2026-01-26
News Categories : News
The outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Major General (Retired) Faheem Ul Aziz, paid a farewell call on the Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, recently (Jan. 22). The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present at the occasion.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hon. Speaker for the continuous support and warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation throughout his tenure in Sri Lanka, and briefed the Hon. Speaker on the key initiatives and activities undertaken during his period of service. He commended the Government of Sri Lanka for the measures taken towards the betterment of the people and recovery from the recent economic challenges. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the future.
The Hon. Speaker appreciated the High Commissioner’s efforts in enhancing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He recalled the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for Pakistan’s support during times of need, especially in international forums and during the 30-year war.
Furthermore, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as higher education through scholarship programmes, agricultural collaboration, and the sharing of technology related to the livestock industry.
2026-01-26
Members of Parliament emphasize the need for proper communication of the procedures and information related to obtaining loans without business collateral to the relevant banksA programme to brief Hon. Members of Parliament on the benefits provided by the Government to small and medium-scale entrepreneurs affected by the Ditwah cyclone was held on 20.01.2026 at the Parliamentary premises.The programme, held under the patronage of Hon. Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, was conducted under the direction of the Department of Development Finance under the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development.Officials pointed out the solutions provided by the Government for the main barriers to financial access, namely high interest rates and the lack of collateral. They stated that, as solutions to high interest rates, a Re-financing loan scheme implemented through government or development partners’ funds, and interest subsidy loans, have been introduced, and that Rs. 95,686 million has been allocated for these interest subsidy loans for the year 2026.Accordingly, officials informed that, from 16 December, three state banks have already commenced issuing working capital loans required for the rapid restart of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises affected by the Ditwah cyclone. They further stated that 13 more banks, including private banks, have expressed willingness to enter into agreements to provide these loans. They also noted that the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development will provide funds to banks at 0% interest, and that banks will issue loans of up to Rs. 25 million at an interest rate of 3%. Accordingly, Rs. 10,000 million has been allocated for this purpose for the year 2026.Furthermore, under the loan facility for the revival of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises, loans up to Rs. 25 million can be obtained at 5% interest through all state and private banks, and Rs. 25,000 million has been allocated for this purpose for the year 2026, officials noted.In addition, discussions were held regarding the operations of the National Credit Guarantee Institution, which has been established as a solution to the issue faced by entrepreneurs in providing collateral when obtaining loans. The Chairman of the institution stated that, at present, collateral coverage of 67% is provided for the relevant loan amount, and that 80% collateral coverage is provided for women entrepreneurs. Members pointed out that providing collateral coverage for only 67% of the loan amount, leaving 33% uncovered, poses a practical difficulty, and therefore requires attention.Members also emphasized that, when obtaining these loans, the correct procedures and information regarding collateral are still not properly communicated to the relevant banks and entrepreneurs, and stressed the need for accurate communication.Officials further stated that loan facilities aimed at improving the living standards of the agricultural community and enhancing the contribution of the agricultural sector to the Gross Domestic Product will commence in the second week of February. Under this scheme, loans of Rs. 5 million are to be granted based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, and Rs. 800 million has been allocated for this purpose in the year 2026.In addition, Hon. Members were briefed on loan proposal schemes implemented through Asian Development Bank funding and other loan schemes offering interest subsidies, and the issues raised by Members regarding these schemes were discussed at length.A number of Ministers, Hon. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, several Deputy Ministers, and many Members of Parliament from both Government and Opposition participated in this programme. A group of officials including Deputy Secretary to the Treasury A. K. Senewiratne, Director General of the Development Finance Department Manjula Hettiarachchi, Director General of the National Budget Department Jude Niluksha, Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne, and the Director Legislative Servises and Director Communication (Acting) of ParliamentM. Jayalath Perera also attended.
2026-01-23
Parliament will convene on February 3rd, 5th and 6th The Parliamentary Business for the first Parliamentary Week of February was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business held today (Jan. 23) under the Chairmanship of Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, Parliament is scheduled to meet on February 3rd, 5th and 6th.On each of the three sitting days, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allotted the 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).On Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2396/32 has been scheduled to be taken up for debate.Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Motion at the Adjournment Time brought in by the Government will be taken up for debate.On Thursday, February 5th, 2026, the Second Reading debate on the Institute of Real Estate Professionals Bill has been scheduled to be taken up for debate. Furthermore, if the following Bills; Licensing of container depot operators Bill and Licensing of shipping agents, freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers and container operators (Amendment) Bill, already read for the First Time in Parliament are not challenged before the Supreme Court under Article 121 of the Constitution, the Second Reading debate on the said Bills have been scheduled to be held from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on the same day.Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Friday, February 6th, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., time has been allocated for the debate on Private Members’ Motions.Accordingly, the following Private Members’ Motions are scheduled to be taken up:Name of Hon. Member of ParliamentTitle of the Private Member’s MotionHon. Hesha WithanageProviding opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen who represent a national sports team or claim a national level record to read for any degree course related to the field of sports.Hon. Chaminda WijesiriFormulating a programme to streamline the appointments made to the Sri Lanka Foreign ServiceHon. Ravi KarunanayakeMaking Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka free from politicizationHon. Lal PremanathTaking actions to prevent public dissatisfaction with all local government institutions at the grassroots levelHon. Rohana BandaraFormulating a course of action to prevent the misuse of the positions of professors and doctorsHon. Nalin Bandara JayamahBringing Industries related to Petroleum, Fuel and Water under the regulation of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri LankaHon. Ravindra BandaraFormulating a methodology to prevent the damage caused by the pinus plantations to sources of water and the environmentThereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Motion at the Adjournment Time by the Opposition will be taken up for debate.Furthermore, in view of the recent expiry of the term of the three non-Members of Parliament to the Constitutional Council, concurrence has been reached, with the special leave of the House, to present the motion pertaining to the appointment of new three non-Members of Parliament for the approval of Parliament in accordance with Articles 41A (4) and (5) of the Constitution.
2026-01-23
Parliamentary approval granted for the motion nominating three non-MP members to the Constitutional CouncilThe Universities (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today (Jan. 23) with amendments, without a vote.This Bill seeks to amend the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. The relevant Gazette notification was published on 21st November, and the Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 3rd December 2025, by the Hon. Prime Minister, who also serves as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.Furthermore, as the term of office of the three non-Members of Parliament to the Constitutional Council ended on 19th January, Parliamentary approval was obtained today, in accordance with Articles 41A (4) and (5) of the Constitution, for the motion nominating three non-MP members to the Constitutional Council.Accordingly, Parliamentary approval was granted for the following nominees:1. Austin Fernando2. Professor Wasantha Seneviratne3. Ranjith AriyaratneAccordingly, the Hon. Speaker will submit the names of the approved nominees to the President for appointment.
2026-01-22
Hon. Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe was elected as the President of the Sri Lanka - Belgium Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.The revival meeting of the Association was held yesterday (Jan. 21) at the Parliament premises under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The Honorary Consul of Belgium to Sri Lanka, Mr. Koenraad Pringiers, attended the meeting as the Guest of Honour. Several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, were also present at the occasion.The Hon. Member of Parliament (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney at Law, was elected as the Secretary of the Association, while the Hon. Members of Parliament Padmasiri Bandara and G.G. Ponnambalam were elected as Joint Treasurers of the Association.During the meeting, both parties highlighted the long standing and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Belgium, founded on mutual understanding and cooperation. Discussions also focused on exploring avenues to enhance collaboration in multiple areas of shared interest, with an emphasis on strengthening parliamentary engagement and bilateral cooperation.Prior to the meeting, the Honorary Consul of Belgium, Mr. Koenraad Pringiers, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, during which discussions were held on further strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and Belgium.
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