Dilith Jayaweera

It was an honour to meet the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Wei Huaxiang. I was joined by the executive committee members of the Sarvajana Balaya. Sri Lanka and China has an unbreakeable relationship, that has grown exponentially over the past 2 decades. If we are stepping into a future driven by technology, with a vision to build that technology in Sri Lanka, we need to observe and learn some important lessons from China. The ambassador shared these concerns and the role that China could play, looking forward to the next 50 years of growth.

President-elect @LulaOficial, displayed one of the best turn around campaigns in modern history. The people of Brazil, who have been through much, have chosen who will captain their ship, wisely. I am encouraged, and wish the new president the best as he leads Latin America's largest nation to an advanced and progressive tomorrow.

I share with you the concerns I raised in parliament yesterday with regards to the absolutely careless and undiplomatic treatment of Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Suphajee Suthumpun and what it showed the world about our state: Hon. Speaker, the motion before this House goes far beyond a single breach of protocol. It highlights a profound, systemic decline. When we handle our international relations with utter carelessness, we dismantle the efforts of generations and alienate our oldest, most trusted allies. There is an old, enduring truth that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. But a little knowledge coupled with stupid arrogance is catastrophic. In diplomacy, a shallow understanding is a liability, but a refusal to learn is a fatal flaw. Today, we witness a tragedy. An amateur approach has replaced genuine statecraft, and a painful mediocrity has become our daily norm on the world stage. Hon. Speaker, we historically rejected this mediocrity. We survived because our leaders possessed a rare, profound grasp of international affairs. We built our alliances not on transactional favors, but on mutual trust, intellectual depth, and absolute credibility. This strength was never an accident. It was forged through a proud tradition of diplomatic excellence where we engaged global powers as absolute equals, drawing benefits from everyone without ever becoming a pawn to anyone. When you abandon that depth, you invite a dangerous emptiness. Look at us now. Those high standards have completely collapsed. Renowned political analysts warn that Sri Lanka’s international standing is rapidly deteriorating due to domestic ideological blunders. Our neighbors look at us today and see a nation that has lost its strategic clarity. Hon. Speaker, in the past, the global community looked up to Sri Lanka. We articulated our positions with elegance and deep intellect. Today, that elegance is gone. Look at how this government treated the visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. The Foreign Ministry hides behind cold, bureaucratic excuses, claiming she arrived in a "private capacity" and received only “what was requested”. Hon. Speaker, that is a pathetic evasion of duty. A sitting Deputy Prime Minister of a vital regional ally is never just a private citizen. She brought a sacred crest-gem to our soil as a cultural ambassador. To deny her standard state protocol and secure dignity is a direct insult to the Thai state. It carelessly damages centuries of sacred Theravada Buddhist ties. This broken, amateur approach has become the norm under a Ministry once celebrated for its elite standards. We saw this failure at the Raisina Dialogue when the Ministry failed to properly brief its own Minister on maritime security. We saw it when they sent an envoy to the BRICS Summit, leaving Sri Lanka humiliated and sidelined while thirteen other nations moved forward. Hon. Speaker, I can understand an inability to articulate. But I cannot forgive an inability to understand. I cannot forgive a lack of foresight. I cannot excuse an absence of strategic depth. I cannot tolerate this complete abdication of statecraft. Hon. Speaker, we cannot stay silent when an institution built by giants is dismantled by mediocre. Hon. Speaker, this administration has abandoned all professional depth. They have failed to respond to global shifts like true statesmen, sacrificing our long-term national interest for short- sighted domestic theater. Therefore, I call upon this House to grant this adjournment debate. The government must be held accountable for this systemic diplomatic decline. I thank you, indeed.

Today marked the unveiling of the pinnacle of the Mihindu Maha Seya, constructed at the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya. This effort was undertaken with the support of the people of Thailand, who were represented by the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Commerce of Thailand Suphajee Suthumpun. The Derana Media Network is incredibly fortunate to have been part of this sacred undertaking, and the Venerable Maha Sangha who led this meritorious deed must be duly recognised. We must protect the civilizational values that Buddhism has offered this nation and be guided by the principles that Buddhism has taught us over centuries.

We bid farewell to our nation's pride, our cherished national symbol; Kavantissa! I hope the government investigates the true causes for the demise of this great creature and reveals it to the people in the coming days.

It was a pleasure to be invited to speak at the 15th International Conference on Management and Economics: ICME 2026 Business Forum. The topic of discussion was 'Digital Tourism Innovation': Empowering Smarter Experiences. A pertinent subject, that explored the modernisation of this field that is crucial to Sri Lanka. It was encouraging to hear the vision of various resource providers and to share my views on how this dynamic industry can profit from evolution and not stagnation.

It is always wonderful to speak to our dear friend @santjha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner has been an active supporter of Sri Lanka's growth. The relationship between our two countries has strengthened further under his leadership. We discussed the status quo of Indo-Sri Lanka relations and what Sri Lanka can do to become a more formidable force in the world stage.

I wish the people of the Republic of Korea, a deeply meaningful National Foundation Day! We have many lessons to learn from this incredible nation, that uplifted themselves to become one of the most economically sound countries in the 21st century. No conversation on the cutting edge can avoid the Republic of Korea, and it should bring the people of this nation incredible pride. I am thankful to Ambassador-Designate Kim Youn-Jung for making me part of this lovely celebration organised by the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka, earlier today!

