2023-12-19
A discussion on obtaining the services of Samurdhi Development Officers for the implementation of the second phase of the Aswasuma Benefit Scheme was held in the Committee on Ways and Means of the Parliament. Officials from government institutes such as Department of Samurdhi Development, Welfare Benefits Board and representatives of professional associations of Samurdhi Development Officers were also called for that. The Committee on Ways and Means met on December 13th under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka.
Due to the refusal of the Samurdhi Development Officers to implement the first phase of the Aswasuma benefit scheme, the task was handed over to the Grama Niladhari officers. However, due to the issues related to their service constitution and allowance, it was not possible to get the contribution of the Grama Niladhari officers for that, so the process had to be brought in by apprentice officers, so many practical problems arose, the Chairman of the Committee said. He further emphasized the importance of utilizing Samurdhi Development Officers who have been appointed to carry out social welfare activities at the village level in the implementation of the second phase of Aswasuma.
Since it was revealed that there is no legal obstacle to that, the chairman advised starting the survey to find beneficiaries by giving less weight to the fields of education and health and more weight to the fact of poverty. He also pointed out that necessary steps should be taken to take into account the importance of measuring poverty based on the electricity bill so that the process can be completed according to a strong parameter that cannot be denied or challenged.
He asked the Samurdhi Development officials whether they were ready to join the national task of preparing an accurate list of the poor. Samurdhi officials pointed out that they are willing to involve in the implementation of the second phase of the Aswasuma, but in accordance with Sections 21 and 22 of the Welfare Benefits Act No. 24 of 2002, where they have been found guilty of acting on false information in the performance of their duties, subjected to punishment and recovered in wrong payments. Because of that, they requested to remove the legal difficulties caused to them due to the provision.
Chair of the Committee Patali Champika Ranawaka said that so far, the officers have not been inconvenienced by those clauses in the act.
The Chairman stated that one of the options should be chosen among the options of amending the relevant Act, reaching an agreement in writing between the parties, fulfilling the responsibility based on trust and amicable agreement based on the needs of the country. He also pointed out that the work that can be done the most and should be done with compassion and thinking about the surroundings of the poor is to approach duty based on trust.
However, Samurdhi officials emphasized the need of amending the Act on a legal basis rather than a verbal agreement. Accordingly, the Chai of the Committee stated that the Committee had previously made a recommendation to the Ministry of Finance to amend Sections 21 and 22 of the Welfare Benefits Act No. 24 of 2002, and that the recommendation would be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance again.
Members Committee on Ways and Means Hon. Ashok Abeysinghe, Hon. SMM Muszhaaraff, Hon. Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, State Minister Hon. Anupa Pasqual and Member of Parliament Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara were also present with the permission of the Committee Chair.
2026-11-06
The Parliamentary Caucus for Youth discussed how to strengthen engagement between young people and Parliament and advance future initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation.The Caucus met recently at Parliament under the chairmanship of, Hon. Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, where members exchanged views on the matter.Discussions also focused on several proposals, including a proposal on youth entrepreneurship and industrial development prepared by Hon. Member of Parliament Oshani Umanga; a proposal on empowering youth within local government authorities, prepared by Hon. Member of Parliament, Attorney-at-Law Hiruni Wijesinghe; and a proposal on a policy framework for youth in the plantation and cultivation sectors, prepared by Hon. Member of Parliament Ambika Samivel.Furthermore, extensive discussions were held on proposals prepared by the Caucus's Deputy Co-Chairs, Hon. Members of Parliament Lasith Bashana Gamage, Thanura Dissanayake and Attorney-at-Law Bhagya Sri Herath, concerning an external youth engagement programme and a series of pilot workshops.It was also decided to further study these proposals, which could be implemented for the benefit of young people, and finalize them following further consideration.Several members of the Caucus and other invitees were present at the meeting.
2026-11-05
The Trusts (Amendment) Bill, which is scheduled to be taken up for its Second Reading in Parliament today (Nov. 05), has received the approval of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection.The Bill was discussed and approved when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection met yesterday (04) under the chairmanship of its Chair, Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika.The Bill, which seeks to amend the Trusts Ordinance (Chapter 87), was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 21 October 2026 by the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.Officials from the Legal Draftsman’s Department and the Ministry of Justice briefed the Committee on the amendments proposed under the Bill.Hon. Members of Parliament Ajith P. Perera, President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha, Major General (Retired) G. D. Sooriyabandara and Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, among others, attended the Committee meeting.
