2026-09-01
Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka accompanied by Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna, Member of Parliament, successfully participated in the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) held from 26 to 28, August 2026, at the GDT Convention Centre in Phnom Penh, The Kingdom of Cambodia.
Hosted jointly by the Senate and the National Assembly of Cambodia, the prestigious global forum brought together legislative leaders, heads of international organizations, and Parliamentary delegations from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and Latin America. The conference convened under the theme, “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully”.
The official proceedings commenced following a royal audience with His Majesty King Preah Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, alongside courtesy call with the President of the Senate and Chairman of the ISC-2, Hon. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. The Programme also included a courtesy call with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Mohaborvor Thipadei Hun Manet.
Addressing the high-level General Debate, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker championed Parliamentary diplomacy as a critical, resilient complement to traditional statecraft. He emphasized that legislative bodies must act as guardians of democracy and rule of law, keeping communication channels open to build trust even during times of severe political friction. The Speaker firmly asserted that true, lasting peace cannot exist merely as the absence of war; rather, it demands a foundation built on justice, mutual respect, and inclusive development that leaves no citizen behind.
Highlighting Sri Lanka's strategic maritime location, the Hon. Speaker reiterated the nation’s historic foreign policy rooted in non-alignment, friendship, and peaceful coexistence. He stressed that borderless modern crises including climate change, cybercrime, and food insecurity cannot be tackled by any nation in isolation, demanding unified regional and international solidarity. Concluding his remarks, Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne pledged Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, framing the achievement of these global goals as the ultimate vehicle for achieving widespread social justice and shared economic prosperity.
During his stay in Cambodia, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the Parliament of Australia. The two Speakers discussed matters of mutual interest and explored avenues for further strengthening Parliamentary cooperation and the longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Australia. They also exchanged views on enhancing collaboration between the two Parliaments through greater engagement and the sharing of Parliamentary experiences and best practices.
Hon. Speaker Wickramaratne also met with Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal, with particular emphasis on further strengthening bilateral Parliamentary relations. They also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation between the two legislatures and promoting greater interaction and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The conference concluded with the formal adoption of the landmark Phnom Penh Declaration, cementing a unified legislative framework to peacefully resolve international differences. Closing remarks were delivered by the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary.
2026-09-21
A delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka participated in the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Cape Town, South Africa, from 13 to 19 September 2026, contributing to Commonwealth parliamentary discussions on democracy, international law, inclusion and contemporary issues affecting Parliaments.Hosted by the Parliament of South Africa and the CPA South Africa Branch, the Conference was held under the theme, “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.”The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Hon. Deputy Minister of Mass Media (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathna, the Head of Delegation; Hon. Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Hon. Members of Parliament Sagarika Athauda, Ilankumaran Karunanathan, Sugath Wasantha de Silva, (CPwD Asia Regional Champion) and Suranga Rathnayake. The delegation also included Mrs. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament and Secretary of the CPA Sri Lanka Branch, and Mr. Edirisinghe Arachchige Amarasena, Senior Parliamentary Interpreter.A significant contribution by Sri Lanka was made by Hon. Deputy Minister(Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Asia Regional Representative, who chaired Workshop C of the 10th CWP Conference, titled “Legislating for All: Gender Mainstreaming in Procedure, Practices and Policy.” The workshop examined practical approaches to incorporating gender equality into legislation, parliamentary procedures, committee scrutiny, budgeting and post-legislative oversight.A notable achievement for the Sri Lankan delegation was the presentation of the CPA New Parliamentarian Award 2026 to Hon. Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva, at the Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards Ceremony held in Cape Town on 17 September 2026. Hon. de Silva, CPwD Asia Regional Champion, was recognised for his contribution to promoting inclusive parliamentary democracy, including his leadership in advancing disability rights and inclusive governance. The award also recognised his work as Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities in Sri Lanka and his contribution to strengthening representation and participation of persons with disabilities in parliamentary processes.Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva, M.P., also represented Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities programme, participating in discussions on the role of Parliaments and civil society in advancing disability-inclusive legislation and representation.Meanwhile, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament and Secretary of the CPA Sri Lanka Branch, participated in the 60th Meeting of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SoCATT), which brought together parliamentary officials from Commonwealth Parliaments to exchange institutional practices and discuss parliamentary administration and procedure.Sri Lanka’s participation in the 69th CPC provided opportunities for its parliamentarians and officials to engage with Commonwealth counterparts, share parliamentary experience and contribute to discussions on issues of common relevance. Participation in the CWP, CPwD, SoCATT, CPA General Assembly and wider CPC programme further reflected Sri Lanka’s engagement in Commonwealth parliamentary networks.
