2026-08-07
News Categories : News
Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne held a special discussion yesterday (Aug. 06) with representatives of the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law at the Parliament premises on the next steps towards establishing the proposed Parliamentary Research and Studies Centre of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Representing the Max Planck Foundation, which serves as a development partner to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, were Mr. Johannes Krusemark, Managing Director; Ms. Hayley Nicole Evans, Senior Research Officer; and Ms. Ruwini Perera, Legal Adviser.
During the meeting, the Foundation formally presented to the Hon. Speaker a project proposal prepared for the establishment of the proposed Parliamentary Research and Studies Centre.
Addressing the discussion, the Hon. Speaker stated that plans are underway to convert the Speaker's Official Residence into the proposed Parliamentary Research and Studies Centre and establish it as the tenth department of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The Hon. Speaker emphasized that the principal objectives of establishing the Centre are to:
• Provide training for all elected representatives, including Members of Parliament, Provincial Council Members and Local Government representatives, to strengthen their role as policymakers;
• Provide opportunities for policy research and analysis;
• Obtain public views on legislation enacted by Parliament and conduct post-legislative scrutiny to assess the effectiveness and practical impact of laws already enacted
• facilitate the participation of researchers and members of the academic community in this process.
The Hon. Speaker further observed that, in developing the proposal, further study should be undertaken of Parliamentary research institutions operating within the Lok Sabha of India and the Parliament of the United Kingdom at Westminster. He also expressed his appreciation to the Max Planck Foundation for its support as a resource partner in establishing the proposed institution.
Representatives of the Max Planck Foundation stated that the Foundation stands ready to extend its fullest support towards the establishment of the proposed Parliamentary Research and Studies Centre.
Mr. Jayalath Perera, Director of Legislative Services of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Chairman of the Committee appointed for the project, stated that the Committee expects to finalize and submit its project proposal within the next two weeks. He further noted that the proposals and recommendations submitted by the Max Planck Foundation would be duly considered during that process and expressed his appreciation to the Foundation for its valuable contribution.
The other members of the Committee are Ms. Kanthi Pieris, Director of Administration of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and Mr. Sarath Kumara, Director of Finance of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Chameera Gallage, Private Secretary to the Hon. Speaker, and Mr. Janaka Mahesh Athapaththu, Coordinating Secretary to the Hon. Speaker were also present at the meeting.
2026-08-06
The Animals (Amendment) Bill and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Amendment) Bill were passed in Parliament today (Aug. 06).The Second Reading debate on both Bills was held today from 11.45 a.m. to 5.40 p.m.The Animals (Amendment) Bill was presented to the Parliament of Sri Lanka for its First Reading by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation on 21 July 2026.The Bill proposes to extend the legal provisions that previously applied only to the transportation of cattle and buffaloes to several other categories of animals. Accordingly, it will be mandatory to obtain the relevant official permits when transporting pigs, sheep and goats. The primary objective of the amendment is to strengthen the control of the spread of zoonotic diseases - diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Amendment) Bill was presented to the Parliament for its First Reading by the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply on 21 July 2026.The Bill aims to enhance the institutional efficiency of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), improve the management of water supply services, and expand the responsibilities of the Board.
