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- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government’s handling of energy and fuel risks amid the Middle East conflict, arguing that it had failed to undertake scenario planning despite earlier warnings about possible disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and opportunities such as temporary US sanctions relief on Russian oil. He attributed current electricity risks to domestic procurement failures, particularly alleged low-quality coal supplies to Norochcholai, and cited generation deficits and PUCSL warnings about possible scheduled cuts during peak months. He questioned the adequacy and fairness of the fuel QR quota system for sectors including transport, farming, fisheries, SMEs and exports, and demanded that the Government honour its promise to sell fuel at landed cost by removing added taxes and levies. He also objected to the adjournment of Parliament during the crisis and said the Opposition would support genuine solutions while opposing actions that endanger energy security. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned what measures the Government was providing to support the tourism sector. He also asked whether, during the 30-day pause on sanctions relating to Russia, the Government pursued negotiations or forward purchase agreements for crude oil supplies from Russia, and whether it sought similar arrangements in light of the International Energy Agency’s planned release of 400 million barrels despite Sri Lanka’s limited storage capacity. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of Opposition AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s preparedness for disruptions to fuel, gas and other key imports due to the Middle East conflict and possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Referring to the 2022 fuel crisis and its impact on electricity, transport, health and industry, he asked whether the Government has conducted or will present to Parliament a risk assessment covering crude oil, refined fuel, LNG, LPG, fertilizers, industrial materials and food shipments. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns that exports appear to be declining, noting that a large share of exports to Europe relies on Middle East air freight carriers and that charges have doubled. He asked how the Government intends to support exporters’ competitiveness amid higher cargo costs and ongoing GSP-related issues, particularly for time-sensitive fish exports that risk being lost if not shipped promptly. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the time-bound extension of the state of emergency, stating it was needed for Ditwah cyclone-related essential services and preparedness amid global security uncertainties affecting Sri Lanka’s maritime and humanitarian responsibilities. He argued that incidents such as the IRIS vessel off Galle required legal readiness for search-and-rescue, investigation and medical response while maintaining a neutral humanitarian position. He rejected Opposition allegations of misuse of emergency powers and misinformation, saying no substantiated instance of abuse had been presented and that the relevant emergency regulations had already been gazetted. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Condolences were conveyed over a boat accident near Paalai Theevu in Kilinochchi District, in which two people died and more than ten were injured, with concern raised about alleged inadequate safety measures. The need to address unemployment in the North and East was emphasized, including by urgently developing the Kankesanthurai harbour using India’s USD 61 million grant and concluding related Sri Lanka-India MoUs on trade, transport, connectivity and investment. The speech criticized the Government’s stance on wartime accountability, arguing that Tamil civilian losses in Mullivaikkal and Vakarai remain unaddressed, and opposed emergency regulations and PTA-related investigations as continuing repression of Tamil youth and students. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar supported the extension of emergency regulations, arguing that they were introduced in response to the “Ditwah” cyclone and later needed amid regional tensions caused by conflict in the Middle East, while stating that emergency laws and the PTA should ultimately be reformed or repealed. He contrasted the current Government’s use of emergency powers with past administrations, claiming no innocent civilians had been targeted under them during the present administration, and criticized Opposition and Tamil parties for politicizing the issue. He also reported a fatal boat accident near Paalai Theevu, expressed condolences, and said the Navy and fisheries officials had responded to assist victims. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda questioned the rationale for extending emergency regulations, arguing that the Government had not demonstrated that it could deliver justice or relief more effectively under emergency powers, including for those displaced by Cyclone “Ditwah.” He raised concerns about the Middle East crisis affecting tea exports, apparel, fuel, gas, tourism and the wider economy, and asked the Government to state its contingency plans and clarify the terms of a defence pact signed with the United States. He also criticized the arrest of former intelligence chief Mr. Salley while questioning the handling of Easter attacks investigations, and urged justice for the victims. He requested attention to the transfer of a female Ceylon Petroleum Corporation security officer with an autistic child and to postings of women police officers over 50 to distant districts. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra argued that while Sri Lanka supports the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, it lacks the capacity to police the entire ocean and can only secure its territorial waters and EEZ. She said the Government and Navy acted on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with international law, rejecting Opposition claims that Sri Lanka had taken part in any military action such as assisting the United States against an Iranian ship. She maintained that Sri Lanka’s response enhanced its international reputation and urged rejection of what she described as Opposition distortions. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra said Sri Lanka’s actions regarding Iranian vessels were governed by its non-aligned foreign policy, neutrality, and obligations under international law. She argued that Sri Lanka could not admit vessels of a party to a conflict for war purposes, but was legally and humanely obliged to rescue mariners in distress after a reported attack outside Sri Lankan waters. She stated that the Navy rescued 32 persons from IRIS Dena and 208 from IRIS Bushehr, took the vessel into custody at Trincomalee, and acted to protect lives while maintaining neutrality. She criticised Opposition claims about delays and casualties, saying they misrepresented the legal basis and humanitarian nature of the Government’s response. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake said the extension of emergency regulations introduced after Cyclone Ditwah should be the final one, arguing that promised compensation for affected households, students, and small and medium businesses had not yet been fully paid. Citing media reports and a UNDP survey, he said many displaced families remained in hardship and urged the Government to expedite relief payments. He linked disaster recovery to broader economic concerns, calling for reconstruction through grants and foreign direct investment rather than debt, stronger foreign exchange earnings from tourism, tea and investment, and measures to protect the rupee. He urged the Government to use regional instability in the Middle East as an opportunity to attract capital to Sri Lanka, including through Port City and energy-related investment. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the extension of emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that they are necessary for national security, public order, essential services, and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. He defended the Government’s non-aligned foreign policy amid tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, condemned attacks on Iran, and thanked the President for humanitarian assistance to Iranian seafarers. He also said Muslims were now able to observe Ramadan peacefully under the current Government and accused the Opposition of politicizing international and communal issues for electoral gain. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof condemned the targeting of civilians in the Middle East conflict, specifically criticizing Israel’s offensive and United States support, while stating that Iran’s actions were directed at military targets rather than Arab countries. He argued that Sri Lanka should maintain its traditional non-aligned and pro-Palestinian position, abandon any perceived pro-US or pro-Israel stance, and act in support of justice and world peace. He warned that the continuation of the war could seriously affect countries such as Sri Lanka and questioned the Government’s official position and actions to help stop the conflict. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that the Government has shifted from its earlier anti-Western positions while claiming non-alignment, and questioned what agreements had been reached with the United States and India and whether they affect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. He said Sri Lanka’s strategic location requires balanced relations with major powers, including India, without “signing away” autonomy. He also criticized the Government’s handling of Cyclone Ditwah relief, claiming promised assistance had not materialized adequately, and linked weak growth, business distress, and stalled investment to past opposition by the JVP/NPP to private-sector-led development and reforms. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister rejected Opposition claims that the extension of emergency regulations was intended to suppress trade union action, stating that issues involving Grama Niladharis and Disaster Management officials had been addressed through dialogue. He defended the Government’s handling of the “IRIS DANA” incident, arguing that Sri Lanka was legally obliged under UNCLOS, the SAR Convention and the Geneva Conventions to assist persons in distress at sea. He also said Sri Lanka would maintain a non-aligned position, act humanely in line with international law, and manage possible economic and security consequences of the regional conflict. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary During the debate on extending the emergency, Darmapriya Wijesinghe rejected Opposition criticisms regarding the Easter investigations, the handling of the US–Israel–Iran conflict, and procedures connected to emergency regulations. He said the Government follows a non-aligned foreign policy, will independently provide humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean region where necessary, and applies international legal processes to requests by foreign vessels or parties seeking entry. He also challenged claims that emergency regulations should have been tabled at the time of approval and argued that the Government is acting to safeguard national and public security. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman challenged Government criticism of the Yahapalana administration over the Easter attacks, noting that key investigators now relied on by the Government had been appointed during that period. He questioned why the Government delayed action for six days after Iranian vessels sought permission to enter Sri Lankan waters, arguing that earlier naval intervention could have saved lives, while acknowledging the President’s later decision to rescue those aboard. He also called for an inquiry into whether the Navy Commander had invited the Iranian ships and criticised the Government’s claim of neutrality, citing reported condemnation of Iranian attacks and silence on civilian deaths and the assassination of a state leader. Rahuman argued that the JVP-led Government had departed from its previous anti-imperialist positions and urged it to take principled stands on international injustices without implying military alignment. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the extension of the state of emergency while highlighting the Government’s handling of recent maritime incidents near Sri Lanka, including the rescue of 32 crew members and assistance to Iranian nationals. He argued that the President, Navy, Air Force, Government and public acted humanely, neutrally and in accordance with international conventions during a wider Middle East conflict. He criticized Opposition members for allegedly spreading unverified claims about vessels and submarines, stating that such matters must be managed responsibly under international law to protect Sri Lanka’s people and international standing. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan praised President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for acting to save 208 people aboard an Iranian ship. He framed the action as a humanitarian decision taken in accordance with international law despite external pressure. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned whether two American surveillance aircraft had been operating along or over Sri Lanka since March 2, and linked this to concerns about the implementation of agreements such as ACSA and SOFA. He said President Anura Dissanayake had previously pledged to cancel such agreements, and asked what steps the Government was now taking in relation to them. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →