2026-02-12
News Categories : News
A Parliamentary Delegation from Sri Lanka, led by the Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, MP, Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees, participated in the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Regional Conference , 2nd Joint CPA Asia Camp; South-East Asia Regional Conference, held from 3–7 February 2026 in Karachi, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, hosted by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh under the theme “Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace.”
The Sri Lankan delegation comprised the Hon. Arkam Ilyas, MP, Deputy Minister of Power; the Hon. Ajith Agalakada, MP; the Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake, MP; and the Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, MP. The Opening Ceremony held on 3rd February 2026 was graced by the Hon. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and the conference brought together Presiding Officers, Parliamentarians and Parliamentary officials from across Asia and South-East Asia, including representatives from Pakistan, Maldives and Malaysia and several provincial and state legislatures.
During Plenary Session I on “Peace and Democratic Trust: Parliaments as Engines of Reconciliation,” the Hon. Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih highlighted Sri Lanka’s experience in rebuilding democratic trust following recent economic and political challenges. He emphasized that modern Parliaments must function as institutions that listen, promote dialogue and strengthen accountability through transparency, inclusive oversight committees, anti-corruption mechanisms and youth engagement, noting that reconciliation and trust are essential foundations for lasting peace and democratic stability.
At the breakout session on “Parliamentary Education: Inculcating Democratic Principles in Everyday Living,” the Deputy Speaker explained Sri Lanka’s structured civic education framework, student Parliament programmes, youth Parliament initiatives and public outreach activities of Parliament, underscoring the importance of educating citizens from school level to adulthood on democratic governance and Parliamentary accountability.
The Hon. Arkam Ilyas, MP, Deputy Minister of Power; the Hon. Ajith Agalakada, MP; the Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake, MP; and the Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, MP participated in the sessions on the topics “Parliaments as Vanguards of Peaceful and Harmonious Societies: The Rise of Fake News, AI and Misinformation”, “Legislating for Survival: Climate Resilience and Vulnerable Voices”, and “Gender, Tech and Trust: Protecting Women Leaders from Online Violence and Digital Manipulation”, and made contributions.
At the Closing Ceremony, the Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, MP, Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing appreciation to the CPA Asia Region, the CPA Sindh Branch and the Parliament of Pakistan for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements. He noted that the conference provided a valuable platform for dialogue and peer learning, reaffirmed the importance of strong Parliaments in safeguarding democratic values, and emphasized the need to carry forward the spirit of cooperation and shared commitment fostered in Karachi for the benefit of citizens across the Commonwealth.
The Conference concluded with the adoption of the Karachi Declaration, in which participating delegations reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, Parliamentary accountability, inclusivity, responsible innovation and sustainable peace, while recognizing the need for transparent, participatory and forward looking Parliaments to address challenges such as declining public trust, misinformation, social exclusion, climate vulnerability and rapid technological change through cooperation and Parliamentary diplomacy.
2026-02-10
Applications have been called from interested individuals to fill the forthcoming vacancies in the post of Member of the Audit Service Commission under Article 41B of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.Accordingly, under Article 153A of the Constitution, the Constitutional Council shall recommend suitable individuals to the Hon. President for the following appointments in the post of Member of the Audit Service Commission:i. two retired officers of the Auditor-General’s Department, who have held office as a Deputy Auditor-General or above;ii. a retired judge of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal or the High Court of Sri Lanka; andiii. a retired Class I officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service.The applications should be prepared in accordance with the application form, which is available on the website of Parliament of Sri Lanka with a quick link named ‘Appointment to the post of Member of the Audit Service Commission’. The duly completed applications should be sent to; Acting Secretary-General to the Constitutional Council, Constitutional Council – Office, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte on or before 20 February 2026 by registered post or by email to constitutionalcouncil@parliament.lk ‘Appointment to the post of Member of the Audit Service Commission’ should be indicated on the top left-hand corner of the envelope, or as the subject of the email.
2026-02-10
Parliament is scheduled to meet from February 17th to February 20thParliament is scheduled to meet from Tuesday, February 17 to Friday, February 20. The business of Parliament for the said week was decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on 06.02.2026 under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne.On each of these 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). 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).Accordingly, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Second Reading of the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill will be taken up for debate. At 5.00 p.m., a Motion for the appointment of a Select Committee of Parliament to review the laws dealing with Elections and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, is also scheduled to be presented for approval.Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., three Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2464/15, and two Regulations under the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) are scheduled to be taken up for debate and approval.Thereafter, 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 Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Second Reading of the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill are scheduled to be taken up for debate.Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Adjournment Motion by the Opposition titled “Issues Prevailing in the Energy Sector” is scheduled to be taken up for debate.
2026-02-10
The Constitutional Council calls for nominations from civil society organizations, for a vacancy arising in terms of Section 12(1) (c) of the Right to Information Act No 12 of 2016, to be recommended to the Hon. President for appointment as a member of the Right to Information Commission.In terms of Section 12(2) (a) (i) of the Right to Information Act, the members of the Commission should be persons who have distinguished themselves in public life with proven knowledge, experience, and eminence in the fields of law, governance, public administration, social services, journalism, science and technology, or management.Further, in terms of Section 12(2) (a) (ii) to (v) of the Right to Information Act No 12 of 2016, such nominees should not be: • Members of Parliament, of any Provincial Council, or of any Local Authority;• hold any public or judicial office or any other office of profit;• be connected with any political party; or• be carrying on any business or pursuing any profession.The nominations should be prepared in accordance with the nomination form, which is available on the website of Parliament of Sri Lanka with a quick link named ‘Appointment to the post of Member of the Right to Information Commission’, and the duly completed nominations should be sent to; Acting Secretary-General to the Constitutional Council Constitutional Council - OfficeParliament of Sri LankaSri Jayewardenapura Kotte.on or before 15th February 2026 by registered post or by e-mail to constitutionalcouncil@parliament.lk. On the top left corner of the envelope of the letter being sent, or as the subject of the email, it should be stated as ‘Appointment to the post of Member of the Right to Information Commission’.
2026-02-06
The Ambassador of Georgia to Sri Lanka, based in New Delhi, H.E. Vakhtang Jaoshvili, met with the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliament premises yesterday (Feb. 05). The Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present on the occasion. During the meeting, discussions focused on the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Georgia, particularly in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, telecommunications, trade and investment.Both parties noted that Sri Lanka and Georgia marked 25 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two countries.The Hon. Speaker stated that with the Sri Lankan economy now showing stability, there are attractive opportunities for foreign investment, and he extended an invitation to Georgian investors to explore investment prospects in Sri Lanka. He also emphasized on the cultural diversity and renowned hospitality of Sri Lanka, and encouraged tourists from Georgia to visit Sri Lanka and experience its rich heritage and natural attractions. In response, the Ambassador affirmed his commitment to strengthening tourism between the two countries and expressed interest in promoting educational opportunities in Georgia for Sri Lankan students to pursue higher studies.The Hon. Speaker also expressed the expectation of establishing the Sri Lanka - Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Tenth Parliament in the near future to further enhance parliamentary cooperation between the two nations.
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