2026-05-08
News Categories : News
The President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, His Excellency To Lam, visited the Parliament of Sri Lanka today (08) and delivered a special address to Members of Parliament, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and growing Comprehensive Partnership between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. Addressing Members of Parliament, President To Lam highlighted Viet Nam’s development journey, the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, and the shared commitment of both countries towards peace, sustainable development, regional cooperation and people-centered growth.
President To Lam arrived at the Parliamentary Complex at 11.05 a.m. and was received by the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera. The President was ceremonially escorted into the Parliament Building by the Serjeant-at-Arms Mr. Kushan Jayaratna, the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms Mr. Achintha Cooray and Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms Mr. Lakmal Kadigamuwa.
A cordial bilateral meeting was subsequently held between President To Lam and the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, reaffirming the longstanding bilateral relations and strengthening Parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. The Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka – Viet Nam Friendship Association and Hon. Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Secretary-General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera and Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Hansa Abeyratna also participated in the discussions.
During the meeting, both parties assured the deep-rooted friendship and longstanding diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam. Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral engagement, particularly through Parliamentary exchanges under the Sri Lanka – Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Association.
President To Lam expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to address the Parliament of Sri Lanka and extended an invitation to the Hon. Speaker and a Parliamentary delegation to visit Viet Nam to further enhance collaboration and mutual engagement. The President also commended Sri Lanka’s political stability and ongoing development efforts, while reiterating Viet Nam’s support and the importance of strengthening Parliamentary diplomacy between the two nations.
President To Lam also signed the Special Visitors’ Book of Parliament.
President To Lam entered the Chamber at 11.35 am and took his seat in the specially designated chair placed near the Speaker’s Chair. He delivered his special address to Parliament at 11.40 a.m. Following the address by President To Lam, statements were delivered by the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. After the temporary suspension of the House, President To Lam departed the Parliamentary Complex at 12.30 p.m.
2026-06-04
The Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, yesterday (Jun. 03) endorsed the certificate on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill.The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, which amends the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, was passed on 19 May 2026. The Act modernizes tax administration procedures, clarifies existing provisions, enhances tax compliance and enforcement, improves the accuracy of tax calculations and deductions, supports strategic economic objectives, and strengthens transparency and anti-money laundering measures.Key changes include the mandatory use of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates for certain significant financial transactions, several revisions to the calculation of income, greater clarity regarding tax exemptions for specific projects and businesses, and an expanded scope for the disclosure of information to relevant authorities.Accordingly, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026.
2026-06-03
Parliament is scheduled to meet from June 9 to 12.The Parliamentary business for these sittings was decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on June 1 under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Accordingly, on each sitting day, 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 set aside for Questions for Oral Answers, and from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for Questions under Standing Order 27(2). On Wednesday, June 10, however, the time from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. will be allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, while the period from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. will be reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.On Tuesday, June 9, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, Order under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, Order under the Value Added Tax Act and a Decision under the Standing Orders 119 of Parliament are scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance is scheduled to be debated and approved.On Wednesday, June 10, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the Second Reading Debate on the Telecommunication Levy (Amendment) Bill and the Finance (Amendment) Bill will be held. A Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act is also scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time (Opposition) will be taken up for debate.On Thursday, June 11, from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., the Second Reading Debate on the Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Bill will be held and an Order under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act will be debated and approved. Subsequently, from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., an Adjournment Debate on the current situation of the country (Opposition) will be held.On Friday, June 12, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act and a Supplementary Estimate amounting to Rs. 20 billion are scheduled to be debated and approved. Thereafter, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Adjournment Debate on the Report of the Annual Economic Review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the Year 2025 (Government), which commenced on May 20, 2026, will continue.In addition, approval was granted for an awareness programme on the current fiscal policy and related matters for Hon. Members of Parliament, to be conducted on June 10 within the Parliamentary Complex. The programme will be held at the request of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha, with the participation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and other Central Bank officials.
2026-06-03
The Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, paid a farewell call on the Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliament premises recently (Jun. 01). The Secretary General of Parliament Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present at the occasion.During the meeting, the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hon. Speaker for his cooperation, support, and guidance in further strengthening the cordial Parliamentary relations and longstanding friendship between India and Sri Lanka. He also conveyed his appreciation to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera and the Parliamentary staff for their collaboration in enhancing engagement and cooperation between the legislatures of the two countries.The Hon. Speaker commended Dr. Pandey for his dedicated service in Sri Lanka and thanked the Government and people of India for the steadfast support extended to Sri Lanka during times of need. He particularly appreciated India’s assistance in the aftermath of the recent Cyclone Ditwah and its continued support amid challenges arising from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The Hon. Speaker also expressed his gratitude for the training programmes and capacity-building initiatives provided for Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff.Dr. Pandey also paid a farewell call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih and expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation extended during his tenure in Sri Lanka. The Hon. Deputy Speaker commended Dr. Pandey’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and thanked him for his efforts in fostering parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. During the cordial discussions, the Hon. Speaker and Deputy Speaker extended their best wishes to Dr. Pandey for success in his future endeavors.
2026-06-02
During the weekend of the sacred Vesak festival, which commemorates the three auspicious events in the life of Lord Buddha, the Parliament of Sri Lanka was transformed into a beautiful setting adorned with the splendour of Vesak.The Parliament premises were beautifully decorated with colourful Vesak lanterns, illuminated lights, Buddhist flags and various other Vesak decorations. These decorations created a serene and visually appealing atmosphere, providing spiritual comfort and tranquillity to all who visited or witnessed the surroundings.The decorations also helped convey the true meaning of Vesak by reminding society of the core values of Buddhism, including loving-kindness, compassion, peaceful coexistence and moral integrity. At night, the glittering lanterns and illuminated displays added a unique charm and beauty to the Parliament complex.Reflecting the universal message of Buddhism that transcends race, religion and culture, the Vesak decorations highlighted the importance of building a society that values peace, coexistence and humanity.In parallel with these celebrations, a special ceremony was held around the sacred Bo tree planted within the Parliamentary premises, which originated from a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi. Oil lamps were lit around the Bo tree as part of the observances. Through these religious rituals, homage was paid to the teachings of the Buddha, while prayers were offered for peace, prosperity, and well-being for the nation and its people.Parliament, resplendent with the vitality of the Vesak festival, became another striking symbol of Sri Lanka’s proud Buddhist culture and rich spiritual heritage, demonstrating the importance of these enduring traditions to the nation and its people.
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