2024-11-21
News Categories : News
• Dr. Rizvie Salih was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament
• Hon. Hemali Weerasekara was unanimously elected as the Deputy Chairpersons of Committees
Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, Member of Parliament representing the National People's Power (NPP), has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka. The name of Dr. Ranwala was proposed by the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and was seconded by Hon. Minister Vijitha Herath.
Thereafter, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister Vijitha Herath, who proposed and seconded the name of the Speaker respectively, was escorted to the Speaker’s Chair in accordance with the traditions of Parliament. The Speaker delivered a brief vote of thanks pertaining to his appointment followed by the Speaker taking his official oath in front of the Secretary General. Following the election of the Speaker, Members of Parliament were sworn in and took their official oaths.
Congratulatory remarks on being elected as Speaker were extended by the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Hon. Sajith Premadasa, and Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Hon. Rauff Hakeem.
In his address, the Speaker expressed his commitment to safeguarding the independence and dignity of Parliament as the supreme legislative body of the nation. He pledged to uphold the Parliamentary traditions and procedures while striving to create a model, Parliament. Furthermore, the Speaker sought the cooperation of all Members of Parliament to ensure the institution operates effectively embodying the new political culture expected by the public. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of a well-structured Parliamentary Committee system and called on all Members to conduct themselves with decorum and discipline during Parliamentary proceedings.
Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, represents the Gampaha District and entered Parliament following the most recent General Election. Beginning his political career as a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dr. Ranwala currently serves as a member of the National Executive Committee of the NPP. Dr. Ranwala completed his primary education at Yatiyana Primary School and his secondary education at Henegama Central College. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a doctorate in Biochemistry from Waseda University, Japan. Dr. Ranwala has also previously served as a member of the Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha and the Western Provincial Council.
Moreover, Dr. Rizvie Salih was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. His name was proposed by the Chief Government Whip, Hon. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and was seconded by Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj. Dr. Rizvie Salih, a longstanding medical professional and member of the NPP's National Executive Committee, was elected to Parliament representing the Colombo District during the 2024 General Election.
Furthermore, Hon. Hemali Weerasekara was unanimously elected as the Deputy Chairpersons of Committees. Her nomination was proposed by Hon. Minister Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, and was seconded by Hon. Samanmalee Gunasinghe. Representing the Gampaha District, under the NPP, Hon. Weerasekara is a former member of the Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha and a professional laboratory technician. She completed her education at Yasodara Vidyalaya, Colombo and Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo. Hon. Weerasekara has been an active member of the NPP’s district and women’s executive committees.
2026-07-31
The Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, met with Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC) Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, recently at the Parliament premises.During the meeting, Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal handed over the official invitation addressed to the Hon. Speaker from H.E the President of the Kingdom of Cambodia, inviting him to participate in the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC), which is scheduled to be held in the Kingdom of Cambodia from 26 to 28 August 2026.The conference will be held under the theme, "Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening Internal Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully."During the cordial discussion, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne observed that the conference theme is both timely and highly relevant in the present global context. The discussions also focused on the activities and future initiatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC), reaffirming the importance of strengthening Parliamentary cooperation in promoting peace, the rule of law, and shared prosperity.The Secretary General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, Executive Director of International Affairs of the ISC Mr. Saito Hajime and Secretary General of UPF Sri Lanka Dr. Chula Senaratne, were also present at the meeting.
