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.
2026-08-21
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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