2026-07-30
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.
2026-11-12
Second Reading Debate to be held from tomorrow (13) until November 20Committee Stage Debate scheduled from November 21 to December 14The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Speech) was presented to Parliament today (Nov. 12) by the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.At around 1.30 p.m., the President arrived in the Chamber from his office in Parliament and commenced presenting the Budget proposals. The Budget Speech continued until 6.30 p.m.A large number of invitees, including foreign ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of the security forces and judges, attended the occasion.The debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held over 26 days, from November 13 to December 14.The Appropriation Bill for 2027, which was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on October 7, 2026, will be taken up for the Second Reading Debate over seven days, from tomorrow (13) until November 20. The vote on the Second Reading of the Budget is scheduled to be held on November 20 at 6.00 p.m.The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill for 2027 is scheduled to be held over 19 days, from November 21 to December 14, including four Saturdays.Thereafter, the vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held on December 14 at 6.00 p.m.
2026-11-12
Supreme Court Determination on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” BillThe Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (Nov. 12) announced in Parliament the determination of the Supreme Court on the “Sri Lanka Cricket” Bill, which had been challenged before the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.According to the determination, Supreme Court has determined that the Clause 29 of the Bill infringes Article 14(1) (c) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has also determined that the Clause 7(1) of the Bill infringes Article 12(1) of the Constitution and could be validly passed only with the special majority provided for in Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, the inconsistency would cease and the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament upon the Committee Stage amendment proposed by the Court being made.The Supreme Court has further determined that subject to above none of the other provisions in the Bill are inconsistent with any provision in the Constitution.Supreme Court Determination on the “Protection of the State from Terrorism” BillThe Hon. Speaker also informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill can be passed by simple majority of Parliament after making the following amendments (Three of them already undertaken by the learned Additional Solicitor General) at the Committee Stage:-• Clause 26(2) to be amended by inserting the phrase “on the application of such police officer”, with the above insertion, Clause 26(2) must read as follows:-“Upon the production of a suspect before a Magistrate under subsection (1), where the police officer conducting the investigation has reasonable grounds to believe that further extended custody of the suspect is necessary for the purpose of conducting further investigation, the Magistrate may, on the application of such police officer, for reasons to be recorded in writing, authorize such suspect to be held in police custody for a further period not exceeding twenty-four hours.”;• Clause 59(5)(b) to be amended by substituting the phrase “Court of Appeal” with the “Supreme Court” to make the judicial oversight effective;• Removal of the Clause 60(7) from the Bill on the basis that it is superfluous; and• Clause 66(1) to be re-framed as follows:-“An executive Order, directive or direction issued or made under this Act may be questioned in proceedings under Article 126, 140 or 141 of the Constitution.”Supreme Court Determination on the “Immigration” BillThe Hon. Speaker further informed the Parliament that he has received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Immigration” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121 (1) of the Constitution.The Supreme Court has determined that,• Clause 43(3), in its present form, is inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(i) of the Constitution. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clause 43(3) is replaced and a new Clause 43(4) is inserted in the terms set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clause 169, in its present form, is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution, having regard also to Article 76. However, this inconsistency would cease if Clauses 169(1) and 169(3) are amended in the manner specified in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• Clauses 45 and 65, in their present form, are inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution. However, these inconsistencies would cease if Clause 45(1) is amended and the proposed provision concerning the costs of immigration facilities is inserted with appropriate numbering, as set out in the Determination of the Supreme Court.• There is no other inconsistency with the Constitution on the grounds considered. Also, the Supreme Court records the undertaking to amend Clause 174 by deleting the word “written”.• Where the amendments necessary to remove the identified inconsistencies are not effected, the relevant provisions would require the special majority prescribed by Article 84(2) of the Constitution.
2026-11-11
Mr. Davis Myers, Chargé d’Affaires / Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, recently. The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on the occasion.The Hon. Deputy Speaker warmly welcomed Mr. Myers and reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and the United States of America. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued support extended by the Government of the United States, particularly during challenging periods, and acknowledged the assistance provided through USAID towards strengthening Parliamentary affairs and institutional capacities.During the meeting, the Secretary General of Parliament highlighted the recent visit of Hon. Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka to the US Congress conducted through the collaboration of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). She also recalled the various forms of assistance extended to Parliament, including initiatives aimed at strengthening Parliamentary outreach programmes through USAID.Mr. Davis Myers reaffirmed his commitment to continuing and further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. He also commended the beauty and architectural significance of the Parliament building, as well as the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.Both parties engaged in cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest, including maritime security and measures to combat the drug menace.Mr. Myers also participated in a guided tour of the Parliament building, during which he was briefed on its architectural features and Parliamentary facilities.Ms. Rachel Huggins, Political Officer of the US Embassy, Ms. Nazreen Marikkar, and Political Specialist of the US Embassy were also present on this occasion.
2026-11-11
The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that a sum of Rs. 18,058,884 has been allocated this year for the conservation of 846 sites of archaeological significance identified so far in the Anuradhapura District. Accordingly, the figures tabled in Parliament indicate that this includes Rs. 12,609,034 allocated under departmental grants and Rs. 5,449,850 provided through external funding.The Minister made these remarks in response to questions raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Susantha Kumara Navarathna, who sought oral answers.The Minister further stated that measures have been taken to protect and conserve these archaeological sites, taking into consideration the significance of each site, the nature of potential threats, its location and the relevant legal framework. Accordingly, the measures undertaken include carrying out the monitoring affairs of sites, security affairs, establishment of safety fences, boundary posts, taking legal action, carry out the exploration activities, maintenance, preservative, excavations and conservation activities.
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