"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him".
Accordingly, this joyful Christmas season, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizes the meanings of love, sacrifice and mercy, is a beautiful occasion full of blessings for Sri Lankan Christians.
The true meaning of Christmas is to emphasize humanity and loving sacrifice and to open the spiritual paths necessary for such a life.
However, we celebrate Christmas after facing a major disaster as a whole nation this year. Many of our loved ones in various parts of the country are already suffering at this time. Although this disaster has shocked us as a country, the sacrifice and human love shown by all Sri Lankans for each other, regardless of religion, race or party, is admirable. I believe this is an expression of human love that reveals the true meaning of Christmas.
Accordingly, this Christmas season is a time to overcome all challenges, to rise again as a nation, to share with everyone the love of humanity revealed to the world by Jesus Christ, and to achieve peace. Wishing you all a happy, prosperous and blessed Christmas.
Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne
Speaker
Parliament of Sri Lanka
2026-04-02
A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with the Hon. Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Party Leaders of Parliament in preparation for the upcoming IMF Fifth and Sixth Review Mission scheduled from 26th March to 8th April, 2026.The IMF delegation included Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, Deputy Division Chief, along with senior economists representing the IMF.During the discussion with the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker expressed his appreciation for the continued support extended by the IMF to Sri Lanka during its economic recovery process. He emphasized that the Tenth Parliament represents a strong and inclusive legislature, holding a two-thirds majority and reflecting the diversity of the country, including representation for the disabled community.The Speaker reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s full commitment to the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme and underscored the importance of maintaining sound monetary and fiscal policies. He highlighted key legislative measures such as the Public Financial Management Act and the Anti-Corruption Act, noting that these frameworks are central to ensuring fiscal discipline and good governance.Special emphasis was placed on strengthening public financial transparency and implementing robust measures to combat bribery and corruption.The Speaker also outlined plans to establish a Parliamentary Study Centre aimed at enhancing the capacity of Members of Parliament and local government representatives. He sought IMF support for capacity-building initiatives in this regard.Mr. Evan Papageorgiou noted that Sri Lanka’s performance under the EFF programme remains strong, indicating that the country is on a positive economic trajectory. He emphasized the critical role of Parliament as the guardian of legislation and policy oversight, encouraging continued support to sustain reform momentum.Discussions also covered the potential impact of ongoing Middle East conflicts on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, as well as the implementation of relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.Subsequently, the IMF delegation met with Party Leaders at a meeting presided over by the Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih. Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Dilith Jayaweera, Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna were present at this meeting.During this session, Party Leaders exchanged views on the current economic landscape, including post-cyclone recovery challenges and global economic uncertainties. Discussions focused on key issues such as tariff adjustments, inflation management, external sector pressures, and the need for sustained structural reforms to ensure macroeconomic stability.The IMF delegation also participated in a guided parliamentary tour.Assistant Secretary General Mr. Hansa Abeyratne (Attorney at Law) and a group of Parliamentary officials were also present at the meetings.
2026-03-30
Hon. Speaker meets H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia to strengthen regional cooperationSpeaker Addresses Plenary Session, Emphasizing South - South Cooperation and Sustainable DevelopmentBilateral Discussions with the Chairman of National People’s Congress Standing Committee of China to Strengthen Sri Lanka - China Relations and Development CooperationThe Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, undertook an official visit to Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China, from 25 to 27 March 2026 to participate in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026.The delegation included Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Secretary General of Parliament, and Mr. Jayalath Perera, Director Legislative Services and Acting Director of Communications.On 25th March 2026, the Speaker met with H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, and H.E. Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of the Forum. During the meeting, H.E. Ban Ki-moon reflected on the significance of the Boao Forum for Asia as a longstanding platform for dialogue and cooperation in Asia, particularly at a time of increasing global uncertainty. He noted the importance of strong political leadership in navigating current challenges and commended Sri Lanka’s role in the region. He also recalled his previous visits to Sri Lanka during his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations and acknowledged the country’s resilience and progress in the post-conflict period.The Hon. Speaker emphasized the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and principled leadership in addressing the complex challenges facing the region and the world. He expressed appreciation for the role of the Boao Forum for Asia and its founders in fostering a platform for constructive engagement, and commended H.E. Ban Ki-moon for his global leadership in advancing peace and multilateralism. Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s own experiences, he underscored the value of reconciliation, inclusivity, and good governance in building a stable and prosperous society, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to combating corruption and strengthening democratic institutions. The Hon. Speaker also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced global cooperation to address climate change and humanitarian challenges, stressing that collective action, mutual respect, and shared responsibility are essential to shaping a peaceful and sustainable future.On 26th March 2026, the Hon. Speaker addressed the Plenary Session of the Forum under the theme “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation.” In his address, he highlighted the growing importance of multilateralism, South - South cooperation, and collective action in addressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change, and the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.The Hon. Speaker underscored the need for inclusive dialogue, ethical governance of technology, accelerated climate action, and sustainable development. He noted that Asia, as a dynamic center of global growth, holds significant potential to lead through partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility.Referring to Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform agenda under the leadership of the Hon.