2021-07-06
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus proposed that the National Budget should focus on the impact upon both genders within the Sri Lankan community given the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and also give attention towards the groups that have been severely affected by the situation.
Accordingly, it was decided to draw attention towards several proposals that will focus on gender in the preparation of the budget for the year 2022.
The decision was taken at a special meeting regarding Gender Responsive Budgeting held last week under Hon. State Minister Dr Sudharshani Fernandopulle, the Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.
The Parliamentarians present at this meeting agreed to give consideration to gender when preparing the budget proposals of the relevant Ministries having informed all the relevant officials of the key line Ministries regarding gender budgeting.
Furthermore, the Parliamentarians decided to work closely with Parliamentary Committees such as the Committee on Public Finance to draw the attention of the relevant committees on gender responsive budgeting and thereby engaging with the main process of budget preparation.
In addition, Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus decided that a comprehensive media campaign was needed to create social awareness about gender responsive budgeting.
Vice Chairperson of the Caucus Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, its members Hon. Parliamentarians Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Rajika Wickramasinghe, Manjula Dissanayake, Geetha Kumarasinghe and representatives of several social organizations were present at this meeting held via zoom. Prof. Dilani Gunawardena and Dr. Samanmala Dorabawila, Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Peradeniya, conducted a special session regarding the background of gender responsive budgeting and its necessity.
2026-09-03
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs focused its attention on a number of matters relating to ensuring public security, curbing illegal activities, and enhancing the efficiency of the police service.This was discussed when the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs met in Parliament on the Aug. 21st, under the chairmanship of Hon. Minister Ananda Wijepala.The Committee paid particular attention to measures taken by the Police to combat cybercrime, illegal online gambling activities and fraud. Officials stated that steps had been taken to block websites associated with illegal gambling and other unlawful activities.It was also revealed that legal action had been taken against foreign nationals residing in Sri Lanka who were engaged in illegal activities related to cybercrime. Officials further stated that arrangements had been made to deport such foreign nationals in coordination with the embassies of the respective countries.Officials appearing before the Committee stated that steps had been taken to recruit software engineers and lawyers to strengthen the human resources required for cybercrime investigations, particularly in terms of technical and legal expertise. They also noted that arrangements were being made to provide newly recruited officers with field training as well as the necessary overseas training.Discussions were also held on the need to introduce new technological systems and establish a centralized system capable of operating in real time in order to make investigations into cybercrime and financial fraud more efficient. It was particularly noted that necessary coordination measures were being undertaken to minimize existing barriers to sharing data with foreign institutions in relation to crimes involving the use of cryptocurrencies.Furthermore, extensive discussions were held on the current status of information received through Community Security Committees, measures to prevent sensitive information received through these committees from being disclosed externally, and further strengthening community policing services.In addition, the Committee emphasized the importance of expediting police investigations to curb illegal activities while upholding the rule of law, making greater use of modern technology, and obtaining further public support.A number of officials, together with Members of the Committee, participated in the Committee meeting.
2026-09-02
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations focused its attention on the “InSA” (Integrated Systematic Approach for the Family Development of Migrant Workers) Project, which is to be implemented to ensure the welfare of families and the protection of children of workers migrating for foreign employment.The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Committee held on the Aug. 21st, under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.It was revealed at the meeting that the programme, which is to be implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to commence at the Divisional Secretariat level from October 1, 2026.It was stated that the primary objective of the programme is to develop family development plans focusing on key areas including the long-term financial management of families of migrant workers, child health and protection, employment training, and small business and export development.The Committee particularly emphasized the need to establish a formal plan for the care, protection and education of children when mothers with children between the ages of 2 and 18 migrate overseas, covering the period during which the mothers are abroad. Attention was also drawn to addressing mothers with children below the age of two in accordance with the existing legal and administrative procedures.The programme is expected to obtain the contribution of Child Rights Promotion Officers, who will provide necessary interventions concerning child protection and family welfare at three stages: prior to departure overseas, while the parent is overseas, and following the family's return to Sri Lanka.Accordingly, it was stated that Child Rights Promotion Officers will intervene to ensure that alternative care plans prepared for children can be practically implemented, identify situations involving risks, and prepare special care plans where necessary. Attention will also be given to providing psychosocial support, including strengthening family relationships, to families returning to Sri Lanka after living overseas.Furthermore, “InSA Committees” are to be established at the Divisional Secretariat level. These committees are expected to work under the chairmanship of the Assistant Divisional Secretary, together with Child Rights Promotion Officers, Early Childhood Development Officers and other relevant field officers, it was stated at the Committee meeting.It was also revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been proposed between the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs concerning child protection-related activities.The Committee also emphasized the importance of all workers leaving the country for foreign employment registering with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. As there may be difficulties in implementing welfare and protection programmes for the families of individuals who travel overseas through informal channels, including on tourist visas, due to the absence of official data on such persons, the Committee stressed the need to maintain a formal data system on workers departing the country for foreign employment.During the implementation of the programme, progress is to be monitored at the district level through District Secretaries. The relevant parties were instructed to submit a report on the progress of the “InSA” Project to the Committee by February 2027.
2026-09-02
The Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill was recently considered by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection.The matter was discussed when the Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika. A group of officials, including Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, were summoned to the meeting.The Bill has been introduced to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009. The Act was enacted in 2009 to carry out functions including the coordination of activities between the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, in accordance with the requirements of the time.However, considering the current situation in the country, it has been determined that there is no longer a need to maintain a dedicated office or position for the coordination of the three Armed Forces. Accordingly, under the ongoing restructuring process of the three Armed Forces, such coordination is being carried out through the Ministry of Defence.It was also observed that, given the country’s current economic situation, transferring the functions of the office to the Ministry of Defence could reduce the financial burden on the Government.Accordingly, the Sectoral Oversight Committee approved the Bill, which is scheduled to be taken up for debate in Parliament on September 9 for the Second Reading.Several Members of Parliament serving on the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection participated in the meeting.
2026-09-02
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability emphasized the need to urgently formulate a national policy to address the human-elephant conflict, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and institutions.The Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy. During the meeting, discussions were held on the research findings and policy recommendations of a project jointly implemented by the Coalition for Inclusive Impact (CII), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA).Attention was focused on managing the human-elephant conflict, meeting the food and water requirements of wild elephants, protecting the Muthurajawela wetland ecosystem, improving the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities, and enhancing community participation in environmental conservation.The Committee also pointed out the need for an appropriate management programme to minimize the risk of elephants entering human settlements in response to challenges relating to water sources and food resources within wild elephant habitats.Attention was also drawn to the need to expedite the declaration of six elephant corridors on a priority basis among the identified elephant corridors, improve habitats within wildlife reserves, and strengthen awareness programmes for local communities.Meanwhile, discussions were held on the need to properly survey and demarcate State-owned lands within the Muthurajawela wetland ecosystem, as well as strengthen coordination among relevant institutions to prevent unauthorized activities.The Committee also focused on the challenges faced by small-scale fishing communities and possible measures that could be taken to strengthen their livelihoods.The Committee further emphasized the need to take measures based on scientific research and data to address environmental issues, including the human-elephant conflict; strengthen coordination among relevant government institutions; and study successful approaches that are suitable for Sri Lanka.Several officials and Committee members, including Hon. Members of Parliament Kings Nelson, Susanta Kumara Nawarathna, Kitnan Selvaraj, Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law Bhagya Sri Herath, Sudath Balagalla, and M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani, participated in the meeting.
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