2026-09-21
A delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by the Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament, departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on the evening of 15 September 2026 to participate in the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Forum on Traditional Medicine, held from 16 to 18 September 2026 in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China.The Sri Lankan delegation comprised the Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament; the Hon. Deputy Minister of Health (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni, and Mr. Marasinghege Jayalal, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Ayurveda Drug Corporation.Held under the theme “Empowering Traditional Medicine with Modern Technology to Co-build Human Health for All,” the Forum is jointly organised by the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province. It brought together senior officials, health authorities, traditional medicine practitioners, experts, academics, researchers and representatives of the traditional medicine industry to promote dialogue and practical cooperation in the field.The Hon. Speaker was invited to deliver an address at the Opening Ceremony of the Forum, which was held on 17 September. In his address, he highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding heritage of Ayurveda and indigenous systems of healthcare, while emphasising the importance of combining traditional medical knowledge with modern scientific research, quality assurance, safety, education and technological development.The Hon. Speaker also highlighted the potential for strengthened cooperation between Sri Lanka and China in traditional medicine, including in the areas of medicinal plants, scientific research, education and training, quality standards, technology and the development of safe and effective traditional medicine products.As part of the Forum programme, the Sri Lankan delegation participated in bilateral meetings, an exhibition tour and a launch ceremony featuring new policies, standards, technologies and products in traditional medicine. The Hon. Speaker held meetings with Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shen Yueyue and Prof. Huang Luqi, Vice Commissioner of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. At the bilateral meeting with Vice Chairperson Shen Yueyue, the two sides discussed further strengthening the longstanding cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.The delegation also undertook field visits to China Resources Jiangzhong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Jemincare Group; and Longhua Hospital Jiangxi Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The visits covered traditional medicine education, scientific research, clinical practice and pharmaceutical development, including the application of modern technologies in these areas.On the sidelines of the Forum, the Hon. Speaker and the delegation also met with several Chinese investors to discuss potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, including investments related to rice-based products.Sri Lanka’s participation in the Forum strengthened engagement with China and other participating countries and institutions, while enabling the exchange of knowledge and experience on Ayurveda, traditional medicine research, education, clinical practice and pharmaceutical development, and identifying areas for further cooperation.
2026-09-18
Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Hemali Weerasekara, stated that students should develop positive attitudes, a sense of responsibility, and empathy from their school years in order to build a leadership capable of bringing about meaningful change in the future of the country.She made these remarks as the Chief Guest at the inaugural sitting of the Third Student Parliament of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, held recently (Sep. 15) at the school auditorium.The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees also emphasized that modern technology should not be used solely for entertainment, but also as a means of gaining knowledge and creating positive change in society. She further pointed out that the experiences gained through participation in a Student Parliament provide an important foundation for future leadership.She also educated the students on the legislative functions of Parliament, the law-making process, and public financial oversight. In addition, she explained the responsibilities of a Member of Parliament and the oversight functions carried out through Parliamentary committees.At the commencement of the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament, the Speaker was elected and the student Members of Parliament took their oaths. The students serving as Ministers presented to the House the programmes and development proposals they intended to implement within the school through their respective ministries.Certificates were also awarded to the members of the Student Parliament who participated in the occasion by distinguished invitees, including the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.The programme was jointly organized by Gothami Balika Vidyalaya and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, with the objective of providing the students of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya with practical experience in Parliamentary affairs and an understanding of the democratic governance process.The Director - Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi, Principal of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Mrs. Upendra Piyasena, members of the teaching staff, parents, and students were also present at the occasion.
2026-09-18
A delegation from the South Asia Parliamentary Group of the German Parliament visited the Parliament of Sri Lanka on 16 September 2026 as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening Parliamentary dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.The delegation was headed by Hon. Nicklas Kappe, Member of the German Parliament, and included Hon. Gerold Otten, Hon. Johann Saathoff and Hon. Ms. Ulle Schauws, Members of the German Parliament. The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Sarah Hasselbarth, Chargé d’Affaires; Ms. Katerina Bienert, Staff Member of the Parliamentary Secretariat and Ms. Dharini Daluwatte, Senior Advisor, Political Affairs.The Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvi Salih welcomed the delegation and hosted a luncheon meeting with members of the Sri Lanka - Germany Parliamentary Friendship Association. The Chair of the Friendship Association, the Hon. Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law, along with several other Members of Parliament, participated in the meeting. Acting Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyrathne was also present.During the meeting, discussions focused on Parliamentary procedures and the committee system, enhancing women’s political participation and leadership, ensuring gender equality, and encouraging greater involvement of the younger generation in the political process. Views were also exchanged on the growing interest among young people in integrity and respect for the law. Discussions further addressed the resolution of ethnic and religious issues and the importance of building trust among all communities.Following the luncheon meeting, the delegation participated in a joint roundtable discussion with three Ministerial Consultative Committees and two Sectoral Oversight Committees. The participating committees were the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Energy, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, and the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development.The Hon. Member of Parliament Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, and the Hon. Member of Parliament S. M. Marikkar, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, together with several Members of Parliament representing the above Committees participated in the roundtable discussion. The Director Legislative Services Mr. M Jayalath Perera and a group of Parliamentary officials were also present.The Committees were invited to participate in the roundtable discussion in response to the areas of interest identified by the delegation, with the objective of facilitating a focused exchange of views on matters of mutual interest. The discussion provided an opportunity to share perspectives on the key roles, current activities and strategic priorities of the respective Committees. Among the areas discussed were waste management, water supply and treatment, power and energy, as well as other matters relating to economic and strategic development.The engagement provided a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences and perspectives between Parliamentarians of Sri Lanka and Germany and contributed to further strengthening Parliamentary dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.
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