2023-08-03
The Sri Lankan Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus request the Sri Lankan community living in New Zealand to contribute to help the economic crisis that Sri Lanka is currently facing.
This request was made when a meeting was held in Auckland recently (Jul. 28) between the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus who are on a study visit to New Zealand and the Sri Lankan community living in New Zealand.
Addressing the occasion, the Chair of the Sri Lanka Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Member of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle said that the motherland should be supported to get out of the difficult situation faced by her at the moment. Commenting on the actions taken by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Parliament of Sri Lanka, the Chair said that although her Caucus consists of women parliamentarians representing different parties, they stand together for common goals.
Ms. Vanushi Walters of Sri Lankan origin representing New Zealand Parliament was also present on this occasion and she expressed her delight regarding choosing New Zealand for this trip. Mrs. Walters also stated that the existence of a parliamentary system with more favorable structures and spaces for women's political representation in New Zealand would allow in a better understanding of women's political activities in the Sri Lankan context will enable the female parliamentarians to establish the same good practices back in their homeland.
Addressing the Sri Lankan community living in New Zealand, Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, Minister, requested that the motherland needs the support of Sri Lankans living all over the world at this hour. Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Vice Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Member of Parliament, requested to contribute to making more investments in Sri Lanka.
Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Seetha Arambepola, Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Samanmale Kumarasinghe, Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Athukorala, Hon. Kokila Gunawardena, Hon. (Mrs.) Muditha Prishanthi, Hon. (Mrs.) Rajika Wickramasinghe, Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya, Secretary general of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Assistant Director (Administration) Indira Dissanayake and Manager Media of Parliament Nimmi Hathiyaldeniya were present at this tour held.
The study tour was organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) with the full support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on behalf of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka.
2026-09-14
Acting Secretary-General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyratne has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission that a vacancy has arisen in Parliament of a Member of Parliament following the resignation of M.S. Abdul Wahid, National List Hon. Member of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Election Commission, the Acting Secretary General of Parliament stated that Mr. M.S. Abdul Wahid had submitted to him a letter of resignation from his office as a Member of Parliament.According to the letter submitted by Mr. M.S. Abdul Wahid, the resignation will take effect from 14 September 2026, the Acting Secretary General further stated.Accordingly, the Chairman of the Election Commission has been informed, in terms of Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, that a vacancy has arisen in a seat of the Tenth Parliament.
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.
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