Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, states that the business for Parliament Week, scheduled from July 21 to 24, 2026, has been decided. The decisions were taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on July 10, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
Accordingly, on Tuesday, July 21, the 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).
Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to debate two motions for approval under Standing Orders 119 and 120.
The first motion relates to the approval of the decision to refer, in terms of Standing Order 119, to the Attorney General for observations and necessary action, the report containing the findings of the examination conducted by the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) on October 24, 2025, regarding the scheme implemented from May 1, 2022, to September 15, 2023, to issue permits for the importation of fully electric vehicles to Sri Lankans employed overseas using foreign remittances.
The second motion relates to the approval of the decision taken under Standing Order 120 to refer to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) the matters identified through reports presented to Parliament based on investigations conducted by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) during its committee proceedings, for appropriate action. (These two motions have been included as Items 87 and 88 of the Order Paper of Parliament No. 164, dated July 10, 2026.)
Thereafter, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., an Adjournment Motion to be moved by the Chair of the Committee on Public Petitions on the work and performance of the Committee on Public Petitions of the Tenth Parliament is scheduled to be debated.
On Wednesday, July 22, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for business under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6).
Thereafter, the period from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. has been allocated for fifty Questions for Oral Answers, while the time from 4.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. has been set aside for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).
The period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.
On Thursday, July 23, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for business under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). The time from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).
Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to debate for approval two Regulations published in Extraordinary Gazette Notifications Nos. 2493/03 and 2493/39 issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act.
Subsequently, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., an Adjournment Motion to be moved by the Government is scheduled to be debated.
On Friday, July 24, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for business under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). The time from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).
Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the following Private Members' Motions are scheduled to be debated:
| Name of the Hon. Member of Parliament | Title of the Private Member Motion |
| Kanthasamy Prabu | Promoting self-sufficiency in milk production |
| Hector Appuhamy | Formulation of a programme for the protection of mangrove ecosystems |
| M.S. Uthumalebbe | Expanding the railway line from Batticaloa to Pottuvil or the railway line from Matara to Kalmunai |
| Imran Maharoof | Establishment of a Commission to Investigate the Unilateral and Forced Cremation of the Remains of Deceased Muslims During the COVID-19 Pandemic |
| Dayasiri Jayasekara | Formulation of a system to stop the ripening of fruits using chemicals |
| Susantha Kumara Nawarathna | Formulation of a National Policy and Methodology for the Wildlife Management in Sri Lanka |
| Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam | Establishment of a special Development Fund dedicated to reduce regional disparities in development |
Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition is scheduled to be debated.
2026-11-12
Second Reading Debate to be held from tomorrow (13) until November 20Committee Stage Debate scheduled from November 21 to December 14The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Speech) was presented to Parliament today (Nov. 12) by the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.At around 1.30 p.m., the President arrived in the Chamber from his office in Parliament and commenced presenting the Budget proposals. The Budget Speech continued until 6.30 p.m.A large number of invitees, including foreign ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of the security forces and judges, attended the occasion.The debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held over 26 days, from November 13 to December 14.The Appropriation Bill for 2027, which was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on October 7, 2026, will be taken up for the Second Reading Debate over seven days, from tomorrow (13) until November 20. The vote on the Second Reading of the Budget is scheduled to be held on November 20 at 6.00 p.m.The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill for 2027 is scheduled to be held over 19 days, from November 21 to December 14, including four Saturdays.Thereafter, the vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held on December 14 at 6.00 p.m.
2026-11-12
Supreme Court Determination on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” BillThe Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (Nov. 12) announced in Parliament the determination of the Supreme Court on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” Bill, which had been challenged before the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.According to the determination, Supreme Court has determined that the Clause 29 of the Bill infringes Article 14(1) (c) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has also determined that the Clause 7(1) of the Bill infringes Article 12(1) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has further determined that subject to above none of the other provisions in the Bill are inconsistent with any provision in the Constitution.Supreme Court Determination on the “Protection of the State from Terrorism” BillThe Hon. Speaker also informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill can be passed by simple majority of Parliament after making the following amendments (Three of them already undertaken by the learned Additional Solicitor General) at the Committee Stage:-• Clause 26(2) to be amended by inserting the phrase “on the application of such police officer”, with the above insertion, Clause 26(2) must read as follows:-“Upon the production of a suspect before a Magistrate under subsection (1), where the police officer conducting the investigation has reasonable grounds to believe that further extended custody of the suspect is necessary for the purpose of conducting further investigation, the Magistrate may, on the application of such police officer, for reasons to be recorded in writing, authorize such suspect to be held in police custody for a further period not exceeding twenty-four hours.”;• Clause 59(5)(b) to be amended by substituting the phrase “Court of Appeal” with the “Supreme Court” to make the judicial oversight effective;• Removal of the Clause 60(7) from the Bill on the basis that it is superfluous; and• Clause 66(1) to be re-framed as follows:-“An executive Order, directive or direction issued or made under this Act may be questioned in proceedings under Article 126, 140 or 141 of the Constitution.”Supreme Court Determination on the “Immigration” BillThe Hon. Speaker further informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Immigration” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution.The Supreme Court has determined that,• Clause 43(3), in its present form, is inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(i) of the Constitution. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clause 43(3) is replaced and a new Clause 43(4) is inserted in the terms set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clause 169, in its present form, is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution, having regard also to Article 76. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clauses 169(1) and 169(3) are amended in the manner specified in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clauses 45 and 65, in their present form, are inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution. However, these inconsistencies would cease if Clause 45(1) is amended and the proposed provision concerning the costs of immigration facilities is inserted with appropriate numbering, as set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• There is no other inconsistency with the Constitution on the grounds considered. Also, the Supreme Court records the undertaking to amend Clause 174 by deleting the word “written”.• Where the amendments necessary to remove the identified inconsistencies are not effected, the relevant provisions would require the special majority prescribed by Article 84(2) of the Constitution.
2026-11-11
Mr. Davis Myers, Chargé d’Affaires / Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, recently. The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on the occasion.The Hon. Deputy Speaker warmly welcomed Mr. Myers and reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and the United States of America. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued support extended by the Government of the United States, particularly during challenging periods, and acknowledged the assistance provided through USAID towards strengthening Parliamentary affairs and institutional capacities.During the meeting, the Secretary General of Parliament highlighted the recent visit of Hon. Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka to the US Congress conducted through the collaboration of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). She also recalled the various forms of assistance extended to Parliament, including initiatives aimed at strengthening Parliamentary outreach programmes through USAID.Mr. Davis Myers reaffirmed his commitment to continuing and further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. He also commended the beauty and architectural significance of the Parliament building, as well as the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.Both parties engaged in cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest, including maritime security and measures to combat the drug menace.Mr. Myers also participated in a guided tour of the Parliament building, during which he was briefed on its architectural features and Parliamentary facilities.Ms. Rachel Huggins, Political Officer of the US Embassy, Ms. Nazreen Marikkar, and Political Specialist of the US Embassy were also present on this occasion.
2026-11-11
The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that a sum of Rs. 18,058,884 has been allocated this year for the conservation of 846 sites of archaeological significance identified so far in the Anuradhapura District. Accordingly, the figures tabled in Parliament indicate that this includes Rs. 12,609,034 allocated under departmental grants and Rs. 5,449,850 provided through external funding.The Minister made these remarks in response to questions raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Susantha Kumara Navarathna, who sought oral answers.The Minister further stated that measures have been taken to protect and conserve these archaeological sites, taking into consideration the significance of each site, the nature of potential threats, its location and the relevant legal framework. Accordingly, the measures undertaken include carrying out the monitoring affairs of sites, security affairs, establishment of safety fences, boundary posts, taking legal action, carry out the exploration activities, maintenance, preservative, excavations and conservation activities.
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