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.
2026-02-20
The Parliamentary Caucus for Youth discussed its proposed programmes for 2026 at a recent meeting held in Parliament on the February 17th.The meeting was chaired by the Hon. Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, Chair of the Caucus.During the meeting, the Chair emphasized that the activities of the Caucus should be structured to develop policy and conceptual initiatives relating to the country’s youth and to ensure their effective implementation through state sector mechanisms.The proposed National Youth Policy, which is currently being drafted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was also discussed. It was decided to hold further discussions with the Ministry regarding the proposed policy framework.Matters including proposing reforms to youth-related legislation, formulating data-driven programmes, securing support from government and non-governmental organizations for the Caucus, and collaborating with international youth forums were also taken up for discussion.Deputy Co-Chairs of the Caucus Hon. Members of Parliament Lasith Bhashana Gamage and Thanura Dissanayake along with several other member Parliamentarians were present at the meeting.
2026-02-19
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, conducted an observation visit to the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) in Colombo 7 on 17.02.2026. During the visit, the Committee reviewed the current status of ITI, its facilities, and the challenges it faces.The Chairman stated during discussions with ITI officials that the purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of the actual condition of the institution and its role in serving society, as well as to assess the contribution it could make to the Government’s development agenda. He emphasized that the visit was undertaken with developmental expectations.ITI is the only institution in Sri Lanka equipped with top-tier laboratory and testing facilities that support both research and testing functions. The Committee focused on matters including ITI’s accreditation and international recognition, its unique technical capabilities, specialized testing services and facilities, issues relating to coal testing, and the underutilization of pharmaceutical and lubricant testing laboratories.It was revealed that ITI operates six Research and Development (R&D) divisions and seven service divisions providing testing services. These include pharmaceutical, material, chemical, microbiological testing, calibration, electrotechnology, and residue analysis.The Institute also facilitates Environmental Protection Licenses and provides factory layout designs and machinery-related technical advice to industrialists.With regard to accreditation and international recognition, it was disclosed that accreditation is the key factor ensuring the credibility of the institution. ITI complies with the ISO 17025 (2017) international standard.Initially accredited by SWEDAC of Sweden, since 2013 ITI has been obtaining internationally recognized accreditation through the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB). At present, the institution holds accreditation for more than 1,035 internationally recognized parameters. ITI conducts numerous nationally significant tests, including testing of food, water (for arsenic and other contaminants), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics (such as mercury content).It was further revealed that a modern instrument valued at Rs. 143 million was recently added to test pesticide residues in tea, vegetables, and fruits exported overseas.ITI also conducts sound testing and acoustic design services required for highways and factories. Issues relating to coal testing of imported coal were also discussed.Currently, approximately Rs. 32 million is paid over a six-month period to foreign institutions to test coal imported into Sri Lanka. ITI officials pointed out that by investing approximately Rs. 350 million as initial capital (including 14 items of equipment), these testing facilities could be established within ITI itself with proper accreditation.It was revealed that reports issued by the Norochcholai laboratory are not internationally or legally accepted due to the absence of accreditation. It was also discussed that the laboratory does not function as an independent third-party testing facility.Due to the underutilization of pharmaceutical and lubricant testing laboratories, several audit queries have already been raised. It was further disclosed that certain facilities established using government funds remain underutilized, which is a serious concern, especially as these laboratories were set up in accordance with government recommendations.The pharmaceutical testing laboratory established in 2019 with Treasury provisions amounting to Rs. 99 million remains underutilized due to the lack of agreements with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). Additionally, although Rs. 117 million was spent between 2017–2020 to construct a petroleum and lubricant testing laboratory, it has not been effectively utilized due to the absence of a proper mechanism for obtaining oil samples.A major issue in pharmaceutical testing was identified as the failure to adhere to the WHO recommendation on the “separation of regulator and tester,” with regulatory bodies themselves conducting testing, thereby creating a conflict of interest.It was agreed during discussions that a legal mechanism should be developed to encourage the use of accredited and independent government institutions such as ITI for government testing activities. This would help ensure public confidence and compliance with international standards such as those of the WHO.The observation visit was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament M.K.M. Aslam, Attorney-at-Law Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Samanmali Gunasinghe, (Dr.) S. Sri Bawanandarajah, Ruwan Mapalagama, Asitha Niroshan Egodawithana, and Chandima Hettiarachchi.
