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.
2026-06-08
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Parliamentary Interpreters (API) was held recently at Committee Room No. 02 of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.During the meeting, the following office bearers were elected to serve the Association for the year 2026: Mr. B.M. Razeel as President, Mr. M.I.M. Fazi as Vice President, Mr. M.T. Zainur Rifa as Treasurer, Mr. C. Manimaran as Secretary, and Miss D. Thulankani as Assistant Secretary. The Executive Committee comprises Mr. M. Mayureshan and Mrs. A.A.S. Safaya.Following the election, the newly elected office bearers posed for a group photograph with the Chief Parliamentary Interpreter, Mr. C.J. Karunarathna, Attorney-at-Law, and the Deputy Chief Parliamentary Interpreters, Mr. A.G.M. Fiqrhi, Mr. A. Saravanabavanandan and Mrs. N.B.C.J. Nissanga.
2026-06-04
The Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, yesterday (Jun. 03) endorsed the certificate on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill.The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, which amends the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, was passed on 19 May 2026. The Act modernizes tax administration procedures, clarifies existing provisions, enhances tax compliance and enforcement, improves the accuracy of tax calculations and deductions, supports strategic economic objectives, and strengthens transparency and anti-money laundering measures.Key changes include the mandatory use of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates for certain significant financial transactions, several revisions to the calculation of income, greater clarity regarding tax exemptions for specific projects and businesses, and an expanded scope for the disclosure of information to relevant authorities.Accordingly, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026.
2026-06-03
Parliament is scheduled to meet from June 9 to 12.The Parliamentary business for these sittings was decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on June 1 under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, on each sitting day, 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 set aside for Questions for Oral Answers, and from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2). On Wednesday, June 10, however, the time from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. will be allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, while the period from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. will be reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.On Tuesday, June 9, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, Order under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, Order under the Value Added Tax Act and a Decision under the Standing Orders 119 of Parliament are scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance is scheduled to be debated and approved.On Wednesday, June 10, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Second Reading Debate on the Telecommunication Levy (Amendment) Bill and the Finance (Amendment) Bill will be held. A Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act is also scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time (Opposition) will be taken up for debate.On Thursday, June 11, from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., the Second Reading Debate on the Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Bill will be held and an Order under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act will be debated and approved. Subsequently, from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., an Adjournment Debate on the current situation of the country (Opposition) will be held.On Friday, June 12, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act and a Supplementary Estimate amounting to Rs. 20 billion are scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Adjournment Debate on the Report of the Annual Economic Review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the Year 2025 (Government), which commenced on May 20, 2026, will continue.In addition, approval was granted for an awareness programme on the current fiscal policy and related matters for Hon. Members of Parliament, to be conducted on June 10 within the Parliamentary Complex. The programme will be held at the request of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha, with the participation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and other Central Bank officials.
2026-06-03
The Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, paid a farewell call on the Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliament premises recently (Jun. 01). The Secretary General of Parliament Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present at the occasion.During the meeting, the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hon. Speaker for his cooperation, support, and guidance in further strengthening the cordial Parliamentary relations and longstanding friendship between India and Sri Lanka. He also conveyed his appreciation to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera and the Parliamentary staff for their collaboration in enhancing engagement and cooperation between the legislatures of the two countries.The Hon. Speaker commended Dr. Pandey for his dedicated service in Sri Lanka and thanked the Government and people of India for the steadfast support extended to Sri Lanka during times of need. He particularly appreciated India’s assistance in the aftermath of the recent Cyclone Ditwah and its continued support amid challenges arising from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The Hon. Speaker also expressed his gratitude for the training programmes and capacity-building initiatives provided for Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff.Dr. Pandey also paid a farewell call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih and expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation extended during his tenure in Sri Lanka. The Hon. Deputy Speaker commended Dr. Pandey’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and thanked him for his efforts in fostering parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. During the cordial discussions, the Hon. Speaker and Deputy Speaker extended their best wishes to Dr. Pandey for success in his future endeavors.
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