2026-02-25
News Categories : News
The 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.
2026-05-06
Hon. Speaker of Parliament (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne met with the Maldivian President H.E. (Dr.) Mohamed Muizzu recently. Hon. Speaker warmly received the Maldivian President and his accompanying delegation at the Hilton Hotel Colombo, during the President’s first State Visit to Sri Lanka. The Hon. Speaker noted that the visit reflects the close and longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would be further strengthened through continued cooperation.Recalling the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, both sides reaffirmed their strong historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties.Attention was also drawn to the importance of Parliamentary diplomacy, with the Hon. Speaker highlighting the role of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Association in fostering closer engagement between the two legislatures.Discussions further covered economic cooperation and national priorities, including good governance, transparency, anti-corruption efforts, and digital transformation aimed at enhancing efficiency and economic resilience.The Hon. Speaker also emphasized the strong people-to-people linkages between the two countries, noting the presence of Maldivian students in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka’s contribution to the Maldivian hospitality sector, while appreciating the support extended to Sri Lankans residing in the Maldives. He further acknowledged the continued cooperation in addressing maritime-related matters involving Sri Lankan fishermen.The President of the Maldives reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two nations and expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation.The meeting was attended by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, H.E. Rizvi Hassen; Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera; and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Parliament Secretariat.
2026-05-05
Four newly appointed members to the Audit Service Commission today (May 04) took the oath of secrecy before the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at Parliament.Accordingly, former Auditor General Mr. Gamini Wijesinghe, former Deputy Auditor General Mr. G. Thevagnanan, retired Court of Appeal Judge Mr. Nihal Sunil Rajapaksa, and retired public service officer Mr. Ratna Deshapriya took the oath as new members of the Audit Service Commission.In accordance with Section 9 of the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018, members are required to swear that they shall maintain in utmost secrecy the information whatsoever which is given, stated, discussed or otherwise gathered in the performance of their duties and such information will not be disclosed, discussed or stated in any form whatever to any person in public or private, except when required by a Court of Law, Parliament or when specified under any written law, subject to section 9(b) of the National Audit Act, No. of 2018.The event was attended by the Chairperson of the Audit Service Commission and Auditor General, Ms. Samudika Jayaratne, Secretary General of Parliament Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, Assistant Secretary General Mr. Hansa Abeyratne, Director of Legislative Services Mr. M. Jayalath Perera and several other officials.
2026-04-29
The official badge-awarding ceremony for members of the Student Parliament of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kadawatha was held on 27.04.2026 at the Presidential Secretariat.The event was attended by Director General of Legal Affairs to the President, Senior Attorney-at-Law J.M. Wijebandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Subhash Roshana Gamage and Hansard Editor of Parliament (Mrs.) Nayani Lokukodikara.Accordingly, official badges and certificates were ceremonially awarded to the newly elected Speaker, Prime Minister, Ministers and Members of the Student Parliament of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kadawatha.During the event, Director General of Legal Affairs to the President, Senior Attorney-at-Law J.M. Wijebandara, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Subhash Roshana Gamage, shared their views on the importance of the equal application of the law in the country and the functioning of the President’s Fund.Hansard Editor of Parliament, (Mrs.) Nayani Lokukodikara, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the value of student parliaments and emphasizing their importance in improving the relatively low level of political literacy in the country.This programme was organized by the Department of Communications of Parliament and the Presidential Secretariat. It was attended by Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat, Major Nadeeka Dangolla, officials from the Department of Communications of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the Principal, Deputy Principal, and members of the teaching staff of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kadawatha.
2026-04-28
Parliament to convene from May 5 to 8 – Decision by the Committee on Parliamentary BusinessThe President of Vietnam H.E To Lam is scheduled to address the Parliament of Sri Lanka on 8th May and this, along with the parliamentary business, was decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held yesterday (Apr. 27) under the chairmanship of Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, Parliament is scheduled to meet from May 5th to May 8th .On Tuesday, May 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., it has been decided to take up for debate four Orders (Extraordinary Gazette Nos. 2471/52, 2471/53, 2471/54, 2471/55) and one Regulations (Gazette No. 2475/28) under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act.From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Wednesday, May 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 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 5.30 p.m., the Second Reading debate of the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill is scheduled to be held.On Thursday, May 7th , 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 12:30 p.m., it has been decided to debate Regulations under the National Transport Commission Act (Gazette No. 2471/68), the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) (Gazette No. 2470/14) and the Immigration and Emigration Act (Chapter. 351) (to be presented to Parliament on 05.05.2026).From 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., debates will be held on Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance and the Essential Public Services Act.On Friday, May 8th,2026, at around 11.05 a.m., His Excellency To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Leader of the Communist Party, is scheduled to arrive at Parliament and thereafter address the House. Subsequently, from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., it has been decided to take up for debate seven Private Members’ Motions listed below.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
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