2026-08-06
Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Rizvie Salih emphasized that it is essential for children to grow into law-abiding citizens as they are prepared to become the future leaders of the country. He also stressed the importance of electing public representatives who uphold and respect the rule of law.The Deputy Speaker made these remarks while attending as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Tientsin Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Bogawantalawa, held recently at the Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat premises.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 Tientsin Tamil Maha Vidyalaya with practical exposure to parliamentary proceedings and a better understanding of the country's democratic system of governance.Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Speaker further noted that students should develop discipline from an early age and always show respect to parents, teachers, and elders. He encouraged them to face life's challenges with determination and commitment while striving to become responsible citizens.Speaking at the event, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara said that students representing the plantation community continue to pursue their education despite numerous challenges and make valuable contributions to the country's development. She encouraged students to go beyond academic studies by developing leadership qualities, teamwork, and decision-making skills to build a successful future.Senior Additional Secretary to the President (President's Fund), Mr. Subash Roshan, briefed the students on the services provided by the President's Fund to students and the general public. Director General of Public Relations of the Presidential Secretariat, Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, also addressed the Student Parliament members, highlighting the importance of becoming disciplined, compassionate, and capable young leaders.Chief Librarian of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. Siyad Ahamed, conducted an awareness session on the structure and functions of Parliament, as well as parliamentary practices and procedures.The inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of the student Members. Thereafter, students representing the Cabinet presented proposals on programmes they intend to implement through their respective ministries within the school.Certificates were presented to the student Members of the Student Parliament by the Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, and other distinguished guests. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Principal of Tientsin Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Mr. P. Prabhakaran.Director of Department of Communication of the Parliament, Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi, Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat, Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla, members of the academic staff of Tientsin Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, parents, and students were presented at the occasion.
2026-08-06
A student leadership and personal development programme organised by the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka under the theme "Developing a Positive Mindset for Educational Success and Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders" was recently held at Al Hidaya College, Colombo 10.The programme, which targeted students in Grades 9, 10 and 11, focused on raising awareness of the importance of cultivating a positive mindset, self-confidence and essential life skills as key factors in achieving academic excellence.Students were also introduced to the role of the Student Parliament in fostering leadership, representation, responsibility, innovative thinking, unity and teamwork. The session highlighted how these qualities could help students progress from being learners today to becoming the nation's leaders of tomorrow.The programme further emphasised the leadership qualities, responsibilities, ethical values and democratic principles required of future leaders who aspire to serve the country through its legislature.Director (Communication) of the Parliament's Department of Communication, Samantha Mallawaarachchi, participated as the resource person and conducted an interactive session with the students, encouraging them to pursue academic excellence while developing the leadership qualities needed to become responsible citizens and future national leaders.
2026-08-06
A number of railway development projects are being planned for implementation during the 2027–2029 period with the objective of providing a more efficient and effective railway service, Hon. Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake informed Parliament recently.Accordingly, the following projects are scheduled for implementation:• Colombo Suburban Railway Project • Kelani Bridge Modernisation Project • Replacement of 10 railway bridges located at Slave Island (Kompannavidiya), Narahenpita, Aluthgama, Induruwa, Gintota, Dodanduwa, Wellawatte, Pinwatta, Hikkaduwa, and Panadura • Procurement of five power sets and five diesel-electric locomotives for Sri Lanka Railways • Kurunegala–Polgahawela Double-Track Railway Project • Development of the Kelani Valley Railway Line from Maradana to Ratnapura • Procurement of five new locomotives and five light rail train sets for suburban passenger transport • Railway Station Modernisation and Standardisation Programme – Dream Destination (2027–2029) • Refurbishment of Ratmalana Workshops 27 and 28 The Minister made these remarks while responding to a Question for Oral Answers raised in Parliament by Hon. Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake.The Minister further stated that the modernisation of the Colombo suburban railway service is expected to increase rail patronage by providing the public with a comfortable, safe, affordable and passenger-friendly transport service.In addition, a feasibility study for the Kandy Suburban Railway Project is currently underway. The Government is also continuing efforts to introduce new railway locomotives into service, rehabilitate railway tracks, implement railway station modernisation and standardisation programmes, and further improve the e-ticketing system.Sri Lanka's railway network is currently divided into four categories of railway lines, comprising:• Single-track lines (Category A): 1,308.707 km • Double-track lines (Category B): 282.912 km • Third-track lines (Category C): 40.938 km • Fourth-track lines (Category D): 7.580 km The total operational railway network therefore extends to 1,640.137 kilometres.The Minister's reply further stated that the annual revenue generated from railway transportation (including passenger, freight and other services) over the past five years was as follows:• 2021: Rs. 2,678,724,988.46 • 2022: Rs. 10,335,603,440.66 • 2023: Rs. 16,079,474,195.75 • 2024: Rs. 16,468,344,008.55 • 2025: Rs. 17,165,992,777.48
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