2026-06-24
News Categories : News
The Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne stated that the Parliament of Sri Lanka will provide the fullest possible support to ensure that the National Commission on Women, established as an independent commission, functions independently and effectively. The Hon. Speaker made these remarks when he met with the Chairperson of the Commission, Ms. Grace Asirwatham, and its members yesterday (Jun. 23) at the Parliamentary Complex.
During the meeting, the Speaker extended his warm congratulations to the newly appointed members of this independent commission, which was established for the first time in Sri Lanka by the Tenth Parliament.
The Speaker further noted that the National Commission on Women has been entrusted with a significant and responsible mandate on behalf of women, who constitute 51 percent of Sri Lanka’s population.
He also pointed out that Sri Lanka is the country that produced the world’s first female Prime Minister and that, compared to other countries in South Asia, women in Sri Lanka have made considerable progress in advancing within society. Therefore, he emphasized that the National Commission on Women must work towards further empowering women in Sri Lanka by making sound and independent decisions.
The two parties also discussed the current administrative and infrastructural challenges faced by the National Commission on Women, as well as its future activities.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera; Chairperson of the National Commission on Women Ms. Grace Asirwatham; and Commission members Ms. K.D.R. Olga, Ms. Shreen Saroor, Ms. Janaha Selvaras, Ms. Jayanthi Uthpala, Dr. Padma Gunaratne and Dr. Kalana Senarath.
2026-06-24
Hon. Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi, has been elected as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka–Bahrain Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.The meeting convened to establish the Association was held yesterday (Jun. 23) at Parliament under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, also attended the occasion.Hon. Member of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Sujeewa Senasinghe was elected as the Secretary of the Association, while Hon. Member of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Anushka Thilakaratne was elected as the Treasurer.Hon. Members of Parliament Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran, Aboobucker Athambawa, Kader Masthan, and Hector Appuhamy were elected as Vice Chairpersons of the Association. Hon. Members of Parliament Dr. Elayathamby Srinath and Lal Premanath were elected as Assistant Secretaries.Addressing the gathering, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne noted that diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Bahrain, established in 1992, have continued to grow across political, economic, and cultural spheres. He further stated that the Sri Lankan community residing in Bahrain serves as an important bridge strengthening ties between the two countries.The Speaker also emphasized that the Parliamentary Friendship Association would provide an important platform for further enhancing Parliamentary dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. He stressed that in the face of global challenges, continuous engagement and dialogue are essential, rather than isolation. Highlighting the importance of further strengthening diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Bahrain, the newly elected Chairman stated that active Parliamentary engagement is necessary to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism. He noted that the Friendship Association would play a significant role in promoting the welfare of the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain as well as contributing to the economic development of both countries. He also affirmed his commitment to working towards achieving these shared objectives.The Secretary of the Sri Lanka–Bahrain Parliamentary Friendship Association also underscored the importance of parliamentary-level cooperation in further strengthening bilateral relations. He pointed out that meetings of this nature provide valuable opportunities to foster friendship, mutual understanding, and collaboration between the two countries.Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Parliamentary officials attended the meeting.
2026-06-24
The Student Parliament serves as a unique platform for students not only to focus on academic subjects but also to demonstrate and develop leadership qualities, teamwork, and decision-making skills, emphasized, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Hemali Weerasekara.She made these remarks while attending, as the Chief Guest, the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo 07, held recently at the historic Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat.The Deputy Chairperson highlighted the responsibility of children in building a society enriched with spiritual development and positive values amid rapid technological advancement. She also pointed out that Student Parliaments can serve as forums for proposing innovative solutions to national challenges such as poverty alleviation, energy conservation and educational reforms.Addressing the gathering, Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya, stressed the importance of transforming knowledge into understanding. He explained that research is a process that assists in making informed decisions in everyday life and emphasized the value of nurturing curiosity and analytical thinking among students while applying knowledge in practical ways.Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Mr. Roshan Gamage, provided an overview of the services offered by the President's Fund to students and the general public. Director General of Public Relations to the President, Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, addressed the student parliamentarians and underscored the importance of becoming disciplined citizens with strong leadership qualities and compassion for others.Students were also briefed on the structure, functions, and Parliamentary procedures of the Parliament of Sri Lanka by Deputy Director (Administration) of Parliament, Ms. Chintha Madhubhashini Bulathsinhala. The inaugural session of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of Members. Students holding ministerial portfolios presented programmes and development proposals they intend to implement within the school through their respective ministries.Certificates were presented to the members of the Student Parliament by the Deputy Chairperson of Committees and other distinguished guests. During the event, Principal of Ananda College, Colombo, Mr. D.M. Lal Dissanayake, who attended representing an invited school, extended his congratulations to the student Parliamentarians. At the conclusion of the programme, , Principal of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Dr. Sumeda Jayaweera, delivered the vote of thanks.The programme was jointly organized by Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka with the objective of providing students of the school with practical exposure to parliamentary affairs and a better understanding of democratic governance.This event marked another successful milestone in the Student Parliament programme jointly conducted by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of Parliament. Among those present were Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat Air Commodore Asiri Gallage; Assistant Director Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla; Director (Communication) of Parliament Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi; members of the teaching staff of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya; parents and students.Student Parliament Provides a Unique Platform for Developing Children's Leadership Skills – Deputy Chairperson of Committees EmphasizesThe Student Parliament serves as a unique platform for students not only to focus on academic subjects but also to demonstrate and develop leadership qualities, teamwork, and decision-making skills, emphasized, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Hemali Weerasekara.She made these remarks while attending, as the Chief Guest, the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo 07, held recently at the historic Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat.The Deputy Chairperson highlighted the responsibility of children in building a society enriched with spiritual development and positive values amid rapid technological advancement. She also pointed out that Student Parliaments can serve as forums for proposing innovative solutions to national challenges such as poverty alleviation, energy conservation and educational reforms.Addressing the gathering, Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya, stressed the importance of transforming knowledge into understanding. He explained that research is a process that assists in making informed decisions in everyday life and emphasized the value of nurturing curiosity and analytical thinking among students while applying knowledge in practical ways.Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Mr. Roshan Gamage, provided an overview of the services offered by the President's Fund to students and the general public. Director General of Public Relations to the President, Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, addressed the student parliamentarians and underscored the importance of becoming disciplined citizens with strong leadership qualities and compassion for others.Students were also briefed on the structure, functions, and Parliamentary procedures of the Parliament of Sri Lanka by Deputy Director (Administration) of Parliament, Ms. Chintha Madhubhashini Bulathsinhala. The inaugural session of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of Members. Students holding ministerial portfolios presented programmes and development proposals they intend to implement within the school through their respective ministries.Certificates were presented to the members of the Student Parliament by the Deputy Chairperson of Committees and other distinguished guests. During the event, Principal of Ananda College, Colombo, Mr. D.M. Lal Dissanayake, who attended representing an invited school, extended his congratulations to the student Parliamentarians. At the conclusion of the programme, , Principal of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Dr. Sumeda Jayaweera, delivered the vote of thanks.The programme was jointly organized by Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka with the objective of providing students of the school with practical exposure to parliamentary affairs and a better understanding of democratic governance.This event marked another successful milestone in the Student Parliament programme jointly conducted by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of Parliament. Among those present were Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat Air Commodore Asiri Gallage; Assistant Director Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla; Director (Communication) of Parliament Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi; members of the teaching staff of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya; parents and students.
2026-06-19
A Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, headed by Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), undertook an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the UK–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Programme (Sri Lanka Committee Visit to Westminster), jointly organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch (CPA UK) and the Parliament of Sri Lanka (CPA Sri Lanka Branch), from 16th to 18th June 2026.The delegation comprised Hon. Members of Parliament Gayantha Karunathilleka, S.M. Marikkar, (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana, (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law, Kanthasamy Prabu, Danushka Ranganath, Ruwan Wijeweera, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, and Mr. Kushan Sampath Jayarathna, Serjeant-at-Arms. The programme, conducted at the UK Parliament in Westminster, aimed to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the UK Parliament while promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices in Parliamentary procedures and governance.Throughout the programme, the delegation participated in a series of discussions, observations and interactive sessions focusing on a broad range of Parliamentary subjects, including comparative Parliamentary systems, committee structures and oversight mechanisms, legislative and post-legislative scrutiny, Parliamentary standards and privileges, financial scrutiny, public accountability, Parliamentary modernization and public engagement.The programme also provided opportunities for delegates to gain first-hand exposure to Parliamentary practices in the United Kingdom through observation of committee proceedings and Parliamentary sessions, including Prime Minister’s Questions. Delegates also engaged with Members of the House of Commons, Members of the House of Lords, senior officials, and experts representing various Parliamentary institutions and organizations.Further discussions under the programme included the role of Select Committees in ensuring effective oversight, strengthening financial accountability through Public Accounts Committees and related institutions, the role of Parliamentary outreach in enhancing public participation and trust, and initiatives relating to diversity, inclusion and women’s representation in Parliamentary processes.The delegation also held discussions with representatives of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sri Lanka, providing opportunities to exchange views on Parliamentary strengthening initiatives and explore future avenues for cooperation. In addition, the delegation met with Mr. Stephen Twigg, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and officials of the CPA Headquarters to discuss their ongoing work with the Parliament of Sri Lanka and explore potential future engagements.During the visit, the delegation also received the support and assistance of the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, with the High Commissioner H. E. Nimal Senadheera and officials of the Mission engaging with the delegation and facilitating aspects of the programme and related arrangements.The programme further strengthened the longstanding relationship between the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the UK Parliament while enhancing the knowledge and expertise of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary officials in promoting effective Parliamentary practices, democratic governance and institutional development.
2026-06-19
The Acting Secretary General of Parliament, Mr. Hansa Abeyratne, stated that Parliament is scheduled to meet from June 23 to 26, 2026. This decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held recently under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. On each sitting day, 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).Accordingly, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to debate the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill (Second Reading), two Orders published in Extraordinary Gazette Nos. 2482/09 and 2487/02 under the Special Commodity Levy Act, and Regulations published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2487/29 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, for approval. Thereafter, at 5.00 p.m., the Online Safety (Repeal) Bill, a Private Member’s Bill presented by Hon. Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, will be taken up for second reading and referred to the Legislative Standing Committee for consideration. (No debate will be held on this matter.)Following this, the time from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition.On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to hold the Second Reading debate on the National Environmental (Amendment) Bill. The time from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been set aside for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., an Adjournment Debate on combating the drug menace will be held in accordance with a motion to be moved by the Government.On Friday, June 26, 2026, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., Parliament will debate for approval an Order published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2478/41 under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act.Subsequently, the Adjournment Motion on combating the drug menace, moved by the Government on June 25, 2026, will continue to be debated from 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
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