2026-03-30
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, undertook an official visit to Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China, from 25 to 27 March 2026 to participate in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026.
The delegation included Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Secretary General of Parliament, and Mr. Jayalath Perera, Director Legislative Services and Acting Director of Communications.
On 25th March 2026, the Speaker met with H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, and H.E. Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of the Forum. During the meeting, H.E. Ban Ki-moon reflected on the significance of the Boao Forum for Asia as a longstanding platform for dialogue and cooperation in Asia, particularly at a time of increasing global uncertainty. He noted the importance of strong political leadership in navigating current challenges and commended Sri Lanka’s role in the region. He also recalled his previous visits to Sri Lanka during his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations and acknowledged the country’s resilience and progress in the post-conflict period.
The Hon. Speaker emphasized the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and principled leadership in addressing the complex challenges facing the region and the world. He expressed appreciation for the role of the Boao Forum for Asia and its founders in fostering a platform for constructive engagement, and commended H.E. Ban Ki-moon for his global leadership in advancing peace and multilateralism. Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s own experiences, he underscored the value of reconciliation, inclusivity, and good governance in building a stable and prosperous society, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to combating corruption and strengthening democratic institutions. The Hon. Speaker also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced global cooperation to address climate change and humanitarian challenges, stressing that collective action, mutual respect, and shared responsibility are essential to shaping a peaceful and sustainable future.
On 26th March 2026, the Hon. Speaker addressed the Plenary Session of the Forum under the theme “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation.” In his address, he highlighted the growing importance of multilateralism, South - South cooperation, and collective action in addressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change, and the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The Hon. Speaker underscored the need for inclusive dialogue, ethical governance of technology, accelerated climate action, and sustainable development. He noted that Asia, as a dynamic center of global growth, holds significant potential to lead through partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform agenda under the leadership of the Hon.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Hon. Speaker outlined efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen governance, and promote an inclusive, digital, and investment-friendly economy. He invited regional partners to collaborate with Sri Lanka in key sectors including renewable energy, tourism, digital services, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
The Hon. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, attended the plenary session and delivered a keynote speech. Distinguished participants also included the Hon. Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore; the Hon. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan and the Hon. Roman Sklyar, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Hon. Speaker also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. During the meeting, the Hon. Speaker noted that this was his first official visit to China in his capacity as Speaker and expressed confidence that it would further strengthen longstanding bilateral relations.
The Hon. Speaker highlighted the long-standing ties between Sri Lanka and China, spanning over 2,000 years through trade and cultural exchanges along the Maritime Silk Route. He expressed appreciation for China’s continued support, particularly its recent assistance in the aftermath of Ditwah cyclone.
The Hon. Speaker highlighted the considerable growth in tourism between the two countries, noting that Chinese tourist arrivals have increased significantly, making China one of the top five source markets for Sri Lanka. He further noted that the introduction of visa-free arrangements for Chinese nationals has contributed positively to this upward trend. The Hon. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, stated that China is expected to take steps toward introducing similar visa-free arrangements for Sri Lankan nationals, further strengthening bilateral exchanges.
The Boao Forum for Asia, established in 2001, is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization that serves as a high-level platform for dialogue among governments, businesses, and academia across Asia and beyond. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum, which continues to promote regional economic cooperation, inclusive globalization, and multilateralism.
The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference is recognized as a premier platform bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and scholars to deliberate on key regional and international issues and to foster cooperation for shared development and prosperity.
2026-11-12
Second Reading Debate to be held from tomorrow (13) until November 20Committee Stage Debate scheduled from November 21 to December 14The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Speech) was presented to Parliament today (Nov. 12) by the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.At around 1.30 p.m., the President arrived in the Chamber from his office in Parliament and commenced presenting the Budget proposals. The Budget Speech continued until 6.30 p.m.A large number of invitees, including foreign ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of the security forces and judges, attended the occasion.The debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held over 26 days, from November 13 to December 14.The Appropriation Bill for 2027, which was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on October 7, 2026, will be taken up for the Second Reading Debate over seven days, from tomorrow (13) until November 20. The vote on the Second Reading of the Budget is scheduled to be held on November 20 at 6.00 p.m.The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill for 2027 is scheduled to be held over 19 days, from November 21 to December 14, including four Saturdays.Thereafter, the vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held on December 14 at 6.00 p.m.
