2025-10-13
News Categories : News
A Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, M.P., Minister of Women and Child Affairs, participated in the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) held from 5th to 12th October 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados, under the theme “The Commonwealth – A Global Partner.”
The Conference, organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), brought together over 500 parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth to exchange views on strengthening democratic governance, promoting inclusivity and transparency, and fostering international cooperation among member legislatures.
The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, M.P., Minister of Women and Child Affairs; Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, M.P., Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation; Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva, M.P., Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Asia Regional Champion; Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law, M.P.; Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy, M.P.; Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P.; and Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament and Regional Secretary to the CPA Asia Region.
Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, made a significant contribution to the Conference through her active participation in the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) programme. She served as a lead speaker at the workshop on “Debate Not Hate: Not Accepting Abuse as an Outcome of Free Speech” and took part in the CWP Steering Committee, representing the CPA Asia Region as an Alternate Member. Hon. Paulraj also addressed the CWP and CPwD Joint Workshop on “Overcoming the Barriers to the Involvement of Women with Disabilities in Politics,” where she shared insights on empowering women with disabilities to actively engage in political life. Most importantly, Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj delivered an address at the General Assembly debate, representing Sri Lanka and reaffirming the nation’s steadfast commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and gender-responsive governance. Furthermore, she chaired the Regional Executive Committee Meeting of the CPA Asia Region, alongside Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament and Regional Secretary to the CPA Asia Region, which focused on strengthening regional cooperation among member parliaments.
In addition, Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj and the Sri Lankan delegation held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Christopher de Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, on the sidelines of the Conference. The discussion focused on expanding cooperation between Sri Lanka and Singapore in the field of tourism, with particular emphasis on developing the homestay tourism sector in Sri Lanka. Both parties agreed on the importance of enhancing parliamentary and people-to-people engagement between the two countries to support tourism promotion and sustainable economic development.
Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva, M.P., in his capacity as CPwD Asia Regional Champion, represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) sessions, contributing to discussions on promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in political life.
Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, attended the Conference in her official capacity as the Regional Secretary of the CPA Asia Region. She participated in the CPA Regional Secretaries Meeting and other administrative sessions aimed at enhancing inter-regional collaboration and institutional development within member parliaments.
The Sri Lankan delegation actively participated in the workshops and conference sessions, engaging in constructive dialogue and knowledge sharing on governance, inclusion, and sustainable development, with the objective of applying these insights for the benefit of Sri Lanka’s parliamentary and national advancement.
The 68th CPC also featured a series of high-level plenary workshops and side events on global themes such as strengthening democratic institutions, leveraging digital transformation for governance, promoting financial transparency in parliaments and elections, and addressing climate change as a global health challenge.
The participation of the Sri Lanka delegation underscores the nation’s continued commitment to the principles and values of the Commonwealth and its proactive engagement in promoting democracy, good governance, gender equality, and inclusivity across the global parliamentary community.
2026-09-01
Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka accompanied by Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna, Member of Parliament, successfully participated in the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) held from 26 to 28, August 2026, at the GDT Convention Centre in Phnom Penh, The Kingdom of Cambodia. Hosted jointly by the Senate and the National Assembly of Cambodia, the prestigious global forum brought together legislative leaders, heads of international organizations, and Parliamentary delegations from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and Latin America. The conference convened under the theme, “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully”. The official proceedings commenced following a royal audience with His Majesty King Preah Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, alongside courtesy call with the President of the Senate and Chairman of the ISC-2, Hon. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. The Programme also included a courtesy call with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Mohaborvor Thipadei Hun Manet. Addressing the high-level General Debate, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker championed Parliamentary diplomacy as a critical, resilient complement to traditional statecraft. He emphasized that legislative bodies must act as guardians of democracy and rule of law, keeping communication channels open to build trust even during times of severe political friction. The Speaker firmly asserted that true, lasting peace cannot exist merely as the absence of war; rather, it demands a foundation built on justice, mutual respect, and inclusive development that leaves no citizen behind. Highlighting Sri Lanka's strategic maritime location, the Hon. Speaker reiterated the nation’s historic foreign policy rooted in non-alignment, friendship, and peaceful coexistence. He stressed that borderless modern crises including climate change, cybercrime, and food insecurity cannot be tackled by any nation in isolation, demanding unified regional and international solidarity. Concluding his remarks, Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne pledged Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, framing the achievement of these global goals as the ultimate vehicle for achieving widespread social justice and shared economic prosperity. During his stay in Cambodia, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the Parliament of Australia. The two Speakers discussed matters of mutual interest and explored avenues for further strengthening Parliamentary cooperation and the longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Australia. They also exchanged views on enhancing collaboration between the two Parliaments through greater engagement and the sharing of Parliamentary experiences and best practices. Hon. Speaker Wickramaratne also met with Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal, with particular emphasis on further strengthening bilateral Parliamentary relations. They also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation between the two legislatures and promoting greater interaction and collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The conference concluded with the formal adoption of the landmark Phnom Penh Declaration, cementing a unified legislative framework to peacefully resolve international differences. Closing remarks were delivered by the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary.
