2025-02-17
News Categories : News
The Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill was passed by a special majority, without amendments in Parliament today (Feb. 17).
The Second Reading debate pertaining to the said Bill was held today (17) from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Thereafter, 187 votes were cast in favor of the Bill. Following being considered at the Committee stage, a division was called for the Third Reading of the Bill. Accordingly, 158 votes were cast in favor of the Bill. The Second Reading and the Third Reading of the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill was passed by a special majority, without amendments in Parliament.
2025-10-24
Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation Attended the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19th to 23rd October 2025, under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.” Against the backdrop of ongoing global humanitarian challenges, the Assembly brought together hundreds of legislators from around the world to deliberate on the role of Parliaments in safeguarding international humanitarian law, strengthening multilateral commitments, and ensuring effective humanitarian response in times of conflict and crisis. A parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Hon. Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law, participated in the Assembly. The delegation included Hon. Members of Parliament (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga, Shantha Padmakumara, Mohammed Faizal, Hesha Withanage, and Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament. During his intervention at the General Debate, Hon. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, highlighted Sri Lanka’s experience in humanitarian response and crisis management. He emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordination, and adherence to humanitarian norms, citing the 2004 tsunami as a defining moment that underscored Sri Lanka’s resilience and the vital role of both local and international humanitarian cooperation. Hon. MP Mohammed Faizal, attended the workshop on “Reducing Methane for Climate and Clean Air: Is it Getting the Attention it Deserves?” In his remarks, he reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to combating climate change, highlighting national initiatives such as the Carbon Net Zero 2050 Roadmap and Strategic Plan, the Clean Sri Lanka Project, and the country’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He noted that Sri Lanka’s environmental policies reflect the nation’s vision of sustainable development and intergenerational responsibility. Hon. MP (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga, participated in the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, where she addressed the session on “Parliaments and Gender Equality: Achievements and the Way Forward.” She outlined Sri Lanka’s continued progress in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance. Hon. MPs Shantha Padmakumara, and Hesha Withanage, actively contributed to the discussions of the Standing Committees, thematic panels, and workshops held during the Assembly, sharing Sri Lanka’s perspectives on issues including food security, migration, climate action, and parliamentary oversight. Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, participated in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) sessions and other related meetings held alongside the Assembly. On the sidelines of the event, the Sri Lankan delegation held a bilateral meeting with the delegationof Nepal, led by Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as Parliamentary exchange, education, tourism, and cultural relations. The delegation also met with His Excellency Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of education with emphasis on scholarship opportunities for Sri Lankan students in medicine, information technology, and engineering. Both sides also exchanged views on promoting inter-parliamentary collaboration, facilitating high-level exchanges, and expanding trade relations between the two countries. The 151st IPU Assembly concluded with the adoption of key resolutions and reports at the final session of the IPU Governing Council on 23rd October 2025, reaffirming the collective commitment of Parliaments worldwide to uphold humanitarian norms, promote peace, and advance sustainable development.
2025-10-23
A group of students from the Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, and the Amity Law School, Mumbai, India, engaged in an educational visit to the Parliament of Sri Lanka recently (Oct. 21). The visit took place as part of a series of academic programs conducted under the “Indo–Sri Lanka Environmental Law Week – 2025,” organized jointly by the Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy (CELP), and the Amity Law School in Mumbai, India. Upon their arrival at Parliament, the students were first given the opportunity to participate in an observational tour of the parliamentary premises and chamber, gaining valuable experience under the guidance of the Public Outreach Division of the Department of Communication of Parliament. Subsequently, a special awareness session was conducted for the students under the patronage of Mr. M. Jayalath Perera, Director (Legislative Services) and Acting Director (Communication). During the session, Mr. Perera provided the students with an understanding of the legislative process of Sri Lanka, the functions, and the operational procedures of Parliament. The students also had the opportunity to discuss and raise questions during the session. Participating in this event were professor Kokila Lankathilake Konasinghe, Head of the Department of Public and International Law of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, along with other lecturers of the Faculty; Professor Gigimon V. S., Director of Amity Law School, Mumbai, together with lecturers of the institution; and groups of law students from both countries.
2025-10-22
Every year, the month of October is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as “Pink Month.” In support of this initiative, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne were symbolically presented with awareness badges and wristbands today (Oct. 22) at the Parliament to promote awareness of breast cancer. At this event, organized by the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus, badges and wristbands were also presented to Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Chief Government Whip Hon. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and Hon. Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka. Furthermore, all Members of Parliament were given the opportunity to wear the symbolic badges and wristbands at the Member entrance of Parliament in support of raising awareness on breast cancer. The Acting Secretary-General of Parliament, Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, and Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Hansa Abeyrathne also received awareness badges from the Caucus. Today, in support of this initiative, both Members and Parliamentary staff arrived dressed in pink or pink shaded attire. Additionally, in response to a request made by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, a special Debate at the Adjournment Time on the importance of breast cancer prevention is scheduled to be held today from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm in line with global awareness efforts. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and according to the medical professionals who spoke during the event, around 15 new patients are diagnosed daily in Sri Lanka, with approximately 3 deaths per day due to the disease. They emphasized that early detection and treatment can lead to full recovery, and highlighted the importance of monthly self-examinations for women over the age of 20. It was further stressed that responsibility for addressing this social health issue lies not only with women but also with men. Awareness programs have already begun at the school level, and various organizations have initiated programs under the theme “Pink Wednesday.” In parallel with this Parliamentary programme, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has also formally informed the Secretary of the Ministry of Education in writing, requesting that all school principals take steps to raise awareness among students about this issue during the morning assembly in every school. The event was attended by Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus, Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, along with other women MPs, Director of the National Cancer Control Programme Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma, Dr. Hasarali Fernando, Chairperson of Indira Cancer Trust, Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake, and several others.
2025-10-21
The “Palingu Raana” (Wingfield Family) stage play, organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Arts and Cultural Affairs in conjunction with the 2025 Literary Month, is scheduled to be staged on 23.10.2025 at 6.30 pm at the Memorial Hall (located in front of the Copper Door) of Parliament of Sri Lanka.This Sinhala stage drama, “Palingu Raana”, is based on “The Glass Menagerie”, the renowned American play by Tennessee Williams, and has been adapted into Sinhala by the veteran Sri Lankan dramatist Henry Jayasena. The play is directed by Pujitha de Mel and features performances by a talented cast including Chandani Seneviratne, Xavier Kaniska, Manushi Tania, and Bimsara Silva.The event will be graced by Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Hon. Ministers and Members of Parliament, foreign diplomats, and a distinguished group of invited guests.
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