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- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer defended the post-“Ditwah” Emergency as a measure to restore normalcy after cyclone damage, such as disrupted rail services, rather than to suppress the Opposition. He urged political unity amid global conflict risks, welcomed the President’s statement of Sri Lanka’s neutral and humane position following the attack on an Iranian vessel, and said no country should violate another’s sovereignty or attack civilians. He criticised attempts to politicize the Iranian incident, noting the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s interests given the large number of Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra supported the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to extend the Emergency, arguing that it provides a framework for preparedness, coordination, public order, essential services and stability rather than restricting democratic freedoms. He linked the need for vigilance to escalating Middle East tensions affecting Indian Ocean trade routes, energy supplies, shipping costs and supply chains, and called for de-escalation, respect for international law, UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and safe sea lanes. He also cited the response to Cyclone “Ditwah” as an example of the need for coordinated civil, security and international assistance during crises. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the Emergency Regulations, arguing that they are needed to manage risks to energy supplies, tourism, exports, transport services, and Sri Lankan migrant workers arising from the Middle East conflict and wider geopolitical instability. He said the Government had entered 2026 after strong economic performance in 2025, but now faced external shocks requiring coordinated policy responses. He criticized Opposition statements as creating public anxiety and urged Parliament to act responsibly, citing IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s remarks on Sri Lanka’s economic path and the need to focus on domestic policy measures. He emphasized protection mechanisms for overseas Sri Lankans and other affected sectors, and endorsed the President’s position of neutrality, humaneness, and commitment to peace. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne defended the Government’s extension of the emergency, arguing it was necessary to coordinate relief, restore infrastructure, and support communities affected by the “Dittu” disaster while the country was recovering from bankruptcy. She said the Government had acted neutrally and in accordance with international law in relation to the Middle East conflict, citing rescue and recovery operations involving sailors and bodies from vessels. She outlined the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” mechanism and its subcommittees, reported Disaster Management Centre figures on affected families and persons in safety centres, and called for psychosocial support for victims. She rejected Opposition allegations of misuse of emergency powers and asked for evidence rather than general claims. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s handling of a recent maritime and diplomatic incident involving India, Iran and the United States, questioning the Navy Commander’s responsibility and urging greater assertion of Sri Lanka’s interests while expressing relief that a second ship was saved. He questioned the timing and purpose of emergency measures in the context of Easter Sunday attack investigations, citing unresolved claims of a “grand conspiracy.” He also called for investigations or corrective action regarding alleged forged deeds in UDA land payments, cancellation of 700 small sand mining permits in Trincomalee in favour of one company, unfair allocation of JICA training opportunities, and inadequate planning for gas supplies. He urged the Government to heed Opposition warnings and convene Parliament collectively during national crises. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government is monitoring the evolving global situation under the President’s direction, including its economic, energy, and communications dimensions. He stated that appropriate action would be taken when necessary, in response to remarks by the Leader of the Opposition. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa challenged the Government’s justification for the state of emergency, citing an alleged torpedo attack within Sri Lanka’s EEZ and questioning surveillance capability, maritime security readiness, and diplomatic action. He warned that closure of the Strait of Hormuz and war-risk surcharges could raise fuel, food, medicine, LNG/LPG, tourism, tea export, and remittance-related pressures, and called for immediate engagement with India and Russia to secure fuel supplies. He also demanded plans to address possible marine environmental damage, protect Sri Lankan migrant workers in the Middle East, and clarify the type of submarine involved, while alleging that low-grade coal procurement and electricity tariff increases were undermining energy security under emergency cover. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir spoke on an Adjournment Motion connected to International Women’s Day, emphasizing respect for women and noting government measures such as appointing women to senior offices. He urged the Government, especially women members, to condemn attacks affecting women and children in the Middle East, including an alleged attack on a girls’ school in Iran, and questioned why Sri Lanka had not expressed solidarity given Iran’s past assistance, including the Uma Oya project. He also argued that the Government’s pledges of equality were not being reflected in its responses to international issues and in local programmes, citing the Prajashakthi project in his area where he said no women were selected, and called for household-level initiatives to create opportunities for women. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe called for legal and policy measures to increase women’s labour force participation, noting that women comprise 52% of the population but only about 30% of the workforce, and referenced Islamic teachings on women’s dignity and motherhood. He condemned reported US and Israeli attacks on Iran, urged the Sri Lankan Government to issue condolences and a clear condemnation, and warned of possible economic effects on Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. He also requested a full report to Parliament on an Iranian naval vessel reportedly struck near Sri Lankan waters and asked the Defence Minister to clarify whether Sri Lankan waters are being drawn into the conflict. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns about Sri Lankan women working as domestic workers abroad, particularly in the Middle East amid regional instability, and questioned whether the SLFEB and diplomatic missions provide effective emergency assistance, hotlines, and repatriation support. He proposed reducing the Rs. 25,000 SLFEB charge on outbound domestic workers to a minimal insurance-related fee of around Rs. 5,000–6,000, citing their low incomes and contribution to foreign exchange. He also urged the Government to address the impact of the Iran–Israel conflict on migrant workers, exports, and freight costs, condemned attacks affecting the Indian Ocean peace zone, and asked whether protection had been provided to Sandhya Eknaligoda following reported death threats. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister warned fishers against crossing into other maritime zones amid heightened Indian Ocean security tensions, noting that two Kankesanthurai fishers reported missing had been arrested by Indian coastal security and that the Government would seek clarity and pursue diplomatic action for their release. He then supported the Adjournment Motion linked to International Women’s Day, emphasizing the need to recognize women’s economic contribution and unpaid care work through a National Care Policy. He highlighted the impact of war, microfinance debt, fisheries work, and poverty on women in the North, East, and plantation communities, while citing increased women’s representation in Parliament and local authorities. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Dilith Jayaweera called for Sri Lanka to act according to a nonviolent, civilizational ethos rooted in Buddhist teachings. He said the country should serve as a mediator in global conflicts and promote peace through its philosophical vision. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s approach to women’s policy as based on imported feminist ideas that, he argued, do not reflect Sri Lankan social realities centred on motherhood and the family. He urged the Government to focus on practical economic empowerment for women, including self-employment, entrepreneurship, skills, creativity and access to capital, and to deliver on its promises amid economic hardship. He also warned that Sri Lanka needs a coherent foreign policy and regional geostrategic strategy to safeguard national security. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concerns over the Middle East conflict and urged Government action to protect Sri Lankan workers there, while also calling for measures such as QR codes to manage emerging fuel and gas queues. He focused extensively on Pottuvil and Arugambay, opposing compulsory leases for long-settled small tourism operators with LDO permits or Jayabhoomi grants, requesting 1,800 metres of geo-bag coastal protection, and questioning the demarcation of the Arugambay Tourism Zone. He also sought agricultural and fisheries support in Ampara District, including paddy dryers, repair of Nintavur paddy stores, release of 186.4 hectares from the Forest Department, an ice factory and fuel station for fishermen, and facilities for veterinary and health services. He further requested absorption of volunteer teachers, reopening of a Nintavur service facility, reconstruction of Addappallam Bridge, and establishment of a Blood Bank and specialist appointments at Nintavur Hospital. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera criticized the failure to provide humanitarian assistance to a conflict-affected friendly state and urged action to help a vessel reportedly carrying 300 children within Sri Lanka’s maritime reach, framing it as a humanitarian and international law obligation. He also highlighted the role of sport in women’s advancement and wished the women’s cricket team success, while arguing that Sri Lankan cricket has declined due to administrative failures, corruption, and malpractice. He called for legislative reform of cricket governance based on the previously Cabinet-approved proposals of K.T. Chitrasiri, warning that interim or ad hoc measures would worsen the crisis. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan marked International Women’s Day by noting that women are a majority of Sri Lanka’s population and urging the Government to ensure greater participation for women in politics, the economy, and other spheres. He then condemned the escalating conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel, expressed condolences over reported deaths including that of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and called on Sri Lanka to use diplomatic channels to promote peace and prevent wider war. He also criticized the Government for alleged failure to assist Iranian naval personnel seeking help for 11–12 hours, urging the President to take urgent steps toward peace. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Government stated that the President, Security Council, and relevant authorities are fully briefed on the ship-related issue near Sri Lanka’s EEZ and are taking steps to resolve it while minimizing loss of life and protecting regional peace. It clarified that the vessel is not within Sri Lankan territorial waters and said humanitarian interventions are being maximized, with a detailed report to be presented to Parliament after the process is completed. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government about a policy matter involving a second vessel near the Colombo Port, asking whether authorities were aware of it and what action would be taken. He requested that information be presented to Parliament, stating that the issue related to national security and sovereignty rather than domestic political controversy. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns that allowing military activity in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone would undermine national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He argued that under the principles of due regard and peaceful purposes, the EEZ should be used for economic activities and not for military action. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that an incident 19 nautical miles offshore occurred within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone and invoked UNCLOS Articles 56, 58 and 88 to state that activities there must be peaceful and conducted with due regard. He said the resulting environmental harm, damage to marine resources and loss of life were contrary to international law. He also pressed the Government to answer his earlier question about a second vessel reportedly near the Port of Colombo. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →