2026-02-20
News Categories : Committee News
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Transport, Highways and Urban Development approved two Extraordinary Gazette Notifications issued under the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203).
Accordingly, approval was granted for the Regulations relating to the revision of fees for driving licences published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2463/04, and for the Regulations relating to the extension of the validity period of driving licences published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2467/52.
The approval was granted when the Ministerial Consultative Committee met in Parliament on 17.02.2026 under the Chairmanship of Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake. Hon. Deputy Ministers (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena and Eranga Gunasekara were also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, reports of two Sub-Committees appointed to identify solutions to issues in the transport sector were also presented to the Ministerial Consultative Committee.
The report of the Sub-Committee established to ensure the professional security of workers engaged in the informal transport sector was presented by its Chair, Hon. Deputy Minister H.M. Dinindu Saman Hennayake. The recommendations include providing Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) contributions for private bus drivers and conductors, three-wheeler drivers, and those engaged in the transport sector through electronic platforms (app-based workers).
The report of the Sub-Committee appointed to formulate business models for the creation of additional services linked to the transport industry was presented by its Chair, Hon. Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe.
The Chair of the Ministerial Consultative Committee stated that attention would be given to examining the reports submitted by the Sub-Committees and implementing their recommendations.
In addition, Hon. Members of Parliament drew the Committee’s attention to shortcomings in transport services and road development projects in various parts of the country.
Hon. Deputy Ministers and several Hon. Members of Parliament representing both the Government and the Opposition participated in the Committee meeting.
2026-08-07
Select Committee of Parliament to review the laws dealing with Elections (excluding laws dealing with Provincial Council Elections) and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, has appointed an expert panel to review 31 proposals submitted by individuals and organisations on electoral reforms, together with reports of previous Parliamentary Select Committees on electoral reforms.The decision was taken when the Committee met recently at Parliament under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna.During the meeting, the Committee held extensive discussions on electoral reforms based on the Parliamentary Select Committee reports issued in 2004, 2007 and 2022, as well as the 31 proposals submitted by individuals and organisations.The Committee considered several key proposals, including the introduction of a mixed electoral system for Local Government elections, ensuring the representation of minority parties and minority groups, increasing women's representation, introducing an electronic voting system, and providing facilities for early voting. Attention was also given to proposals on granting voting rights to Sri Lankans living overseas. The Committee emphasised the need for further study of the legal and administrative provisions required to implement such a system.The expert panel appointed by the Committee will analyse the 31 proposals received together with the reports of the previous Parliamentary Select Committees and prepare a report containing practical recommendations. The Committee decided to review the recommendations of the expert panel before taking further action.The meeting was attended by Committee Member, Hon. Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage, and Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, and Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan.
2026-08-07
The first in a series of regional workshops organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative will be held for the youth of the Gampaha District on 16 August at the Jetwing Blue Hotel in Negombo, according to the Caucus's Co-Chair, Hon. Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam.Arrangements for the workshop were discussed at a meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus held on 5 August 2026, under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam.The regional workshop series is being organized with the objective of further promoting the concept of Open Parliament through the active participation of young people. Members of the Parliamentary Caucus, together with Members of Parliament representing the Gampaha District, are expected to participate in the event.The workshops are intended to enhance awareness, particularly among young people, of the work of Parliament, the legislative process, and the principles of Open Parliament. They also seek to further strengthen the relationship between Parliament and the public by encouraging greater citizen engagement.The meeting was attended by members of the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative as well as representatives of CII (Coalition for Inclusive Impact), the development partner providing support for the workshop series.Young men and women aged 18–35 years residing in the Gampaha District who wish to participate in the workshop are requested to register by completing the online application form via the following link:https://forms.gle/aVp5UzhLbtPSmVap8
2026-08-05
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) wishes to inform the public that, during its meeting held on 08 October 2025 to examine the Audited Annual Reports for the years 2022 and 2023, as well as the current performance of the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA), concerns arose regarding the conduct of two members of the Board of Directors of the Authority.The Committee noted that one of the officials attended the meeting in a manner that did not comply with the prescribed dress code applicable to appearances before Parliamentary Committees. In addition, both officials left the Committee proceedings without obtaining the prior permission of the Chair, contrary to established Parliamentary practice and procedure.Following these incidents, and pursuant to a question of privilege raised by the Hon. Chair of COPE, both officials appeared before the Committee on Ethics and Privileges on 17 February 2026 in connection with allegations of contempt of Parliament. During the proceedings, they tendered their sincere apologies for their conduct.After due deliberation, the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, together with the Chair of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), accepted their apologies, noting that the officials had acknowledged the gravity of their actions and demonstrated an understanding of the importance of respecting the authority, dignity, and established procedures of Parliamentary Committees.The Committee wishes to emphasize that all individuals appearing before Parliamentary Committees are expected to observe the highest standards of conduct, comply with parliamentary procedures, and uphold the dignity and authority of Parliament at all times.Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE)Parliament of Sri Lanka
2026-08-04
A delegation of the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus of the Parliament of Sri Lanka successfully concluded an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 25 July to 2 August 2026, undertaken at the invitation of H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka. The visit focused on strengthening Parliamentary cooperation, promoting women's leadership, and enhancing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and China.The delegation was led by Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs, and comprised nine other Hon. Women Members of Parliament including Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, Oshani Umanga, Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law, M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani, Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney at Law, Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney at Law, Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney at Law, A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe and Geetha Herath, Attorney at Law. The delegation was accompanied by Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament and Secretary to the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus, and Mr. Lahiru Pathiranage, Parliamentary Officer (Protocol Division), Parliament of Sri Lanka.During the visit, the delegation participated in a comprehensive programme in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, which combined official meetings, academic sessions, institutional visits, and cultural engagements. The programme provided valuable opportunities to study China's development experience, innovation ecosystem, and approaches to governance.The delegation attended a lecture on the remarkable transformation of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and China's Reform and Opening-Up policy, gaining insights into the country's economic development strategy. Members also visited several internationally renowned enterprises, including Huawei Technologies, Tencent, Mindray, BYD and other innovation centres to observe advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technology, smart healthcare, modern agriculture, renewable energy, and industrial innovation.The official programme included meetings with leaders of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Guangdong Provincial Government, and Guangzhou Municipal Government, where discussions focused on strengthening Parliamentary cooperation, enhancing people to people relations, promoting women's empowerment, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration between Sri Lanka and China.A significant highlight of the visit was the exchange with the Shenzhen Women's Federation, where the delegation explored China's initiatives on women's empowerment, childcare services, family welfare, and community development. The discussions enabled both sides to share experiences and best practices on promoting women's participation in leadership and public life.The delegation also undertook several cultural and heritage visits, including Lianhua Hill Park, Great Tides Surge Along the Pearl River Exhibition Hall, Guangdong Museum and Guangzhou Metro Museum gaining a deeper understanding of China's rich cultural heritage, urban development, and historical evolution.The official visit further strengthened the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and China while creating new avenues for Parliamentary dialogue, institutional cooperation, and knowledge sharing. The delegation expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, the Guangdong Provincial authorities, and all host institutions for the warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made throughout the visit.
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