2025-11-14
News Categories : News
The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 was passed in the Parliament today (Nov. 14) by a majority of 118 votes. The Second Reading vote was held around 6.20 pm where 160 votes were cast in favor of the Bill and 42 votes were cast against it. 8 Members of Parliament abstained from voting.
Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, presented the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 (Budget Speech) to the Parliament on the 07th November 2025. From 08th November to date (14), the debate on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill (Budget) was held for 6 days.
Accordingly, the Committee Stage debate will be held for 17 days from 15th of November to 5th of December 2025. Accordingly, the vote on the Third Reading of the budget for the financial year 2026 is scheduled to be held on, 5th of December at 6.00 p.m.
2025-11-15
The outgoing Ambassador of Cuba to Sri Lanka, H.E. Andrés Marcelo González Garrido, yesterday (Nov. 14) paid a farewell call on the Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present at the occasion. During the meeting, Ambassador González Garrido expressed his profound gratitude to the Hon. Speaker for the continuous support and warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation throughout his four-and-a-half-year tenure in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through the recently revived Sri Lanka - Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Association, which he noted as a vital platform for enhanced cooperation. The Hon. Speaker congratulated Ambassador González Garrido on the successful completion of his mission and commended his dedicated efforts toward strengthening the historic bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He recalled the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Cuba and noted that Cuba has always stood with Sri Lanka, especially during times of need, reinforcing the depth and sincerity of the bilateral partnership. The Hon. Speaker reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further enhancing these enduring diplomatic relations. He also expressed his appreciation for Cuba's long-standing support to the medical sector in Sri Lanka. He praised the humanity, dedication and service of Cuban doctors who have worked in Sri Lanka, citing his own experience as a medical professional. The Hon. Speaker further extended an invitation for increased Cuban investment in Sri Lanka and highlighted opportunities for expanded technical cooperation in the agricultural sector.
2025-11-14
Hon. Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka - Oman Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament. The revival meeting of the Association was held yesterday (Nov. 13) at the Parliament premises under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Sri Lanka, H.E. Ahmed Ali Said Alrashidi, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, were also present. The Hon. Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera was elected as the Secretary of the Association, while the Hon. Member of Parliament Chathuri Gangani was elected as the Treasurer of the Association. During the meeting, both parties emphasized the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Oman, which dates back to 1981 and is founded on mutual respect and shared benefit. The contribution of the Sri Lankan community in Oman was also acknowledged, with appreciation expressed for their positive role in supporting the economies and strengthening the ties of both nations. The discussions further highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in several key sectors, including tourism, trade, labour, and education. Both sides expressed confidence that the revival of the Parliamentary Friendship Association would serve as an effective platform to deepen collaboration and advance mutually beneficial initiatives between the two countries. As part of his visit to Parliament, H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Ali Said Alrashidi also paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, where discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral relations, including expanded cooperation at the parliamentary level.
2025-11-11
Hon. Speaker announces in Parliament that the Hon. MPs, Ms. Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law, and (Dr.) Sellathambi Thilakanathan, have been nominated to serve in the Panel of Chairs The Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced in Parliament today (Nov. 11) that, in terms of Standing Order 143 of the Parliament, he has nominated Hon. Members of Parliament (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney at Law and (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan, to be included in the Panel of Chairs to fill the vacancies arising from the appointments of Hon. (Dr.)(Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne and Hon. Aravinda Senarath as Deputy Ministers, from among the Members of the Panel of Chairs nominated to serve in the First Session of the Tenth Parliament. In addition, Hon. Speaker informed that he has also nominated Hon. Members of Parliament Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran, Kins Nelson, M.K.M. Aslam, Upul Kithsiri, (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney at Law and Sujeewa Dissanayake to serve in the Panel of Chairs.
2025-11-10
The inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Sivali Central College, Ratnapura was held on 04 November 2025 at the Old Parliament Chamber of the Presidential Secretariat. The event was held under the patronage of Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Also present on this occasion were Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara, Deputy Chairperson of Committees, and Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament. This programme was jointly organized by Sivali Central College, Ratnapura, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, with the objective of providing the students of the college with practical exposure to parliamentary procedures. The event was also attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Subash Roshan Gamage, Director General of Public Relations of the Presidential Secretariat Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, and Director General Legal of the Presidential Secretariat Senior Attorney-at-Law Mr. J.M. Wijebandara. Addressing the student parliament, Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Speaker, emphasized the importance of maintaining proper discipline as members of parliament within the Student Parliament. He pointed out that an individual who does not abide by the law cannot take part in the process of law-making. Furthermore, he observed that a politician and a statesman are two different individuals while a politician acts with the next election in mind, a statesman makes decisions with the next generation in mind. Speaking at the event, Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara, Deputy Chairperson of Committees, highlighted the positive habits and values that students can cultivate through participation in the Student Parliament, which in turn can help them build successful lives. She also cited examples from other countries where student parliaments are active, demonstrating how young people there contribute their ideas and proposals in addressing national issues. She further noted that a leader is not one who exercises power, but one who serves their society and country. Addressing the students, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament, first extended her best wishes to the Hon. Speaker of the Student Parliament and its members for their excellent command of language and presentation. She went on to explain the functions and responsibilities of Parliament, providing the students with insight into the manner in which parliamentary proceedings are conducted. The inaugural session commenced with the election of the Speaker of the Student Parliament, followed by the Prime Minister, Cabinet of Ministers, and Members of Parliament taking their oaths. Subsequently, each Minister of the Student Parliament presented to the assembly the plans proposed to be implemented under their respective ministries. Certificates were awarded to the students representing the Student Parliament under the patronage of the distinguished guests. The event was also graced by Major Nadeeka Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat, Captain Neel Dhammika Wathukarawatta, Principal of Sivali Central College, Ratnapura, members of the academic staff of the college, and officials of the Department of Communication of Parliament.
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