2024-12-17
Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Member of Parliament of the National People's Power, was unanimously elected as the new Speaker of the Tenth Parliament today (Dec. 17).
A new Speaker was elected following the resignation of Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, Member of Parliament who served as the Speaker of the Tenth Parliament.
Accordingly, the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, proposed the name of the National People's Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne and it was seconded by the Leader of the House, Minister Hon. Bimal Ratnayake.
The Prime Minister and the Leader of the House, who proposed and seconded the name of the Speaker, then traditionally escorted the new Speaker to his seat.
The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sajith Premadasa and other party leaders congratulated the new Speaker on his election.
The Speaker, who then expressed his gratitude for being elected to the post of Speaker, said that he is committed to working for the betterment of the society while preserving independence, dignity and the rights of all members of Parliament in accordance with the Constitution, standing orders and traditions of Parliament.
2026-11-05
A gradual change in attitudes towards women’s involvement in politics and leadership, through a shift in mindset, is a positive development that can be seen in both global and Sri Lankan politics, as the country moves towards building strong women leaders for the future, stated the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara.She made these remarks while addressing the Student Parliament of Holy Family Balika Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Marawila, at the Old Parliamentary Chamber of the Presidential Secretariat recently.The Deputy Chairperson of Committees further stated that the increasing strength of women in terms of skills, knowledge and education offers positive prospects for their active contribution to politics and public administration in the future. She also stressed the need for a firm commitment to achieving this goal.Speaking at the event, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Subash Roshan briefed the students on the Presidential Fund, which provides benefits to the public, including schoolchildren. He also highlighted the importance of preserving good traditions while continuously working towards positive change and social transformation.He further stressed that good habits should begin at home and at school and then spread to the village and the country. He emphasised that social responsibility and self-discipline are essential qualities for schoolchildren.Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Prasanna Chandith, who also participated in the programme, introduced the students to the basic structures of the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. He explained the key elements of democratic governance and the roles played by these institutions.The students were also educated on Parliament and the legislative process by Ms. Chula Herath, Assistant Director (Administration), Human Resource Development of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. She provided them with a practical understanding of democracy and its functioning, the Constitution, Standing Orders, parliamentary traditions and the legislative process.The programme also included the selection of the Speaker of the Student Parliament of Holy Family Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Marawila. The Student Parliament Ministers presented their views and proposals on the programmes they intended to implement under their respective ministries.The programme was jointly organised by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
2026-11-05
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka, H.E. Levan S. Dzhagaryan, met with the Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, yesterday (Nov. 04) at the Parliamentary premises.During the meeting, the Ambassador handed over an official invitation from the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Hon. V. Matvienko, inviting the Hon. Speaker to undertake an official visit to the Russian Federation in 2027, at a mutually convenient time.The invitation highlights the importance of further strengthening sustainable, trust-based and constructive relations between the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly and the Parliament of Sri Lanka. It also expresses confidence that the proposed visit would make a significant contribution to advancing Parliamentary dialogue between the two countries and further strengthening bilateral relations across a broad range of areas.The meeting also provided an opportunity for a cordial exchange of views on matters of mutual interest and the continued strengthening of relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation.
2026-11-04
It was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business meeting held today (Nov. 04), under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, to take up Supplementary Estimate No. 8 of 2026 for debate and approval tomorrow (November 05).The Supplementary Estimate has been presented to allocate a sum of Rs. 4,261 million (Rs. 4,261,000,000.00) from the Consolidated Fund or any other fund or money belonging to the Government to the Sri Lanka Air Force.The funds are intended for the establishment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system for the Sri Lanka Air Force, taking into consideration the changing operational environment and emerging threats arising from persistently adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas, which are vulnerable to natural disasters.In addition, as previously decided, the Trusts (Amendment) Bill (Second Reading) will be taken up for debate from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., provided that the Bill is not challenged before the Supreme Court under Article 121 of the Constitution.There will be no changes to the parliamentary business scheduled for Friday (06).
2026-11-04
According to the Census of Population and Housing 2024 conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, the total number of persons with disabilities currently living in Sri Lanka is 727,293. Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, made this disclosure while providing a detailed explanation of the measures taken to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities.These details were revealed in the Minister’s response to questions raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva, seeking oral answers in Parliament.According to the Minister, a wide range of assistance programmes are being implemented to improve the living conditions and well-being of persons with disabilities.These include a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000 for low-income persons with disabilities; the provision of special assistive devices; and financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 for the purchase of hearing aids and their accessories.Housing assistance is also provided to families with a person with a disability who do not own a house, with a maximum grant of Rs. 1 million. In addition, financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 is provided for house repairs, while an allowance of Rs. 150,000 is granted to improve sanitation facilities.Under a separate programme implemented through the Ministry of Housing Construction and Water Supply, financial assistance of Rs. 1 million per person is provided to improve sanitation facilities for persons with disabilities in the Western Province.Other support measures include financial assistance for purchasing educational equipment, facilitating access to medical services, and providing medical assistance of up to Rs. 100,000 through the intervention of the Presidential Secretariat.Financial assistance is also extended to persons with disabilities or their caregivers to start self-employment ventures. Sports equipment and musical instruments are provided to special education units and institutions, while institutions serving persons with disabilities are eligible to receive development assistance of up to Rs. 500,000.Furthermore, free spectacles are distributed through mobile eye clinics, and measures are being taken to improve accessibility to public places for the disability community.The Government also provides vocational training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Children with disabilities below the age of 16 are directed towards education through early intervention programmes, with additional support provided through skills development and daycare facilities.In addition, students with disabilities from low-income families receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000. The Ministry of Education also provides a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 to students with disabilities pursuing higher education.
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