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.
2026-08-21
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.
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
How Parliament Works
Business of Parliament
Copyright © The Parliament of Sri Lanka.
All Rights Reserved.
Design & Developed by TekGeeks
