenger terminal to ease congestion, noting the airport is operating above capacity. He urged the Government to use Mattala Airport to attract Middle Eastern carriers affected by regional turmoil, including through incentives such as free handling, and to expand cargo capacity to prevent losses in fisheries exports and earn foreign exchange. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns over a remuneration anomaly under the Anti-Corruption Act, arguing that the CIABOC Director General’s salary being made comparable to the President of the Court of Appeal could create inappropriate parity with senior judicial officeholders and asking that the matter be reviewed with the Management Services Department. He then referred to the Iran-Israel conflict, thanked a Minister for attributing its escalation to a US–Mossad strike, and criticized the President, Foreign Minister and Muslim MPs for not condemning it or expressing condolences. He called on Muslim MPs to boycott the President’s Iftar in protest and urged prayers for the war to end. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister supported avoiding Pradeshiya and District Development Committee meetings on parliamentary sitting days except in emergencies with Members’ consent. He said the Government was strengthening CIABOC under the Anti-Corruption Act by addressing staff, premises, court capacity and risk allowance needs, and noted that older corruption complaints were now progressing. He also justified the temporary holiday and suspension of one sitting day as fuel-conservation measures amid the Iran conflict and possible disruption to global oil supplies, stating that urgent procurement of fuel, gas and coal had been authorized with Procurement Commission approval. He said the Government would prioritize fuel for agriculture, essential services and food production during the external shock. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman clarified that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the Leader of the Opposition had condemned the war and related attacks, citing deaths of children in Iran and the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader. He questioned why the Government and Foreign Ministry had not issued a condemnation and called on the Member to ask the President to state the Government’s position. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Government faces a public trust deficit over its handling of the fuel and energy situation amid the Middle East crisis, and called for clear disclosure of fuel stock figures by type and monthly requirements. He criticized the absence of strategic reserves, inadequate preparation for energy-security risks, and insufficient attention to renewable energy and contingency planning. He also questioned the decision to ask the private sector to close on Wednesday, saying it harms daily-wage earners and small businesses, and urged alternatives such as work-from-home. He further accused the Government of lacking an independent foreign policy and said poor engagement with BRICS had reduced Sri Lanka’s access to strategic support. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →