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- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa urged MPs and political leaders to make responsible statements amid escalating conflict in the Middle East and avoid speculation or inflammatory remarks about maritime incidents. He explained Sri Lanka’s jurisdiction within territorial waters and the EEZ, stating that the incident 19 nautical miles off Galle was handled first as a humanitarian search-and-rescue operation, with 32 injured brought ashore and 87 bodies recovered. He said the Government was obtaining freezer containers due to limited hospital capacity and would continue acting under international law to save lives, support regional peace in the Indian Ocean, and update Parliament as more information becomes available. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s handling of the Sri Lankan ship “Nandimithra” after it returned from a multinational naval exercise in India and was reportedly unable to proceed to Iran, leaving it drifting about 40 nautical miles off Galle for around 11 hours. He asked why permission to enter Galle Port was not granted despite the ship’s request and referred to Sri Lanka’s commitments under international law and agreements recognizing the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the handling of a ship carrying a dhal consignment intended for Sri Lanka after it had participated in a naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, India. He argued that the invited personnel were effectively forced out after the exercise, causing the vessel to head toward Sri Lankan waters, and described the incident as unfair and disrespectful to Sri Lanka. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s foreign policy amid regional and global tensions, recalling the 1971 position supporting the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. He questioned the Government’s silence on the attack on Iran and asked for clarification on its stance regarding United States-led actions and agreements signed with India and the United States. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that he was raising the matter because it had become a subject of national concern, not for political purposes. He referred to reports that, following certain exercises with India, more than two vessels had arrived, and indicated his intention to seek clarification or place concerns on record regarding the matter. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over reports that the Iranian naval vessel “IRIS Dena” was attacked and sank near Galle, asking the Government to confirm the exact location, whether it occurred within Sri Lanka’s maritime zones, and what security measures have been taken. Citing UNCLOS, the UN Charter, the San Remo Manual and international humanitarian law, he argued that Parliament must be officially informed of any international armed incident near Sri Lankan waters. He requested clarification from the Defence Ministry amid conflicting reports about a submarine strike, asked about reports of another Iranian vessel near Colombo, and urged provision of refrigerated containers for bodies reportedly brought to Galle. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Defence, the Deputy Minister responded to an eight-part question on Sri Lanka’s role in the Colombo Security Conclave, outlining its evolution from a 2011 trilateral maritime mechanism into a regional forum covering maritime security, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, cyber security and disaster relief. He stated that the CSC is a non-military, consensus-based arrangement, with Sri Lanka participating through action plans, meetings, training and intelligence sharing, including a 2024 drug-trafficking interception case. He said the Secretariat is to be located in Colombo, but the Government has not endorsed the previously identified BMICH site due to cost and will seek a Government-owned or more cost-effective location, while the Headquarters Agreement remains under review. He added that Sri Lanka has proposed a permanent Sri Lankan Deputy Secretary-General post because the Secretariat will be based in Colombo, and that future CSC meetings are scheduled for 2026. Ministry Statement: Reply to Question on Proactive Utilization (Standing Order 27(2), 18.11.2025) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi noted that Sri Lanka recorded its highest tourist arrivals since the Easter attacks, the pandemic, and the economic crisis, but said airport congestion remains a problem, particularly in immigration, baggage claim, exits, and vehicle access. He asked the relevant Minister for January 2026 passenger throughput figures, future projections, and whether a second passenger terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport is considered necessary. He also sought details on the plan and timeline for that terminal and on concurrent development plans for domestic airports. Adjournment: Questions on Cyclone Relief and Tourism Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam urged the Minister to act on information provided by Indian fishermen, including a video identifying affected persons and their location. He stated that the details and video had been given to the Police and Navy, but no action had been taken for six days, and requested immediate intervention. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said authorities had been informed of the reported missing fishermen and that the Sri Lanka Navy had begun search operations. He noted that key details, including the boat’s registration and exact location or circumstances of disappearance, had not yet been properly provided, despite reports that Indian fishermen had encountered them. He said the Government expected clearer information by that night. