2026-06-09
News Categories : News
The Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment)” which was challenged in the Supreme Court under Article 121(1) of the Constitution, was announced to Parliament today (Jun. 09) by the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court has determined that the Bill may be passed by the simple majority of Parliament, except Clause 14 [proposed Section 12A(b)] and Clause 18 [proposed Sections 17A, 17B and 17C] which Clauses shall be passed by the special majority of Parliament. Furthermore, the Speaker informed Parliament that the Supreme Court has further determined that the said Clauses too can be passed by the simple majority of Parliament if they are amended as proposed by the Court.
The Hon. Speaker also ordered that the Determination of the Supreme Court be printed in the official report of today's proceedings.
2026-07-10
The Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today (Jul. 09) with the required special majority in respect of Clause 14, in accordance with the determination of the Supreme Court. The Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Bill was passed, with amendments, without a division, while the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill was passed without amendments and without a division.These Bills seek to further strengthen Sri Lanka's legal framework for preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and financial crimes in line with international standards. They are also intended to enhance the transparency of the financial system and improve the efficiency of the regulatory framework governing financial transactions.
2026-07-08
The Revival Meeting of the Sri Lanka–Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament was held yesterday (Jul. 07) at the Parliament of Sri Lanka under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. H.E Adel Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka attended the meeting as the Guest of Honour. During the meeting, Hon. Minister (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna was elected as the President of the Association. Hon. Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer was elected as the Secretary, while Hon. Member of Parliament Ambika Samivel was elected as the Treasurer.Delivering the welcome address, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne emphasized that Parliamentary Friendship Associations play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations through Parliamentary diplomacy by providing Members of Parliament with a valuable platform to engage with their counterparts, exchange experiences, and enhance cooperation between the two countries.The Speaker further noted that Sri Lanka and Egypt have enjoyed longstanding and cordial relations founded on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, expressing confidence that the revived Association would serve as an effective mechanism for strengthening Parliamentary ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.Addressing the gathering, H.E Adel Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, highlighted the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Egypt and emphasized the importance of further enhancing bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including political, economic, cultural, educational and tourism exchanges. He expressed confidence that the Parliamentary Friendship Association would make a meaningful contribution towards further strengthening the relations between the two countries.Prior to the meeting, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and Ambassador Adel Ibrahim held a cordial discussion at the Speaker's official chamber, where they exchanged views on further enhancing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Egypt.The event was attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament and several distinguished invitees.
2026-07-07
The newly appointed 27th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at Parliament today (Jul. 07).During the meeting, the two sides held extensive discussions on the role of the Sri Lanka Navy in safeguarding national security and maritime security, the importance of further strengthening coordination among State institutions, and enhancing cooperation in support of national development.On the occasion, the Hon. Speaker congratulated the newly appointed Navy Commander and commended the Sri Lanka Navy for its outstanding service in protecting the country's maritime boundaries, ensuring national security, and contributing to the welfare of the people. He also conveyed his best wishes to Vice Admiral Fernando for a successful tenure in his new office.Expressing his appreciation for the Speaker's congratulations, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando reaffirmed the Navy's commitment to carrying out its responsibilities with the utmost dedication in further strengthening national and maritime security.The Navy Commander also underscored the importance of Sri Lanka maintaining balanced and neutral diplomatic relations with other countries in light of the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.The discussion further covered the Sri Lanka Navy's recent initiative to commence the commercial manufacture of boats, with a view to generating revenue for the country and promoting local industries.Vice Admiral Fernando also noted that the Sri Lanka Navy is working closely with the Government to promote tourism in the islands of the Northern Province and to improve the livelihoods of the communities living in those areas.
2026-07-06
An Awareness Programme on Human Trafficking organized for Hon. Members of Parliament was held recently at the Parliament Complex under the patronage of the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hemali Weerasekara.The programme was jointly organized by the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force of the Ministry of Defence and the Parliament of Sri Lanka. It was aimed at enhancing Members' awareness of emerging trends relating to human trafficking, as well as the associated legal, policy and development dimensions, while strengthening the legislative process in addressing this issue.The programme was conducted with the participation of resource persons from the Attorney General's Department. Additional Solicitor General, President's Counsel Haripriya Jayasundara, and State Counsel Sajith Bandara served as the resource persons.Addressing the gathering, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, stated that trafficking in persons has evolved over time and is increasingly linked to organized transnational criminal networks.He further pointed out that deceptive overseas employment opportunities, fraudulent recruitment practices, technology-enabled recruitment, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and, in certain instances, the use of victims for forced criminal activities have emerged as major challenges requiring a coordinated national response.Members of Parliament were also briefed on the National Strategic Action Plan on Combating Human Trafficking (2026–2030) of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. The Action Plan is built on four key pillars: preventing human trafficking; identifying and protecting victims; strengthening the criminal justice response; and enhancing coordination among State institutions.Special attention was also drawn to emerging trends in human trafficking, particularly technology-based recruitment, deceptive migration practices, labour exploitation, and forced criminal activities.The event was attended by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa; Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara; Hon. Members of Parliament; Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha; Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Acting Secretary to the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Attorney-at-Law Priyangani Hewarathna; Director of Legislative Services of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. Jayalath Perera; Deputy Director (Administration), Chintha Bulathsinhala; Assistant Director (Administration), P.H. Kumarasinghe; and officials of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
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