2026-07-24
News Categories : News
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.
2026-07-24
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.
2026-07-23
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.
2026-07-21
An awareness workshop on the functioning of Student Parliaments and the procedure for establishing them was recently held at Al Hidaya College, Colombo 10.The workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Al Hidaya College. It was held under the patronage of the Principal of the College, Mrs. A.F. Sarook, and the Director of the Department of Communication of Parliament, Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi.During the programme, the Chief Librarian of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. S.L. Siyad Ahamed, provided students with a comprehensive overview of Parliamentary procedures, the role of Parliament, and its functioning.In addition, Mr. A.S.M. Yasri, Public Relations Officer of the Department of Communication of Parliament, briefed the students on the role and functions of Student Parliaments, as well as the procedure for establishing a Student Parliament, using practical examples.The workshop was attended by teachers and students, who were also given the opportunity to seek clarification on questions and concerns relating to Parliamentary procedures and the Student Parliament programme.
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