2024-08-14
News Categories : Committee News
The Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians Sri Lanka convened 0n 06th August 2024 to discuss several crucial proposals put forth by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA). The meeting was chaired by Hon. (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana.
During the meeting, the GMOA presented a series of proposals aimed at enhancing the working conditions and recognition of medical officers. The key proposals included the introduction of a duty covering-up allowance for specialist-grade medical officers and grade medical officers, as well as the establishment of an exclusive service category and salary code under the designation of the Sri Lanka Medical Service.
The Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians expressed its support for these proposals, agreeing to them in principle. The Caucus has committed to forwarding these recommendations to the Ministry of Health for further consideration and implementation.
In a positive development, the minister of Health Hon (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana and the State Minister Hon (Dr.) (Mrs.) Seetha Arambepola agreed to these proposals in principle, signaling a collaborative effort to advance the interests of medical professionals in Sri Lanka.
The Government Medical Officers Association expressed its appreciation for the activities of the Caucus in supporting the development of the health sector and the development of medical officers in Sri Lanka.
The meeting was attended by members of the Caucus Health Minister Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, State Minister Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Seetha Arambepola, Members of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Rajitha Senarathne, Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Hon. (Dr.) Thilak Rajapakshe.
2026-03-31
A Parliamentary delegation from the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by Hon. S. M. Marikkar, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee, undertook a Parliamentary Study Tour to New Delhi and Mumbai from 22nd to 27th March 2026, following an invitation extended by the High Commission of India.The Sri Lankan delegation comprised the Chief Opposition Whip Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, Members of Parliament Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, Hon. K. Ilankumaran, Hon. Chathura Galappaththi, Hon. Ravindra Bandara, Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha, Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney at Law, Hon. Kins Nelson and Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe. Parliament staff members attached to the office of the Sectoral Oversight Committees who were also present included Assistant Director (Administration) Mr. K. P. Chandana, Principal Officer Ms. S. W. T. R. De Silva and Parliamentary Officer Ms. W. K. A. M. M. M. Arthanayaka. The delegation arrived in New Delhi on 22nd March 2026 and commenced official engagements on the following day. The programme included a meeting with the Foreign Secretary of India and a floral tribute at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex. The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha.An orientation session on the Indian Parliamentary system was conducted, providing valuable insights into institutional structures and legislative processes. The delegation further held productive interactions with the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, as well as the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs.On 24th March 2026, the delegation participated in a series of technical and policy-focused engagements, including a session on India’s “PM Gati Shakti” National Master Plan. Visits were made to the National Highways Authority of India and the Solar Energy Corporation of India, alongside discussions with the Confederation of Indian Industry. The delegation also engaged with the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, further strengthening bilateral Parliamentary relations.Continuing its programme on 25th March 2026, the delegation visited the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to study urban mass transit systems and best practices in public transportation. This was followed by an interaction with the New Delhi Municipal Council on Smart City initiatives, focusing on urban governance, digital infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The delegation also met with officials of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to discuss large-scale water supply management and rural infrastructure development.The programme in Mumbai included visits to key infrastructure and development sites such as the Atal Setu Bridge and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, as well as the Navi Mumbai Airport. The delegation also visited the Power Exchange India Limited and met with the Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra.On 27th March 2026, the delegation visited prominent locations including the Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves. The programme also included a meeting with the Hon. Speaker of the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha and discussions with senior officials responsible for investment promotion and industries, prior to their departure to Colombo.Sri Lanka’s participation in this Parliamentary Study Tour underscored its continued commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with India and advancing institutional capacity, knowledge exchange, and best practices in infrastructure and strategic development through sustained Parliamentary engagement.
2026-03-30
Progress on the implementation of recommendations issued by the COPA on 06th January 2026 was reviewed Matters relating to the 2024 Auditor General’s Report and current performance were also examined The Department of Archaeology was summoned before the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), where attention was drawn to the progress made in implementing the recommendations issued at the COPA meeting held on 06th January 2026, as well as to the current performance of the Department.These matters were discussed at the COPA meeting held in Parliament on 19th March 2026 under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Kabir Hashim, to examine the Auditor General’s triennial report for the years 2021–2023, the 2024 Auditor General’s Report, and the current performance of the Department of Archaeology.At its meeting on 06th January 2026, it was recommended that a report on the gazetted and ungazetted antiquities identified by the Department of Archaeology be submitted to the Committee within a month. However, the Auditor General’s Department pointed out that data relating to antiquities not declared by Gazette had still not been submitted to the Committee. Accordingly, the Chair of the Committee instructed that a report be submitted within two weeks, including details of such antiquities, reasons for not publishing them by Gazette, and a proposed timeline for their gazetting.The Committee also focused on the lack of progress in implementing the recommendation to establish a centralized data system for the Department of Archaeology, and instructed that a progress report on this matter be submitted to the Committee.Furthermore, it was revealed that although Cabinet approval stipulates that 25% of the revenue generated by the Central Cultural Fund should be allocated to the Ministry of National Heritage, the Department of Archaeology has been requesting a lower allocation annually. Officials who appeared before the Committee stated that funds allocated through Cabinet approval had remained unutilized, and that there are plans to reduce future allocations requested from the Treasury accordingly.The shortage of vehicles available to the Department was also discussed, with officials noting that this has significantly affected the institution’s performance. The Committee stated that it would take steps to raise this matter with the relevant authorities.The meeting was attended by Committee Member Hon. Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake and Hon. Members of Parliament (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Hector Appuhamy, Chanaka Madugoda, Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, and Ruwanthilaka Jayakody.
2026-03-30
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports has granted approval for the regulations under the “Convention Against Doping in Sports Act.” These regulations have been published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2471/51 dated 16 January 2026.The approval was granted at a meeting of the Committee held recently (Mar. 20) in Parliament, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, with the participation of the Hon. Deputy Minister, Dinindu Saman Hennayake.A number of Member Parliamentarians of the Committee, as well as non-member Parliamentarians, were present at the meeting. Officials, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, also attended the occasion.
2026-03-30
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has instructed officials to immediately prepare a plan for the environmentally friendly disposal of ash emitted from the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant.These instructions were given at a meeting of the Committee held in Parliament on the Mar. 17th, under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy.It was revealed during the meeting that, due to issues related to the quality of coal imported to Sri Lanka for power generation, the volume of ash emitted during electricity generation has increased significantly. The Committee noted that if this ash is not properly disposed of, there is a risk of future environmental damage. Accordingly, officials were directed to formulate a plan under the leadership of the District Secretary of the Puttalam District to take the necessary measures.It was also proposed that the possibility of reusing the removed ash for production purposes be studied, and that any revenue generated from such products be utilized for welfare projects benefiting the communities affected by the power plant.In addition, the Committee instructed the Central Environmental Authority to submit a comprehensive report on whether water and air pollution have occurred as a result of the Norochcholai Power Plant. Furthermore, the North Western Provincial Environmental Authority was also recommended to provide responses within two weeks regarding the questionnaire and related matters submitted by the Committee in connection with the Norochcholai Power Plant.Officials of the North Western Provincial Environmental Authority stated that although the volume of ash emitted from the plant has increased, the filtration system in use at the plant is sufficient to absorb these particles. Several matters, including the issuance of environmental protection licenses for the power plant, were discussed in detail.The meeting was attended by Committee Members, Hon. Members of Parliament Kings Nelson, Roshan Akmeemana, Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, Susantha Kumara Navaratne, Kitnan Selvaraj and Upul Kithsiri.
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