A meeting between members of the Sri Lanka–Japan Friendship Association, led by its President Inoue Naoki, and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was held yesterday (12), with discussions centered on further strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, President Naoki recalled that the Association had recently facilitated the provision of three ambulances to the North Western Provincial Council, and expressed the Association’s continued willingness to extend further assistance to Sri Lanka as required.

Secretary to the President Dr. Kumanayake conveyed his appreciation for the support extended by the Association, noting its role in reinforcing the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The meeting was also attended by Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Dr. R. D. R. Perera, Assistant Secretary to the President R. A. Ruwanpathirana, and Association members M. R. Dissanayake, O. N. S. Amarasinghe, and G. W. Thissa Dayananda, among others. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, has been appointed as the President of the Sri Lanka–Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.  

Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer was elected as the Secretary, while Member of Parliament Ambika Samivel was elected as the Treasurer of the Association, during the revival meeting of the Sri Lanka–Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Association held on Tuesday (07) at the Parliament of Sri Lanka under the patronage of the Speaker, Jagath Wickramaratne.  

Delivering the welcome address, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne emphasized that Parliamentary Friendship Associations play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations through Parliamentary diplomacy by providing Members of Parliament with a valuable platform to engage with their counterparts, exchange experiences, and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The Speaker further noted that Sri Lanka and Egypt have enjoyed longstanding and cordial relations founded on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, expressing confidence that the revived Association would serve as an effective mechanism for strengthening Parliamentary ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, Adel Ibrahim, highlighted the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Egypt and emphasized the importance of further enhancing bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including political, economic, cultural, educational and tourism exchanges. He expressed confidence that the Parliamentary Friendship Association would make a meaningful contribution towards further strengthening the relations between the two countries.

According to a Parliament statement, prior to the meeting, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne and Ambassador Adel Ibrahim held a cordial discussion at the Speaker’s official chamber, where they exchanged views on further enhancing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Egypt. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka – Belarus and Sri Lanka – Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Associations have been established for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s parliamentary diplomacy and fostering international cooperation.

The two meetings to establish the associations were held last week (09) at the Parliament premises under the patronage of the Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. Several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Members of Parliament, along with the Acting Secretary General of Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, participated.

At the meeting convened to inaugurate the Sri Lanka – Belarus Parliamentary Friendship Association, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi was elected as the President. MP Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam was elected as the Secretary, while MP Sena Nanayakkara was elected as the Treasurer of the Association. The Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Sri Lanka, Mikhail Kasko, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. 

Meanwhile, at the revival meeting of the Sri Lanka – Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Association, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi was elected as the President of the Association. Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas was elected as the Secretary, and MP Padmasiri Bandara was elected as the Treasurer. The event was attended by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, Andalib Elias, who participated as the Guest of Honour.

During both meetings, discussions were focused on the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding collaboration between Sri Lanka and the respective countries.

It was emphasized that the establishment of these Friendship Associations marks a significant milestone in enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, promoting mutual understanding, and creating new avenues for cooperation in areas such as trade, education, culture, environment, and people-to-people ties. (Newswire)

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The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, hosted a reception in honour of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLIPFA), against the backdrop of the recent successful visit of the SLIPFA delegation led by Minister of Health & Mass Media  Nalinda Jayatissa to India in August.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner underscored the deep-rooted, civilizational and people-centric ties that bind India and Sri Lanka. Recalling the landmark visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka in April 2025, he described it as a defining moment in bilateral relations. He noted the significant outcomes of the visit, which included initiatives and MoUs spanning energy cooperation, defence, digital transformation, capacity building, health, railways, and dedicated development assistance for Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.

The Indian High Commissioner further highlighted that, amidst unequal partnerships between larger nations and smaller nations, India has remained an exemplar in building relations with its neighbours. India has offered Sri Lanka greater access to its vast markets, more than what it gets in return from Sri Lanka under the India-Sri Lanka FTA. He also recalled India’s substantial and unconditional assistance to Sri Lanka during challenging times in 2022, despite being a developing country itself.

High Commissioner Santosh Jha further emphasized India’s strong economic resurgence, with the country now being the world’s fourth-largest economy and a key driver of global growth. He added that India and Sri Lanka are natural partners in preserving peace, ensuring maritime security, and promoting a rules-based regional order. 

The High Commissioner expressed confidence that the Parliamentary Friendship Association will continue to serve as a dynamic platform to foster dialogue, promote mutual interests, and explore new avenues of cooperation.

Thanking the Government of India for hosting the 23-member SLIPFA delegation, SLIPFA President Minister Nalinda Jayatissa spoke about the delegation’s wide-ranging engagements in New Delhi, including insightful discussions on public healthcare, affordable medicine, education, vocational training, and innovation. The delegation had also visited leading health institutions and emerging start-ups. 

He noted that the exposure to India’s parliamentary procedures and legislative practices provided valuable learning, while the visit also offered a first-hand experience of the remarkable economic transformation currently underway in India.

The reception was attended by several members of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association. The event reaffirmed the deepening ties between the two countries, built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity. (Newswire)

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Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.

At the revival meeting of the Association held in Parliament this week (06 Aug), HMP Hector Appuhamy was elected as the Secretary of the Association.

The appointments were made during a meeting of the Sri Lanka-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Association held under the patronage of the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Sri Lanka, Damiano Francovigh, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament were also present on this occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne highlighted the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Italy, which dates back to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in May 1952. 