An appeal to your conscience, as you cast your vote on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka 24 September 2026 Honourable Member of Parliament, I write to you not as your political adversary, but as a fellow Member of Parliament who has always prioritised the future of our country and our democratic value system. Tomorrow, we vote on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lankal. I appeal to your conscience. What did the Supreme Court actually decide? Today, many have attempted to interpret the Supreme Court’s determination on the Bill. As responsible statesmen and women, we must have clarity on what the ruling means, what it has decided and what it has not. The question before the court was to conclude whether or not the Bill was consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, and whether the enactment will need a simple majority or two-thirds majority in Parliament or a referendum. The court did not determine whether or not the Amendment is actually favourable to our country and its people. This important task is left entirely up to the collective conscience of the lawmakers, you and me. In the past you have stood for these very principles. Those of you in government today have stood firm, in favour of the rule of law, democracy and an independent judiciary. I know very well that many of you raised your voices against the impeachment of former Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake. You did so because you understood that the independence of the judiciary is a vital pillar of a free nation. You were aware that when the judiciary is weakened, the citizenry will lose the safeguard it has against those in positions of power who choose to abuse their authority. That understanding you possessed then cannot now have an expiry date. That same awareness must continue to remain, alongside the identical fundamental principles that are once again at risk. What were the real expectations of the people who voted for you? The people in your respective electorate divisions didn’t vote for you to merely follow the majority. They voted for you based on the promise that good governance, transparency and independent decisions will be made by their elected public representatives. I trust that you are aware of this grave responsibility. When you decide to cast your vote, it should be driven by the promises you made to your people, not the arbitrary directives of your party leadership. Bear in mind that you represent the people and not a clandestine group. You were not picked by a small group of individuals gathered in a room but by the vote of ordinary people in your electorate. Your decisions must be made with this responsibility in mind. You must have courage and more importantly, the integrity to take that call even in the most difficult circumstances. Our Constitution has provided every Member of Parliament an all-important vote - an individual vote. When matters of this scale and matters related to one’s conscience are raised, the voting right must be exercised with independent judgement on behalf of the people of this country. No party hierarchy, no matter how powerful it may be, can claim that right from you and hold onto your conscience. History will remember how you voted at this critical juncture. There will be many more amendments that will come and go. But matters such as this, which are decisive for the nation’s future, will be remembered by the people. For a long time they will recall how each and every Member of Parliament voted. You might think it is just a simple vote “yes”, which is expected of you. But it is not. At this decisive point, the people will value not the easiest path, but the courage to follow your conscience. Finally, I appeal to all of you to make sure that your vote reflects the trust your voters have placed upon you, the principles you stood for in the past, and what you believe is right. I sincerely hope that you will use your conscience to vote against the 22nd Amendment, thereby protecting the democracy of our motherland. In the event that you are facing practical difficulties, you have the option to abstain, and that will carry significant value in the eyes of history. Today our motherland will look upon you silently, but filled with hope. I trust that you will make this decisive choice, wisely. You have the power to erase a dark stain that will be added to the history of this democracy. May our motherland prosper! Your fellow Member of Parliament, Dilith Jayaweera Leader Sarvajana Balaya

A brief and interesting meeting with Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka. We had the opportunity to exchange views on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, the challenges ahead, and the importance of sustaining the reforms needed to build a stronger and more resilient economy. Good to meet and engage with him during his visit to Sri Lanka.

It was a pleasure to welcome an international delegation comprising Brandon Conceicao and Clayton Alexander Cuteri of the American Congress Party, Amitabh Arunachalam from India, and tech entrepreneur Chandan Jog from Germany. We had a warm and productive exchange of views on entrepreneurship, education, technological innovation, international cooperation and the importance of a visionary leadership in shaping tomorrow. I deeply appreciate their visit and the meaningful conversations we shared.

I shared the vision that we, as the Sarvajana Balaya, have for Sri Lanka and how we plan to execute that vision. We have no intention of becoming a pawn in the power dynamics of other political parties. Sri Lanka has seen enough of that over the years. I thank the Daily Mirror for this timely opportunity to discuss the way forward for our nation.

Deeply shocked by the devasting flash floods affecting Nepal. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of this beautiful nation at this dark hour. The people of Sri Lanka stand with you as you face this natural disaster with courage and resilience! – at Sri Lanka

I met with a group of young men and women pursuing higher education in the field of Business Management. It is always a great pleasure to meet students engaged in higher education in our country and to have meaningful discussions with them. I firmly believe that it is essential to listen to the ideas of these young people, who will inherit the future of our nation, and, as the older generation, to provide them with the guidance they need. – at Sri Lanka

From the inception of this political movement, we’ve endeavored to deliver on the aspirations of the youth. Yesterday, we saw the extraordinary progress we have made, when thousands of passionate youth from across the island came together at the Sarvajana Youth Fest 2026. I wholeheartedly thank these wonderful youngsters who showed up and supported us by believing that Sri Lanka Can, and that we can be driven via entreprenuership to become a nation that shares happiness. It is your faith and energy that push us to deliver the very best, and I am incredibly grateful. Thank you! #SriLankaCan

It was a pleasure meeting H.E. Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka. We had the opportunity to discuss regional politics, bilateral relations and the historic partnership between our nations. We can never forget the strong support Pakistan has given Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, and the stand it has taken on the world stage when it mattered the most. – at Sri Lanka

It was wonderful to visit Thai Festival Colombo, the largest Thai festival in Sri Lanka, on the invitation of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, H.E. Paitoon Mahapannaporn. Sri Lanka and Thailand both have a unique heritage; their cultures are defined by distinct food, music, literature, and other art forms. I urge my fellow Sri Lankans to experience this event to gain a unique perspective into the lives of the people of Thailand. – at Sri Lanka