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
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.
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