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised an urgent concern with the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources regarding two fishermen, Selvarajah Rajkumar and Thangarajah Amalraj, missing at sea for six days. He stated that reported sightings and identifying evidence from Indian fishermen at Kachchativu had been provided to the Navy, Police, and the Minister, and urged the Minister to take responsibility and act on the matter. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Condemning both the US attack on Iran and Iranian strikes on Gulf states, the Member warned that conflict in the Middle East affects Sri Lankans living there and called for responsible action. He challenged the Government to disclose evidence behind past allegations involving Chinese funds, Uganda, and “files,” while also demanding fulfilment of election promises to reduce electricity bills, remove VAT from essentials, education and health, and lower fuel costs. He further cited National Audit Office findings presented to a Sectoral Oversight Committee, stating that losses from nine coal shipments totalled Rs. 8,497 million, and questioned the Government’s handling and understanding of related procurement issues. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Regulation of microfinance lending was supported, while calling for genuine relief for victims and clear mechanisms that do not conflate microfinance with pyramid schemes or digital currencies. Concerns were raised over reports of an attack on an Iranian vessel within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone, with demands for the Government and Defence authorities to explain the incident, its connection if any to recent agreements, and the adequacy of intelligence and maritime security. The speech urged the Government to brief Parliament and prepare a short-, medium- and long-term plan for possible economic and security impacts of the Middle East conflict, including effects on remittances, tourism, exports, air routes, and alternative markets. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Supported the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill in principle but warned that strict bank-like regulation and CRIB reporting could harm small societies, low-income borrowers, small entrepreneurs, and fishing communities, calling for relief or exemptions. Raised concerns that cyclone-affected farmers in Kalpitiya areas such as Navakkadu, Narakkali, Maampuri, and Norochcholai had not received adequate assistance, including for damaged coconut trees. Condemned the reported assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized the Government for not expressing condolences, and cited Iran’s past assistance to Sri Lanka, including oil credit and funded projects. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem said the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill fails to address concerns of women-led, membership-based community savings and credit providers, which sought exemption or separate categorization from regulation aimed at predatory lenders. He argued that deferring these issues to future regulations is inadequate. He also criticized the Government’s response to the Middle East crisis, demanding an open condemnation and condolences over the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader and broader condemnation of US-Israeli actions, while expressing solidarity with Gulf countries affected by Iranian strikes and urging de-escalation, nuclear non-proliferation, and respect for sovereignty. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the need for the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill but emphasized that its effectiveness would depend on proper implementation. He urged the Government to state its position on attacks in the Middle East during Ramadan and to prepare for possible impacts on Sri Lankan workers in the region, including evacuation if necessary. He warned that escalation could affect fuel, gas and electricity supplies, and called for strengthened energy security through storage, pipelines and use of facilities such as Trincomalee, Hambantota Port and other infrastructure assets. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already issued an official statement and that he would visit the relevant Embassy to sign the condolence book and convey condolences. He emphasized that the actions taken were in line with the country’s obligations, not personal preferences. Procedural: Points of Order on Iran Supreme Leader Assassination Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem questioned the Government on its response to the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, describing it as a violation of international law involving a friendly country. He asked the Minister to clarify why there had been no official condemnation or expression of condolence by the Government. Procedural: Points of Order on Iran Supreme Leader Assassination Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath responded to the Leader of the Opposition by saying the Government is prepared for any adverse situation while seeking to manage it positively. He urged that the matter not be escalated unnecessarily and said it should be faced collectively as a national situation. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa challenged the Minister’s assessment that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz would not seriously affect Sri Lanka, citing reduced shipping traffic, rising oil prices, and Sri Lanka’s dependence on Middle Eastern crude and related supply chains. He argued that impacts could extend to LNG, tanker insurance costs, transport routes, tourism, remittances, and tea exports, given Sri Lankan workers in the region and trade exposure. He urged the Government to provide clearer answers and plan on a pessimistic scenario rather than underestimating the risks. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Middle East Crisis and Strait of Hormuz Read →