2024-05-10
Many administrative weaknesses and irregularities in the University of Sabaragamuwa were revealed at COPE. Accordingly, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education was recommended to investigate these irregularities and prepare a report promptly and present it to the COPE. COPE further pointed out that following this report, it will be handed over to the CID to start investigations.
Particular pertaining to the said was revealed when the Committee on Public Enterprises met in Parliament recently (May 08) under the chairmanship of Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardana, Member of Parliament.
Prior to the discussion regarding the University of Sabaragamuwa, attention of the Committee was directed towards the 5 newly established medical faculties. Accordingly, it was disclosed that the functioning of the 4 faculties of medicine is at a good level and the said university pointed out that the facilities of the Kalutara hospital are adequate for the clinical activities of the students of the faculty of medicine attached to the University of Moratuwa.
It has been proposed to use the Neville Fernando Hospital for this purpose, but the officials who were present pointed out that there is a financial problem regarding the acquisition of this hospital. Thus, the Committee recommended that a quick decision be taken within two weeks after holding a discussion with the intervention of the President's Secretary, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and the relevant ministry officials.
Thereafter, discussion regarding the University of Sabaragamuwa and the progress of the implementation of the orders and recommendations issued by the Committee on Public Enterprises held on November 09th, 2023 was reviewed.
Thus, in the year 2007, to construct the administrative building, Rs. 1,494,543 was borne as initial expenses, but COPE also drew attention to the fact that the construction had not begun. The officials present mentioned that the report prepared by the former Secretary to the Ministry of Education was given to the Auditor General and COPE a few days ago with the signature of the new Secretary. However, although it was recommended to give it within a month with time extended until February 09, 2024, the Committee expressed its displeasure that it took about 6 months to submit this report.
Moreover, the Committee paid attention to the condition of the university playground when it was summoned before COPE in November. COPE has at a previous meeting inquired about the retention of water in the playground, the rough surface due to the application of gravel mixed soil and the bursting of the embankment. According to the said, officials present pointed out that the existing issues have been fixed and completed.
Furthermore, attention was paid to the provision of an advance bond of 72,461,830 rupees while the contractors had defaulted on the construction of the new library building with a contract value of 315,051,433 rupees. Accordingly, COPE recommended that an investigation be conducted under the leadership of the Secretary to the Ministry of Education in this regard.
Irregularities in the purchase of books was also disclosed. Furthermore, many administrative weaknesses and irregularities of this university were discussed and the committee made recommendations to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education to investigate all such matters and prepare a report to be submitted it to this Committee. COPE further stated that following this report, it will be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department to start investigations.
Government officials, State Ministers Hon. Indika Anuruddha, Hon. Janaka Wakkumbura, Members of Parliament Hon. Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha, Hon. (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya, and Hon. Madhura Withanage were present at this committee meeting held.
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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