2025-05-09
News Categories : News
Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka - India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.
The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on 8th May 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
At the meeting, Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka - India Parliamentary Friendship Association.
During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue.
The Hon. Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month.
Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Hon. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor.
In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association Hon. Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.
2026-06-04
The Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, yesterday (Jun. 03) endorsed the certificate on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill.The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, which amends the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, was passed on 19 May 2026. The Act modernizes tax administration procedures, clarifies existing provisions, enhances tax compliance and enforcement, improves the accuracy of tax calculations and deductions, supports strategic economic objectives, and strengthens transparency and anti-money laundering measures.Key changes include the mandatory use of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates for certain significant financial transactions, several revisions to the calculation of income, greater clarity regarding tax exemptions for specific projects and businesses, and an expanded scope for the disclosure of information to relevant authorities.Accordingly, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026.
2026-06-03
Parliament is scheduled to meet from June 9 to 12.The Parliamentary business for these sittings was decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on June 1 under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, on each sitting day, the time 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 set aside for Questions for Oral Answers, and from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2). On Wednesday, June 10, however, the time from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. will be allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, while the period from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. will be reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.On Tuesday, June 9, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, Order under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, Order under the Value Added Tax Act and a Decision under the Standing Orders 119 of Parliament are scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance is scheduled to be debated and approved.On Wednesday, June 10, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Second Reading Debate on the Telecommunication Levy (Amendment) Bill and the Finance (Amendment) Bill will be held. A Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act is also scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time (Opposition) will be taken up for debate.On Thursday, June 11, from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., the Second Reading Debate on the Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Bill will be held and an Order under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act will be debated and approved. Subsequently, from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., an Adjournment Debate on the current situation of the country (Opposition) will be held.On Friday, June 12, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act and a Supplementary Estimate amounting to Rs. 20 billion are scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Adjournment Debate on the Report of the Annual Economic Review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the Year 2025 (Government), which commenced on May 20, 2026, will continue.In addition, approval was granted for an awareness programme on the current fiscal policy and related matters for Hon. Members of Parliament, to be conducted on June 10 within the Parliamentary Complex. The programme will be held at the request of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha, with the participation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and other Central Bank officials.
2026-06-03
The Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, paid a farewell call on the Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliament premises recently (Jun. 01). The Secretary General of Parliament Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present at the occasion.During the meeting, the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hon. Speaker for his cooperation, support, and guidance in further strengthening the cordial Parliamentary relations and longstanding friendship between India and Sri Lanka. He also conveyed his appreciation to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera and the Parliamentary staff for their collaboration in enhancing engagement and cooperation between the legislatures of the two countries.The Hon. Speaker commended Dr. Pandey for his dedicated service in Sri Lanka and thanked the Government and people of India for the steadfast support extended to Sri Lanka during times of need. He particularly appreciated India’s assistance in the aftermath of the recent Cyclone Ditwah and its continued support amid challenges arising from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The Hon. Speaker also expressed his gratitude for the training programmes and capacity-building initiatives provided for Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff.Dr. Pandey also paid a farewell call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih and expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation extended during his tenure in Sri Lanka. The Hon. Deputy Speaker commended Dr. Pandey’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and thanked him for his efforts in fostering parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. During the cordial discussions, the Hon. Speaker and Deputy Speaker extended their best wishes to Dr. Pandey for success in his future endeavors.
2026-06-02
During the weekend of the sacred Vesak festival, which commemorates the three auspicious events in the life of Lord Buddha, the Parliament of Sri Lanka was transformed into a beautiful setting adorned with the splendour of Vesak.The Parliament premises were beautifully decorated with colourful Vesak lanterns, illuminated lights, Buddhist flags and various other Vesak decorations. These decorations created a serene and visually appealing atmosphere, providing spiritual comfort and tranquillity to all who visited or witnessed the surroundings.The decorations also helped convey the true meaning of Vesak by reminding society of the core values of Buddhism, including loving-kindness, compassion, peaceful coexistence and moral integrity. At night, the glittering lanterns and illuminated displays added a unique charm and beauty to the Parliament complex.Reflecting the universal message of Buddhism that transcends race, religion and culture, the Vesak decorations highlighted the importance of building a society that values peace, coexistence and humanity.In parallel with these celebrations, a special ceremony was held around the sacred Bo tree planted within the Parliamentary premises, which originated from a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi. Oil lamps were lit around the Bo tree as part of the observances. Through these religious rituals, homage was paid to the teachings of the Buddha, while prayers were offered for peace, prosperity, and well-being for the nation and its people.Parliament, resplendent with the vitality of the Vesak festival, became another striking symbol of Sri Lanka’s proud Buddhist culture and rich spiritual heritage, demonstrating the importance of these enduring traditions to the nation and its people.
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