2026-07-01
News Categories : News
Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, yesterday (Jun. 30) endorsed the certificates on the Bill to amend the Value Added Tax Act No. 14 of 2002 and the Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Bill.
The Bill to amend the Value Added Tax Act No. 14 of 2002 was presented to Parliament for the first reading on 19 May 2026, and it was passed in Parliament with amendments on 23 June 2026.
The objective of this Bill is to modernize the national tax framework targeting both the traditional financial sectors and the rapidly growing digital economy. The provisions introduced through this Act include registration of non-resident digital service providers, introduction of a new methodology for levying taxes, and the mandatory use of point-of-sale machines to ensure transparency.
Further, it has been proposed through this Act to enhance tax compliance and fiscal integrity by toughening the existing penalty provisions against tax evasions and fraudulent obtaining of tax benefits.
Moreover, the Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Bill was presented to Parliament for the first reading on 11 July 2025 by the Minister of Justice and National Integration and was passed by Parliament without amendments on 11 June 2026.
This Act provides for the mediation of civil and commercial disputes, repeals the Commercial Mediation Centre of Sri Lanka Act No. 44 of 2000, and makes provisions for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
Accordingly, these two Bills come into force as Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act No. 14 of 2026 and Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Act No. 13 of 2026 respectively.
2026-07-01
The Hon. Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Rizvie Salih, stated that good leaders emerge only from a law-abiding and civilized society. He emphasized the importance of electing disciplined, law-abiding and civic-minded individuals as representatives to Parliament.The Deputy Speaker made these remarks yesterday (Jun. 30) while attending, as the Chief Guest, the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of St. Joseph's Girls' School, Nugegoda, held at the Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat.The programme was jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka with the objective of providing students of St. Joseph's Girls' School with practical exposure to parliamentary proceedings and a better understanding of the democratic system of governance.Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Deputy Speaker urged students to respect their teachers, noting that teachers dedicate their utmost efforts to shaping the future of their students. He encouraged students to remember and appreciate their teachers regardless of how successful they become in life.He further advised the students to value their future professions, take pride in their work, carry out their responsibilities with honesty and integrity, and strive to excel in their chosen fields.The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the vital role of parents in shaping children's character, noting that children naturally emulate their parents. Therefore, he said, parents have a responsibility to demonstrate exemplary behaviour before their children. He encouraged the students to leave the programme with a firm commitment to becoming law-abiding citizens and to share this message with their parents, emphasizing that such values would benefit both the individual and the nation.Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, addressing the event, explained the services provided by the President's Fund for students and the general public. He stated that assistance for educational and other essential needs can be obtained through the Fund and noted that these services have been made more accessible through Divisional Secretariats across the country, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to travel to Colombo.The inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Student Speaker, followed by the swearing-in of the student Members of Parliament. Students appointed as Ministers presented programmes and development proposals they intend to implement within their respective portfolios for the benefit of the school.The students were also briefed on the structure, functions and parliamentary procedures of the Parliament of Sri Lanka by Ms. Chintha Madhubhashini Bulathsinghala, Deputy Director (Administration) of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.Certificates were presented to the participating students by the Hon. Deputy Speaker and other distinguished guests. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Principal of St. Joseph's Girls' School, Mrs. W.R.R. Silva.The programme was successfully conducted as another initiative under the Student Parliament Programme jointly implemented by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Among those present were Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat; Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi, Director (Communication) of the Parliament of Sri Lanka; Ms. Chula Herath, Assistant Director (Administration) of the Human Resources Development Office of Parliament; members of the school's academic staff, parents and students.
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 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, Members of the National Commission on Women, Ms. Shreen Saroor, Ms. Janaha Selvaras, Ms. Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, Dr. Padma Gunaratne, Dr. Kalana Senaratne, and the Executive Director of the Commission, Ms. K.D.R. Olga.
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.
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