Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) National List Member of Parliament M.S. Abdul Wahid has tendered his resignation from Parliament.

The resignation, effective from today, was formally notified to the Election Commission by the Acting Secretary General of Parliament, Hansa Abeyratne.

As a result, a vacancy has arisen in the 10th Parliament, and in accordance with Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981. The Chairman of the Election Commission has been informed of the development. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Business for the next Parliamentary Week, scheduled to be held from September 22 to 25, has been decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held yesterday (10) under the chairmanship of Speaker, Jagath Wickramaratne.

On each day that Parliament meets, the period from 9.30 am to 10.00 am has been allocated for Parliamentary Business specified under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). 

The period from 10.00 am to 11.00 am has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 am to 11.30 am has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).

• Agenda for Tuesday, September 22:

From 11.30 am to 5.00 pm, the Orders published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2497/37 under the Petroleum Resources Act and the Promotion of Export Agriculture (Amendment) Bill (Second Reading) will be taken up for debate at.

Thereafter, at 5.00 pm, the Tredso Development Foundation (Incorporation) Bill, a Private Member’s Bill, is scheduled to be taken up for Second Reading and thereafter referred to the Legislative Standing Committee.

From 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm, an Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by the Opposition is scheduled to be taken up for debate.

• Agenda for Wednesday, September 23:

From 11.30 am to 5.00 pm, the debate on the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill (Second Reading) will be held.

Thereafter, the period from 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.

• Agenda for Thursday, September 24:

From 11.30 am to 7.00 pm, time has been allocated for the Second Reading debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill.

It was agreed that the two-day debate would be held subject to the Speaker making an announcement to Parliament following the delivery of the Supreme Court determination on the petitions filed against the respective Bills under Article 121 of the Constitution.

• Agenda for Friday, September 25:

From 11.30 am to 7.00 pm, it has been decided to continue the Second Reading debate on the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill for the second day. (Newswire)

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Four Opposition Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Provincial Council Elections today boycotted the Committee’s tenth meeting, citing frustration over the lack of seriousness and urgency in advancing the long‑delayed polls.

The boycott was led by MPs Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Mano Ganesan, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, and Nizam Kariapper, who expressed strong concern about the manner in which the Committee’s proceedings were being conducted.

Speaking on behalf of the Opposition Members, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told the Committee that they could no longer support a process which, despite ten meetings, has failed to produce meaningful progress towards holding Provincial Council elections.

He noted that practical solutions are already before the Committee. The Election Commission has presented a clear proposal to conduct elections under the existing proportional representation system, with a guarantee of 25% representation for women.

In addition, a Private Members’ Bill presented by Rasamanickam relating to the conduct of Provincial Council elections is already on Parliament’s Order Paper, offering a legislative pathway if a majority of Members agree.

“These options are already before Parliament. What is required now is not further delay, but the political will to make a decision and take concrete steps towards holding the elections,” Rasamanickam said.

The Opposition Members also pointed out that the National People’s Power’s 2024 Presidential Election Manifesto explicitly committed to holding Provincial Council and Local Government elections within one year of assuming office, a pledge set out on page 128 of the manifesto.

Provincial Councils have remained without elected representatives for several years, denying citizens their democratic right to elect provincial representatives. The Opposition Members stressed that this situation cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely.

They called upon the Government and the Select Committee to immediately take concrete steps, with a clear timeframe, towards conducting the elections. 

Rasamanickam warned that if the Committee fails to demonstrate serious political commitment, the four Opposition Members will be compelled to take “a very serious decision,” though he declined to disclose its nature at this stage. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has issued its determination on the Bill titled Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka, which was challenged under Article 121(1) of the Constitution.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament today (08) that the Court found several clauses inconsistent with constitutional provisions.

• Clause 3(1) was deemed vague and inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g), requiring passage by a special majority under Article 84(2). The inconsistency would be removed if the clause is deleted.
• Clause 4(o) was found inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g), and may only be passed with a special majority unless amended as proposed by the Court.
• Clause 5(4b) was ruled inconsistent with Article 12(1) and requires a special majority under Article 84(2). The inconsistency would be removed if amended as directed.
• The remaining clauses of the Bill were determined not to be inconsistent with the Constitution.

The ruling clears the way for parliamentary debate, subject to the amendments and special majority requirements outlined by the Court. (Newswire)

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The Parliament of Sri Lanka will convene from September 8 to 11, according to a decision of the Committee on Parliamentary Business.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the committee held recently (20), chaired by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

• Agenda for Tuesday, September 8:

The period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).

Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the House is scheduled to debate, for approval, two Orders published in Extraordinary Gazettes Nos. 2489/22 and 2493/19, issued under the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203).

This will be followed by a period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. allocated for the debate on the Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition.

• Agenda for Wednesday, September 9:

The period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister, while the period from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers. Thereafter, from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., the time has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).

From 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the House is scheduled to hold the Second Reading debate on the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill.

Thereafter, the period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.

• Agenda for Thursday, September 10:

The period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).

Thereafter, from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., the House is scheduled to debate, for approval, a Resolution under the Women’s Empowerment Act.

Subsequently, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Government will be taken up for debate.

• Agenda for Friday, September 11:

The period from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allocated for parliamentary business specified under Standing Order 22(1) to (6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).

The period from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for the following Private Members’ Motions.

• Nalin Bandara Jayamaha – Bringing Industries related to Petroleum, Fuel and Water under the regulation of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
• Ajith P. Perera – Providing an incentive to family units to increase the number of births in Sri Lanka
• Harsha de Silva – Protection of the Diyagama Forest
• Sujeewa Dissanayake – Abolishing the additional six percent pension deduction from the salaries of Pirivena Teachers
• Nanda Bandara – Food crop cultivation in mountainous areas
• T.K. Jayasundara – Developing the Kithul Industry
• M. L. A. M. Hizbullah – Establishment of a Faculty of Medicine for South Eastern University of Sri Lanka.

Thereafter, the period from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time. (Newswire)

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A special meeting was held at Parliament yesterday to chart the future work of the Expert Panel appointed to reform Sri Lanka’s electoral system, excluding Provincial Council elections, with the aim of making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to public expectations.

The discussion was chaired by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.H.M.H. Abeyaratne, who also heads the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with reviewing election laws and submitting proposals to Parliament.

Committee members Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Attorney‑at‑Law Thushari Jayasinghe, and Chandima Hettiarachchi joined the meeting, which focused on the role of the Expert Panel, the scope of matters to be reviewed, and the process for the next stages.

The Panel is expected to conduct an in‑depth review of 31 proposals submitted by citizens and organizations concerning electoral reforms. Relevant studies and research from universities and institutions will also be considered. 

The review period has been set at two months, during which the Panel will not only identify shortcomings in the current system but, where necessary, recommend the establishment of a new electoral system and culture with more constructive features.

Officials stated that the ultimate objective is not merely to introduce piecemeal amendments.

Instead, the Committee aims to present Parliament with a comprehensive report containing policy and legislative recommendations for a more credible, democratic, and efficient electoral system suited to current needs and the expectations of the people.

The meeting marked the formal start of the Expert Panel’s work, which is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s electoral future. (Newswire)

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A damning special audit report has revealed sweeping financial irregularities in the operations of Sri Lanka’s Parliament during the Eighth and Ninth sessions, exposing unchecked privileges, outdated regulations, and millions in questionable expenditure.

The Auditor General’s Department found that Parliament continues to operate under the Parliamentary Staff Act of 1953, last amended in 1959, bypassing the Public Financial Management Act No. 44 of 2024, which governs all other budgetary entities to ensure transparency.

Unlimited Fuel Privileges

• Speaker: Consumed an average of 3,994 litres per month in 2023 and 6,122 litres per month in 2024, marking increases of 66% and 155% respectively. Fuel expenditure reached Rs. 19.37 million in 2023 and Rs. 26.05 million in 2024.
• Deputy Speaker: Received 21,299 litres of fuel worth Rs. 8.55 million for a private vehicle in 2023–2024, in addition to three official vehicles. These vehicles themselves exceeded allocations by 6,980 litres in 2023 and 1,515 litres in 2024.
• Chairman of Committees: Allocated three official vehicles with unlimited fuel, despite no formal entitlement.
• Secretary-General: Used 15,063 litres of fuel worth Rs. 6.07 million between 2022–2024, averaging 2,300 litres more annually than a Ministry Secretary, the highest comparable category.

Salary Irregularities

The Secretary-General’s salary, constitutionally required to be fixed by Parliament under Article 65(2), was last approved in 2004 at Rs. 274,920. Since then, it has increased by around 800% without fresh parliamentary sanction, creating a significant charge on the Consolidated Fund.