2026-07-30
The Hon. Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Rizvie Salih, emphasized that public representatives should be sent to Parliament as statesmen rather than politicians. He noted that politicians work with the next election in mind, whereas statesmen work with the welfare of future generations in mind.The Hon. Deputy Speaker made these remarks while attending, as the Chief Guest, the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of St. Joseph's Girls' School, Kegalle, held recently at the Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat.The programme was jointly organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and the Ministry of Education with the objective of providing students of St. Joseph's Girls' College with practical exposure to Parliamentary proceedings and a better understanding of the democratic system of governance.Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Deputy Speaker said: "It is impossible to imagine the consequences for a country where people do not respect the law. Parliament is responsible for enacting the laws the country needs. Therefore, those elected to Parliament must be people who respect the law and are themselves subject to it. Only such individuals can enact laws that truly serve the nation.Respect your teachers, who dedicate their utmost efforts to turning your dreams into reality. Listen to them carefully and continue to seek their guidance and blessings. Even if you achieve great success in the future, the teachers who educated you will always remain your teachers.Whatever profession you choose, do it with passion. Take pride in your work and respect it. Above all, be honest in carrying out your responsibilities.Parents are the only people who genuinely wish for their children to surpass them. Respect the parents who nurture and support you. Children naturally follow the example set by their parents, so it is the responsibility of parents to be role models. Respecting the law instills the values of a law-abiding citizen. As you leave this place today, resolve to become citizens who uphold and respect the law."The Hon. Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi also addressed the event, stating: "In recent years, Parliamentary traditions were misused in ways that went against the people's mandate, resulting in public disillusionment. Those in power used Parliamentary privileges to retain power and protect corrupt individuals. The Government is committed to restoring Parliament as an institution that is accountable to the people's mandate and guided by responsibility, discipline, restraint and exemplary conduct.The students of St. Joseph's Girls' College conducted an outstanding Parliamentary session today. It gives us confidence that the country has a bright future. One day, you will take on the responsibility of governing this country and fulfilling your duty to the generations that follow."The Director of Legislative Services of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. M. Jayalath Perera, also briefed the students on the principal sources that guide Parliamentary proceedings.The inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Student Speaker, followed by the administration of oaths to the student members. Student ministers then presented the programmes and development proposals they intend to implement within the school through their respective ministries.Certificates were presented to the participating students by the Hon. Deputy Speaker and other distinguished guests. At the conclusion of the programme, the Principal of St. Joseph's Girls' College, Ms. Gangani Thilakaratne Menike, delivered the vote of thanks. The student parliamentarians, teachers and distinguished guests also posed for a group photograph.The programme was successfully organized as another initiative under the Student Parliament Programme jointly conducted by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.Among those present were Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, Director General of Public Relations at the Presidential Secretariat; Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat; Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi, Director (Communication) of Parliament of Sri Lanka; as well as teachers, parents and students of St. Joseph's Girls' School, Kegalle.
2026-07-30
Parliament will meet from August 4 to 7.The parliamentary business for the week was decided at a recent meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business, chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Except for Wednesday, August 5, when time has been allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, each sitting day, from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for Business of Parliament as per Standing Order 22(1) to (6) of the Parliament. The time from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, and from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Tuesday, August 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to debate and approve the Supplementary Estimate relating to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education; and the determination of Salary of the Auditor General.From 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., time has been allocated for Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Government.Wednesday, August 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., time will be allocated for Parliamentary business under Standing Orders 22(1)–22(6). From 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., has been set aside for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, followed by Questions for Oral Answers from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) will be taken from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..From 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Parliament will hold an Adjournment Debate, moved by the Opposition, on the Report of the Committee on Public Finance concerning the fraud linked to cybercrime in relation to the US$2.5 million debt repayment to Australia.Thursday, August 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to hold the Second Reading debate on the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Amendment) Bill; andAnimals (Amendment) Bill, provided the bills are not challenged before the Supreme Court under Article 121 of the Constitution.From 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.Friday, August 7, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the following Private Members' Motions are scheduled to be debated:Name of the Hon. Member of ParliamentTitle of the Private Member MotionKanthasamy PrabuPromoting self-sufficiency in milk productionHector AppuhamyFormulation of a programme for the protection of mangrove ecosystemsM.S. UthumalebbeExpanding the railway line from Batticaloa to Pottuvil or the railway line from Matara to KalmunaiImran MaharoofEstablishment of a Commission to Investigate the Unilateral and Forced Cremation of the Remains of Deceased Muslims During the COVID-19 PandemicDayasiri JayasekaraFormulation of a system to stop the ripening of fruits using chemicalsSusantha Kumara NawarathnaFormulation of a National Policy and Methodology for the Wildlife Management in Sri LankaShanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamEstablishment of a special Development Fund dedicated to reduce regional disparities in developmentThereafter, the period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.
2026-07-28
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Namal Karunaratne, announced in Parliament that Rs. 1 billion (1,000 million) has been allocated in the 2026 National Budget for the National Dairy Production Programme aimed at empowering dairy farmers.The Deputy Minister made this statement while responding to an oral question raised by Hon. Attorney-at-Law Hesha Withanage Ankumbura, Member of Parliament.He explained that, under the National Dairy Production Programme, dairy farmers will be organized through 325 Dairy Hub societies. The programme will also focus on developing dairy-related entrepreneurs and enhancing their production capacities through various initiatives.The government expects the programme to increase Sri Lanka's annual milk production from 410 million liters to 1.2 billion liters.In addition, the Deputy Minister stated that steps have been taken to develop the Nikaweratiya Dairy Farm, which is owned by the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB), under the livestock breeding farm development project. He also noted that Provincial Departments of Animal Production and Health are implementing numerous programmes to support and strengthen dairy farmers.The Deputy Minister further emphasized that these initiatives are intended to increase domestic milk production; strengthen the incomes of dairy farmers; and meet the country's domestic demand for milk through local production.
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