2025-10-16
News Categories : News
The Executive Committee meeting of the Sri Lanka - Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Association was held recently (Oct. 10) under the patronage of the President of the Association, Hon. Minister (Dr.) Upali Pannilage. The meeting was graced by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka, H.E. (Dr.) Siri Walt, along with Members of Parliament who are part of the Association.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Minister (Dr.) Upali Pannilage noted that the recent study tour to Switzerland was highly productive and provided valuable insights into Swiss governance and society. He extended his gratitude to the Government of Switzerland for the invitation and to H.E. (Dr.) Siri Walt and officials of the Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka for their support in facilitating the tour.
During the meeting, members who participated in the study tour shared their reflections, praising the Swiss system of governance for its efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centered approach. They also commended the country’s democratic culture built on active public participation. The delegation further appreciated the hospitality of the people of Switzerland, noting how these contribute to the nation’s harmony and progress.
The members also emphasized that many of the principles and practices observed during the visit could be adapted and applied in Sri Lanka, particularly in enhancing governance and administrative efficiency.
The meeting was also attended by the Secretary of the Association, Hon. Member of Parliament Chandima Hettiaratchi and other Members of Parliament who are representing the Executive Committee of the Friendship Association.
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 Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today (Oct. 21) informed all Members of Parliament to wear pink or pink shaded attire tomorrow, the 22nd of October 2025, in commemoration of the “Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October". The Hon. Speaker also announced that the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus has arranged to distribute a badge to all Members of Parliament, at the Members' Entrance, tomorrow.
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.
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