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Hon. Speaker outlined efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen governance, and promote an inclusive, digital, and investment-friendly economy. He invited regional partners to collaborate with Sri Lanka in key sectors including renewable energy, tourism, digital services, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.The Hon. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, attended the plenary session and delivered a keynote speech. Distinguished participants also included the Hon. Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore; the Hon. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan and the Hon. Roman Sklyar, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.On the sidelines of the Conference, the Hon. Speaker also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. During the meeting, the Hon. Speaker noted that this was his first official visit to China in his capacity as Speaker and expressed confidence that it would further strengthen longstanding bilateral relations.The Hon. Speaker highlighted the long-standing ties between Sri Lanka and China, spanning over 2,000 years through trade and cultural exchanges along the Maritime Silk Route. He expressed appreciation for China’s continued support, particularly its recent assistance in the aftermath of Ditwah cyclone.The Hon. Speaker highlighted the considerable growth in tourism between the two countries, noting that Chinese tourist arrivals have increased significantly, making China one of the top five source markets for Sri Lanka. He further noted that the introduction of visa-free arrangements for Chinese nationals has contributed positively to this upward trend. The Hon. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, stated that China is expected to take steps toward introducing similar visa-free arrangements for Sri Lankan nationals, further strengthening bilateral exchanges.The Boao Forum for Asia, established in 2001, is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization that serves as a high-level platform for dialogue among governments, businesses, and academia across Asia and beyond. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum, which continues to promote regional economic cooperation, inclusive globalization, and multilateralism.The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference is recognized as a premier platform bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and scholars to deliberate on key regional and international issues and to foster cooperation for shared development and prosperity.
2026-03-24
The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mathew Duckworth, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on 20th March 2026. The Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present on the occasion.Welcoming the High Commissioner, the Hon. Speaker expressed Sri Lanka’s sincere appreciation for Australia’s longstanding support in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He conveyed particular gratitude for the humanitarian assistance valued at AUD 3.5 million extended by Australia in the aftermath of the recent ‘Ditwa’ cyclone.The Hon. Speaker noted that no tourists were affected during the cyclone, underscoring Sri Lanka’s effective disaster response mechanisms and its continued assurance of the safety and security of all visitors to the country.During the discussion, the Hon. Speaker highlighted the Government’s ongoing education reforms and initiatives to strengthen vocational training opportunities for youth. He emphasized the importance of further enhancing cooperation in the education sector with relevant stakeholders, noting Australia’s standing as a leading global education destination.The Hon. Speaker also extended an invitation to Australian investors, emphasizing that Sri Lanka remains a peaceful and conducive destination for investment. He outlined measures taken by the Government to improve the ease of doing business, including the introduction of a streamlined single-window facilitation mechanism, as well as steps undertaken to combat bribery and corruption. He further noted the importance of strengthening parliamentary engagement through the Sri Lanka - Australia Parliamentary Friendship Association and expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support at multilateral forums.His Excellency the High Commissioner reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to further deepening cooperation with Sri Lanka across a wide range of sectors. He commended the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for their effective management of the recent ‘Ditwa’ cyclone, particularly in ensuring the safety of tourists.He also noted that approximately 20,000 Sri Lankan students are currently pursuing higher education in Australia and expressed Australia’s interest in further strengthening collaboration in the education sector.Addressing the tourism sector, His Excellency expressed confidence that more Australian tourists are expected to visit Sri Lanka this year. He further highlighted the presence of Australian agricultural products, including lentils, in the Sri Lankan market and emphasized the potential to expand bilateral trade, particularly in the agricultural sector.Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, reflecting the enduring and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Australia.
2026-03-23
Parliament to Convene on April 7, 9 and 10Parliament is scheduled to convene on April 7, 9, and 10, 2026.This decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on 19th March 2026 under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.On all three sitting days, 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).Accordingly, on Tuesday, 7th April, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 4.45 p.m., Regulations under the Convention Against Doping in Sports Act, Regulations under the Strategic Development Projects Act, and Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act are scheduled to be taken up for debate.Furthermore, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill, which were presented to Parliament for First Reading on 17th March 2026, are scheduled for Second Reading on this day, provided that they are not challenged before the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121 of the Constitution.Subsequently, from 4.45 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., amendments to the Standing Orders of Parliament are scheduled to be taken up for debate and approval. Thereafter, at 5.30 p.m., the Annual Report of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation is scheduled to be approved without debate.As 8th April (Wednesday) is a government holiday, Parliament will not convene on that day.On Thursday, 9th April, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., Orders under the Army Act (Chapter 357), Navy Act (Chapter 358), and Air Force Act (Chapter 359) are scheduled to be debated. In addition, if any Proclamations are issued by the Hon. President under the Public Security Ordinance and the Essential Public Services Act, the relevant motions for the approval are also scheduled to be taken up for debate.Thereafter, from 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., it has been agreed to hold an Adjournment Debate moved by the Opposition on the Easter Sunday attacks on 21st April, 2019.On Friday, 10th April, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., it has been decided to take up for debate the No-Confidence Motion brought by the Opposition against the Hon. Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody.
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