2026-03-03 / Debate: Foreign Exchange Act Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 2026-03-03
## Summary
Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer delivered a speech condemning the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, asserting that violations of national sovereignty and military force cannot be accepted as legitimate means of resolving disputes, and that dialogue and diplomacy must prevail. He emphasised Sri Lanka's direct stake in the conflict, noting that approximately one million Sri Lankan citizens work in the Gulf region, and acknowledged the economic vulnerability of Sri Lanka—still recovering from bankruptcy—should the conflict escalate globally. The Deputy Minister also criticised those seeking to exploit public anxiety over the war for domestic political gain, characterising attempts to spread panic about fuel shortages or create artificial crises as unconscionable. He concluded by reaffirming the Government's position that all nations must respect international law and sovereignty, and called for a swift return to peace in the region.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Chairperson.
Because of the current situation in the Middle East, every conscientious person is distressed. Violating a country’s sovereignty and launching attacks inside it cannot be accepted under any circumstances—either as a Government or as Sri Lankans. Issues that should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy should not be forced to an end through war. Recent history shows such decisions only amplify problems; even when wars “end”, problems linger, countries are destroyed and people’s lives are shattered.
For years, based on conjectures, some have pursued wars that devastated the Middle East and its neighbours. Wars have only escalated issues. Therefore, this should not continue. The expectation of the Government, and of every person in this country who prays for peace in the world, is that this war should end quickly so people can return to a peaceful, normal life.
Over a million of our citizens live and work in the Middle East and nearby countries. As a responsible Government, we are ensuring their safety and addressing their needs. I thank the host Governments that are protecting our nationals as they would their own citizens.
You cannot solve a problem—whether domestic or international—by violating sovereignty and attacking another country. Because of the present war, many schoolchildren and civilians have lost their lives. This must change. Though it is a Middle Eastern war, its harsh consequences can ripple across the world, affecting economies—including countries like ours. As the President said today, having once become bankrupt, we are rebuilding; a renewed global war situation could hurt us again.
Every nation must respect international law. No country has the right to eliminate or subjugate another. Each sovereign nation has the right to act freely within the law. In this war, many are proposing violent “solutions” like assassinating leaders or killing civilians; that is fantasy, not a solution. Around two-thirds of the world’s nearly 200 countries are observing or calling for peace—they cannot accept this war.
Nearly a million Sri Lankan families depend on members working in the Gulf. Imagine their anxiety now; many of my own relatives live and work there. That is why, while we pray for peace, we also question the conscience of anyone who tries to exploit this fear—by spreading panic about fuel or creating artificial crises—to gain political advantage.
War never solves problems; it multiplies them. Our firm position is that no one has the right to attack a sovereign state by force, and killing leaders cannot resolve issues. We pray for a swift return of peace in the region and the world so all may live happily.
Thank you.