2024-01-24
The Online Safety Bill which was debated in Parliament yesterday (23rd) and today (24th), was passed in Parliament today (Jan. 24th) by majority vote.
At the end of the debate on the Second Reading of the Bill, at around 5.00 pm today, the Chief Opposition Whip, Member of Parliament Hon. Lakshman Kiriella called for a division. Accordingly, during the voting held, 108 votes were cast in favour of the Bill and 62 votes were cast against it. Thus, the Second Reading of the Bill was passed by a majority of 46 votes.
Thereafter, amendments were added to the Bill during the Committee stage and Member of Parliament Hon. Chandima Weerakkody called for a Division bringing in an amendment to section 36 of the draft Bill. Accordingly, 51 votes were cast in favour of the amendment and 92 votes were cast against. Thus, the said amendment was defeated by a majority of 41 votes.
The Third Reading of the Bill was then passed without a vote.
2026-10-30
Changes have been made to the parliamentary business scheduled for the week commencing from 03 to 06 November.This decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held today (Oct. 30), chaired by the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih.As previously decided, on each sitting day, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. will be allocated for Parliamentary Business listed under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. will be allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. will be allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).On Tuesday, 03rd November, at 11:30 a.m., a motion seeking approval for the appointment of a “Select Committee of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive study and report on the tragic incident of Black July of 1983 and its impact and to submit its proposals and recommendations to Parliament on ensuring national harmony and providing relief to the affected people”, is scheduled to be moved.Thereafter, it has been decided to hold an Adjournment Debate from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on a motion to be moved by the Government.In accordance with a decision taken at a previous meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business, the Opposition had been requested to amend certain provisions of the No-Confidence Motion submitted against the Speaker, in keeping with the Standing Orders of Parliament, and to resubmit the revised motion.However, as no revised No-Confidence Motion was submitted, it was decided, as previously agreed, that the motion would not be taken up for debate on this day.On Wednesday, 04th November, the time from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. has been allocated for the debate on the Regulations published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2508/27 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, and a Supplementary Estimate, for approval.Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Government will be taken up for debate.On Thursday, 05th November, it has also been decided to hold the Second Reading Debate on the Trusts (Amendment) Bill from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., provided that no petition is filed in the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill under Article 121 of the Constitution.Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition will be taken up for debate.On Friday, 06th NovemberThe time from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. has been allocated for the debate on the following Private Members’ Motions:Name of the Member ofParliamentTitle of the Private Member MotionHon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney at LawFormulating a programme to increase train services on the Puttalam railway lineHon. Lasith Bhashana GamageFormulating a systematic methodology for the scientific planting, management and maintenance of trees along road reservationsHon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi, Attorney at LawConverting all Colleges of Education in Sri Lanka into university facultiesHon. Ravindra BandaraIntroducing a smart electricity grid and smart metersHon. Rohana BandaraFormulating a programme to improve swimming skillsHon. Upul KithsiriDeclaring the Udawalawe area as a tourism zoneHon. Hiruni Wijesunghe Attorney at LawEffectively controlling and eradicating the spread of the Water Hyacinth plantThereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition will be taken up for debate.
