A cross‑party delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka visited the UK Parliament earlier this month as part of a bilateral programme organised with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretariat UK Branch. 

According to the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, the initiative aimed to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and share best practices between the two legislatures.

The delegation comprised MPs Gayantha Karunathilleka, S.M. Marikkar, Jagath Gunawardana, Thushari Jayasingha, Kanthasamy Prabu, Danushka Ranganath and Ruwan Wijeweera, alongside Secretary‑General Kushani Rohanadeera and Serjeant‑at‑Arms Kushan Sampath Jayarathna.

During the visit, delegates participated in sessions on legislative scrutiny, committee systems, financial oversight and public accountability. 

They also observed parliamentary proceedings, including Prime Minister’s Questions, and engaged with UK parliamentarians, officials and partners such as the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sri Lanka and the CPA Secretariat.

The British High Commission in Sri Lanka further said that the programme provided practical insights to strengthen committee scrutiny, post‑legislative review and inclusive, modern parliamentary practices. (Newswire)

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New stamps for the postal facilities provided to Members of Parliament were recently issued at the Parliamentary Library under the patronage of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. 

According to a statement from the Parliament of Sri Lanka, two new stamps valued at Rs. 20.00 and Rs. 70.00 were released.

The stamps were issued by the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka.

They are expected to facilitate the various postal requirements of Members of Parliament more conveniently. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Finance has announced that fuel allowances provided to ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament, government officials, and other categories will now be calculated based on the fuel price prevailing on March 1, 2026.

In a statement, the Ministry said the decision was taken by the Cabinet as part of broader measures to manage state expenditure amidst the ongoing energy crisis and fiscal constraints. 

The directive also applies to other allowances linked to fuel quantities, which must be recalculated using the same benchmark price.

Officials emphasized that departments and institutions must act in line with existing circulars and guidelines, ensuring that fuel allocations and allowances are managed under the revised rules.

The Ministry noted that these adjustments are aimed at balancing financial limits while safeguarding essential public services during a period of economic pressure. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra has clarified reports regarding the recently approved fuel allowances for Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentarians, and Senior Government Officials.

In a statement on social media, the Deputy Minister explained that fuel allowances are normally calculated based on market fuel prices as of the 1st of each month. 

However, the latest approval was to continue using the March 1, 2026, price as the benchmark and apply that same rate for April.

He noted that fuel prices were revised twice during March, and as a result, while the allowance amount remains unchanged, the quantity of fuel that can be purchased has decreased.

“In simple terms, this is not an increase, but a situation where the allowance is not adjusted to current prices, leading to a reduction in actual fuel entitlement,” Deputy Minister Hemachandra said.

His comments come following a recent Cabinet decision that fuel allowances provided to ministers, Members of Parliament, and public officials will be calculated based on the fuel prices that prevailed on March 1, 2026, until further notice. According to the government, other allowances linked to fuel costs will also be adjusted to the same benchmark.

The move is part of wider measures to manage state expenditure during the ongoing energy crisis, which has been intensified by the conflict in the Middle East. (Newswire)

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The government has announced that fuel allowances provided to ministers, Members of Parliament, and public officials will be calculated based on the fuel prices that prevailed on March 1, 2026, until further notice.

According to the government, other allowances linked to fuel costs will also be adjusted to the same benchmark.

The decision comes as part of wider measures to manage state expenditure during the ongoing energy crisis, which has been intensified by the conflict in the Middle East. 

With fuel distribution restricted, Wednesdays have been declared holidays for non‑essential government offices to conserve resources.

The government states the move is aimed at keeping government spending within approved limits while ensuring essential public services continue uninterrupted. 

The proposal was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance and has received Cabinet approval. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has conducted a Cyber Safety Awareness Program for the Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to enhance awareness on the secure and responsible use of digital technologies, particularly in the context of national governance.

According to SLCERT, in an era where digital platforms play a critical role in governance, policymaking, and public communication, the importance of cybersecurity for parliamentarians cannot be overstated. 

As key decision-makers with access to sensitive information and national systems, Members of Parliament can be exposed to cyber threats such as phishing, data breaches, and misinformation campaigns. Strengthening their awareness and preparedness is therefore essential to safeguarding national security and maintaining public trust, it said. 

The awareness program was attended by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, along with Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekere and several government and opposition members. 

The programme covered several critical areas, including cyber hygiene, secure online communication practices, and cybersecurity best practices required to operate safely within an increasingly interconnected digital environment.

