2021-08-06
News Categories : Committee News
All steps have been taken to expedite the sending of Sri Lankans for Korean employment opportunities which have been delayed due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said at a meeting of Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign held in Parliament recently (04).
The Minister said that the matter had already been discussed at the diplomatic level and that the Korean Ambassador had made a special proposal to provide employment opportunities to Sri Lankans in the agricultural sector in Korea. However, due to the delay in the prevailing Covid situation, all relevant steps are already being taken, the Minister said.
The Minister was speaking when Parliamentarian Gamini Waleboda said that there was an opportunity for Sri Lankans to work in Korea.
Addressing the committee, Member of Parliament Gevidu Kumaratunga said that ‘The Overseas Operations Act’ passed by the British Parliament has exempted British soldiers from war crimes committed abroad five years ago. In this context, it is not justifiable to make allegations of human rights abuses even when the Sri Lankan Army stands up for the security of its homeland, he said.
He also pointed out that the voices must be raised against the use of human rights in opposition to the independence of countries. He also called for action to be taken to reveal to the world the true situation of the Sri Lankan Army which has set an example to the world by launching a humanitarian operation.
Commenting on this, Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage stated that the matter is being studied. The Foreign Secretary said that the people of the North and East of the country will be given back their lands and that the international community will be made aware of all these matters.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that Sri Lanka had also expressed its views in this regard at the last Human Rights Council in Geneva. He also said that a special Presidential Commission chaired by Supreme Court Judge Nawaz has been appointed to gather evidence in this regard. An interim report of this commission has been submitted to the President and steps have been taken to inform the British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, the Minister said.
Also, MP Chandima Weerakkody pointed out that since many countries have labeled Sri Lanka as a "red country" in this Covid situation, separate relations should be maintained with the relevant countries to change this attitude towards Sri Lanka. He also pointed out that the appointment of a Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India has been delayed for two years.
State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya stated that a strategic plan has been prepared with the relevant parties for this purpose. Although this is difficult in practice with the situation prevailing in some countries, the state minister explained that all steps are being taken for this. It was also revealed that a High Commissioner to India will assume duties on the 15th of this month.
MP S. Rasamanikkam pointed out that since most of the public issues related to foreign affairs come to the MPs, a coordinating officer should be appointed at the ministerial level. The Foreign Secretary stated that necessary steps will be taken to resolve this issue.
Mr. Rasamanikkam also inquired about the launch of a ferry service between Rameshwaran in Tamil Nadu and Thalai Mannar. The Foreign Secretary stated that the Indian side has agreed to this and that the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Ports have not reached a final decision in this regard.
Member of Parliament (Dr.) Suren Raghavan, brought to the notice of the committee that the conduct of foreign service examinations has been delayed. The Foreign Secretary said that the conduct of the examination has been delayed due to the prevailing situation and that the Department of Examinations will take immediate action in this regard. It was revealed that this examination was held in 2018 for the last time and currently there are vacancies for officers. Therefore, arrangements have been made by the Department of Examinations to conduct the examination and after that interview will be conducted by the Ministerial level to fill the relevant vacancies, the Foreign Secretary said.
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign chaired by Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was attended by State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Members of Parliament Dilan Perera, S. Rasamanikkam, Gamini Waleboda, Dr. Suren Raghavan, Yadamini Gunawardena and Sudath Manjula, Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage. The other officers joined the meeting online.
2026-03-10
The caucus will intervene to the fullest extent to bring Parliament closer to the people through transparency, accountability, participation, and inclusivity – Co-Chairs emphasizeSteps taken to develop a set of future programme proposals and a working terms of referenceA two-day residential workshop for Members of the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative was successfully held on 06 and 07 March in Kalutara.The workshop was organized with the support of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the Coalition for Inclusive Impact (CII).Members of the caucus, including its Co-Chairs Hon. Minister of Science and Technology (Prof.) Krishantha Abeysena and Hon. Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, as well as several officials of the Parliament Secretariat, participated in the workshop.During the workshop, discussions were held on planning future programmes to be implemented by the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative, drawing on the views of the caucus members and expert resource persons.Accordingly, a detailed introduction to the concepts of Open Government and Open Parliament was presented. The National Consultant, Ms. Angelina Herman, outlined the steps required to make Parliament a more accessible institution to the public through the key principles of the Open Parliament process: Transparency, Accountability, Participation, and Inclusivity. Discussions were also held on practices adopted by various countries around the world in implementing the Open Parliament concept.Furthermore, Assistant Secretary-General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyratne explained the steps taken by the Parliament of Sri Lanka since the initial establishment of this caucus in 2015 to bring Parliament closer to the people.In addition, Chief Legal Officer of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ms. Gayani Premathilaka delivered an awareness session on the committee system of local government institutions and ways to enhance public participation in those committees.The workshop also facilitated an exchange of knowledge and ideas between resource persons and caucus members, leading to the development of a working terms of reference and a strategic action plan for the caucus.Speaking at the event, Co-Chairs Hon. Minister (Prof.) Krishantha Abeysena and Hon. Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam emphasized that the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure greater engagement in making Parliament a more people-centred institution.Mr. Sanje Vignaraja, Country Director for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), and Ms. Dilashinee Angunawela, Strategy & Governance Specialist representing the Coalition for Inclusive Impact (CII), were also present on the occasion.
