2026-03-03 / Debate: Foreign Exchange Act Order under Section 22 - Opening Remarks 2026-03-03
## Summary
Hon. Sajith Premadasa (Samagi Jana Balawegaya/Samagi Jana Sandhanaya) raised concerns about inadequate state welfare thresholds, arguing that basing policy on subsistence figures of Rs. 16,000–18,000 per month reflects a fundamental flaw in government policymaking. He called for stronger protections for Sri Lanka's overseas workforce — numbering over one million, predominantly in the Middle East — through embassy-level interventions and bilateral agreements, particularly given the regional instability caused by the ongoing conflict.
Premadasa urged the government to convene an international donors' conference in response to Cyclone "Dicha," criticising the administration for missing an opportunity to mobilise international assistance, and proposed a cross-party, two-day parliamentary debate on the crisis. He also called for the President to personally engage in party leaders' discussions to develop a coordinated national response. Concluding on foreign policy, he explicitly condemned the attack on Iran as a violation of UN Charter Articles 2(4) and 2(7), and similarly condemned attacks on Gulf states, urging Sri Lanka to leverage the crisis to build credibility and attract foreign direct investment.
If state policy is designed on the basis that a person can live for a month on Rs. 16,000 or Rs. 18,000, there is a grave distortion and a weakness in state policymaking that we must point out today.
We must not forget our expatriates. Over a million Sri Lankans work abroad and render an immense service to our country through foreign remittances. In truth, they give our economy its lifeblood. In tourism, foreign direct investment and exports too, they are a tremendous strength to us. Of our migrant workers who send remittances, around 350,000 are in the United Arab Emirates, 246,000 in Saudi Arabia, about 175,000 in Kuwait, 140,000 in Qatar, 14,500 in Jordan, 32,000 in Oman, 13,130 in Bahrain, 30,000 in Israel and 7,000 in Lebanon. According to statistics, even in conflict-affected countries there are small numbers: Iran 35, Syria 20, Yemen 27 and Palestine 4. Altogether, more than a million of our workers, especially in the Middle East, are there. We need a structured, robust and alternative set of programmes to safeguard them. Through our embassies and our specific bilateral relations, the Government must intervene to protect and look after this community. I state that very clearly.
The President spoke of the importance of tourism. I agree we must strengthen tourism and exports. But there is another area: foreign direct investment. We urge that, despite the tragedy of the Middle East war which has destroyed innocent lives, we should turn this into a positive opportunity by building credibility for Sri Lanka and implementing a programme to attract FDI. We stand ready to support such an effort.
As you are in the Chair today, I repeat the importance and necessity of an international donors’ conference. Thinking of our 22 million people and of the victims of Cyclone “Dicha,” we urge you to convene such a conference. I do not know how successful it would be now amidst war, but the Government was late. Had it been convened, international sympathy and assistance could have been mobilized for the destruction caused by Cyclone “Dicha.” That opportunity was missed by this Government.
I also propose that, in this war-induced crisis, we hold a special discussion on the issues our country and people face. Convened across party lines—Government and Opposition together—let us discuss how to face the present emergency and resolve the problems arising from it. Do not confine this to one side. All of us should gather and seek solutions together. Remember, we too love this country and stand for the welfare of its 22 million people.
Finally, Hon. Deputy Speaker, I ask that the President personally intervene in the ongoing discussions. There is a Party Leaders’ meeting today. In this international war situation and the resulting emergency, please grant us a two-day debate. Also, convene all leaders and Members to discuss how we shall face this crisis. Let us seek solutions and move to a results-oriented programme.
Let me be crystal clear: the Samagi Jana Balawegaya/Samagi Jana Sandhanaya will never hesitate to say the attack on Iran was wrong. We strongly condemn it. It violates the Charter of the United Nations; under Article 2(4) and 2(7), no state may attack another. Likewise, we condemn the attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and the like. I conclude with that.
Thank you.