2026-04-23
News Categories : News
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.
2026-04-23
The newly appointed High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retired) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, met with the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at Parliament recently (Apr. 21).The Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Ms. Zunaira Latif, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, were also present at this meeting.The High Commissioner expressed that it is a great pleasure and honor to serve for the first time as High Commissioner in a friendly country rich in cultural heritage like Sri Lanka. He further stated his commitment to strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two countries and elevating bilateral relations to a more productive level.Speaking on the occasion, the Hon. Speaker extended his congratulations to the newly appointed High Commissioner and expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for their continued support during every challenging period faced by Sri Lanka. He gratefully recalled Pakistan’s assistance during various occasions, from the country’s war situation to the devastating natural disaster caused by Cyclone “Ditwah,” describing it as a true expression of friendship.The Hon. Speaker also highly appreciated Pakistan’s important role as an active mediator in fostering global unity in the current international context. He further emphasized that the establishment of the Sri Lanka - Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association has created opportunities to further strengthen ties between the legislatures of both countries.At this meeting, the Hon. Speaker requested the High Commissioner of Pakistan to facilitate bringing to Sri Lanka the statue depicting the Buddha’s austerities (Fasting Buddha Statue), currently housed at the Lahore Museum in Pakistan, so that Sri Lankan devotees may have the opportunity to view and pay homage.The High Commissioner stated that Sri Lanka, with its beautiful natural environment and hospitable people, has significant potential to further develop its tourism industry. He also expressed Pakistan’s readiness to share its experience and knowledge in modern technology-based agriculture with Sri Lanka.During the visit, the High Commissioner also met with the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih, and held a cordial discussion. Both sides exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation. Discussions also focused on enhancing educational scholarship exchange programmes between the two countries and expanding opportunities for sharing knowledge and experience among Members of Parliament.The High Commissioner also met with the Leader of the House, Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake, and engaged in a friendly discussion, during which a broad dialogue on bilateral cooperation took place.The Hon. minister expressed his deep gratitude for Pakistan’s support to Sri Lanka during the disaster caused by Cyclone “Ditwah.” Recalling his participation in the International Conference of Regional Transport Ministers held in Pakistan last year, the Minister emphasized that plans are underway to complete all construction work of the proposed expressway network in Sri Lanka and make it available for public use by the end of 2028.Special attention was also given during the meeting to several areas, including investment opportunities between the two countries, practical measures to develop the tourism industry, and programs for exchanging experiences among public representatives at parliamentary and local government levels.
2026-04-14
Today marks the dawn of spring in nature and the transition of the traditional solar calendar from Pisces to Aries. Accordingly, I pray for a prosperous and blessed New Year for the Sri Lankans, as well as to the Sri Lankans living abroad who are physically far from their homeland but are now deeply connected to their homeland.The Sinhala Tamil New Year is not only the dawn of a new year, but also a national festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, passing on Sri Lankan cultural heritage to future generations. Also, with the dawn of a new year, Sri Lankans come together as one nation and begin their daily tasks at the same time, reflecting our unity as a nation to the world, with peace, happiness, prosperity and unity.The true symbols of the New Year are to set aside old grievances and differences, to strengthen cooperation and brotherhood, and to begin the new year armed with new goals.We are currently going through a period where the country is gradually recovering from the economic crisis prevailing in the country. At the same time, in the past year, we also had to face a major natural disaster like Didva as a country. But the strength with which we have been able to stand up again as a Sri Lankan nation will also help us to face the military challenge that we are currently facing in the Middle East. Therefore, I believe that this New Year will be a year that reflects the true meanings of the New Year, such as cooperation and unity.Therefore, I invite you to join hands to build a country with a prosperous future by overcoming all the obstacles and challenges that come our way. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to fulfilling the common goals of all of us, keeping the trust you have placed in us.Happy New Year to all of you who are celebrating the Sinhala-Tamil New Year...!Dr. Jagath WickramaratneHon. SpeakerSri Lanka Parliament
2026-04-10
The no-confidence motion presented by the opposition against the Hon. Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, was defeated in Parliament today (10) by a majority of 104 votes.The debate on the motion was held throughout the day today (Apr. 10), and at the vote held around 6.00 p.m. following the conclusion of the debate, 153 votes were cast against the motion, while only 49 votes were cast in favor.
2026-04-10
The Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, yesterday (Apr. 09) endorsed the certificate on the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill. The Second Reading debate of the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill was held on 07.04.2026, and the Bill was passed following its Third Reading with amendments.The objective of the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill is to amend the Social Security Contribution Levy Act No. 25 of 2022, mainly to lower the turnover threshold required for registration for the levy and revise certain exemptions relating to motor vehicles.Accordingly, this Act expands the tax base of the Social Security Contribution Levy by lowering the turnover threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million per annum. It also introduces new registration requirements and cancellation of registration consistent with the revised threshold and revises exemptions relating to motor vehicles.Thus, the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Act, No. 10 of 2026.
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
