Parliament convened today (Jun 06) at 9.30 am and the following announcements were made by the Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker
The Hon. Speaker informed the house that he received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “ANTI–CORRUPTION” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.
The determination of the Supreme Court as to the constitutionality of the Bill titled “ANTI–CORRUPTION” is as follows:—
Clauses 1, 2(1)(f), 2(2), 3(2), 4(1)(a), 4(1)(b), 4(3), 17(1), 21, 31(2), 163(2)(h), 40, 48(3), 49(1)(f), 50(1)(a), 53(1), 62(1), 65, 67(5), 71(6) & (8), 80, 93, 99, 101, 112, 149 and 162 of the Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution.
However, these inconsistencies will cease if the amendments as set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court are made to the Bill.
In addition to the said amendments, the Supreme Court has held that the learned Additional Solicitor General has informed the Court that amendments to Clauses 8(3), 136, 141, 142, and 156 of the Bill as set out in the Determination will be made to address several concerns raised by the Petitioners.
In addition, the Hon. Speaker informed that he received the determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment)” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.
Subject to the proposed amendment to Clause 3 and deletion of Clause 4 of the Bill, the Supreme Court has determined that the Bill or any of its provisions is not inconsistent with the Constitution.
The Speaker also informed that the following Members of Parliament under the Chair of the Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana have been appointed to serve in the “Select Committee of Parliament to investigate into and to make suitable recommendations relating to the disasters caused by New Diamond and X-press Pearl Vessels in the Maritime Zone of Sri Lanka”.
Accordingly, Hon. (Dr.) Suren Raghavan, Hon. (Mrs.) Diana Gamage, Hon. (Prof.) G. L. Peiris, Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law, Hon. Vijitha Herath , Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Weerasekera, Hon. Niroshan Perera , Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma, Hon. Nimal Lanza, Hon. Thushara Indunil Amarasena, Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardena, Hon. Akila Ellawala, Hon. Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, Hon. Madhura Withanage, Attorney-at Law have been appointed to serve in this committee.
The Speaker Hon Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena also informed that the following Members have also been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in each Sectoral Oversight Committee, in terms of the provisions of Standing Order 111 of the Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on 21st November 2022:—
Accordingly, Hon. (Mrs.) Kokila Gunawardene has been appointed for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Religious Affairs and Co-Existence, Hon. Marjan Faleel for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Reconciliation and National Unity, Hon. Johnston Fernando for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security, Hon. Madhura Withanage, Attorney at Law for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations, Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Weerasekera for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis, Hon. A. L. M. Athaullah for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Energy & Transport, Hon. C. B. Rathnayake for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Food Security & Agriculture, Hon. Jayantha Ketagoda for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development, Hon. Gamini Lokuge for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Foreign Employment & Labour, Hon. (Mrs.) Muditha Prishanthi for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Hon. S. M. M. Muszhaaraff, Attorney at Law for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Children, Women and Gender, Hon. Thisakutti Arachchi for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Media, Youth, Heritage and New Citizen, Hon. Jayantha Weerasinghe, PC for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on An Open & Accountable Government .
The Speaker also announced that the Hon. A. L. M. Athaullah, Member of Parliament has also been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in the Committee on Parliamentary Business, in terms of the provisions of the Standing Order 115 of the Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on 10th February 2023.
Furthermore, speaker announced, that the Hon. Milan Jayathilake, Member of Parliament has also been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, in terms of the provisions of Standing Order 122 of the Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on 10th February 2023.
The Speaker Hon Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena also announced that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Standing Order 118 of the Parliament and the motion adopted by Parliament on 10th February 2023, the following Members have also been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, as per the motion adopted by Parliament on 26th May 2023:—
Accordingly, Hon. Johnston Fernando, Hon. R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Athukorala, Attorney at Law have been nominated to serve in the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
2026-09-11
H.E. Wei Huaxiang, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliament premises recently (Sep. 10). Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present at the meeting.The Hon. Speaker warmly welcomed Ambassador H.E. Wei Huaxiang and congratulated him on his appointment, while reaffirming the longstanding friendship and close relations between Sri Lanka and China.The Hon. Speaker expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the continued support extended by China to Sri Lanka as a true friend, particularly during various challenging periods, including the country’s recent economic crisis. He also appreciated China’s assistance following the recent Ditwah Cyclone and its continued support for the people of Sri Lanka, including the provision of school uniform material.Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Hon. Speaker noted the steps taken to strengthen cooperation between the two Parliaments, including parliamentary exchange programmes. He said further initiatives and future programmes would be pursued through the Sri Lanka–China Parliamentary Friendship Association to further deepen relations between the two countries.The Hon. Speaker also briefed the Ambassador on the Government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and advance national reconciliation. He observed that cooperation between Sri Lanka and China has expanded into a wide range of sectors under the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.Ambassador Wei Huaxiang thanked the Hon. Speaker for the warm welcome and said he had been deeply impressed by the friendliness and smiles of the Sri Lankan people. Referring to Sri Lanka as a “beautiful Island of Smiles,” he expressed his appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended to him since his arrival in the country.The Ambassador highlighted the longstanding historical ties between China and Sri Lanka, noting the centuries of maritime and cultural exchanges between the two nations. He said bilateral relations had continued to strengthen since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.Referring to recent high-level engagements, Ambassador Wei noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr.Harini Amarasuriya during their respective visits to China in 2025. He said these high-level engagements had provided new strategic direction for the further development of bilateral relations.The Ambassador stated that China regards Sri Lanka as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and expressed China’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation in support of Sri Lanka’s economic development and efforts to improve the livelihoods of its people.Both sides also highlighted the significance of 2027, when Sri Lanka and China will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact.Ambassador Wei Huaxiang further expressed his commitment to working towards strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two countries, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese institutions and citizens in Sri Lanka.
2026-09-11
Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution to be Debated on September 24 and 25The Parliamentary Business for the next Parliamentary Week, scheduled to be held from September 22 to 25, has been decided.The decisions were taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held yesterday (Sep. 10), under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.On each day that Parliament meets, the period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for Parliamentary Business specified under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Accordingly, on Tuesday, September 22, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Orders published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2497/37 under the Petroleum Resources Act and the Promotion of Export Agriculture (Amendment) Bill (Second Reading) will be taken up for debate at.Thereafter, at 5.00 p.m., the Tredso Development Foundation (Incorporation) Bill, a Private Member’s Bill, is scheduled to be taken up for Second Reading and thereafter referred to the Legislative Standing Committee.From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., an Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by the Opposition is scheduled to be taken up for debate.On Wednesday, September 23, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the debate on the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill (Second Reading) will be held.Thereafter, the period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Thursday, September 24, from 11.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., time has been allocated for the Second Reading debate on the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill.It was agreed that the two-day debate would be held subject to the Hon. Speaker making an announcement to Parliament following the delivery of the Supreme Court determination on the petitions filed against the respective Bills under Article 121 of the Constitution.On Friday, September 25, from 11.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., it has been decided to continue the Second Reading debate on the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill for the second day.
2026-09-09
The Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament today (Sep. 09).The debate on the second reading of the Bill was held in Parliament from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. today, following which the Bill was passed without a division.The Bill was presented to Parliament for its first reading on 4th August 2026.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.Accordingly, with the repeal of the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009, the position of Chief of Defence Staff is also set to be repealed under this Bill.Furthermore, upon the commencement of this Act, all movable and immovable property belonging to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff will be transferred to the Ministry of Defence.
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.
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