2026-01-06
News Categories : News
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has approved several regulations proposed under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, which are scheduled to be presented to Parliament for approval on 6th January 2026.
The approval was granted at a meeting of the Committee held at Parliament on 5th January, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar. The Hon. Deputy Minister, Ratna Gamage, also participated in the meeting.
Under the proposed regulations of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, it will be prohibited to catch, sell, possess, process or export mud crabs of carapace width (CW) of less than 130 millimeters measured at the widest part of the carapace of the mud crab. Officials noted that these regulations will be reviewed every three years, with amendments introduced as required.
Additionally, regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act were presented to facilitate the provision of contributory pension benefits for fishermen.
Addressing the Committee, Hon. Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that awareness programmes would be implemented in the coming weeks to enroll fishermen in the pension scheme. He further noted that the scheme would be implemented with the collaboration of the Ministry of Fisheries and the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board. Plans are also underway to expand participation in the scheme, the Hon. Deputy Minister added.
The meeting also included extensive discussions on issues faced by fishermen, including measures to prevent illegal fishing activities occurring in various parts of the country.
Several Hon. Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and government officials were present at the meeting.
2026-01-05
A special Bodhi Pooja pinkama was held this morning (Jan. 05) in front of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree located within the Parliamentary Complex, invoking blessings for the New Year 2026, under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. This pinkama was organized by the Parliamentary Staff Buddhist Association and was conducted by the Venerable Saddharma Keerthi Sri Wichithra Dharma Kathika Bookendayaye Gunarathana Thero, resident monk of the Pelawatte Mayurapada Pirivena Temple.The Deputy Chairperson of Committees of Parliament, Mrs. Hemali Weerasekara, the Secretary-General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Deputy Secretary-General and Chief of Staff, Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, along with Heads of Departments of Parliament, members of the parliamentary staff, affiliated staff, and representatives of the Sri Lanka Police and other security forces also participated in the event.
2026-01-01
The Hon. Speaker emphasizes that the rights of the entire working population will be protected and that he will stand firm in safeguarding them at all timesThe Secretary General of Parliament states that the dedication of the staff in carrying out all duties, including the provision of necessary facilities to the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the Parliamentary Complex is much appreciatedThe commencement of duties for the New Year of the Parliament of Sri Lanka took place this morning (Jan. 01) at the Parliamentary premises under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker, (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne.Expressing his views on the occasion, the Hon. Speaker emphasized that the Tenth Parliament has been entrusted with a significant responsibility, as the people expect a novel transformation for the entire nation. Accordingly, he stressed that the entire Parliamentary staff bears a major responsibility to function with transparency and accountability. He further pointed out that many possitives had been observed during the period that has elapsed so far.The Hon. Speaker stated that, in the process of social development, fairness and equality would also be extended to all members of the Parliamentary staff. Accordingly, he reiterated that the rights of the entire working population, including the Parliamentary staff, will always be protected and that he would consistently stand in defending of those rights.Extending New Year wishes, the Hon. Speaker also expressed his hope that the Parliamentary staff would gain strength and courage in the New Year to further strengthen Parliamentary administration and continue to become a body that provides an excellent service.Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, stated that as a country pursues its development goals, the responsibility entrusted to the Parliamentary staff as the legislative body is by no means small and limited. Extending New Year wishes, she expressed her gratitude to all members of the Parliamentary staff who remain committed to carrying out all related duties, including the provision of necessary facilities to the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the Parliamentary Complex. She also conveyed her appreciation to the Parliamentary Police, other security services, and the dedication of other affiliated staff.On this occasion, all staff members collectively recited the Public Service Pledge / Oath aloud.The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvi Salih; the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hemali Weerasekara; the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General, Chaminda Kularatne; Assistant Secretary General, Hansa Abeyratne; as well as Heads of Departments and a number of members of the Parliamentary and affiliated staff, were also present at the event.
2025-12-31
Parliament to convene from January 6th to 9th Parliamentary business for the first sitting week of Parliament for January 2026 was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business meeting held today (Dec. 31) under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, Parliament is scheduled to convene from January 6th to 9th.On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 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 the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament.Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., the Regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2371/35, and the Regulations under the Fishermen's Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2428/13 has been scheduled to be taken up for debate. Subsequently, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance pertaining to the Proclamation published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2468/45 dated 28.12.2025 has been decided to be taken up for debate. However, opposition Members of Parliament informed the Committee that the time allocated for debating this Resolution does not be suffice.Further, at 5.30 p.m. on the same day, Resolution for the appointment of a Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament on the matter of selecting the Electoral System under which the Provincial Council Elections should be held and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard has been scheduled to be approved.On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 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 the time from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers. Thereafter, the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament.Subsequently, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Second Reading of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill has been scheduled. Thereafter, at 5.00 p.m., it has been decided to approve Resolutions under the Essential Public Services Act without debate. The time from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Thursday, January 8, 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 the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament.Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., two Regulations published in Extraordinary Gazettes Nos. 2455/29 and 2452/40 under the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) has been scheduled to be taken up for debate. Subsequently, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Motion at the Adjournment Time by the Government is scheduled to be taken up for debate.On Friday, January 9, 2026, 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 the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament.Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., the Regulation under the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act (Chapter 129) has been decided to be taken up for debate. Subsequently, from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Regulations published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2465/07 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act has been scheduled to be taken up for debate. Thereafter, time up to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.
2025-12-31
As we emerge as a nation with new hopes, we welcome the year 2026 with renewed confidence and determination.The past year has been a pivotal year for our country as we have been able to set foot on many new paths for the future well-being of the nation.Furthermore, the shocks of the massive natural disaster we faced in late 2025 have not yet subsided within society. As a country and as a society, the support shown by all the people to our loved ones who were affected by that disaster, and the immense sacrifices made by government officials to rebuild people's lives, are an opportunity to demonstrate the humanity we have cultivated as a society. I believe that such natural disasters test our humanity. As we usher in the New Year, I express my respectful gratitude to all of you who made those sacrifices. I also express my humble pride that last year, as the country's legislature, the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka, we were able to achieve many of the necessary steps to establish this new democratic parliamentary political culture.All these are achievements we have achieved as a society in a short period of time. In the future, we must move forward together by taking every necessary step to create a new civilized human being with compassion and a new, good society. In this New Year, I declare to you that we are well aware of the burden of the trust you have placed in us, and we will protect that trust and work with dedication.I call on all of you to work together in brotherhood to overcome all obstacles and challenges and build this country stronger in 2026Wishing you all a happy, healthy and successful New Year...!!!Dr. Jagath WickramaratneThe SpeakerParliament of Sri Lanka
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