2024-11-22
News Categories : News
An orientation program for Members of Parliament representing the 10th Parliament will be held on November 25, 26, and 27, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Parliament complex, Committee Room No. 01. This program, traditionally conducted at the commencement of a new Parliament, has been organised for the incoming Members for the 10th Parliament as well.
The inauguration of the program is scheduled to take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, with the participation of the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Hon. Speaker, Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hemali Weerasekara, Leader of the House Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake; Chief Government Whip, Hon. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General of Parliament.
This three-day orientation program aims to educate Members of Parliament (MPs) on their roles and responsibilities, parliamentary privileges, the legislative process, committee procedures, Standing Orders of Parliament, and constitutional provisions. The program also includes a practical session on the use of the electronic voting system.
Additionally, MPs will be briefed on laws and procedures related to the Commission to investigate allegations of Bribery or Corruption, established under the Anti-Corruption Act. The functions of the Parliamentary Affairs Division under the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
Furthermore, heads of departments within Parliament will provide an overview of their respective functions, highlighting how each contributes to parliamentary operations.
2024-11-21
Leader of the House, Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake, and Chief Government Whip, Hon. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, assumed duties at their respective offices within the Parliamentary premises today (Nov. 21) afternoon. Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekaran, Secretary to the Leader of the House Mr. Janakantha Silva, Secretary to the Chief Government Whip Mr. Janaka Jayasundara, and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
2024-11-21
• Dr. Rizvie Salih was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament • Hon. Hemali Weerasekara was unanimously elected as the Deputy Chairpersons of Committees Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, Member of Parliament representing the National People's Power (NPP), has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka. The name of Dr. Ranwala was proposed by the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and was seconded by Hon. Minister Vijitha Herath. Thereafter, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister Vijitha Herath, who proposed and seconded the name of the Speaker respectively, was escorted to the Speaker’s Chair in accordance with the traditions of Parliament. The Speaker delivered a brief vote of thanks pertaining to his appointment followed by the Speaker taking his official oath in front of the Secretary General. Following the election of the Speaker, Members of Parliament were sworn in and took their official oaths. Congratulatory remarks on being elected as Speaker were extended by the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Hon. Sajith Premadasa, and Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Hon. Rauff Hakeem. In his address, the Speaker expressed his commitment to safeguarding the independence and dignity of Parliament as the supreme legislative body of the nation. He pledged to uphold the Parliamentary traditions and procedures while striving to create a model, Parliament. Furthermore, the Speaker sought the cooperation of all Members of Parliament to ensure the institution operates effectively embodying the new political culture expected by the public. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of a well-structured Parliamentary Committee system and called on all Members to conduct themselves with decorum and discipline during Parliamentary proceedings. Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, represents the Gampaha District and entered Parliament following the most recent General Election. Beginning his political career as a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dr. Ranwala currently serves as a member of the National Executive Committee of the NPP. Dr. Ranwala completed his primary education at Yatiyana Primary School and his secondary education at Henegama Central College. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a doctorate in Biochemistry from Waseda University, Japan. Dr. Ranwala has also previously served as a member of the Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha and the Western Provincial Council. Moreover, Dr. Rizvie Salih was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. His name was proposed by the Chief Government Whip, Hon. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and was seconded by Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj. Dr. Rizvie Salih, a longstanding medical professional and member of the NPP's National Executive Committee, was elected to Parliament representing the Colombo District during the 2024 General Election. Furthermore, Hon. Hemali Weerasekara was unanimously elected as the Deputy Chairpersons of Committees. Her nomination was proposed by Hon. Minister Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, and was seconded by Hon. Samanmalee Gunasinghe. Representing the Gampaha District, under the NPP, Hon. Weerasekara is a former member of the Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha and a professional laboratory technician. She completed her education at Yasodara Vidyalaya, Colombo and Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo. Hon. Weerasekara has been an active member of the NPP’s district and women’s executive committees.
2024-11-20
• Inaugural Meeting of the Tenth Parliament: Scheduled for 10:00 a.m. tomorrow• President to present the Government Policy Statement at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow The ceremonial opening of the First Session of the Tenth Parliament is scheduled for tomorrow (Nov. 21). A rehearsal for the event was held today (20) at the Parliament premises. Tomorrow, following the sounding of the quorum Bell at 9:55 a.m., Parliament will convene at 10:00 a.m. After the placing the mace in the chamber, the Secretary-General of Parliament will present the Extraordinary Gazette Notifications issued by the President, setting the date and time for the session, as the first Order of Business. The Speaker will then be elected as per the provisions of Article 64(1) of the Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders 4, 5, and 6. Subsequently, the Speaker will take the oath or affirmation, followed by Members of Parliament taking their oaths or affirmations, and thereafter, the Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees will be elected. On the first day, Members are free to sit in any seat of their choice, as no seating arrangements are pre-assigned, which is a unique feature. Following the initial formalities, Parliament will be temporarily suspended. At 11:30 a.m. Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will preside over the Speakers Chair and present the Government’s Policy Statement in accordance with Articles 32(4) and 33 of the Constitution. Arrangements have been made to conduct the inaugural session of the Tenth Parliament as a charm ceremonial event under the instructions of the Hon. President. Furthermore, there will be no recital of Jaya Mangala Gatha, no formal military honors, gun salutes, or motorcades, the Serjeant-at-Arms Mr. Kushan Jayaratne said. Guests are expected to be seated by approximately 11:00 a.m. The Speaker is scheduled to be welcomed at 11:10 a.m. near the main staircase of the Parliament building. At 11:15 a.m., the Prime Minister will be received, followed by the President’s arrival shortly after. At 11:20 a.m., the Speaker and the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, will formally welcome President Anura Kumara Dissanayake near the main staircase. The President will then be escorted to the Robbin Room by the Serjeant-at-Arms and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, thereafter leading the procession with carrying the mace, followed by the President, the Speaker, and the Secretary-General. Once in the Chamber, the President will preside over the Speaker’s Chair. The Speaker will then take the seat alongside the Secretary General during this occasion. The President will deliver the Government's Policy Statement, after which the session is expected to adjourn. Distinguished guests, including foreign diplomats, have been invited to this inaugural session. According to Serjeant-at-Arms Mr. Kushan Jayaratne, invitations for the event were sent electronically (E-Invitations).
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