2026-04-23
A delegation led by the France–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group in the French Senate met with the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne recently (Apr. 21) at Parliament, reaffirming the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and France.
The delegation included Senator (Ms.) Vanina Paoli-Gagin, President of the France–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group, Mr. Didier Marie, Vice President of the Group, Senator (Ms.) Laurence Muller-Bronn, Senator along with Ms. Charlotte Dammane, Senior Assistant Director of International Relations and Protocol.
Welcoming the delegation, the Hon. Speaker recalled the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and France, built on mutual respect and shared values over the past seven decades. He emphasized the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The Speaker also conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by France in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, noting that the Government successfully managed both the post-cyclone situation and the challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Highlighting economic ties, the Hon. Speaker noted that France remains a key tourism source market for Sri Lanka. He underscored the country’s peaceful environment and stressed the importance of enhancing tourism and investment opportunities for mutual benefit. He further noted that Sri Lanka continues to ensure the safety of tourists while planning to improve facilitation through technology-driven solutions and strengthened complaint monitoring systems. Expanding air connectivity, including potential engagement with Air France, was also identified as a priority.
The Hon. Speaker expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support extended through the GSP+ facility and conveyed hope for further strengthening of Sri Lanka’s industries through enhanced cooperation and sustainable trade opportunities.
The Speaker further highlighted the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through the Sri Lanka–France Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Discussions also focused on maritime security and the development of the blue economy, areas of growing importance for both nations.
Senator (Ms.) Vanina Paoli-Gagin expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Sri Lanka and reaffirmed France’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. The delegation outlined its planned engagements in Sri Lanka, including discussions with relevant authorities, and expressed interest in supporting initiatives such as water treatment projects, university collaborations, and the textile industry. They emphasized their intention to pursue mutually beneficial partnerships.
The delegation also held discussions with members of the Sri Lanka - France Parliamentary Friendship Association. The meeting was co-chaired by the President of the Association, Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Senator (Ms.) Vanina Paoli-Gagin, President of the France–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group. The discussions explored new avenues for cooperation across a broad spectrum, including economic engagement, sustainable development, climate action, and social policy.
Hon. Minister Paulraj expressed appreciation for the invitation extended to the Sri Lanka–France Parliamentary Friendship Association to visit France. She highlighted the potential for collaboration in advancing gender equality, child protection, and inclusive social policies, noting the shared commitment of both countries in these areas.
She further reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening engagement with France in key areas such as trade, investment, education, maritime cooperation, and climate resilience, emphasizing the strong potential of the partnership at both bilateral and global levels. Members of the Sri Lanka–France Parliamentary Friendship Association, including Hon. Members of Parliament Lal Premanath, Hector Appuhamy, Thanura Dissanayake, and Dharmapriya Dissanayake, were also present at this meeting.
The delegation later participated in a luncheon meeting with the Hon. Speaker and members of the Sri Lanka - France Parliamentary Friendship Association, followed by a guided tour of Parliament. The Secretary-General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka H.E. Rémi Lambert and several other officials were also present at these meetings.
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.
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
How Parliament Works
Business of Parliament
Copyright © The Parliament of Sri Lanka.
All Rights Reserved.
Design & Developed by TekGeeks
