2024-11-19
An orientation programme for newly elected members of parliament will be held in Committee Room No. 01 of Parliament on 25, 26 and 27 November 2024 from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. This programme has been organized this time as well, as it is traditionally done at the beginning of a new parliament.
The Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the Chief Government Whip, Members of Parliament, the Secretary General of Parliament, the Deputy Secretary General, the Assistant Secretary General and officials are scheduled to participate in this event.
During this three-day programme, necessary arrangements have been made to educate Members of Parliament with regard to the role and responsibilities of a Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Privileges, Legislative Process in Parliament, Parliamentary Committee System, Standing Orders of Parliament, and the provisions of the Constitution. Arrangements have also been made to hold a practical session for Members of Parliament to vote using the electronic voting system.
Furthermore, awareness will be provided with regard to the laws and procedures related to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption established by the Anti-Corruption Act, as well as the role of the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
The heads of departments and offices of Parliament are also scheduled to inform the Members of Parliament about the tasks related to their respective departments.
2026-11-11
Mr. Davis Myers, Chargé d’Affaires / Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, recently. The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on the occasion.The Hon. Deputy Speaker warmly welcomed Mr. Myers and reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and the United States of America. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued support extended by the Government of the United States, particularly during challenging periods, and acknowledged the assistance provided through USAID towards strengthening Parliamentary affairs and institutional capacities.During the meeting, the Secretary General of Parliament highlighted the recent visit of Hon. Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka to the US Congress conducted through the collaboration of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). She also recalled the various forms of assistance extended to Parliament, including initiatives aimed at strengthening Parliamentary outreach programmes through USAID.Mr. Davis Myers reaffirmed his commitment to continuing and further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. He also commended the beauty and architectural significance of the Parliament building, as well as the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.Both parties engaged in cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest, including maritime security and measures to combat the drug menace.Mr. Myers also participated in a guided tour of the Parliament building, during which he was briefed on its architectural features and Parliamentary facilities.Ms. Rachel Huggins, Political Officer of the US Embassy, Ms. Nazreen Marikkar, and Political Specialist of the US Embassy were also present on this occasion.
2026-11-11
The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that a sum of Rs. 18,058,884 has been allocated this year for the conservation of 846 sites of archaeological significance identified so far in the Anuradhapura District. Accordingly, the figures tabled in Parliament indicate that this includes Rs. 12,609,034 allocated under departmental grants and Rs. 5,449,850 provided through external funding.The Minister made these remarks in response to questions raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Susantha Kumara Navarathna, who sought oral answers.The Minister further stated that measures have been taken to protect and conserve these archaeological sites, taking into consideration the significance of each site, the nature of potential threats, its location and the relevant legal framework. Accordingly, the measures undertaken include carrying out the monitoring affairs of sites, security affairs, establishment of safety fences, boundary posts, taking legal action, carry out the exploration activities, maintenance, preservative, excavations and conservation activities.
2026-11-11
The National Transport Commission (NTC) earned revenue amounting to Rs. 785,411,317.92 in 2025 and Rs. 673,114,357.25 up to 30 September 2026 through the issuance of permits and other revenue-generating activities, said Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena.The Deputy Minister further stated that revenue generated solely through the issuance of permits amounted to Rs. 546,695,018.46 in 2025 and Rs. 439,157,062.25 up to 30 September 2026.These details were revealed in a reply given by the Deputy Minister in Parliament to oral questions raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Rohitha Abeygunawardhana.As of 1 October 2026, the National Transport Commission had issued 2,966 valid passenger service permits for operating buses on inter-provincial routes. These included 1,826 permits for normal services, 257 for semi-luxury services, 651 for luxury services and 232 for super-luxury services, the Deputy Minister stated.He also noted that the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) currently owns a fleet of 7,130 buses, of which 6,987 are normal buses and the remaining 143 are luxury buses. In addition, 114 Metro buses have been imported into the country, he said.Providing a province-wise breakdown of the private buses operating in Sri Lanka, the Deputy Minister stated that 5,520 buses operate in the Western Province, 2,433 in the Central Province, 1,326 in the Southern Province, 976 in the Northern Province, 520 in the Eastern Province, 1,324 in the North Western Province, 509 in the North Central Province, 1,043 in the Uva Province and 1,816 in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
2026-11-11
The Budget Debate will be held over 26 days, from November 13 to December 14The Second Reading Debate will take place from November 13 to November 20The Committee Stage Debate will be held from November 21 to December 14, with the Third Reading vote scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on December 14Parliament is scheduled to meet tomorrow at 1.30 p.m., when the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Speech) will be presented in Parliament in the afternoon by Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.Thereafter, the debate on the Appropriation Bill (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held over a period of 26 days, from November 13 to December 14.The Appropriation Bill for 2027, which was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on October 7, 2026, will be taken up for the Second Reading Debate from November 13 to November 20, over a period of seven days. The vote on the Second Reading of the Budget will subsequently be held at 6.00 p.m. on November 20.The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill for 2027 is scheduled to take place from November 21 to December 14, over a period of 19 days, including four Saturdays. Thereafter, the vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill will be held at 6.00 p.m. on December 14.During the Budget period, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. each day will be allocated for Parliamentary Business listed under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). From 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., time will be allocated for five Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. will be reserved for one Question under Standing Order 27(2).The Budget Debate will be conducted from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. On all days except November 20 and December 14, when voting will take place, the period from 6.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. will also be allocated for the debate on the Motions at the Adjournment Time.
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