2025-11-26
News Categories : News
The Budget heads of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Digital Economy were debated today (Nov. 26), the tenth day of the Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026, and were passed with amendments, without a vote.
2026-04-29
The official badge-awarding ceremony for members of the Student Parliament of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kadawatha was held on 27.04.2026 at the Presidential Secretariat.The event was attended by Director General of Legal Affairs to the President, Senior Attorney-at-Law J.M. Wijebandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Subhash Roshana Gamage and Hansard Editor of Parliament (Mrs.) Nayani Lokukodikara.Accordingly, official badges and certificates were ceremonially awarded to the newly elected Speaker, Prime Minister, Ministers and Members of the Student Parliament of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kadawatha.During the event, Director General of Legal Affairs to the President, Senior Attorney-at-Law J.M. Wijebandara, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Subhash Roshana Gamage, shared their views on the importance of the equal application of the law in the country and the functioning of the President’s Fund.Hansard Editor of Parliament, (Mrs.) Nayani Lokukodikara, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the value of student parliaments and emphasizing their importance in improving the relatively low level of political literacy in the country.This programme was organized by the Department of Communications of Parliament and the Presidential Secretariat. It was attended by Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat, Major Nadeeka Dangolla, officials from the Department of Communications of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the Principal, Deputy Principal, and members of the teaching staff of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kadawatha.
2026-04-28
Parliament to convene from May 5 to 8 – Decision by the Committee on Parliamentary BusinessThe President of Vietnam H.E To Lam is scheduled to address the Parliament of Sri Lanka on 8th May and this, along with the parliamentary business, was decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held yesterday (Apr. 27) under the chairmanship of Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, Parliament is scheduled to meet from May 5th to May 8th .On Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 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 allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, and from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., it has been decided to take up for debate four Orders (Extraordinary Gazette Nos. 2471/52, 2471/53, 2471/54, 2471/55) and one Regulations (Gazette No. 2475/28) under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act.From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 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 10.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister and from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. for Questions for Oral Answers. The time 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 5.30 p.m., the Second Reading debate of the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill is scheduled to be held.On Thursday, May 7th , 2026 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 allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, and from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2). Thereafter, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., it has been decided to debate Regulations under the National Transport Commission Act (Gazette No. 2471/68), the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) (Gazette No. 2470/14) and the Immigration and Emigration Act (Chapter. 351) (to be presented to Parliament on 05.05.2026).From 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., debates will be held on Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance and the Essential Public Services Act.On Friday, May 8th,2026, at around 11.05 a.m., His Excellency To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Leader of the Communist Party, is scheduled to arrive at Parliament and thereafter address the House. Subsequently, from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., it has been decided to take up for debate seven Private Members’ Motions listed below.Name of Hon. Member of ParliamentTitle of the Private Member’s MotionHon. Hesha WithanageProviding opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen who represent a national sports team or claim a national level record to read for any degree course related to the field of sportsHon. Chaminda WijesiriFormulating a program to make school students aware of the University of Vocational TechnologyHon. Ravi KarunanayakeSetting up of a unit with legal powers to solve the problems faced by the migrant employeesHon. Lal PremanathTaking actions to prevent public dissatisfaction with all local government institutions at the grassroots levelHon. Rohana BandaraFormulating a course of action to prevent the misuse of the positions of professors and doctorsHon. Nalin Bandara JayamahBringing Industries related to Petroleum, Fuel and Water under the regulation of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri LankaHon. Ravindra BandaraFormulating a methodology to prevent the damage caused by the pinus plantations to sources of water and the environment
2026-04-23
The newly appointed High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retired) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, met with the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at Parliament recently (Apr. 21).The Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Ms. Zunaira Latif, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, were also present at this meeting.The High Commissioner expressed that it is a great pleasure and honor to serve for the first time as High Commissioner in a friendly country rich in cultural heritage like Sri Lanka. He further stated his commitment to strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two countries and elevating bilateral relations to a more productive level.Speaking on the occasion, the Hon. Speaker extended his congratulations to the newly appointed High Commissioner and expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for their continued support during every challenging period faced by Sri Lanka. He gratefully recalled Pakistan’s assistance during various occasions, from the country’s war situation to the devastating natural disaster caused by Cyclone “Ditwah,” describing it as a true expression of friendship.The Hon. Speaker also highly appreciated Pakistan’s important role as an active mediator in fostering global unity in the current international