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.
2026-03-12
Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill on 06th March 2026.The two bills were passed by Parliament on 19th February 2026.Through the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, amendments are introduced to the existing laws governing the control of trafficking and production of dangerous drugs in international maritime zones, along with the introduction of new legal provisions and procedures.Accordingly, the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act, No. 7 of 2026, and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Judicature (Amendment) Act, No. 8 of 2026.
2026-03-03
A decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held today (Mar. 03), under the chairmanship of Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, to make a change to the parliamentary business scheduled for Friday, 6th March, 2026.Accordingly, it was decided that the Private Members’ Motions scheduled for that day would be taken up for debate on another date. Instead, the Resolution including the Proclamation made by the Hon. President under the Public Security Ordinance, as published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2477/46 dated 28th February, 2026, will be debated from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.Thereafter, at 5.00 p.m., the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act will be approved without debate. Following that, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Adjournment Motion to be moved by the Government will be taken up for debate.Meanwhile, as previously decided, 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 from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Parliamentary business on Wednesday (04) and Thursday (05) will proceed as previously scheduled.
2026-02-26
Second Reading debate on the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill on March 4th Adjournment debate to mark International Women’s Day on March 5th Parliament is scheduled to meet from March 3rd to 6th. The decision regarding parliamentary business was taken at the Committee on Parliamentary Business meeting held on 18.02.2026 under the chairmanship of Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.On Tuesday, March 3rd, 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 from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Order under the Foreign Exchange Act, published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2467/67, will be taken up for debate.From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., time has been allocated for the Motion at the Adjournment Time (Opposition).On Wednesday, March 4th, 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 10.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister and from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. for Questions for Oral Answers. The time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2). Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Second Reading debate on the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill will be held.From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Thursday, March 5th, 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 from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., an Adjournment Debate will be held in view of International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8.On Friday, March 6th, 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 from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., time has been allocated to debate Private Members’ Motions. Accordingly, the following Private Members’ Motions are scheduled to be taken up for debate.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 sportsHon. Chaminda WijesiriFormulating a program to make school students aware of the University of Vocational TechnologyHon. Ravi KarunanayakeSetting up of a unit with legal powers to solve the problems faced by the migrant employeesHon. 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 environment
2026-02-25
Bilateral Discussions with the Deputy Speaker of Sri LankaParliamentary Committees Hold Bilateral Discussions on AI and Digital TransformationThe Hon. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, Dr. Lajos Oláh, met with the Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, on 23.02.2026 at the Parliament premises, during his two-day official visit to Sri Lanka.Welcoming the Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Speaker of Sri Lanka reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations and strong people-to-people connectivity between Hungary and Sri Lanka. He expressed appreciation for Hungary’s continued support, particularly in road development and water treatment projects, as well as assistance extended at the European Union and other international levels, including GSP concessions.Highlighting the new Government’s commitment to eradicating corruption and poverty, the Hon. Speaker emphasized efforts to expand investment opportunities and invited Hungarian investors and traders to explore prospects in Sri Lanka. He also underscored the Government’s focus on developing the tourism sector, noting with satisfaction the increase in tourist arrivals from Hungary compared to previous years and stressing the importance of further enhancing tourism ties. The Hon. Speaker also expressed his intention to establish the Sri Lanka- Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Association for Tenth Parliament to further strengthen the cordial relations between the two countries.Expressing his views, the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Hungary reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two nations. He commended Sri Lanka’s environment, natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality.The Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Oláh further expressed Hungary’s interest in supporting Sri Lanka through the European Union’s INTER PARES Global Project to enhance Open Parliament initiatives, strengthen public engagement, and develop Parliamentary research capacities through the exchange of experiences and best practices. He also emphasized the importance of increasing tourism flows between both countries, the potential introduction of direct flights between Sri Lanka and Hungary, and the possibility of organizing an exhibition aimed at promoting tourism cooperation.The Hon. Deputy Speaker extended an invitation to the Hon. Speaker to visit Hungary.During the visit, the Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Oláh also met with his counterpart, the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Risvie Salih. The cordial discussions focused on emerging global trends and challenges in artificial intelligence (AI), the political systems of both countries, enhancing public engagement initiatives such as student Parliaments, and further developing tourism cooperation.The Hungarian delegation additionally held discussions with members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Science and Technology and the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation. The meeting centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.The discussions were attended by the Chairman of the Ministerial Consultative Committee, the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, the Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation, the Hon. Member of parliament (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna and several Members representing both committees.Extensive deliberations focused on advancing collaboration in artificial intelligence technologies and effectively addressing emerging global challenges. The discussions emphasized the importance of establishing robust regulatory frameworks, ethical standards, and governance mechanisms to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI.The Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Lajos Oláh proposed the establishment of a dedicated Parliamentary subcommittee on artificial intelligence to provide a structured platform for enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries.The discussions underscored the importance of international collaboration in responding to global AI-related challenges, reaffirming the shared commitment of Hungary and Sri Lanka to promoting innovation while ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable technological progress.The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Honorary Consul Designate, Mr. Shevantha Hrindra Sudharaka Mendis, and a group of officials were also present at the meetings.In addition to the official discussions, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary participated in a guided tour of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, gaining further insight into its history and parliamentary traditions.
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