2026-07-30
News Categories : News
The Hon. Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Rizvie Salih, emphasized that public representatives should be sent to Parliament as statesmen rather than politicians. He noted that politicians work with the next election in mind, whereas statesmen work with the welfare of future generations in mind.
The Hon. Deputy Speaker made these remarks while attending, as the Chief Guest, the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of St. Joseph's Girls' School, Kegalle, held recently at the Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat.
The programme was jointly organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and the Ministry of Education with the objective of providing students of St. Joseph's Girls' College with practical exposure to Parliamentary proceedings and a better understanding of the democratic system of governance.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Deputy Speaker said: "It is impossible to imagine the consequences for a country where people do not respect the law. Parliament is responsible for enacting the laws the country needs. Therefore, those elected to Parliament must be people who respect the law and are themselves subject to it. Only such individuals can enact laws that truly serve the nation.
Respect your teachers, who dedicate their utmost efforts to turning your dreams into reality. Listen to them carefully and continue to seek their guidance and blessings. Even if you achieve great success in the future, the teachers who educated you will always remain your teachers.
Whatever profession you choose, do it with passion. Take pride in your work and respect it. Above all, be honest in carrying out your responsibilities.
Parents are the only people who genuinely wish for their children to surpass them. Respect the parents who nurture and support you. Children naturally follow the example set by their parents, so it is the responsibility of parents to be role models. Respecting the law instills the values of a law-abiding citizen. As you leave this place today, resolve to become citizens who uphold and respect the law."
The Hon. Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi also addressed the event, stating: "In recent years, Parliamentary traditions were misused in ways that went against the people's mandate, resulting in public disillusionment. Those in power used Parliamentary privileges to retain power and protect corrupt individuals. The Government is committed to restoring Parliament as an institution that is accountable to the people's mandate and guided by responsibility, discipline, restraint and exemplary conduct.
The students of St. Joseph's Girls' College conducted an outstanding Parliamentary session today. It gives us confidence that the country has a bright future. One day, you will take on the responsibility of governing this country and fulfilling your duty to the generations that follow."
The Director of Legislative Services of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. M. Jayalath Perera, also briefed the students on the principal sources that guide Parliamentary proceedings.
The inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Student Speaker, followed by the administration of oaths to the student members. Student ministers then presented the programmes and development proposals they intend to implement within the school through their respective ministries.
Certificates were presented to the participating students by the Hon. Deputy Speaker and other distinguished guests. At the conclusion of the programme, the Principal of St. Joseph's Girls' College, Ms. Gangani Thilakaratne Menike, delivered the vote of thanks. The student parliamentarians, teachers and distinguished guests also posed for a group photograph.
The programme was successfully organized as another initiative under the Student Parliament Programme jointly conducted by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Among those present were Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, Director General of Public Relations at the Presidential Secretariat; Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat; Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi, Director (Communication) of Parliament of Sri Lanka; as well as teachers, parents and students of St. Joseph's Girls' School, Kegalle.
2026-07-30
Parliament will meet from August 4 to 7.The parliamentary business for the week was decided at a recent meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business, chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.Except for Wednesday, August 5, when time has been allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, each sitting day, 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).Tuesday, August 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to debate and approve the Supplementary Estimate relating to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education; and the determination of Salary of the Auditor General.From 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., time has been allocated for Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Government.Wednesday, August 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., time will be allocated for Parliamentary business under Standing Orders 22(1)–22(6). From 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., has been set aside for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, followed by Questions for Oral Answers from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) will be taken from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..From 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Parliament will hold an Adjournment Debate, moved by the Opposition, on the Report of the Committee on Public Finance concerning the fraud linked to cybercrime in relation to the US$2.5 million debt repayment to Australia.Thursday, August 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Parliament is scheduled to hold the Second Reading debate on the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Amendment) Bill; andAnimals (Amendment) Bill, provided the bills are not challenged before the Supreme Court under Article 121 of the Constitution.From 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., time has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.Friday, August 7, 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 ParliamentTitle of the Private Member MotionKanthasamy PrabuPromoting self-sufficiency in milk productionHector AppuhamyFormulation of a programme for the protection of mangrove ecosystemsM.S. UthumalebbeExpanding the railway line from Batticaloa to Pottuvil or the railway line from Matara to KalmunaiImran MaharoofEstablishment of a Commission to Investigate the Unilateral and Forced Cremation of the Remains of Deceased Muslims During the COVID-19 PandemicDayasiri JayasekaraFormulation of a system to stop the ripening of fruits using chemicalsSusantha Kumara NawarathnaFormulation of a National Policy and Methodology for the Wildlife Management in Sri LankaShanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamEstablishment of a special Development Fund dedicated to reduce regional disparities in developmentThereafter, the period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.
2026-07-28
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Namal Karunaratne, announced in Parliament that Rs. 1 billion (1,000 million) has been allocated in the 2026 National Budget for the National Dairy Production Programme aimed at empowering dairy farmers.The Deputy Minister made this statement while responding to an oral question raised by Hon. Attorney-at-Law Hesha Withanage Ankumbura, Member of Parliament.He explained that, under the National Dairy Production Programme, dairy farmers will be organized through 325 Dairy Hub societies. The programme will also focus on developing dairy-related entrepreneurs and enhancing their production capacities through various initiatives.The government expects the programme to increase Sri Lanka's annual milk production from 410 million liters to 1.2 billion liters.In addition, the Deputy Minister stated that steps have been taken to develop the Nikaweratiya Dairy Farm, which is owned by the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB), under the livestock breeding farm development project. He also noted that Provincial Departments of Animal Production and Health are implementing numerous programmes to support and strengthen dairy farmers.The Deputy Minister further emphasized that these initiatives are intended to increase domestic milk production; strengthen the incomes of dairy farmers; and meet the country's domestic demand for milk through local production.
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.
2026-07-24
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.
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