Transport and Employee Benefits

• Parliament spent Rs. 335.66 million since 2016 on a bus service for employees, operating without a written agreement with the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
• A further Rs. 5.89 million was spent on drivers and conductors from mid‑2021.
• The average cost per travel pass rose from Rs. 27,662 in 2016 to over Rs. 95,000 in 2023.

Foreign Travel Expenditure

• Rs. 208.9 million was spent between 2016–2024 to send 451 MPs overseas.
• Rs. 56.9 million funded 115 staff members for 83 foreign trips.
• No requirement exists for MPs or staff to submit reports on outcomes of these trips.

Other Irregularities

• Discrepancy between 25,103 books in the library register and 34,000 books claimed online.
• Concessionary vehicle permits worth Rs. 10.8 million granted to three employees before completing six years of service.
• 159 approved posts remained vacant as of December 2025 without review.

The Auditor General attributed these issues to Parliament’s reliance on outdated legislation and recommended urgent reforms, including aligning with the Public Financial Management Act, tightening controls on fuel and vehicle privileges, and securing formal approval for the Secretary-General’s salary. (Newswire)

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The Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee on Sunday approved a provision in a draft law allowing Tehran to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The official IRNA news agency said the committee continued its review of the proposed “Strategic Action Plan to Ensure the Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Committee spokesperson Hassan Qashqavi said members approved Article 3 of the bill after its consideration was postponed at a previous meeting.

The provision allows fees to be charged for navigation and environmental services, fuel supplies in special cases, insurance, security and other services provided in the strait, he said.

Qashqavi said the fees would be collected from vessels belonging to countries permitted to pass through the strait and paid in Iranian rials or another currency designated by Tehran.

He maintained that the draft legislation takes into account the rights of states bordering the Strait of Hormuz.

The text recognizes freedom of maritime navigation under international law and regulations while emphasizing respect for the security and sovereignty of coastal states and the protection of their rights, he added.

The Strait of Hormuz has been a major sticking point in efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran that began in February.​​​​​​​

Before the war, there was free passage through the strait, a critical export route for Gulf oil and gas, but Iran now insists on retaining control and charging fees, something the US rejects.

Legislative process

For the proposal to become law in Iran, its provisions must first be debated and approved by the relevant parliamentary committee.

The committee’s report is then submitted to the full parliament, which votes on the individual provisions and the bill as a whole.

If passed, the legislation is referred to the Guardian Council to determine whether it complies with the Constitution and Islamic principles.

Any objections would send the bill back to parliament, while the Expediency Council could intervene if the dispute remains unresolved.

Once approved by the Guardian Council, the legislation is promulgated by the president and enters into force. (Anadolu Agency)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today delivered a moving condolence message in Parliament on behalf of the government, mourning the sudden demise of veteran singer Dr. Nanda Malini, who was revered as the golden voice of Sri Lankan music.

The Prime Minister said she was deeply saddened by the loss of Malini, who enriched the nation’s music and cultural landscape for nearly eight decades with her unparalleled vocal artistry. She described the passing as not only the loss of an incomparable artistic personality but also the departure of a familiar voice that had accompanied generations in moments of both joy and sorrow.

Recalling Malini’s journey from childhood performances such as “Budu Saadu Mama Sandun Gasak Wennam” to her entry into cinema music through Ran Muthu Doova under the mentorship of Dr. W.D. Amaradeva, Amarasuriya noted that her voice became a constant presence in homes, schools, festivals, and national occasions. Many of her songs, she said, were not merely listened to but became part of the lives of Sri Lankans.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Malini’s career was not only a chapter in Sri Lankan music but also a living expression of the country’s social movements and human emotions. Going beyond themes of love and separation, she gave voice to the suffering, fears, hopes, and struggles of ordinary people, making her songs resonate as the voice of society itself.

Amarasuriya highlighted Malini’s fearless role as an artist who never detached herself from society, raising her voice against injustice and for peace, coexistence, humanity, and social justice. Through works such as Pavana and Sathyaye Geethaya, she demonstrated that an artist’s voice could speak for the pain of society and inspire hope for a better future.

Sharing personal reflections, the Prime Minister said Malini’s songs were tied to moments of happiness, sorrow, and reflection, becoming part of the lived experiences of generations. She stressed that beyond awards and honours, the true measure of Malini’s legacy was the love she earned in the hearts of the people.

Amarasuriya recalled with emotion the opportunity she had exactly one year ago to celebrate Malini’s 82nd birthday and to express love and respect while experiencing her melodious voice in person. She added that although Malini’s voice has now fallen silent, her songs, artistic tradition, and example will continue to guide future generations.

