2025-06-02
News Categories : News
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.
2025-06-04
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)”.
2025-05-29
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.
2025-05-28
The inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Helena Wijewardene Balika Vidyalaya, Kelaniya was held on 27.05.2025 at the Old Parliament Chamber of the Presidential Secretariat. This program was held under the patronage of the Chief of Staff and Acting Secretary General of Parliament, Mr. Chaminda Kularatne and was conducted as part of the ongoing Student Parliament Programme, jointly organized by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Addressing the members of the Student Parliament of Helena Wijewardene Balika Vidyalaya, Acting Secretary General Mr. Chaminda Kularatne explained the traditions, functions, and procedures of Parliamentary practice. Also speaking at the event, Media Advisor to the President Mr. Chandana Suriyabandara emphasized that schools play a vital role in fostering a respectful society. He noted that such an environment nurtures individuals who are both strong and creative in their attitudes. Also, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. K. M. N. Kumarasinghe, who joined the event, gave a basic introduction to the “Clean Sri Lanka” program and explained the responsibility of children to create a better country. Following the inaugural session of the Student Parliament, the newly elected Speaker and members were officially sworn in. The Acting Secretary General of Parliament and invited guests presented certificates to the members of the Student Parliament. Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. K. M. N. Kumarasinghe, Director General Legal of the Presidential Secretariat Mr. J.M. Wijebandara, Media Advisor to the President Mr. Chandana Suriyabandara, Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat Major Nadeeka Dangolla, Manager Media of the Communications Department of the Parliament Mrs. Nimmi Hathiyaldeniya, Kelaniya Divisional Educational Director Mr. W.A. S. Nandasiri, Principal of Helena Wijewardena Balika Maha Vidyalaya Mrs. R.K. Gunathilaka, and a group of teachers and students were present at this event.
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