2008-07-08
The Hon. Gitanjana Gunawardena resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker of Parliament on July 1st 2008. He served as Deputy Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka from 22nd April 2004.
Below is the text of the speech he delivered in the House today, congratulating the newly elected Deputy Speaker Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne:-
Honourable Speaker,
I join my fellow Members of Parliament in congratulating Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne M.P, who was returned to the Parliament for the second time as a Member of Parliament representing the Puttalam district, upon his appointment to the post of Deputy Speaker. I must state that I was elated to learn that Mr. Piyankara Jayaratne, the son of Hon. S. D. R. Jayaratne, the former Minister, whom I acquainted very closely in 1989, was appointed as the Deputy Speaker. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I hope you will have all the strength and courage to discharge the duties of your post with the assistance of all of us.
It is my firm belief that you will be able to further build up the parliamentary democracy and the confidence of the people in it that we have brought forward for the last 60 years since 1948.
Honourable Speaker,
As discussed with you I’d like to add a few words as to how this vacancy was created
I entered Parliament for that second time in April 2004 as a member of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, a constituent party of the People’s Alliance government. Prior to that, I had the opportunity to function in Parliament for 5 years as one of the three MPP of the MEP headed by its leader, Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, in 1989.
Being a full time activist involved in trade union activities as well and also representing the MEP, I also functioned as a member of the Colombo Municipal Council from 1994 - 2004. In 2000, I resigned from the office of MMC, to function as the private secretary to the Hon. Minister of Transport.
In 2004, though I declined the request made to me by the United Peoples’ Freedom Front government to accept the post of Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. Later I agreed to appear to contest the post on the request of the former speaker Hon. Anura Bandaranaike and the then Prime Minister Hon. Mahinda Rajapakse. I was able to be appointed to the post of Deputy Speaker unanimously with the support of everybody.
I hope you admit the fact that I discharge the duties of this position with a great sense of responsibility and commitment under you in a very tense political situation in the Parliament during the last four years.
I also wish to recall with gratitude, the co-operation as well as challenges posed by the government as well as opposition ranks.
I think it is important to consider that it is our duty to win the trust and respect of the people for Parliament which we all reckon as the idol of democracy.
For the vacancy created with the assassination of the former Chief Whip of the Government by cruel terrorists, the Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development, Hon. Dinesh Gunawardane was appointed by the government last month. It is a well known fact that Hon. Minister Dinesh Gunawardane is not only the leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna which I represent, but also an elder brother of mine.
The Chief Government Whip faced many a problem when the chair conducted the affairs of the House in the recent past and you will acknowledge that there is likelihood of a similar situation come into being in the future as well.
It is a norm accepted by all of us that under these circumstances when administering justice it should be fair and lawful and that it should be exhibited from our conduct itself.
I wish to state that it was due to that moralistic bond with the constitution that I resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker, conferred on me by the constitution on the basis of importance in safeguarding the dignity of the chair and the parliamentary tradition.
I express my gratitude to you, Hon. Prime Minister and H.E the President for giving me the opportunity of carrying out my duties without any undue influence. I also appreciate with respect, the understanding of H.E the President of the explanation made by me regarding my resignation. I believe that this will pave the way for the Chief Whip of the government to carry out the duties of the post without difficulty. Last but not least I extend my thanks to you, the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition, all ministers and Members of Parliament of both the government and opposition and the entire staff of Parliament from the Secretary General to garden labourer for placing their trust on me and extending their co-operation. My thanks are also due to all journalists.
I wish whole heartedly that the newly appointed Deputy Speaker, Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne be bestowed with courage and strength as well as support of all to perform his duties in the post.
May the Triple Gem bless you!
2026-11-12
Second Reading Debate to be held from tomorrow (13) until November 20Committee Stage Debate scheduled from November 21 to December 14The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Speech) was presented to Parliament today (Nov. 12) by the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.At around 1.30 p.m., the President arrived in the Chamber from his office in Parliament and commenced presenting the Budget proposals. The Budget Speech continued until 6.30 p.m.A large number of invitees, including foreign ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of the security forces and judges, attended the occasion.The debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held over 26 days, from November 13 to December 14.The Appropriation Bill for 2027, which was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on October 7, 2026, will be taken up for the Second Reading Debate over seven days, from tomorrow (13) until November 20. The vote on the Second Reading of the Budget is scheduled to be held on November 20 at 6.00 p.m.The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill for 2027 is scheduled to be held over 19 days, from November 21 to December 14, including four Saturdays.Thereafter, the vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held on December 14 at 6.00 p.m.