He noted that over the years, this relationship has evolved into a strong partnership covering political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people dimensions. He emphasized that the revival of the Friendship Association reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to promoting democratic values and fostering meaningful engagement between the two legislatures.

Italian Ambassador Damiano Francovigh congratulated the newly elected office bearers and expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by Members of Parliament in engaging with the Friendship Association. 

He also read out a congratulatory message from the President of the Italy-South Asia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Union. The Ambassador further noted that the collaboration between Italy and Sri Lanka spans a diverse range of sectors, all contributing to mutual growth, and emphasized that this renewed cooperation lays a solid foundation for a promising future together.

In his remarks, the newly elected President, Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, expressed his gratitude to the members for electing him and noted that the Association would serve as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. He also invited members to actively participate in the initiatives of the Association to ensure the success of its objectives.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the newly elected Secretary, MP Hector Appuhamy, thanked the Speaker, the Ambassador, and fellow members for their support and expressed his commitment to work collaboratively to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy.

Prior to the meeting, the Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka met with the Speaker to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Italy. 

During the meeting, both parties focused on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade, tourism, culture, and people-to-people connections. 

The Ambassador also informed the Speaker about the upcoming visit of the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister to Sri Lanka in September, noting that this visit is expected to pave the way for further initiatives to deepen bilateral ties. (Newswire)

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Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, has been elected President of the Sri Lanka-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.

According to a Parliament statement, MP Ravindra Bandara was elected Secretary of the Association.

The appointments were made during the revival meeting of the Association held at the Parliament recently (09 May), under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. 

The High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. The occasion was also attended by Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament.

Both delegations highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, rooted in shared historical, cultural, and economic ties. They reaffirmed their mutual support in international forums on issues of common concern.

The representatives from both countries expressed a strong commitment to further enhancing cooperation in emerging areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy. 

It was emphasised that the revived Parliamentary Friendship Association would serve as a vital platform for strengthening engagement between the two nations, extending beyond parliamentary diplomacy to broader people-to-people ties. (Newswire)

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Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association of the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.

According to a Parliament statement, MP Mujibur Rahman was elected as the Secretary of the Association.

The revival meeting of the Association was held at the Parliament premises recently (09 May), under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. 

The Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka, Ihab I.M. Khalil, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih, along with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, also attended the event.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between Sri Lanka and Palestine, which has been built on shared values and mutual respect. The meeting underscored Sri Lanka’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people. It was highlighted that the people of Sri Lanka have consistently expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine over the years.

It was noted that the Sri Lanka-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association, first established in 2015, has played an instrumental role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between the two Parliaments. The revival of this Association marks a renewed commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, promoting mutual understanding, and deepening ties in areas such as culture and education. (Newswire)

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Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.

According to a Parliament statement, MP Hasara Liyanage was elected as the Secretary of the Association.   

The appointments were made during the revival meeting of the Friendship Association held in Parliament recently (11 Mar).

The meeting took place under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, while the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam graced the occasion as the guest of honour.

Addressing the meeting, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, which have been established since 1970 and have grown steadily over the past 55 years. 

He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has flourished in various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and education. 

The Speaker reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthen its economic collaboration with Vietnam, which plays a key role in expanding trade and investment in the region. 

He also announced that a Parliamentary delegation from Vietnam, led by the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Nguyen Duc Hai is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in March 2025.

 “We are very much looking forward to welcoming the delegation and engaging in fruitful discussions,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam described the revival of the association as a fresh start in bilateral relations between the two countries. 

She highlighted the potential of this platform to facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge on parliamentary activities and the lawmaking process, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and collaboration between the legislative bodies of both nations.

The newly elected president of the association, Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi, emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary engagement and fostering greater cooperation in areas such as trade, sustainable development, technology, and tourism. 

He expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Vietnam for her unwavering support in enhancing bilateral relations.

In her vote of thanks, the newly elected Secretary of the Association, MP Hasara Liyanage, thanked the Ambassador of Vietnam and the Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka for their guidance and support. 

She also stressed her commitment to working with other members of the Association to uphold its objectives and strengthen the ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Members of Parliament and Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera were also present at this meeting. (Newswire)

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Parliamentarian Chandima Weerakkody has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka-USA Parliamentary Friendship Association, the Parliament of Sri Lanka said in a statement.

The special meeting to elect the office bearers related to the Ninth Parliament of the Sri Lanka – USA Parliamentary Friendship Association was held at the Parliament yesterday (23) under the chairmanship of the Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana. 

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung joined the event as a special guest. Minister and the Leader of the House of Parliament Susil Premajayantha, and the Secretary General of the Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake were also present at this event.

Meanwhile, MP (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya was elected as the new Secretary to the Sri Lanka-USA Parliamentary Friendship Association and State Minister A. Aravindh Kumar, and MPs Thalatha Athukorala and Velu Kumar were elected as Vice Presidents.

Furthermore, MP (Dr.) Nalaka Godahewa was elected as the Treasure and MP Charles Nirmalanathan was elected as the Assistant Secretary to the Friendship Association.

Addressing the meeting, the Speaker said that the decades-long bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United States of America will be further strengthened through this Association. Furthermore, the Speaker expressed his gratitude for the support extended by the United States of America to Sri Lanka

Addressing the Association, US Ambassador Julie Chung congratulated the new office bearers and stated that through the establishment of this friendship association, parliamentary exchanges and mutual cooperation between the two countries will be strengthened.

Many Members of Parliament representing the Government and the opposition were present at this occasion. (NewsWire)

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