2026-01-21
News Categories : News
The Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne underscored that Parliament brings together individuals with a diverse range of beliefs, and that witnessing Thai Pongal being embraced by all with such genuine warmth reflects the true beauty of shared humanity. He further noted that the festival’s essence lies in its message of unity. Just as the sun, essential to life and equal to all, Thai Pongal reminds us that a nation can only progress when its people stand together, the Speaker said.
The Thai Pongal Festival organized to commemorate the Thai Pongal Day, which fell on the 15th, was celebrated today (Jan. 21) with great festivity under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne at the Parliament premises.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, stated that Thai Pongal is not merely a festival, but a profound celebration of the deep respect Sri Lankans hold for agriculture and nature. She highlighted that Parliament is home to a diverse community of religious and cultural backgrounds, with its staff working with unwavering commitment in service to the country. She noted that it is truly a special moment to be able to celebrate such diversity together, underscoring the importance of unity and shared heritage within the Parliamentary institution.
This event was attended by Hindu religious priests of Mayurapathy Kovil, the Hon. Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Hon. Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer, Hon. Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka other Hon. Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Hon. Members of Parliament, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, and Assistant Secretary General Mr. Hansa Abeyrathne, were among other distinguished guests.
This celebration was organized following a proposal by Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah, and under the guidance of the Hon. Speaker. It was supported by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and its Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.
The event was designed with several key objectives, including promoting awareness and appreciation of Tamil culture among Hon. Members of Parliament and the public, respecting the heritage and traditions of the Tamil community, and fostering an inclusive national identity that recognizes and celebrates Sri Lanka's cultural diversity.
Accordingly, this morning's Thai Pongal celebration commenced with religious rituals. The event featured the creation of intricate Kolam designs and the preparation of Pongal rice by boiling milk to symbolize prosperity and gratitude.
The event was further enriched by several auspicious dance performances and musical recitals, adding vibrancy to the celebration.
A significant number of participants, including heads and officials of parliamentary departments, ministry representatives, and other distinguished attendees, joined the occasion to mark this celebration.
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.
2026-08-21
A minute of silence observed in the Chamber to express condolencesParliament today (Aug. 21) expressed its condolences to the late veteran singer Dr. Nanda Malini, recalling her immense contribution to Sri Lankan music and society. Accordingly, a minute of silence was observed in the Chamber following a request by Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.Speaking thereafter, the Prime Minister said she was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Nanda Malini, who was revered as the “golden voice” of Sri Lankan music and who, through her distinctive singing career spanning more than eight decades, enriched the country’s music and culture.The Prime Minister further stated that, as an admirer who had listened to Nanda Malini’s many songs and experienced different moments of life accompanied by those songs, her passing was not merely the loss of an unparalleled artistic personality in Sri Lankan music. It was also the departure of a familiar voice that had been closely connected to our lives and memories, and that had been with us through moments of both happiness and sorrow.She noted that Nanda Malini’s songs were deeply connected to the experiences of generations, and that the memories associated with her beautiful voice are felt even more strongly following her passing. The Prime Minister said that Nanda Malini’s singing career represented not only an era in Sri Lankan music, but also a living expression of the lives of the people, social movements and human emotions of the country.Going beyond singing about human emotions such as love and separation, Nanda Malini gave voice through her songs to the sorrow, fear, hopes and struggles of ordinary people, the Prime Minister recalled. That was why, when listening to her songs, people heard not merely the voice of a singer, but the voice of their own society.The Prime Minister said that, at this moment of mourning Nanda Malini’s passing, she was remembering not only an incomparable artist who had been lost to Sri Lankan music, but also a beloved voice that was connected to many memories in the lives of the people. She also noted that although the voice that had accompanied the people for decades has now fallen silent, the songs she sang would continue to live on in their memories and hearts. She expressed her deepest condolences to Nanda Malini’s two daughters and all members of her family, as well as to the people of Sri Lanka who loved her singing voice.Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that he personally knew Dr. Nanda Malini and described her as one of the greatest singers produced by Sri Lanka. He said she was an artist who never bowed to anyone and who always stood up for the people, possessing an exceptional sense of humanity, kindness and compassion.Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, who also spoke on the occasion, said that he joined the sentiments expressed in the Chamber in memory of the late Dr. Nanda Malini. On behalf of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, he expressed the hope that she may attain Nibbana.
2026-08-20
The Committee on Parliamentary Business, which met today (Aug. 20) under the chairmanship of Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, decided to take up for debate tomorrow, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Supplementary Estimate seeking approval for the allocation of Rs. 7500 million (7.5 billion) required by the Government to purchase paddy during the 2026 Yala season.The Supplementary Estimate has been presented to provide Rs. 7.5 billion from the funds allocated in 2026 for projects and programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, which are expected to remain unutilized during the current year, for the purpose of making the required payments.Thereafter, the Adjournment Motion to be presented by the Government is scheduled to be debated from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2026-08-20
The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today (Aug. 20). The debate on the Second Reading of the Bill was held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thereafter, the Bill was passed without a vote.The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill was introduced to increase the fines applicable to offences under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956, from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000.
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