The Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, informed Parliament today (21 October) that he had received copies of three more petitions filed at the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121(1) of the Constitution in respect of the Bill titled “Sri Lanka Cricket” in addition to the receipt of thirty Petitions mentioned in the announcement dated 20th of October 2026.
The Speaker further informed Parliament that he had received copies of eleven more petitions filed at the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121(1) of the Constitution in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” in addition to the receipt of the twenty-five Petitions mentioned in the announcements dated 07th, 08th and 20th of October 2026, and a copy of a petition in respect of the Bill titled “Immigration”.
2026-10-20
The Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne and the Hon. Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka Nishantha Jayaweera, undertook a visit to Brussels, Belgium, from 13–15 October 2026 to represent Sri Lanka at the 12th European Union (EU)–Sri Lanka Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) 2026 and participate in a number of bilateral engagements.The 12th EU–Sri Lanka IPM was co-chaired by the Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, and Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia of the European Parliament, and concluded successfully in Brussels on 15 October 2026. The Hon. Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera; H. E. Chandana Weerasena, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union; and senior officials of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels formed part of the Sri Lankan delegation to the meeting.As the first EU–Sri Lanka IPM following the formation of Sri Lanka’s 10th Parliament, the meeting marked an important milestone in EU–Sri Lanka parliamentary relations and reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to strengthening constructive dialogue and cooperation.The IPM provided a key platform to discuss in detail a broad range of issues of mutual interest, including EU–Sri Lanka political and economic relations, GSP+, good governance, and the rule of law. Discussions also covered regional and international developments, including the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and maritime cooperation, as well as trade, investment, sustainable development, connectivity, and people-to-people links.Co-Chair Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza and Members of the European Parliament recognized Sri Lanka’s resilience in the face of multiple challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the energy crisis triggered by the unrest in the Middle East, and commended the country’s positive growth trajectory.Co-Chair the Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne expressed appreciation for the European Union’s invaluable financial and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Ditwah, including emergency relief supplies, disaster assessment support, and recovery efforts. He also acknowledged the EU’s continued partnership during challenging periods, including its support for Sri Lanka’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Paris Club debt restructuring process. The Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne requested further EU assistance to deepen economic relations amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.Noting that EU–Sri Lanka relations have evolved significantly under the umbrella of the 1995 EU–Sri Lanka Cooperation Agreement, the Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne reiterated that it is high time to elevate these relations to the next level.Both sides affirmed that the European Union remains one of Sri Lanka’s primary economic partners, serving as a major export destination and development partner. Continued engagement between the European Parliament and the Parliament of Sri Lanka will reinforce these ties and advance shared priorities.Co-Chair Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza and Members of the European Parliament also hosted an official dinner for the Sri Lankan delegation at the European Parliament.During the visit, the Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne had a series of high-level meetings, including discussions with Younous Omarjee, Vice President of the European Parliament. The two leaders discussed in detail the bilateral relations between the EU and Sri Lanka, regular engagement mechanisms, and key areas for further collaboration.The Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia of the European Parliament also arranged a tour for the Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne and his delegation within the European Parliament to observe a committee meeting.The Hon. Speaker visited the Federal Parliament of Belgium as well, where he met Peter De Roover, President of the Chamber of Representatives, alongside members of the Chamber. The Hon. Speaker outlined Sri Lanka's stable political landscape, ongoing economic recovery, and the Government’s efforts to transform the country's political, economic, and social fabric following the public mandate received in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.The Hon. Speaker thanked the Belgian Government for its cooperation on various occasions and requested a senior-level bilateral visit from Belgium to Sri Lanka. Such a visit would serve as a catalyst for enhancing bilateral relations as both nations prepare to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2028.Madusanka Jayasinghe, Minister; Thavishya Mullegamgoda, Minister (Commercial); and Dilini Lenagala, Minister, of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Belgium were part of the Sri Lanka delegation to the 12th European Union (EU)–Sri Lanka Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) 2026.
2026-10-20
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.
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