Symbolizing Sri Lanka’s multi-religious harmony, the Navaratri festival was ceremonially celebrated today (Oct. 20) at the Parliamentary Complex under the patronage of Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
The event was organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka, on the instructions of the Hon. Speaker, with the support of the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
The celebration commenced at the Parliamentary Complex with Hindu priests performing religious rituals. The occasion was further enlivened by several devotional dance performances.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a religious ceremony conducted with good intentions would bring blessings to the entire country. She also emphasized that a better nation could be built through religious and cultural harmony, coupled with respect for other cultures.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, expressed his wishes that, according to Hindu beliefs, the blessings of Goddess Durga would dispel evil, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi would bring prosperity and abundance, and the grace of Goddess Saraswati would enhance wisdom. He further stated that organizing such celebrations through the collective participation of all, without discrimination, serves as an example to society.
Navaratri is a Hindu religious festival celebrated with devotion, generally in early October each year. The festival derives its name from the observance of nine nights dedicated to the worship of the deities.
During the first three days, Goddess Durga is worshipped, as she is believed to possess the power to eliminate negative qualities, evil and impurities. The next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is revered as the giver of enduring wealth and prosperity to her devotees. During the final three days, devotees worship Goddess Saraswati, who is regarded as the goddess of wisdom.
Following these nine days, a special observance is held on the tenth day, known as “Vidyarambham”. This ritual symbolizes the commencement of educational activities.
Hindu priests and several Members of Parliament and ministers attended the event, including the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih; the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hemali Weerasekara; the Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa; Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar; Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Sundaralingam Pradeep; and the Hon. Chief Opposition Whip, Gayantha Karunatileka.
The Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyratne along with members of the parliamentary staff, affiliated staff and officers representing the Police and other security divisions, were also present at the ceremony.
2026-10-19
The Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (Oct. 19) endorsed the certificate on Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill.The Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 19 August 2026 by the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. The Second Reading debate on the Bill was held on 8 October 2026, following which it was passed with amendments without a division.Accordingly, the Act aims to address legal, interpretative, administrative and technical issues identified in the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. It also seeks to resolve inconsistencies between the Sinhala and English texts of the Act, address challenges relating to the investigation and prosecution of corruption offences, improve the administrative functions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), and streamline the process of submitting declarations of assets and liabilities through a centralized electronic system.These amendments are expected to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s existing legal and institutional framework for combating corruption and ensure that the Anti-Corruption Act is implemented effectively, transparently and accountably.Accordingly, the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill has been enacted as the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, No. 25 of 2026.
2026-10-19
The Navaratri religious ceremony of the Parliament of Sri Lanka is scheduled to be celebrated ceremonially on the Oct. 20th at the Parliament premises. Symbolizing Sri Lanka’s multi-religious harmony, the celebration is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, and other Ministers, Members of Parliament and dignitaries.Navaratri is a Hindu religious festival celebrated with devotion, generally in October each year. The festival is known as “Navaratri” because religious observances are conducted in honour of the goddesses over nine nights. During the first three days, devotees worship Goddess Durga, who is believed to have the power to dispel evil, negative qualities and shortcomings. The following three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is revered as the goddess of wealth and prosperity and is believed to bestow lasting riches and good fortune upon her devotees. The final three days are devoted to Goddess Saraswati, who is regarded as the goddess of wisdom.Following these nine days, a special ceremony is held on the tenth day, known as “Vidya Arambham”. This ritual symbolizes the commencement of educational activities and is regarded as an auspicious occasion to begin learning.The ceremony is being organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka, under the guidance of the Hon. Speaker, with the support of the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
2026-10-16
Parliament is scheduled to meet from October 20 to 23.The parliamentary business for the week was decided at a meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held today (Oct. 16) under the chairmanship of Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih.On each day Parliament meets, the period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business listed under Items 1 to 6 of Standing Order 22. The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been set aside for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).Accordingly, on Tuesday, October 20, a debate on an Adjournment Motion moved by the Opposition will be held from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.On Wednesday, October 21, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., a Resolution under the Public Debt Management Act and a Supplementary Estimate are scheduled to be taken up for debate and approval.Thereafter, at 5.00 p.m., the annual reports of five statutory institutions are scheduled to be approved without debate.The period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has then been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.On Thursday, October 22, a debate on the Second Reading of two Bills to amend the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Bills Nos. 79 and 80) will be held from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.Thereafter, the annual reports of five statutory institutions are scheduled to be approved without debate.From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by the Opposition is scheduled to be debated.On Friday, October 23, a debate on the Second Reading of the Elimination of Rabies and Registration of Dogs Bill will be held from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by the Government will be taken up for debate.
2026-10-15
The inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Ranabima Royal College, Peradeniya, was held on the 14th of October at the old Parliamentary Chamber located at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara.The programme was jointly organized by the school, the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, with the aim of providing students of Ranabima Royal College, Peradeniya, with practical experience of parliamentary procedures.Addressing the gathering, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara stated that Student Parliament programmes serve as a breeding ground for nurturing future leaders. She further emphasized that leadership is not an ornament, but a tool entrusted to individuals to improve the well-being of others. She also pointed out that youth and children bear the full responsibility for building a better society in the future as society progresses. In addition, she highlighted the importance of thinking beyond traditional boundaries.The Head of the Human Resources Development Division of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Assistant Director (Administration), Ms. Chula Herath, briefed the students on Parliament and the legislative process.The inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Ranabima Royal College commenced with the election of the Speaker. Subsequently, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet of Ministers and the group of Members of Parliament took their oaths of office. Thereafter, the respective student ministers informed the House of the plans they proposed to implement through their ministries.Certificates were also awarded to the students representing the Student Parliament, with the participation of the invited guests.Concluding the programme, the Principal of Ranabima Royal College, Mr. M. M. Perera, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed his appreciation for the series of programmes conducted by the Parliament of Sri Lanka to support the future of the nation’s children.Several officials also attended the programme, including Director General of Presidential Public Relations Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Subhash Roshan, and Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla.
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