2026-08-28
Parliament is scheduled to meet from September 8 to 11. The parliamentary business for the week was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business meeting held recently (Aug. 20), chaired by the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, on Tuesday, September 8, the period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the House is scheduled to debate, for approval, two Orders published in Extraordinary Gazettes Nos. 2489/22 and 2493/19, issued under the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203).This will be followed by a period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. allocated for the debate on the Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition.On Wednesday, September 9, the period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, while the period from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers. Thereafter, from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., the time has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).From 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the House is scheduled to hold the Second Reading debate on the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill.Thereafter, the period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Thursday, September 10, the period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the House is scheduled to debate, for approval, a Resolution under the Women’s Empowerment Act.Subsequently, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Government will be taken up for debate.On Friday, September 11, the period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).The period from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for the following Private Members’ Motions.Name of the Member of ParliamentTitle of the Private Member MotionHon. Nalin Bandara JayamahaBringing Industries related to Petroleum, Fuel and Water under the regulation of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri LankaHon. Ajith P. PereraProviding an incentive to family units to increase the number of births in Sri LankaHon. (Dr.) Harsha de SilvaProtection of the Diyagama ForestHon. Sujeewa DissanayakeAbolishing the additional six percent pension deduction from the salaries of Pirivena TeachersHon. Nanda BandaraFood crop cultivation in mountainous areasHon. T.K. JayasundaraDeveloping the Kithul IndustryHon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. HizbullahEstablishment of a Faculty of Medicine for South Eastern University of Sri LankaThereafter, the period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.
2026-08-28
A 25-member delegation of parliamentary officials from Sri Lanka, representing all nine departments in the Parliament of Sri Lanka, is participating in Capacity Building Programme at the Lok Sabha Secretariat in New Delhi.This Capacity-Building Programme was initiated through the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka at the request of Ms. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Subsequently, under the direction of Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, arranged and facilitated the programme. As a result of this collaboration, 50 parliamentary officials from the Parliament of Sri Lanka were given the opportunity to participate in the programme.The first batch of 25 Sri Lankan parliamentary officials participated in the programme in India last month. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Hansa Abeyrathne, Assistant Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Following this, the second batch of 25 Sri Lankan parliamentary officials, led by Ms. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, is currently in the programme in New Delhi.Both programmes were conducted by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, with the objective of strengthening the professional knowledge, skills and institutional capacities of parliamentary officials.The visiting officials were warmly received by senior officials of the Lok Sabha Secretariat upon their arrival at the VIP terminal of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.As part of their visit, the Sri Lankan parliamentary officials paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex before the commencement of their programme.The capacity-building sessions cover a wide range of subjects related to parliamentary administration and functioning. These include international parliamentary relations and protocol, executive accountability to Parliament and the role and functions of parliamentary committees, the organisational structure of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, and the functioning of its Administration Branch.The programme also provides participants with an opportunity to learn about the functioning and management of committee secretariats and branches, parliamentary privileges and ethics, and services provided to Members of Parliament, including members’ services, allowances and welfare.Other key areas covered include preparation of the Secretariat’s budget, the functions of the Integrated Finance Unit (IFU) and Budget and Budgetary (B&B) branches, and the role and powers of presiding officers in legislatures.The delegation visited the Parliament House to observe the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Chambers and the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Visit to the Parliament Library Building are also included in the programme, provided the officials with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with India’s parliamentary infrastructure and support services.In addition to the academic and institutional sessions, the programme also included a cultural visit to Agra. The programme forms part of ongoing parliamentary cooperation and capacity-building initiatives between India and Sri Lanka, providing officials from the two institutions with opportunities to exchange experiences and gain a deeper understanding of parliamentary procedures, administration and democratic institutions.Senior officials of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by Ms. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, met with Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, in New Delhi and engaged in a cordial and fruitful discussion. During the meeting, Ms. Rohanadeera expressed her sincere appreciation to Shri Utpal Kumar Singh for arranging and facilitating the Capacity-Building Programme for Sri Lankan parliamentary officials and for the support extended towards its successful implementation.In addition, the Secretary-General and a group of officials representing the Department of Communications of the Parliament of Sri Lanka also observed the operations of “Sansad TV,” the official television channel of the Indian legislature.The continuation of the programme through successive batches highlights the growing institutional engagement between the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the Lok Sabha Secretariat and contributes to the sharing of parliamentary expertise and best practices between the two countries.
2026-08-21
The Supplementary Estimate to provide Rs. 7500 million required by the Government to purchase paddy from the 2026 Yala season was approved by Parliament today (Aug. 21). The debate on the Supplementary Estimate was held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.The Supplementary Estimate was presented to allocate Rs. 7500 million from the funds allocated for projects/programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for 2026, which are expected to remain unutilized during the year, for the purchase of paddy.
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