The event featured remarks by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Tilak Pathirage, Chairman of Sri Lanka CERT, and Kanishka Karunasena, Acting Executive Officer of Sri Lanka CERT.

The technical sessions were conducted by Nirosh Ananda, Chief Information Security Officer of Sri Lanka CERT, Charuka Damunupola, Lead Information Security Engineer, and Thilina Dissanayake, Program Manager – Capacity Building at Sri Lanka CERT. 

The sessions provided practical guidance on identifying cyber threats, safeguarding both personal and official digital communications, and adopting secure online behaviours.

Members of Parliament actively engaged with the resource persons throughout the programme, reflecting a strong interest in strengthening their understanding of cybersecurity. Their participation underscored the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a critical component of effective governance and public service.

Sri Lanka CERT continues to play a leading role in enhancing national cybersecurity resilience through targeted training and awareness programmes for both public and private sector stakeholders. (Newswire)

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A group of SLPP and SJB parliamentarians, led by SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, are scheduled to travel to Odisha, India, on a private visit to participate in the celebrations of India’s Republic Day on January 26, following an invitation from a private university in India. 

The delegation includes SJB MPs Chithral Fernando, Chamindrani Kiriella, Chathura Galappaththi, and Prasad Siriwardena, along with former SLPP MPs Indika Anuruddha, Sanjeewa Edirimanna, Sampath Athukorala, and Political Bureau member Milinda Rajapaksa.

In addition, the group is expected to undertake an observation tour of the Odisha Disaster Management Centre, recognized as one of the world’s leading disaster management institutions, and visit Buddhist archaeological sites dating back to the era of King Ashoka.

A cordial discussion regarding this visit was held recently at the official residence of the Indian High Commissioner, between the Sri Lankan delegation and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today instructed public representatives in affected districts to intervene swiftly to prevent loss of life and to provide relief to those impacted by the prevalent inclement weather conditions.

The President gave these instructions, taking into account the heavy rainfall expected to intensify over the next two days, creating severe weather risks in Sri Lanka.

The directive was issued during a special discussion held this morning (27) at the Parliament premises to review the emergency disaster situation and relief services arising from the adverse weather conditions across the country.

He directed Members of Parliament to visit their districts and assess the plight of affected communities, and further instructed both government and opposition MPs to convene District Coordinating Committees and Regional Development Committees. These committees are to identify current risk situations and potential future disasters in their respective areas, and to act promptly to ensure public safety and relief.

It was decided that further discussions on this matter would be taken up at the Party Leaders’ meeting scheduled for 2.00 pm. today, as MPs’ involvement in relief efforts should not hinder budget debates or parliamentary proceedings.

The meeting focused primarily on public safety, rescue operations, and the continuous provision of health and relief services to affected communities. Special attention was also given to the ongoing Advanced Level examinations and the continuation of educational activities.

The President instructed that cooked meals and dry rations be continuously supplied to people arriving at relief camps, those confined to their homes, and those staying with relatives due to disaster conditions. He also emphasized the need to establish a compensation mechanism for destroyed houses and damaged farmlands.

Additionally, attention was drawn to the irrigation system and its safety, as well as to the protection of highways in areas vulnerable to landslides. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has submitted a private member’s motion in Parliament seeking to prohibit political parties from crediting the salaries, allowances, and vehicle permits of public representatives to party funds.

The motion argues that such practices undermine the independence of elected representatives and pose a serious challenge to democracy.

Jayasekara’s proposal states that Parliament should resolve to disallow any political party from collecting or diverting payments made to Members of Parliament into party accounts.

The move comes amid public discussion following the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government’s acknowledgement that its MPs contribute their monthly salaries to a common party fund.

Jayasekara, who is also an Attorney-at-Law, described the practice as detrimental to representative freedom and accountability, urging all parties to safeguard the autonomy of parliamentarians. (Newswire)

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A delegation of Sri Lankan Parliamentarians, including Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, is currently in India for a study tour. 

The group includes several Sri Lankan Parliamentarians, including opposition MPs Rauf Hakeem, Ravi Karunanayake, and Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam. 

During the study tour, the delegation had engaged in a discussion with Indian Parliamentarian Anurag Thakur.

Commenting on the meeting, MP Anurag Thakur said a fruitful discussion was held with the Sri Lankan Parliamentarians about the reasons behind the success of parliamentary democracy in India.

“Had a very fruitful conversation with a group of parliamentarians from Sri Lanka, led by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, who wished to learn about the reasons behind the success of parliamentary democracy in India.  