2026-02-16
The Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill was considered and approved by the Committee on Public Finance.This took place at a meeting of the Committee held in Parliament on 10.02.2026 under the Chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva, with the participation of Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyaratne, and Nishantha Jayaweera, as well as Hon. Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Rauff Hakeem and Nimal Palihena.The Bill has been drafted with the objectives of establishing the Sri Lanka Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority, regulating the money lending business and microfinance business, protecting customers engaged in such businesses, repealing the Microfinance Act, No. 6 of 2016 and providing for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.The Chair of the Committee stated that the original draft of this Bill, which had been presented in 2024, was challenged before the Supreme Court, and that the constitutional inconsistencies identified by the Court appear to have been addressed in this new draft. The Committee expressed its appreciation for the Bill, which had been prepared after obtaining the views of all stakeholders.Officials stated that the Authority to be established under this Bill will issue licenses to and regulate persons engaged in money lending and microfinance businesses, and that the Authority will be governed by a Board of Directors. It was further noted that no person may conduct a money lending business without a license issued by the Authority.The Committee inquired whether online lending activities would also fall under the purview of the Authority. Officials clarified that online lending may also be carried out only by licensed entities. They further emphasized that customer protection is a primary objective of the Bill.Discussions were also held regarding whether the Bill adequately covers the social empowerment role of community-based financial institutions, including through the introduction of relaxed regulatory fees or simplified compliance requirements. Practical operational issues and consumer protection were also identified as areas requiring further attention.Officials noted that certain lenders, such as e-commerce operators, would not fall within the scope of this Act.Taking into account the prevailing public mistrust and uncertainty surrounding legislative reforms, the Committee recommended that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development implement effective communication programs to raise awareness among the public and all stakeholders. As an initial step, the Committee suggested publishing a document containing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).As the Authority will be vested with statutory powers to determine maximum interest rates in both the lending and deposit sectors, the Committee advised officials to exercise such powers in a manner that preserves the nature of the various financial instruments used by microfinance institutions for savings and lending activities.The delegation of powers to Divisional Secretariat offices was also discussed at length. Officials stated that small-scale lenders would not be required to travel to Colombo to engage with the Authority, and that limited powers relating to connected functions (such as processing applications and other routine matters) would be delegated to the Divisional Secretariat level. The Committee emphasized the need for a robust information technology system to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of this process.Furthermore, at the same meeting, the Committee also considered and approved the Resolution published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2464/15 under the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), as well as three Orders issued under the Special Commodity Levy Act.
2026-02-13
Select Committee of Parliament to look into and Report to Parliament on the release of 323 Containers from the Port of Colombo without undergoing mandatory physical inspection and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, met for the third consecutive day on 11.02.2026 in Parliament. The meeting was chaired by the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.A group of officials from Sri Lanka Customs, including Director General of Customs Mr. Seewali Arukgoda, were summoned before the Committee, and evidence relating to the incident was recorded.Prior to the commencement of evidence, the Chair informed the Committee that the Hon. Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Mr. Anura Karunatilaka, had tendered his resignation from the membership of the Committee, and that another member would be appointed in due course to fill the vacancy.The meeting was attended by Committee members: Hon. Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Hon. Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, Hon. Deputy Minister of Energy Arkam Ilyas and Hon. Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Dayasiri Jayasekara, Ajith P. Perera, D. V. Chanaka, Mujibur Rahuman, Dr. Najith Indika and Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.
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