2026-07-22
News Categories : News
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.
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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