The Parliament will only convene today (21) and tomorrow (22) this week. It was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business which was held today (21) under the chairmanship of Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the Speaker of Parliament.
This decision was taken due to the current fuel shortage, despite the decision previously taken by the Committee on Parliamentary Business to convene the Parliament from 21 to 24.
Meanwhile, due to the opposition's announcement that it will boycott this week's sittings, the Independent Members of the Parliament decided to move the adjournment motion pertaining to the prevailing health issues of the country which was scheduled to be moved by the Opposition for the purpose of taking up for debate tomorrow (22).
Following the adjournment of Parliament tomorrow, it is scheduled to re-convene on Monday, July 4th. Time has also been set aside from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm for 50 Questions for Oral Answers which could not be taken up in Parliament due to various reasons.
2025-05-14
All arrangements have been made to hold the “Diyawanna Vesak Bodhu Bathi Gee Saraniya” organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka, on Friday, 16th May 2025 at the Parliament premises. This programme is scheduled to be held from 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. under the patronage of Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne and with the participation of Hon. Members of Parliament. The Secretary General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, and the staff of the Parliament are also expected to participate in this event. This “Diyawanna Vesak Bodhu Bathi Gee Saraniya,” organized jointly by the Parliamentary Staff and the Parliamentary Staff Buddhist Association in line with the National Vesak Week, will feature performances by vocalists and musicians representing all departments and affiliated staff units of Parliament, contributing through music and singing.
2025-05-14
In celebration of Vesak Poya Day, the Parliament Complex and its surrounding area, including the scenic Diyawanna Oya, have been beautifully illuminated with Vesak decorations. This was carried out under the guidance of the Hon. Speaker and the Parliament Secretariat, including the Secretary General of Parliament. Key contributions were made by departments including the Coordinating Engineering Department of Parliament, the Buddhist Association of Parliament Staff, and the Sri Lanka Army. In addition, all arrangements have been made to host the “Diyawanna Vesak Bathi Gee Saraniya”—a Bhakthi Geetha recital—on Friday, 16 May 2025, at 6.00 p.m. This event, organized jointly by the Parliament Staff and the Buddhist Association of Parliament Staff, will be held for the first time on the Parliament premises under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker.
2025-05-12
Today, we commemorate Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, a sacred occasion that marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinibbana) of Gautama Buddha; the founder of one of the world’s most profound and enduring spiritual philosophies. Globally, Vesak is celebrated as a day of deep religious and cultural significance. For us Sri Lankans, it holds even greater importance, as the values of Buddhism form the foundation of our nation’s socio-cultural identity. In the sixth century BC, the Buddha paved a transformative path toward both spiritual and social liberation. He preached reconciliation, non-violence, and equality transcending divisions of class, caste, and tribe and offered a voice to the marginalized and oppressed of the ancient India. Today, as we face complex social and moral challenges, I firmly believe that the teachings of the Buddha offer us powerful and relevant guidance. Yet, the demands and distractions of modern life often obscure access to the noble path and spiritual clarity he advocated. As a result, many who seek to live a life enriched by Buddhist principles encounter obstacles.It is our collective duty to cultivate a social, cultural, and political environment that allows those values to thrive. More than ever, Buddhist philosophy can serve as a guiding light, helping us build a society grounded in justice, compassion, and true equality. On this Vesak Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Buddhist community of Sri Lanka. May we all strive toward the spiritual and social liberation taught by the Buddha. May the Triple Gem bless you all. Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne Speaker Parliament of Sri Lanka,
2025-05-09
Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka - India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament. The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on 8th May 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera. At the meeting, Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka - India Parliamentary Friendship Association. During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue. The Hon. Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month. Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Hon. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor. In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association Hon. Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.
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