2026-03-06
The Third District Consultation aimed at strengthening inclusive service delivery for persons with disabilities was recently (Feb. 27) held in Batticaloa District. The event was organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities of the Tenth Parliament and convened at the Batticaloa Municipal Council Hall . The consultation was held under the patronage of the Chair of the Caucus, Hon. Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva and Batticaloa District Secretary J.S. Arulraj. The event was attended by the Deputy Co-Chairman, Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathyalingam, as well as Members of Parliament representing the Batticaloa District Shanakyan Rajaputhiran Rajamanickam, (Dr.) Ilayathambi Sirinath, Gnanamuthu Srinesan, and Kanthasamy Prabu. Senior government officials including Assistant District Secretary G. Praveen, District Social Service Officer Chandrakala Gnaneswaran, police officers, sectoral experts, and social development officers participated in the discussions. The representatives of the organizations of person with disabilities of Batticaloa districts were also participated in this event. The urgency of the consultation was underscored by the statistics indicating that more than 9,000 persons with disabilities reside in Batticaloa District, supported by 14 active associations. District Secretary J. S. Arulraj highlighted critical service gaps, including the immediate need for 21 trained teachers across 23 special education units currently serving 183 students. He also raised concerns regarding the issuance of formal identification cards for persons with disabilities, difficulties in obtaining driving licences, and widespread accessibility barriers in public buildings.In his address, Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva emphasized that the consultation represented a unified, non-partisan effort to foster a compassionate and inclusive society. He stated that services for persons with disabilities must be delivered on the basis of humanity and equality. He further announced that the Caucus plans to engage with the Ministry of Education in March to address systemic barriers in qualifying examinations for government employment. He called upon government officials and political leaders to collaborate with dedication to resolve longstanding challenges faced by persons with disabilities.Deputy Co-Chairman (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathyalingam stressed the importance of identifying and supporting persons with disabilities in Batticaloa who have not yet received assistance. He highlighted the need for coordinated action through relevant institutions to ensure adequate facilities and services, particularly for individuals affected by conflict and other causes of disability.Members of Parliament representing the district drew attention to persistent shortcomings in service delivery and the practical challenges faced by persons with disabilities in their daily lives. The participants from disability community raised several concerns, including extending deadlines for educational allowances; adapting competitive examinations for visually impaired candidates through Braille-based alternatives; providing priority access in hospitals to reduce waiting times; ensuring that reserved seating on public transportation is respected; and improving accessibility at local government offices, where meetings are often held on upper floors without ramps or elevators.While some matters were addressed immediately through directives issued to relevant officials, others were referred to district authorities and the Parliamentary Caucus for longer-term policy reform, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and systemic change.The Chair of the Caucus reaffirmed that the Union remains committed to conducting district-level visits nationwide to listen directly to the concerns of persons with disabilities and to proposing practical, policy-driven solutions to ensure inclusive governance across Sri Lanka.The event was organized collaboratively by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), with funding support from the Government of Australia, in partnership with the Batticaloa District Secretariat.
2026-02-24
The Committee on High Posts of Parliament has approved the nominations of two Heads of Mission and a Ministry Secretary.The approvals were granted when the Committee met in Parliament recently (Feb. 20) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.Accordingly, the Committee approved the nomination of Mrs. Nirmala Indumathie Dias Paranavitana as Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the African Union.The Committee also approved the nomination of Professor Mohamed Ibrahim Fazeeha Azmi as the new Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Islamic Republic of Iran.In addition, approval was granted for the appointment of Mr. K.A. Vimalenthirarajah as the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development.
