2022-11-03
The inaugural meeting of the student Parliament of Kadawatha Madya Maha Vidyalaya was held in the main hall of the college recently. It was held under the patronage of Mr. H.E. Janakantha Silva, Director (Legislative Services/Communications) of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The primary purpose of this program is to bring the values of democracy closer to the school community and create stimulation in the school children for future leadership, for which, the necessary and basic guidance was provided by the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The Director (Legislative Services/Communications) of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. H.E. Janakantha Silva, who delivered the keynote speech, emphasized that the present commitment of children to future leadership is in a very positive context, and for that, the collective commitment and creativity of the children should be praised.
Ms. Sudarshanee Bandara, Deputy Director of Non-Formal Education and Counseling in Kelani region was also present at this occasion. The special feature is that the event was broadcast live on the school's YouTube channel under the leadership of Mrs. Nilanthi Perera, who is in charge of the information and communication technology of the college and the students studying that subject.
2026-09-09
The Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated in Parliament that plans have been prepared to modernize the Government Printing Corporation by gradually phasing out old and outdated machinery that has been in use for more than 50 years and procuring efficient equipment equipped with modern technology.She further stated that the modernization programme aims to establish a modern printing unit equipped with advanced technology, capable of targeting international markets and providing Smart Security Printing capabilities.The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to Questions for Oral Answers raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Major General (Retired) G.D. Sooriyabandara.The Prime Minister stated that the Government Printing Corporation currently employs 445 permanent employees, along with a further 21 employees on a contractual basis.She further noted that the printing facility of the Government Printing Corporation, which is currently operational in Wataraka, Padukka, carries out printing work based on orders received from the Government. These services include the printing of school textbooks and modules, as well as security printing, including the printing of provincial examination papers, lottery tickets and confidential documents.In addition, the Corporation undertakes the printing of SPC exercise books, printing requirements of various government institutions, other commercial printing work, private printing orders and election-related printing. The Corporation also maintains a network of SPC outlets across several districts of the country, the Prime Minister said.The Prime Minister also pointed out that the Government derives numerous benefits from having a printing institution operating under the Ministry.Accordingly, these benefits include the presence of the Government Printing Corporation as a factor that helps regulate market prices, maintain market standards and quality, meet the requirement for a reliable Security Printing facility, and maintain the Corporation as the only state-owned enterprise in the printing sector.She further highlighted the Corporation’s role in meeting the need for large-scale printing capacity, ensuring access to government-owned printing facilities, and reducing the costs associated with printing activities.Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized that the continued existence of the Government Printing Corporation provides employment opportunities as a state institution, maintains a skilled and trained workforce, and enables the Government to derive financial benefits as its state share.
2026-09-08
Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka”The Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today (Sep. 08) announced in Parliament that he had received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Articles 121 (1) of the Constitution. Accordingly, the Supreme Court has determined that; (i) Clause 3(i) of the Bill is vague and is therefore inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution and may only be passed by the special majority required under Article 84(2) of the Constitution. The inconsistency would cease if the said clause is deleted.(ii) Clause 4(o) of the Bill is inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution and may only be passed by the special majority required under Article 84(2) of the Constitution. The inconsistency would cease if the said clause is amended as proposed by the Court.(iii) Clause 5(4)(b) of the Bill is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution and may only be passed by the special majority required under Article 84(2) of the Constitution. The inconsistency would cease if the clause 5 is amended as proposed by the Court.(iv) The rest of the clauses of the Bill are not inconsistent with the Constitution.Petitions filed at the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121(1) of the Constitution, in respect of the Bill titled “Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution”The Hon. Speaker also informed the Parliament that, he had received copies of petitions filed at the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121(1) of the Constitution, in respect of the Bill titled “Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution” as mentioned below, in addition to the receipt of nine Petitions mentioned in his announcements dated 19th, 20th & 21st of August 2026: —• Seven Petitions on 21st of August 2026• Four Petitions on 24th of August 2026• Eight Petitions on 25th of August 2026• Five Petitions on 28th of August 2026• Thirty-one Petitions on 31st of August 2026• Ten Petitions on 01st of September 2026• Three Petitions on 03rd of September 2026• Two Petitions on 04th of September 2026Petitions filed at the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Anti-Corruption (Amendment)”The Hon Speaker announced that he had received copies of fifteen petitions filed at the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121(1) of the Constitution in respect of the Bill titled “Anti-Corruption (Amendment)”.Petitions filed at the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Judicature (Amendment)”The Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne further informed the Parliament that he had received seven more copies of Petitions filed at the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121(1) of the Constitution in respect of the Bill titled “Judicature (Amendment)”, in addition to the receipt of the Petition mentioned in his announcement dated 19th of August 2026.
2026-09-08
Hon. Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill today (Sep. 08).The Bill, which seeks to amend the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956, was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Labour and was passed by Parliament on the 20th August.The primary objective of this amendment is to update the fines imposed for offences under the Act relating to the employment of women, young persons and children, in order to bring them in line with current circumstances.The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956 completely prohibits the employment of children under the age of 16. As the fines that may be imposed by a court for offences under the Act are no longer adequate in view of prevailing socio-economic conditions, the new amendment provides for the revision of those fines. Accordingly, the Bill has been introduced to increase the fines imposed for offences under the Women, Young Persons and Children (Employment) Act No. 47 of 1956, from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000.Accordingly, the Bill will come into force as the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2026.
2026-09-01
Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka accompanied by Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna, Member of Parliament, successfully participated in the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) held from 26 to 28, August 2026, at the GDT Convention Centre in Phnom Penh, The Kingdom of Cambodia. Hosted jointly by the Senate and the National Assembly of Cambodia, the prestigious global forum brought together legislative leaders, heads of international organizations, and Parliamentary delegations from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and Latin America. The conference convened under the theme, “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully”. The official proceedings commenced following a royal audience with His Majesty King Preah Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, alongside courtesy call with the President of the Senate and Chairman of the ISC-2, Hon. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. The Programme also included a courtesy call with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Mohaborvor Thipadei Hun Manet. Addressing the high-level General Debate, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker championed Parliamentary diplomacy as a critical, resilient complement to traditional statecraft. He emphasized that legislative bodies must act as guardians of democracy and rule of law, keeping communication channels open to build trust even during times of severe political friction. The Speaker firmly asserted that true, lasting peace cannot exist merely as the absence of war; rather, it demands a foundation built on justice, mutual respect, and inclusive development that leaves no citizen behind. Highlighting Sri Lanka's strategic maritime location, the Hon. Speaker reiterated the nation’s historic foreign policy rooted in non-alignment, friendship, and peaceful coexistence. He stressed that borderless modern crises including climate change, cybercrime, and food insecurity cannot be tackled by any nation in isolation, demanding unified regional and international solidarity. Concluding his remarks, Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne pledged Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, framing the achievement of these global goals as the ultimate vehicle for achieving widespread social justice and shared economic prosperity. During his stay in Cambodia, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the Parliament of Australia. The two Speakers discussed matters of mutual interest and explored avenues for further strengthening Parliamentary cooperation and the longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Australia. They also exchanged views on enhancing collaboration between the two Parliaments through greater engagement and the sharing of Parliamentary experiences and best practices. Hon. Speaker Wickramaratne also met with Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal, with particular emphasis on further strengthening bilateral Parliamentary relations. They also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation between the two legislatures and promoting greater interaction and collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The conference concluded with the formal adoption of the landmark Phnom Penh Declaration, cementing a unified legislative framework to peacefully resolve international differences. Closing remarks were delivered by the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary.
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