The Hon. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan Meets the Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih

A delegation led by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan, the Hon. (Mr.) Muhammad Junaid Anwar met with the Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih on 10th of December 2025.

The Hon. (Mr.) Muhammad Junaid Anwar conveyed his condolences and affirmed his solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka in the wake of the disaster caused by the Cyclone Ditwah. The Hon. Minister extended his support and assistance in this hour of need, following which, the parties held discussions on climate change, acknowledging the imperativeness of a future focused on climate resilience and sustainability.

H.E. Maj. Gen. (R) Faheem Ul Aziz, High Commissioner of Pakistan along with Ms. Zunaira Latif, Deputy High Commissioner and the Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General were also present during the meeting.

The Hon. (Mr.) Muhammad Junaid Anwar also affirmed that the presence of professionals and educated representatives in Parliament marked a significant step forward in strengthening democratic governance, and extended an invitation to the Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih to visit Pakistan.

The Hon. (Mr.) Muhammad Junaid Anwar also inquired about the committee system established within the Parliament of Sri Lanka. In response, the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, elaborated on the deeply rooted committee system and its functions.

Thereafter, the delegation led by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan, the Hon. (Mr.) Muhammad Junaid Anwar, accompanied by the Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, engaged in a tour of Parliamentary premises.

2025-12-05

2026 Appropriation Bill passed in Parliament with a majority

Speaker endorses the Appropriation BillThree other Bills also passed in ParliamentThe Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 (Budget) was passed in Parliament today (Dec. 05) with a majority vote.The vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill commenced at 7.30 p.m. The Bill received 158 votes in favour and 1 vote against, and 2 MPs abstained from voting. Accordingly, the Appropriation Bill was passed with a majority of 157 votes.The second reading of the Appropriation Bill for 2026, commonly known as the Budget Speech, was presented to Parliament by Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, on 07th November 2025. The debate on the second reading was held for six days, from 08th to 14th November, following which the second reading was passed in Parliament on 14th November with a majority of 118 votes.The Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill was then held for 14 days, from 15 November until today (05). Although the debate was originally scheduled to span 17 days, the number of days was reduced due to the adverse weather conditions and resulting disaster situation experienced in the country.Owing to this situation, several Ministerial Expenditure Heads scheduled for debate on previous days could not be taken up as planned. Therefore, in addition to the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Budget Heads of the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development were debated on 03rd December and today, and were passed with amendments.Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, today endorsed the certificate on the Appropriation Bill for the financial year 2026, in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution. Accordingly, the Appropriation Bill shall come into force as the Appropriation Act No. 23 of 2025.In addition, three Amendment Bills, the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment), the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment), and the Strategic Development Projects (Amendment) Bills were also passed in Parliament today without debate. Parliamentary approval was also granted for the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance and the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act. Furthermore, three Supplementary Estimates were approved today in Parliament.

2025-12-05

Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir sworn in as a Member of Parliament

Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir was sworn in today (Dec. 05) as a Member of the Tenth Parliament before the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.After being sworn in before the Speaker, he placed his signature in the Member Roll kept before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.He was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Muhammathu Ismail Muththu Muhammathu, who served as a National List Member of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir, who completed his school education at the Kalpitiya Thigaly Muslim Maha Vidyalaya, entered politics in 1991 representing the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha. He has also served as the Chairman and as the Leader of the Opposition of the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha.

2025-12-03

One minute of silence observed in Parliament in remembrance of all those who lost their lives due to the disaster situation

A one-minute silence was observed in Parliament in remembrance of all those who lost their lives due to the disaster situation caused by the adverse weather conditions that affected the island.This moment of silence was held today (Dec. 03) in Parliament following a request made by the Hon. Chief Opposition Whip, Gayantha Karunathilaka.

2025-12-02

Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj Elected as the President of the Sri Lanka - South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Association

Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka - South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.The revival meeting of the Association was held recently (Nov. 27) at the Parliament premises under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The High Commissioner of South Africa to Sri Lanka, H.E. Sandile Edwin Schalk, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, were also present on the occasion.Hon. Member of Parliament Sunil Rajapaksha was elected as the Secretary of the Association, while Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah was elected as the Treasurer of the Association.During the meeting, both parties highlighted the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and South Africa, established in 1994 with the commencement of formal diplomatic ties. They acknowledged the mutual support extended by both countries across several sectors, including multilateral cooperation. Discussions further underscored the potential for deepened collaboration in tourism, education, and trade. The exchange also focused on sharing South Africa’s experience in nation-building and reconciliation processes.Prior to the meeting, the High Commissioner of South Africa paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Speaker. During the discussion, he commended Sri Lanka’s efforts toward fostering national unity and expressed South Africa’s willingness to extend their support.