The Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, together with the Hon. Member of Parliament Rishad Bathiudeen, participated in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings held in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October 2026. The high-level Sri Lankan delegation participated robustly across the Assembly’s core plenary debates, panel discussions, and Standing Committees, highlighting Sri Lanka's progressive strides in democratic governance, human rights, and resilient public health frameworks.
Addressing the General Assembly under the main theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all,” the Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne emphasized that public trust and inclusiveness form the bedrock of sustainable democracy. Highlighting Sri Lanka's domestic milestones, the Hon. Speaker informed the General Assembly that the current Tenth Parliament marks a historic milestone with twenty-two women members of Parliament representing 9.8% of its membership, which includes two women representing the Malayagam community.
Furthermore, for the first time, a member with a disability is serving in the Tenth Parliament and was recently awarded the prestigious 2026 New Parliamentarian Award by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
The Hon. Speaker detailed how dedicated mechanisms such as the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus, the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, and specialized oversight committees like the Committee on Public Finance, the Committee on Public Accounts, and the Committee on Public Enterprises continue to champion legislative equity, transparency, and public accountability. He also underscored recent Open Parliament initiatives, including broadcasting Parliamentary debates with sign-language interpretation and opening committee proceedings to the media and civil society, which successfully bridge the gap between citizens and lawmakers.
Furthermore, the delegation received special recognition during a High-Level Side Event hosted by the IPU African Geopolitical Group, titled “From Commitment to Results: African Parliamentary Action for the Three Zeros on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Towards 2030.” The recognition acknowledged the professional medical background of the Hon. Speaker,(Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, and underscored the importance of his medical expertise and Parliamentary leadership in advancing maternal and newborn health, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting the well-being of vulnerable populations.
On the margins of the Assembly, the Sri Lankan delegation held a vital consultative meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) representatives, specifically meeting with Mr. Ludy Suryantoro, Head of Multisectoral Engagement for Health Security Preparedness. Discussions centered heavily on strengthening national health security and advancing the WHO Universal Health Preparedness Review. The Sri Lankan delegation underscored that the Parliament plays a pivotal role in providing legal authority for preparedness reforms, approving and protecting funding through budget processes, exercising rigorous oversight and accountability, strengthening multi-sectoral governance and coordination, and ensuring equity and human rights for vulnerable populations.
Sri Lanka Parliamentary delegation, actively engaged in key deliberations across the IPU's Standing Committees and thematic workshops. These sessions addressed critical global challenges, including Parliamentary strategies for inclusive social development, the role of Parliaments in securing peace in the age of military artificial intelligence, shaping peaceful futures through Parliamentary diplomacy and mediation, strengthening maritime security and protecting critical infrastructure in times of conflict, and considering motions to review the United Nations Charter and conflict prevention machinery. Additional workshops explored strengthening responses to terrorism using the IPU reference framework, oversight of extractive industries, coping with digital overload and mental health across generations, promoting ethical artificial intelligence serving child rights, delivering healthy food in a changing climate, and enforcing mechanisms for international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The participation of the Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation at the 153rd IPU Assembly reflects Sri Lanka’s continued engagement in international Parliamentary dialogue and cooperation on matters of democratic governance, inclusivity, public accountability, health security and sustainable development.
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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