2025-01-24
News Categories : News
The revival meeting to elect the office bearers for the Sri Lanka – United Kingdom Parliamentary Friendship Association of Tenth Parliament was held at the Parliament premises on 23.01.2025 under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka H.E Andrew Patrick participated as the chief guest and Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Mrs. Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera and Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatna were present at the occasion.
During the meeting Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, was appointed as the President of the Sri Lanka - UK Parliamentary Friendship Association while Hon. Member of Parliament, (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam was appointed as the Secretary.
Addressing the occasion, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne stated that over the past seven decades, Sri Lanka-UK ties have grown stronger and the revival of this Friendship Association is a testament to the strong bond between two nations. Speaker pointed out that it provides a platform to deepen cooperation, especially in areas like trade, investment, and tourism, while strengthening the ties between our Parliaments and peoples. The UK's support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis and contributions to debt restructuring as a Paris Club member was commended by the Speaker. He also extended his gratitude to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy for its invaluable contributions to empowering Members of Parliament and staff through workshops, conferences, and study tours.
Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner of the UK in Sri Lanka, H.E. Andrew Patrick, highlighted that nearly 50,000 Sri Lankan students are currently studying in the UK and expressed hopes of further strengthening educational links. He emphasized that the UK aims to continue fostering long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries. The High Commissioner also noted that, according to global economic growth projections over the next 30 years, this region will become increasingly influential, and he believes that Sri Lanka is well-positioned for a bright future.
Hon. Member of Parliament Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, who was appointed President of the Sri Lanka-UK Parliamentary Friendship Association, expressed his gratitude for the appointment. He emphasized that reviving the Association marks a significant step toward enhancing the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations. "Let us work together to make this association a powerful platform for exploring and realizing new avenues of collaboration between Sri Lanka and the UK," he stated.
In his address, Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, emphasized the importance of the revived Parliamentary Friendship Association in strengthening bilateral relations, fostering legislative collaboration, and deepening ties between the two countries.
2025-06-04
Hon. Speaker’s announcement regarding receiving copies of another two petitions in respect of the Bill titled “Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment)” Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, informed the Parliament today (Jun. 04) that he has received copies of another two petitions which had been filed in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution in respect of the Bill titled “Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment)”.
2025-06-03
Hon. Speaker announces in Parliament that he has received a copy of a petition filed regarding the “Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment)” Bill Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne informed the Parliament that he has received a copy of a petition filed at the Supreme Court in terms of the Article 121(1) of the Constitution in respect of the Bill titled “Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment)”.
2025-06-02
A high-level Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, MP, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees, participated in a Capacity Building Programme in India from 25th to 31st May 2025. The programme was organized by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), Lok Sabha Secretariat, following an invitation extended by His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. The delegation included Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara, MP, Deputy Chairman of Committees; Members of Parliament representing the Speaker’s Panel of Chairs; Chairmen of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE); and other MPs from both Government and Opposition benches. They are accompanied by Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat. The programme commenced with a welcome and briefing session at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi on 26th May. This was followed by guided visits to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sabha, and Prerna Sthal, providing a comprehensive orientation on the institutional and historical significance of Indian parliamentary democracy. On Tuesday, 27th May, the delegation participated in Financial Committees in the Indian Parliament: Conducted by Shri H. Ram Prakash, Joint Secretary, and Shri Muraleedharan P., Director, Legislative Services, the session outlined the core financial committees, especially the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is chaired by the senior Opposition Leader. The PAC scrutinized the reports of the Auditor General. Notably, proceedings of this committee are not open to the media. Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs): Led by Dr. Satyapal Singh, Former MP, the session explained how these committees analyze the Demands for Grants submitted by Ministries in the Appropriation Bill. Parliamentary Questions and Public Importance Matters: Conducted by Mr. NK Premachandran, MP, this session highlighted that 20 questions are permitted each day during Question Hour. Ministers are granted 14 days of notice to respond, and written answers are laid on the Table of the House by 10:30 a.m. These engagements offered valuable insight into India's robust oversight and legislative systems, enabling comparison and learning opportunities for Sri Lankan Parliamentarians. The delegation visited the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday, 28th May. They were welcomed by Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, CEO of UIDAI. The visit focused on understanding the digital infrastructure underpinning AADHAAR, India’s unique biometric identification system. The CEO elaborated on its core components, including biometric authentication, data security, and the critical role AADHAAR plays in India’s economic development and public service delivery. During the visit, the delegation held a courtesy call on Hon. Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Discussions underscored the strong cultural and democratic ties between India and Sri Lanka. Speaker Birla emphasized the importance of joint action against global terrorism and the value of inter-parliamentary cooperation. The conversation also highlighted the transformative role of digital innovation in enhancing transparency and efficiency in legislative processes. As part of the itinerary, the delegates also visited the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and engaged with Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, on development strategies and Global-South cooperation. Met Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, where discussions focused on regional cooperation, India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, and India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Expressed solidarity with India following the recent Pahalgam attack, condemning the act of terrorism and reaffirming mutual commitments to peace and security. The delegation undertook a cultural visit to Agra, on Thursday, 29th May, where they explored the historic Taj Mahal and Red Fort. The Capacity Building Programme also includes in-depth discussions on Anti-defection Law, Role of Whips, Legislative and Budgetary Process, Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics, Interactions with Print and Electronic Media, Visits to Delhi Metro Corporation, IIT Delhi, and IT Parks. These sessions aim to strengthen institutional knowledge, improve democratic practices, and share best practices across Parliaments. The participation of the Sri Lankan delegation in this programme marks a significant step in enhancing Parliamentary diplomacy, reinforcing mutual understanding, and fostering long-term cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The initiative also serves as a testament to the shared commitment of both nations to democratic values, technological progress, and regional development.
2025-05-29
Submission of affidavits relating to the evidence presented by the Attorney General's Department on the 3rd of June Submission of the Respondent IGP's stance on the affidavits relating to the evidence presented by the Attorney General's Department on the 9th Following discussions at the Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T. M. W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power, several admissions were agreed upon by both the Attorney General's Department and the Respondent IGP. This agreement was reached during yesterday’s (May 28) meeting of the committee held at Parliament, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena, and comprising members Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawela and Chairman of the National Police Commission E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake. Representing the Attorney General's Department, Additional Solicitor General (President's Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, who participated in the investigation committee, presented several admissions that could be agreed upon by both parties regarding the allegations made against the respondent IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. Representing the respondent IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, Attorney-at-Law R.S. Weerawickrama clarified their position and pointed out matters that required clarification. Accordingly, a basic consensus was reached between the parties on the matters that did not require clarification. Subsequently, both parties agreed that the Committee would meet again at 2:00 PM on the 3rd of the upcoming month to present affidavits regarding the evidence submitted by the Attorney General’s Department in relation to the allegations. It was further decided that the respondent’s position concerning those affidavits would be presented on the 9th. Thereafter, oral evidence and cross-examinations are scheduled to commence daily from 9:30 AM starting from the 11th and continuing from the 16th onwards.
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
How Parliament Works
Business of Parliament
Copyright © The Parliament of Sri Lanka.
All Rights Reserved.
Design & Developed by TekGeeks
