2026-07-15
News Categories : News
The First Executive Committee Meeting of the Sri Lanka–South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Association was held recently (09) at Parliament under the chairmanship of the President of the Association, Hon. (Mrs) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, MP, Minister of Women and Child Affairs.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Nthabiseng Ramatshela, Chargé d'Affaires (Counsellor–Political) of the South African High Commission, who reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing Parliamentary engagement between Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Delivering the welcome address, Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj emphasized that Parliamentary Friendship Associations serve as an important mechanism for strengthening bilateral relations through Parliamentary diplomacy. She noted that such associations provide Members of Parliament with a valuable platform to engage with their counterparts, exchange knowledge and experiences, and promote cooperation across a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial areas.
The President of the Association further stated that the First Executive committee meeting marked the commencement of the activities of the Sri Lanka–South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Association of the Tenth Parliament and represented another significant step towards strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries. She also recalled that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994, Sri Lanka and South Africa have continued to enjoy cordial relations founded on shared democratic values, peace, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
During the discussions, both sides underscored the importance of further strengthening Parliamentary and diplomatic relations through regular dialogue between legislators while promoting greater people-to-people engagement. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation between women Parliamentarians of the two countries with a view to encouraging increased participation and leadership of women in political decision-making.
Trade and investment cooperation featured prominently during the discussions. Members observed that considerable untapped potential exists to expand bilateral trade in sectors including agriculture, mining, tourism, renewable energy, manufacturing, and other emerging industries. South Africa was identified as a strategic gateway to African markets, while Sri Lanka was recognized as an important gateway to South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. The South African side further expressed its intention to bring a business delegation to Sri Lanka in January next year following the invitation extended in connection with Expo 2027.
Recognizing the longstanding sporting ties between the two countries, members exchanged views on strengthening sports diplomacy through cricket and rugby. The meeting also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in the fields of education and skills development, including university partnerships, scholarship opportunities, and academic exchanges.
The South African delegation expressed its readiness to share South Africa's experiences and lessons learned in reconciliation and nation-building in support of Sri Lanka's continuing efforts towards strengthening national unity.
The meeting concluded with an interactive discussion among the members of the Executive Committee, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by the Secretary of the Association, Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha, MP.
2026-08-21
The Supplementary Estimate to provide Rs. 7500 million required by the Government to purchase paddy from the 2026 Yala season was approved by Parliament today (Aug. 21). The debate on the Supplementary Estimate was held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.The Supplementary Estimate was presented to allocate Rs. 7500 million from the funds allocated for projects/programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for 2026, which are expected to remain unutilized during the year, for the purchase of paddy.
2026-08-21
A minute of silence observed in the Chamber to express condolencesParliament today (Aug. 21) expressed its condolences to the late veteran singer Dr. Nanda Malini, recalling her immense contribution to Sri Lankan music and society. Accordingly, a minute of silence was observed in the Chamber following a request by Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.Speaking thereafter, the Prime Minister said she was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Nanda Malini, who was revered as the “golden voice” of Sri Lankan music and who, through her distinctive singing career spanning more than eight decades, enriched the country’s music and culture.The Prime Minister further stated that, as an admirer who had listened to Nanda Malini’s many songs and experienced different moments of life accompanied by those songs, her passing was not merely the loss of an unparalleled artistic personality in Sri Lankan music. It was also the departure of a familiar voice that had been closely connected to our lives and memories, and that had been with us through moments of both happiness and sorrow.She noted that Nanda Malini’s songs were deeply connected to the experiences of generations, and that the memories associated with her beautiful voice are felt even more strongly following her passing. The Prime Minister said that Nanda Malini’s singing career represented not only an era in Sri Lankan music, but also a living expression of the lives of the people, social movements and human emotions of the country.Going beyond singing about human emotions such as love and separation, Nanda Malini gave voice through her songs to the sorrow, fear, hopes and struggles of ordinary people, the Prime Minister recalled. That was why, when listening to her songs, people heard not merely the voice of a singer, but the voice of their own society.The Prime Minister said that, at this moment of mourning Nanda Malini’s passing, she was remembering not only an incomparable artist who had been lost to Sri Lankan music, but also a beloved voice that was connected to many memories in the lives of the people. She also noted that although the voice that had accompanied the people for decades has now fallen silent, the songs she sang would continue to live on in their memories and hearts. She expressed her deepest condolences to Nanda Malini’s two daughters and all members of her family, as well as to the people of Sri Lanka who loved her singing voice.Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that he personally knew Dr. Nanda Malini and described her as one of the greatest singers produced by Sri Lanka. He said she was an artist who never bowed to anyone and who always stood up for the people, possessing an exceptional sense of humanity, kindness and compassion.Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, who also spoke on the occasion, said that he joined the sentiments expressed in the Chamber in memory of the late Dr. Nanda Malini. On behalf of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, he expressed the hope that she may attain Nibbana.
2026-08-20
The Committee on Parliamentary Business, which met today (Aug. 20) under the chairmanship of Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, decided to take up for debate tomorrow, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Supplementary Estimate seeking approval for the allocation of Rs. 7500 million (7.5 billion) required by the Government to purchase paddy during the 2026 Yala season.The Supplementary Estimate has been presented to provide Rs. 7.5 billion from the funds allocated in 2026 for projects and programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, which are expected to remain unutilized during the current year, for the purpose of making the required payments.Thereafter, the Adjournment Motion to be presented by the Government is scheduled to be debated from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2026-08-20
The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today (Aug. 20). The debate on the Second Reading of the Bill was held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thereafter, the Bill was passed without a vote.The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill was introduced to increase the fines applicable to offences under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956, from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000.
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