2024-11-25
News Categories : News
At a time when public expectations are at its peak, it is essential to familiarize oneself with parliamentary procedures to meet those aspirations, stated the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, addressing newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) in Parliament. He expressed these views at the inaugural session of the Orientation Programme organized for the newly elected MPs of the 10th Parliament, held today (Nov. 25).
The Speaker emphasized the importance of organizing such workshops, noting that a thorough understanding of parliamentary traditions, constitutional frameworks, standing orders, and related parliamentary procedures is crucial for serving the people through the diverse debates conducted within Parliament. He also extended his gratitude to the Secretary General of Parliament and the parliamentary staff for their contributions to organizing this programme.
Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya remarked that in a time when the people have entrusted the nation with a robust Parliament, fulfilling public expectations to the fullest should be the foremost objective of all Members of Parliament. She highlighted the significant responsibility the Members of Parliament bear in reshaping public perceptions of Parliament and highlighted that this programme serves as a valuable platform for equipping Parliamentarians with the necessary tools to perform their duties with dedication.
Reflecting on the political and social transformations in recent times, the Prime Minister pointed out that the political maturity of the public is evident, placing an immense responsibility on the newly elected Members of Parliament as representatives of the people. She also pointed out that this Parliament is historically significant, given the highest-ever female representation, with 22 female Members of Parliament, marking a positive step forward.
Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, emphasized on the need to strengthen the concept of an open Parliament and bring the functions performed by the representatives closer to the citizens. He further noted that MPs must possess a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and traditions to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.
Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, highlighted that having 162 newly elected Members of Parliament to be a unique feature of the 10th Parliament. She expressed her hopes that all Members of Parliament would derive maximum benefit from this programme, which is being conducted with the expertise of experienced officials. During the event, the Secretary General provided a detailed explanation of parliamentary procedures and practices, whilst the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General Mr. Chaminda Kularatne briefed the Members of Parliament on parliamentary privileges.
The Orientation programme was attended by Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr Rizvie Salih, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Hon. Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Chief Government Whip and Minister (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa, the Secretary General of Parliament, Deputy Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, department heads, and other staff members of Parliament.
168 Members of Parliament were in participation on the 1st day of the Orientation Programme. This Orientation programme, organized as a practice marking the commencement of a new Parliament, will continue for the next two days (26th and 27th).
2024-11-22
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.
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