2026-02-24
Committee reviews progress of disaster relief provided to the public affected by Cyclone DitwahAttention drawn to disaster management insuranceReview of the current progress of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) programmesThe Committee on Public Finance instructed officials to establish a legal framework for the Rs. 200 daily attendance allowance granted by the Government to estate workers.Clarifying matters at length, the Chairman of the Committee emphasized that the Committee has no objection to increasing the wages of estate workers. However, he stated that the legal basis of the mechanism used to make this payment must be discussed. It was pointed out that the payment is currently being made under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into with private plantation companies, without being gazetted, and that such an arrangement could be terminated at any time. Officials further noted that the Rs. 200 allowance does not qualify for contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).Officials informed the Committee that the MoU has been entered into with private plantation companies for a period of three years, and that once this period ends, a policy decision would be required if the Government intends to continue the payments.The Committee Chair pointed out that it is inappropriate to utilize public funds to pay salaries in private institutions without proper financial discipline. Officials stated that the payment is being made as it has been approved by Parliament under the 2026 Budget.According to the approved budget estimates, the allocation for this payment is categorized as a “development subsidy.” As development subsidies are generally intended to support increased production, the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury (DST) suggested that the payment would be more appropriately termed a “production incentive.” However, it was observed that neither the payments already made for January nor the relevant MoUs specify such a requirement in practice. The Committee also questioned whether excluding the Rs. 200 daily allowance from Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) calculations is in compliance with the relevant laws. When asked whether the Attorney General’s advice had been sought regarding the MoUs and related matters, officials stated that such advice had not been obtained.Accordingly, the Committee emphasized that these problematic areas must be rectified and that a proper legal basis should be established for the payment.These matters were discussed when the Committee on Public Finance met in Parliament on 17.02.2026 under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva, with the participation of Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Nishantha Jayaweera and Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Ajith Alahakoon, M.K.M. Aslam, Attorney-at-Law Chitral Fernando, Wijesiri Basnayake, Sunil Rajapaksha, Nimal Palihena, Thilina Samarakoon and Champika Hettiarachchi.The Committee also discussed the progress of disaster relief provided to the public affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Officials stated that approximately Rs. 24.4 billion has so far been released under various relief measures announced for those affected. While the majority of allowances for house cleaning, purchase of household items, and assistance for schoolchildren have already been distributed, officials explained that delays in housing reconstruction and rental assistance payments have occurred due to processes such as damage assessments and land identification. Officials further clarified the verification procedures and accountability mechanisms in place. Committee members highlighted the difficulties faced by those expecting relief payments and stressed that housing assistance in particular should be expedited.Officials of the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) also explained their financial position and the reinsurance claims the Fund is required to settle following claims submitted by general insurance companies after Cyclone Ditwah. The estimated reinsurance claims payable by NITF currently amount to approximately Rs. 11 billion. Although NITF has not reinsured its risk exposure with an international reinsurer since 2023, officials stated that it has the capacity to settle the existing claims.It was revealed that the Treasury maintains a significant cash buffer to meet the Government’s daily expenditure requirements, with approximately Rs. 750 billion available by the end of 2025. Due to payments made in December, the cash buffer had declined to this level, leading to increased issuance of Treasury bills from late December to mid-January, which in turn raised interest costs during that period. However, the situation has now stabilized. It was also noted that as the return earned from investing the cash buffer is approximately 2–3 percent lower than the Government’s annual interest cost, maintaining such reserves entails an opportunity cost.Attention was also drawn to the progress of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), which has been in operation for 14 months. It was observed that 90 percent of total staff recruitment has been completed. Officials have been provided with specialized local and international training to enhance professional capacity.Although the Central Bank’s auction system is currently used for public debt management activities, steps are being taken to establish an independent system within the PDMO to enable full operational autonomy in the future.The Committee observed that Sri Lanka’s total domestic debt stock amounts to Rs. 31 trillion, comprising Rs. 15.6 trillion in Treasury bills and Rs. 15.4 trillion in Treasury bonds. The average cost of this total debt is reported at 8.73 percent.It was further noted that Sri Lanka’s total external debt servicing requirement for 2026 is projected at USD 2,504 million. Expected foreign inflows for that year amount to USD 2,100 million, including USD 858 million in project loans, USD 150 million in World Bank budget support, USD 380 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and USD 800 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Accordingly, a resource management gap exceeding USD 400 million remains to be addressed for debt servicing in 2026.
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