2026-10-27
The Parliament is scheduled to meet from 3 to 6 November.The parliamentary business for that week was decided at a meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held recently (Oct. 23), under the chairmanship of the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr Jagath Wickramaratne.On each day that Parliament meets, the period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business listed under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). 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 allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).On Tuesday, 3rd November, a debate was scheduled on the revised No-Confidence Motion to be submitted by the Opposition.On Wednesday, 4th November, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. the regulations published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2508/27 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, together with a Supplementary Estimate, are scheduled to be debated for approval.Thereafter, the Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by the Government will be taken up for debate from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.On Thursday, 5th November, it was also decided to hold a debate from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on an Adjournment Motion moved by the Government.On Friday, 6th November, time has been allocated from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. for debates on the following Private Members’ Motions:Name of the Member ofParliamentTitle of the Private Member MotionHon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney at LawFormulation of a programme to increase train services on the Puttalam Railway LineHon. Lasith Bhashana GamageFormulation of a systematic methodology for the planting, scientific management, and maintenance of trees within road reservesHon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi, Attorney at LawConverting all Colleges of Education in Sri Lanka into University FacultiesHon. Ravindra BandaraIntroduction of a Smart Grid and Smart MetersHon. Rohana BandaraDesigning a programme to improve swimming skillsHon. Upul KithsiriDesignation of the Udawalawe Area as a Tourist ZoneHon. Hiruni Wijesunghe Attorney at LawFavourable control and suppression of the proliferation of common water hyacinthThereafter, the Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by the Opposition will be taken up for debate from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
2026-10-27
H.E Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Dosari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, met with the Hon. Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament, recently at the Parliament of Sri Lanka, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.The meeting underscored the longstanding friendship and enduring partnership between Qatar and Sri Lanka, as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring new avenues of engagement for the mutual benefit of both nations.Welcoming the Ambassador, the Hon. Speaker underscored the strong and cordial relations between Qatar and Sri Lanka and highlighted the significance of continued high-level engagements in deepening bilateral ties. He recalled recent high-level visits between the two countries, noting their important contribution to strengthening mutual understanding and expanding avenues for cooperation.The Speaker also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Sri Lankan workforce in Qatar, particularly its role in supporting Qatar’s development and contributing to Sri Lanka’s economy through remittances. He expressed appreciation for the support extended by the State of Qatar to Sri Lanka and emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.Highlighting the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering closer international partnerships, the Hon. Speaker expressed Sri Lanka’s readiness to establish a Sri Lanka - Qatar Parliamentary Friendship Association. He noted that such an initiative would provide a meaningful platform for dialogue, the exchange of experiences and best practices, and closer engagement between the parliamentary institutions of the two countries.Ambassador Al-Dosari reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka as a trusted friend and partner, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations and promoting closer people-to-people connections. He also highlighted the potential for expanding cooperation in key sectors, including tourism, trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to exploring new opportunities for collaboration, strengthening existing partnerships and translating the longstanding friendship between Qatar and Sri Lanka into tangible benefits for their peoples. During the visit, Ambassador Al-Dosari expressed his appreciation for the architectural significance of the Parliament building and the natural beauty of its surrounding environment. He also participated in a guided tour of the Parliament premises.
2026-10-27
If society expects political leaders to be free from corruption and act with honesty, honesty and ethical values must also be upheld throughout society, stated the Hon.Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvi Salih.He made these remarks while attending the inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Wellawatte Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam as the Guest of Honour. The event was held recently at the Old Parliamentary Chamber of the Presidential Secretariat.Pointing out that the country’s political leaders are elected by society itself, the Deputy Speaker emphasised the importance of students, as future leaders, developing honesty, ethical values and a sense of responsibility from their school days.The programme was jointly organised by Wellawatte Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam, the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, with the aim of providing the school’s female students with practical experience of parliamentary procedures.At the event, Senior Additional Secretary to the President (President’s Fund), Mr. Subash Roshan, explained the services provided to students and the general public through the President’s Fund.Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Colombo, Professor A. Sarveswaran, also participated in the event and educated the students on the Constitution of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Mr. T.N.M.P. Shahid, the principal officer of Parliament explained the role and functions of Parliament.The inaugural session of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of student Members of Parliament. Thereafter, the student ministers presented their proposals to the House, outlining the programmes they hoped to implement within the school under their respective ministries.Certificates were awarded to the student Members of Parliament who participated in the programme by the distinguished guests. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Sindhuri Padmaraj, the teacher in charge of the Student Parliament at Wellawatte Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam.This programme was conducted as part of the ongoing series of Student Parliament programmes jointly implemented by the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the Presidential Secretariat.The event was attended by Director General of Presidential Public Relations Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage and Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla. Mrs. Malarvizhi Sreekumar, Deputy Principal, represented the Principal of Wellawatte Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam, Mrs. Arundhathi Rajavijayan. Officials of the Department of Communication of Parliament, teachers, parents and students were also present.
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