“India and Sri Lanka are not just two nations but two brothers, bound by a shared heritage and connected culturally and emotionally since ancient times. Both nations have been great friends to each other, and India has always stood by Sri Lanka as part of our Brother First Policy,” MP Anurag Thakur said on a post on ‘X’. (Newswire)

Had a very fruitful conversation with a group of parliamentarians from Sri Lanka, led by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, who wished to learn about the reasons behind the success of parliamentary democracy in India.

India and Sri Lanka are not just… pic.twitter.com/woQU6DUgJD

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 26, 2025

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The Cabinet has approved a proposal to reduce the annual group insurance coverage for Members of Parliament from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 250,000, effective from October 9, 2025.

The proposal was presented by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, aligning with a budget recommendation made earlier by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to trim MP privileges.

The group insurance scheme was first introduced in May 2023, providing each MP with a maximum annual cover of Rs. 1 million. Since then, the benefits have been disbursed under this framework.

The revised coverage limit of Rs. 250,000 per MP will be applied to the upcoming insurance year starting in October. (Newswire)

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Five former Parliamentarians have left Sri Lanka failing to return their official government residences at the Madiwela Housing Complex for Parliamentarians. 

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, Parliamentary officials who are responsible for MP housing are facing issues due to this reason. 

It is reported that around 80 former MPs have handed over their official residences, while only twenty former MPs have yet to return their houses.

The Parliament officials have once again issued reminders to the former MPs who are yet to hand over the houses, to return them immediately.

On Saturday, it was reported that seven former MPs had vacated their official residences in the Madiwela housing complex.

The former MPs were informed by Parliament officials that their water and electricity supply would be cut off if they did not vacate the premises immediately, and written notices had also been issued to them.

The handing over of official residences at the Madiwela Housing Complex to new MPs is scheduled to start on 03 December 2024.

It is reported that around 40 new MPs have requested houses. (Newswire)

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An orientation programme for newly elected Members of Parliament commenced at the Parliament premises today (25 Nov), as is traditionally done at the beginning of a new parliament.

According to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the orientation programme will be conducted from 25 -27 November 2024 in Committee Room No. 01 from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

The Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Chairperson of  Committees, the Chief Government Whip, Members of Parliament, the Secretary General of Parliament, the Deputy Secretary General, the Assistant Secretary General and officials will participate in this event.

During this three-day programme, MPs will be educated concerning the role and responsibilities of a Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Privileges, Legislative Process in Parliament, Parliamentary Committee System,  Standing Orders of Parliament, and the provisions of the Constitution. Arrangements have also been made to hold a practical session for Members of Parliament to vote using the electronic voting system.

Furthermore, awareness will be provided about the laws and procedures related to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption established by the Anti-Corruption Act, as well as the role of the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.

The heads of departments and offices of Parliament will also brief the Members of Parliament about the tasks related to their respective departments. (Newswire)

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At least twenty (20) Parliamentarians have failed to declare their assets and liabilities for this year, it was reported.

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, Election Commission officials have informed Parliament officials to once again remind the said MPs to declare their assets. 

A total of 169 Parliamentarians are required to declare their assets and liabilities and hand them over to the Speaker of the Parliament prior to June 30, every year.

However, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption’s (CIABOC) attention has been drawn to the 20 MPs who are yet to declare their assets. 

Under Sri Lanka’s new Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law, a Parliamentarian who has failed to declare his/her assets by August 31 every year, can be sentenced to not less than one year imprisonment or be imposed a fine amounting to 12 months of his current salary, or both. (Newswire)

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Twelve members from the Parliaments of Sri Lanka and China will undertake a visit to several parts of China from June 24-30, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka stated. 

Taking to Twitter, the Chinese Embassy stated that the 12 Parliamentarians are members of the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association.

They will visit Beijing, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou from June 24 to 30 at the invitation of the Chinese side.

“The MPs from both government and opposition are planning to meet senior officials from the Chinese National People’s Congress, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Department of the Communist Party of China, and mayors of municipal governments,” the Chinese Embassy further stated. 

The Chinese Embassy added that they will also have field studies on railways, ports, electric vehicles, information and communications technology etc. (NewsWire)

12 Members of the Parliaments from the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association will visit Beijing, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou from June 24 to 30 at the invitation of the Chinese side.

The MPs from both government and opposition are planning to meet senior… pic.twitter.com/tH3c2Ay242

— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) June 21, 2023

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