2026-11-12
Supreme Court Determination on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” BillThe Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (Nov. 12) announced in Parliament the determination of the Supreme Court on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” Bill, which had been challenged before the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.According to the determination, Supreme Court has determined that the Clause 29 of the Bill infringes Article 14(1) (c) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has also determined that the Clause 7(1) of the Bill infringes Article 12(1) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has further determined that subject to above none of the other provisions in the Bill are inconsistent with any provision in the Constitution.Supreme Court Determination on the “Protection of the State from Terrorism” BillThe Hon. Speaker also informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill can be passed by simple majority of Parliament after making the following amendments (Three of them already undertaken by the learned Additional Solicitor General) at the Committee Stage:-• Clause 26(2) to be amended by inserting the phrase “on the application of such police officer”, with the above insertion, Clause 26(2) must read as follows:-“Upon the production of a suspect before a Magistrate under subsection (1), where the police officer conducting the investigation has reasonable grounds to believe that further extended custody of the suspect is necessary for the purpose of conducting further investigation, the Magistrate may, on the application of such police officer, for reasons to be recorded in writing, authorize such suspect to be held in police custody for a further period not exceeding twenty-four hours.”;• Clause 59(5)(b) to be amended by substituting the phrase “Court of Appeal” with the “Supreme Court” to make the judicial oversight effective;• Removal of the Clause 60(7) from the Bill on the basis that it is superfluous; and• Clause 66(1) to be re-framed as follows:-“An executive Order, directive or direction issued or made under this Act may be questioned in proceedings under Article 126, 140 or 141 of the Constitution.”Supreme Court Determination on the “Immigration” BillThe Hon. Speaker further informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Immigration” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution.The Supreme Court has determined that,• Clause 43(3), in its present form, is inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(i) of the Constitution. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clause 43(3) is replaced and a new Clause 43(4) is inserted in the terms set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clause 169, in its present form, is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution, having regard also to Article 76. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clauses 169(1) and 169(3) are amended in the manner specified in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clauses 45 and 65, in their present form, are inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution. However, these inconsistencies would cease if Clause 45(1) is amended and the proposed provision concerning the costs of immigration facilities is inserted with appropriate numbering, as set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• There is no other inconsistency with the Constitution on the grounds considered. Also, the Supreme Court records the undertaking to amend Clause 174 by deleting the word “written”.• Where the amendments necessary to remove the identified inconsistencies are not effected, the relevant provisions would require the special majority prescribed by Article 84(2) of the Constitution.
2026-11-11
Mr. Davis Myers, Chargé d’Affaires / Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, recently. The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on the occasion.The Hon. Deputy Speaker warmly welcomed Mr. Myers and reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and the United States of America. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued support extended by the Government of the United States, particularly during challenging periods, and acknowledged the assistance provided through USAID towards strengthening Parliamentary affairs and institutional capacities.During the meeting, the Secretary General of Parliament highlighted the recent visit of Hon. Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka to the US Congress conducted through the collaboration of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). She also recalled the various forms of assistance extended to Parliament, including initiatives aimed at strengthening Parliamentary outreach programmes through USAID.Mr. Davis Myers reaffirmed his commitment to continuing and further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. He also commended the beauty and architectural significance of the Parliament building, as well as the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.Both parties engaged in cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest, including maritime security and measures to combat the drug menace.Mr. Myers also participated in a guided tour of the Parliament building, during which he was briefed on its architectural features and Parliamentary facilities.Ms. Rachel Huggins, Political Officer of the US Embassy, Ms. Nazreen Marikkar, and Political Specialist of the US Embassy were also present on this occasion.
2026-11-11
The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that a sum of Rs. 18,058,884 has been allocated this year for the conservation of 846 sites of archaeological significance identified so far in the Anuradhapura District. Accordingly, the figures tabled in Parliament indicate that this includes Rs. 12,609,034 allocated under departmental grants and Rs. 5,449,850 provided through external funding.The Minister made these remarks in response to questions raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Susantha Kumara Navarathna, who sought oral answers.The Minister further stated that measures have been taken to protect and conserve these archaeological sites, taking into consideration the significance of each site, the nature of potential threats, its location and the relevant legal framework. Accordingly, the measures undertaken include carrying out the monitoring affairs of sites, security affairs, establishment of safety fences, boundary posts, taking legal action, carry out the exploration activities, maintenance, preservative, excavations and conservation activities.
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