2026-06-11
News Categories : News
The Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation, which participated in the Workshop for Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka in the People’s Republic of China, returned to Sri Lanka on 05th June 2026 upon the successful completion of its official programme.
The delegation, led by Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathna, M.P., Deputy Minister of Mass Media, participated in the programme conducted by the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China from 26th May to 04th June 2026.
During the course of the visit, the delegation participated in sessions conducted by senior Chinese academics, researchers, and officials on China’s governance framework, development strategy, democratic consultation mechanisms, and national policy direction.
The delegation also undertook official visits to key national institutions, including the National People’s Congress (NPC) Conference Hall and the Great Hall of the People. In addition, it attended a reception hosted by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing on 29th May 2026 to mark International Tea Day, highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage and its contribution to cultural and economic ties.
The programme continued in Shenzhen and later in Guangzhou, where the delegation visited institutions and development projects in the fields of smart infrastructure, advanced technology, communications, agriculture, and new energy industries.
The Workshop provided a valuable platform for enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, institutional exchange, and knowledge-sharing between Sri Lanka and the People’s Republic of China, further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.
2026-07-22
To build a truly complete humanity, decisions concerning oneself, others, and the natural environment must be guided not only by intellect but also by an awakened heart, said Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of Parliament of Sri Lanka. She further noted that the concept of "we," rather than "I," embodies cooperation, love, compassion, and empathy.She made these remarks while attending as the Guest of Honour at the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya, Kiribathgoda, held at the Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat.The programme, jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Department of Communications of Parliament of Sri Lanka, aimed to provide students with practical exposure to Parliamentary proceedings and a better understanding of the democratic system of governance.Addressing the gathering further, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees stated that education should equip children with the skills required to live harmoniously within society, appreciate values, and develop into responsible citizens. Quoting the views of Bertrand Russell, she stressed that achieving human fulfilment depends on maintaining healthy relationships with oneself, with others, and with nature.She also pointed out that the breakdown of these relationships leads to diminished self-confidence, growing distrust, hatred, and conflict within society, as well as environmental degradation and the worsening of the climate crisis.Noting that women constitute the majority of both the country's population and its electorate, she encouraged the students to prepare themselves to assume leadership roles in local government institutions, Provincial Councils, and Parliament. She added that the Student Parliament serves as an important platform for students to gain practical experience of democratic values.Delivering a lecture on "Future Leadership and the Student Parliament," Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka, presented a comprehensive overview of democracy, popular sovereignty, the role of Parliament, the legislative process, Parliamentary committees, Parliamentary caucuses, Parliamentary privileges, and public participation.Mr. Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, briefed participants on the services provided through the President's Fund for students and the general public. He also explained that a range of services, including educational assistance, can be accessed through Divisional Secretariat offices.During the programme, the Speaker of the Student Parliament was elected, student members took their oaths, and student ministers presented proposals for the development of their school. Certificates were subsequently awarded to the participating students, and the event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by the Principal, Mrs. M. L. N. M. Damayanthi.The event marked another successful milestone in the series of Student Parliament programmes jointly implemented by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communications of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Among those in attendance were Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, Director General of Public Relations to the President; Lieutenant Colonel Nadika Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat; Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi, Director (Communications) of the Parliament of Sri Lanka; as well as the teachers, parents, and students of Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya, Kiribathgoda.
2026-07-21
An awareness workshop on the functioning of Student Parliaments and the procedure for establishing them was recently held at Al Hidaya College, Colombo 10.The workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Al Hidaya College. It was held under the patronage of the Principal of the College, Mrs. A.F. Sarook, and the Director of the Department of Communication of Parliament, Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi.During the programme, the Chief Librarian of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. S.L. Siyad Ahamed, provided students with a comprehensive overview of Parliamentary procedures, the role of Parliament, and its functioning.In addition, Mr. A.S.M. Yasri, Public Relations Officer of the Department of Communication of Parliament, briefed the students on the role and functions of Student Parliaments, as well as the procedure for establishing a Student Parliament, using practical examples.The workshop was attended by teachers and students, who were also given the opportunity to seek clarification on questions and concerns relating to Parliamentary procedures and the Student Parliament programme.
2026-07-21
Parliament today (Jul. 21) approved motions to refer reports submitted to Parliament by the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), containing findings from investigations into various institutions, to the Attorney General and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), respectively. Accordingly, Parliament approved the referral to the Attorney General, under Standing Order 119(4), of the report containing the findings of the Committee on Public Accounts on its inquiry conducted on 24 October 2025 into the scheme implemented from 1 May 2022 to 15 September 2023 for issuing permits to Sri Lankans employed overseas to import fully electric vehicles using foreign remittances. The referral is for the Attorney General's observations and any necessary action. Parliament also approved the decision to refer to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), under Standing Order 120(4), matters identified in reports presented to Parliament following investigations conducted by the Committee on Public Enterprises during its committee meetings, for appropriate action.Accordingly, reports presented to Parliament containing findings from COPE investigations into the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital Board, the Land Reform Commission, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Lanka Sathosa Limited, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and the National Savings Bank will be referred to CIABOC.This approval was granted in accordance with the amendments to Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4), which were adopted by Parliament on 7 April 2026.
2026-07-21
The Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (Jul. 21) endorsed the certificate for the National Environmental (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by Parliament.Although the National Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1980, together with the National Environmental (Amendment) Acts, No. 56 of 1988 and No. 53 of 2000, significantly strengthened environmental protection, this amendment was introduced in recognition of the fact that the existing legal framework is no longer adequate to address current environmental and institutional challenges.The Act is intended to further strengthen the legal framework for the protection, management, and enhancement of the environment, improve regulatory mechanisms relating to waste disposal, and modernize the mechanisms used for environmental protection.Accordingly, the Bill comes into force as the National Environmental (Amendment) Act, No. 15 of 2026.
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