context. He further emphasized that the establishment of the Sri Lanka - Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association has created opportunities to further strengthen ties between the legislatures of both countries.At this meeting, the Hon. Speaker requested the High Commissioner of Pakistan to facilitate bringing to Sri Lanka the statue depicting the Buddha’s austerities (Fasting Buddha Statue), currently housed at the Lahore Museum in Pakistan, so that Sri Lankan devotees may have the opportunity to view and pay homage.The High Commissioner stated that Sri Lanka, with its beautiful natural environment and hospitable people, has significant potential to further develop its tourism industry. He also expressed Pakistan’s readiness to share its experience and knowledge in modern technology-based agriculture with Sri Lanka.During the visit, the High Commissioner also met with the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih, and held a cordial discussion. Both sides exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation. Discussions also focused on enhancing educational scholarship exchange programmes between the two countries and expanding opportunities for sharing knowledge and experience among Members of Parliament.The High Commissioner also met with the Leader of the House, Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake, and engaged in a friendly discussion, during which a broad dialogue on bilateral cooperation took place.The Hon. minister expressed his deep gratitude for Pakistan’s support to Sri Lanka during the disaster caused by Cyclone “Ditwah.” Recalling his participation in the International Conference of Regional Transport Ministers held in Pakistan last year, the Minister emphasized that plans are underway to complete all construction work of the proposed expressway network in Sri Lanka and make it available for public use by the end of 2028.Special attention was also given during the meeting to several areas, including investment opportunities between the two countries, practical measures to develop the tourism industry, and programs for exchanging experiences among public representatives at parliamentary and local government levels.
2026-04-23
Delegation Holds Discussions with Sri Lanka - France Parliamentary Friendship Association to Enhance Bilateral RelationsA delegation led by the France–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group in the French Senate met with the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne recently (Apr. 21) at Parliament, reaffirming the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and France.The delegation included Senator (Ms.) Vanina Paoli-Gagin, President of the France–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group, Mr. Didier Marie, Vice President of the Group, Senator (Ms.) Laurence Muller-Bronn, Senator along with Ms. Charlotte Dammane, Senior Assistant Director of International Relations and Protocol. Welcoming the delegation, the Hon. Speaker recalled the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and France, built on mutual respect and shared values over the past seven decades. He emphasized the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation.The Speaker also conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by France in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, noting that the Government successfully managed both the post-cyclone situation and the challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East crisis. Highlighting economic ties, the Hon. Speaker noted that France remains a key tourism source market for Sri Lanka. He underscored the country’s peaceful environment and stressed the importance of enhancing tourism and investment opportunities for mutual benefit. He further noted that Sri Lanka continues to ensure the safety of tourists while planning to improve facilitation through technology-driven solutions and strengthened complaint monitoring systems. Expanding air connectivity, including potential engagement with Air France, was also identified as a priority.The Hon. Speaker expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support extended through the GSP+ facility and conveyed hope for further strengthening of Sri Lanka’s industries through enhanced cooperation and sustainable trade opportunities.The Speaker further highlighted the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through the Sri Lanka–France Parliamentary Friendship Association. Discussions also focused on maritime security and the development of the blue economy, areas of growing importance for both nations.Senator (Ms.) Vanina Paoli-Gagin expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Sri Lanka and reaffirmed France’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. The delegation outlined its planned engagements in Sri Lanka, including discussions with relevant authorities, and expressed interest in supporting initiatives such as water treatment projects, university collaborations, and the textile industry. They emphasized their intention to pursue mutually beneficial partnerships.The delegation also held discussions with members of the Sri Lanka - France Parliamentary Friendship Association. The meeting was co-chaired by the President of the Association, Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Senator (Ms.) Vanina Paoli-Gagin, President of the France–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group. The discussions explored new avenues for cooperation across a broad spectrum, including economic engagement, sustainable development, climate action, and social policy.Hon. Minister Paulraj expressed appreciation for the invitation extended to the Sri Lanka–France Parliamentary Friendship Association to visit France. She highlighted the potential for collaboration in advancing gender equality, child protection, and inclusive social policies, noting the shared commitment of both countries in these areas.She further reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening engagement with France in key areas such as trade, investment, education, maritime cooperation, and climate resilience, emphasizing the strong potential of the partnership at both bilateral and global levels. Members of the Sri Lanka–France Parliamentary Friendship Association, including Hon. Members of Parliament Lal Premanath, Hector Appuhamy, Thanura Dissanayake, and Dharmapriya Dissanayake, were also present at this meeting.The delegation later participated in a luncheon meeting with the Hon. Speaker and members of the Sri Lanka - France Parliamentary Friendship Association, followed by a guided tour of Parliament. The Secretary-General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka H.E. Rémi Lambert and several other officials were also present at these meetings.
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