2026-11-04
A special national programme was successfully conducted islandwide on the 2nd of November, under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Ministry of Health, with the aim of promoting early detection of breast cancer, one of the most commonly reported cancers among women in Sri Lanka, and raising public awareness about the disease. Awareness and screening programmes were organized at several Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices across the districts represented by women Members of Parliament. The programmes were attended by women Members of Parliament, including Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.In Sri Lanka, approximately 17 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, with around 6,000 new cases reported annually. Furthermore, more than 1,000 deaths occur each year due to the disease, equivalent to approximately three lives lost every day.Breast cancer can be completely cured if detected at an early stage. However, delays in seeking medical treatment due to fear, embarrassment or a lack of awareness have been identified as major challenges.All women should become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and carry out regular breast self-examinations. If any unusual changes are detected, it is important to seek medical advice without delay.Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. The government healthcare system provides free screening and other essential healthcare services.In addition, all women are encouraged to attend the Well Woman Clinic and undergo the recommended Pap test at the ages of 35 and 45. This screening helps detect precancerous changes at an early stage, thereby supporting the prevention of cervical cancer.
2026-11-03
A special meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education was held recently at the Parliament Complex, chaired by the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, to brief Members of Parliament on the revised National Curriculum Framework and the new education reform process.The meeting was attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, as well as a number of experts in the education sector, including representatives of the National Institute of Education (NIE).Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, stated that, in accordance with a Cabinet decision, a National Committee comprising subject experts had been appointed by April 2026 to oversee the education reforms. He further explained that five main subcommittees established under this committee would provide the necessary guidance and direction for the process.He also stated that, in accordance with the Cabinet decision, the new reforms are scheduled to be introduced for Grade 1 in 2026, and for Grades 6 and 2 in 2027. Preparations are currently underway, including teacher training programmes, the development of modules and printing of teacher guides, as well as plans to upgrade digital infrastructure in schools.During the meeting, Director General of the National Institute of Education, Professor O.G. Dayaratne, together with officials from the education sector, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the foundation of the new education reforms, the National Curriculum Framework, assessment methodologies and the proposed implementation plan.He explained that the process had commenced in 2019 and that the National Institute of Education had prepared the National Curriculum Framework in accordance with the new policy approved by the National Education Commission in 2023. He emphasized that the framework was the result of a collective effort involving several institutions. The Director General further stated that the country was introducing education reforms modelled on systems implemented in some of the world's most advanced countries.The Director General of the National Institute of Education emphasized that the fundamental objective of general education should not be limited to producing future workers to meet the demands of the labour market. Rather, it should focus on nurturing holistic and well-rounded citizens enriched with ethics, virtues and values, while developing a future generation capable of building the nation.A shift from the existing content-based education system to an outcome-based and student-centred approach is proposed under the reforms. He further explained that a new assessment framework had been developed to reduce the pressure of rote learning and examination-oriented education. Under this framework, students' progress will be evaluated through a credit-based modular system and continuous assessments conducted throughout the year.Flexible vocational pathways have also been developed to provide students with an understanding of different vocational fields from Grade 6 onwards. These pathways will enable students in Grades 12 and 13 to obtain vocational qualifications up to NVQ Level 4 or pursue higher education.A website named "RIES" has been launched to raise public awareness of the education reforms among the general public, teachers and parents. In addition, an island-wide awareness programme is being implemented in several phases.Addressing the meeting, the Hon. Prime Minister emphasized that the fundamental objective of education should not merely be to prepare children to become future members of the workforce, but also to nurture them into well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens who will contribute to nation-building.She also pointed out that decisions regarding challenges arising during the implementation of the reforms should not be based solely on personal perceptions or opinions. Instead, such decisions should be guided by scientific research and evidence.Members of Parliament who participated in the discussion raised questions and shared their views and proposals regarding the education reforms.It was further emphasized that the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, without any divisions or differences, were essential to the successful implementation of this important national undertaking.The meeting was also attended by Hon. Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, Hon. Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Director of Legislative Services Mr. Jayalath Perera, and several other officials.
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