2026-11-12
Supreme Court Determination on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” BillThe Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (Nov. 12) announced in Parliament the determination of the Supreme Court on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” Bill, which had been challenged before the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.According to the determination, Supreme Court has determined that the Clause 29 of the Bill infringes Article 14(1) (c) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has also determined that the Clause 7(1) of the Bill infringes Article 12(1) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has further determined that subject to above none of the other provisions in the Bill are inconsistent with any provision in the Constitution.Supreme Court Determination on the “Protection of the State from Terrorism” BillThe Hon. Speaker also informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill can be passed by simple majority of Parliament after making the following amendments (Three of them already undertaken by the learned Additional Solicitor General) at the Committee Stage:-• Clause 26(2) to be amended by inserting the phrase “on the application of such police officer”, with the above insertion, Clause 26(2) must read as follows:-“Upon the production of a suspect before a Magistrate under subsection (1), where the police officer conducting the investigation has reasonable grounds to believe that further extended custody of the suspect is necessary for the purpose of conducting further investigation, the Magistrate may, on the application of such police officer, for reasons to be recorded in writing, authorize such suspect to be held in police custody for a further period not exceeding twenty-four hours.”;• Clause 59(5)(b) to be amended by substituting the phrase “Court of Appeal” with the “Supreme Court” to make the judicial oversight effective;• Removal of the Clause 60(7) from the Bill on the basis that it is superfluous; and• Clause 66(1) to be re-framed as follows:-“An executive Order, directive or direction issued or made under this Act may be questioned in proceedings under Article 126, 140 or 141 of the Constitution.”Supreme Court Determination on the “Immigration” BillThe Hon. Speaker further informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Immigration” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution.The Supreme Court has determined that,• Clause 43(3), in its present form, is inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(i) of the Constitution. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clause 43(3) is replaced and a new Clause 43(4) is inserted in the terms set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clause 169, in its present form, is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution, having regard also to Article 76. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clauses 169(1) and 169(3) are amended in the manner specified in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clauses 45 and 65, in their present form, are inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution. However, these inconsistencies would cease if Clause 45(1) is amended and the proposed provision concerning the costs of immigration facilities is inserted with appropriate numbering, as set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• There is no other inconsistency with the Constitution on the grounds considered. Also, the Supreme Court records the undertaking to amend Clause 174 by deleting the word “written”.• Where the amendments necessary to remove the identified inconsistencies are not effected, the relevant provisions would require the special majority prescribed by Article 84(2) of the Constitution.
2026-11-11
Mr. Davis Myers, Chargé d’Affaires / Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, recently. The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on the occasion.The Hon. Deputy Speaker warmly welcomed Mr. Myers and reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and the United States of America. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued support extended by the Government of the United States, particularly during challenging periods, and acknowledged the assistance provided through USAID towards strengthening Parliamentary affairs and institutional capacities.During the meeting, the Secretary General of Parliament highlighted the recent visit of Hon. Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka to the US Congress conducted through the collaboration of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). She also recalled the various forms of assistance extended to Parliament, including initiatives aimed at strengthening Parliamentary outreach programmes through USAID.Mr. Davis Myers reaffirmed his commitment to continuing and further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. He also commended the beauty and architectural significance of the Parliament building, as well as the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.Both parties engaged in cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest, including maritime security and measures to combat the drug menace.Mr. Myers also participated in a guided tour of the Parliament building, during which he was briefed on its architectural features and Parliamentary facilities.Ms. Rachel Huggins, Political Officer of the US Embassy, Ms. Nazreen Marikkar, and Political Specialist of the US Embassy were also present on this occasion.
2026-11-11
The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that a sum of Rs. 18,058,884 has been allocated this year for the conservation of 846 sites of archaeological significance identified so far in the Anuradhapura District. Accordingly, the figures tabled in Parliament indicate that this includes Rs. 12,609,034 allocated under departmental grants and Rs. 5,449,850 provided through external funding.The Minister made these remarks in response to questions raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Susantha Kumara Navarathna, who sought oral answers.The Minister further stated that measures have been taken to protect and conserve these archaeological sites, taking into consideration the significance of each site, the nature of potential threats, its location and the relevant legal framework. Accordingly, the measures undertaken include carrying out the monitoring affairs of sites, security affairs, establishment of safety fences, boundary posts, taking legal action, carry out the exploration activities, maintenance, preservative, excavations and conservation activities.
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