2026-07-06
News Categories : News
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.
2026-07-24
The no-confidence motion brought by Opposition Members of Parliament against the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, was defeated by a majority vote in Parliament today (July 24).The motion, submitted by the Opposition in connection with the recent incident at the Negombo Prison, was debated in Parliament today from 11.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Following the debate, the House proceeded to a division. The motion received 36 votes in favour and 152 votes against. Accordingly, the no-confidence motion was defeated by a majority of 116 votes.The no-confidence motion against the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration had been handed over to the Hon. Speaker by Opposition Members of Parliament on 21 July 2026, and was taken up for debate in Parliament today.
2026-07-24
H.E Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka, paid a farewell call on the Hon. Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on 23.07.2026 at the Parliament of Sri Lanka, marking the conclusion of his diplomatic tenure in the country.Welcoming the Ambassador, the Hon. Speaker expressed his sincere appreciation for the ambassador’s dedicated service during his tenure in Sri Lanka, noting that his contributions had further strengthened the longstanding friendship and close partnership between Sri Lanka and China. He commended the Ambassador's commitment to fostering bilateral relations and observed that his service symbolized the enduring bond between the two countries.The Hon. Speaker also conveyed his gratitude to the Government and the people of China for their continued support to Sri Lanka across a wide range of sectors. He further remarked that Ambassador Qi Zhenhong had earned the respect and affection of people from all walks of life, including those in rural communities, through his unwavering friendship and support for Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the Hon. Speaker extended his appreciation to the Ambassador for his valuable service and significant contribution to enhancing Sri Lanka–China relations, while expressing confidence that the close bilateral ties would continue to flourish. The Hon. Speaker further briefed the Ambassador on the Government's ongoing reconciliation efforts, emphasizing its commitment to fostering national unity, ensuring there is no room for racism or discrimination, and treating all citizens with equality, dignity, and respect.Expressing his appreciation, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong thanked the Hon. Speaker and the Parliament of Sri Lanka for the support and cooperation extended to him throughout his tenure. Reaffirming that China is a trusted friend of Sri Lanka, he reiterated China's readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka's development in the future. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warmth, kindness, and hospitality extended by the Sri Lankan people, stating that Sri Lanka would always remain his "second home."During the cordial discussions, the two sides exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in Sri Lanka's transport sector and the country's emerging electric vehicle (EV) market. The Hon. Speaker also sought China's continued support for Sri Lanka's sustainable development efforts.Following the meeting, the Hon. Speaker hosted a luncheon in honour of Ambassador Qi Zhenhong. Thereafter, the Ambassador and his delegation observed the proceedings of Parliament from the Speaker's VIP Gallery. During the sitting, the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Mrs. Hemali Weerasekara, who was presiding over the House, formally announced the presence of Ambassador Qi Zhenhong and his delegation and extended a warm welcome to them on behalf of Parliament.Secretary General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, Madam Jin Quin, spouse of Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Mr. Zhu Yanwei, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, and Ms. Zhang Luting, Second Secretary, were also present at the meeting.
2026-07-23
A further programme under the special public outreach initiative launched with the objective of communicating accurate information on the Parliament of Sri Lanka to the public was held at the Parliamentary Complex on 22 July 2026.More than 250 law students of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Open University of Sri Lanka, accompanied by members of the academic staff, visited Parliament and observed the proceedings of Parliament from the Public Gallery.In addition, the students participated in an awareness programme conducted by the Public Outreach Office, through which they gained a broader understanding of the legislative process, parliamentary procedure and democratic practices.The programme was organised by the Public Outreach Office of the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka following a request made by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon, to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
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.
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