Concluding her message, the Prime Minister paid her deepest respect to Malini, describing her as an immortal figure in Sri Lankan music whose voice was embraced with love by generations. She extended condolences to Malini’s two daughters, her family, and to all Sri Lankans who cherished her music, while wishing the late singer eternal peace. (Newswire)

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Parliament today (21) observed a minute of silence in memory of veteran Sri Lankan singer Nanda Malini, following a proposal presented by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during the morning session.

Nanda Malini, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated vocalists, passed away at the age of 82 at her residence in Nawala. 

Born on August 23, 1943, she enjoyed a career spanning nearly seven decades, becoming a defining voice in Sinhala music. 

According to family arrangements, Nanda Malini’s remains will be kept at her residence on Wijayaba Mawatha, Nawala, from 10 am today for public respect. 

Religious rites will be performed at 3.30 pm on Saturday, after which her remains will be taken to the Borella Cemetery for cremation.

In line with her final wishes, the last rites will be conducted at 5.00 pm at Borella Cemetery without a formal funeral ceremony. (Newswire)

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The Parliament of Sri Lanka will convene from 18 to 21 August 2026, per the decision taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business recently (07), under the chairmanship of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

Accordingly, on each of the four sitting days, the period from 9.30 am to 10.00 am has been allocated for Parliamentary business specified in Standing Order No. 22 (1) to (6). 

The period from 10.00 am to 11.00 am has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the period from 11.00 am to 11.30 am has been allocated for questions under Standing Order No. 27(2).

• Agenda for Tuesday, 18 August 2026;

From 11.30 am to 5.00 pm, the House is scheduled to debate the Regulations published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2496/38 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, for approval.

Thereafter, at 5.00 pm, the National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Bill, a Private Member’s Bill, is scheduled to be referred to the Legislative Standing Committee following its Second Reading.

From 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm, an Adjournment Motion to be moved by the Opposition is scheduled to be taken up for debate.

• Agenda for Wednesday, 19 August 2026:

From 11.30 am to 5.00 pm, the House is scheduled to debate a Resolution under the Finance Act. 

Thereafter, the period from 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm has been allocated for Questions at the Adjournment Time.

• Agenda for Thursday, 20 August 2026:

From 11.30 am to 5.00 pm, the House is scheduled to hold the Second Reading Debate on the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill.

Thereafter, from 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm, the Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition is scheduled to be taken up for debate.

• Agenda for Friday, 21 August 2026:

From 11.30 am to 5.30 pm, the House is scheduled to debate an Adjournment Motion to be moved by the Government. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam today questioned why state‑owned banks apply harsh recovery laws against small borrowers while allowing politically connected and wealthy defaulters owing billions to remain untouched.

Raising the matter in Parliament through a Standing Order 27(2) Question addressed to the Minister of Finance, MP Shanakiyan noted that ordinary citizens who default on modest loans face swift enforcement through Parate Execution and other mechanisms, with homes, businesses, and vehicles seized. 

In contrast, he asked what action has been taken to recover billions owed by some of the country’s largest loan defaulters, stressing that state‑owned banks lend not government money but the savings of the people of Sri Lanka, which must be protected. 

Shanakiyan requested the Minister to table details of the 20 largest nonperforming loan accounts currently outstanding and the 20 largest loans written off in the past 15 years across the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, National Savings Bank, Regional Development Bank, and State Mortgage & Investment Bank.

The MP asked for comprehensive information on each account, including the borrower, outstanding or written‑off amount, year of issuance, collateral, restructuring status, recovery progress, and whether legal or disciplinary action has been taken against bank officials involved. He also called for a consolidated report on recovery action, with at least an interim report within three months if full details are not immediately available.

He reminded the House of a recent court judgment against a politician who had obtained billions in loans from a state‑owned bank, used the funds for private lending, and failed to repay. He said allegations also exist that certain officials facilitated such transactions, and the public deserves to know what action has been taken.

The Minister requested additional time to compile the information. 

“There cannot be one standard for the ordinary citizen and another for those with money, power or political influence. Public money belongs to the people, and accountability must be equal,” Shanakiyan concluded. (Newswire)

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The No-Confidence Motion (NCM) brought against Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara was defeated in Parliament today (24) by a majority of 116 votes.

A total of 152 MPs voted against the NCM, while 36 MPs voted in favour, and 0 abstentions.

The motion was brought by the Opposition over the recent controversy surrounding the Negombo Prison.

The Opposition formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament on July 22.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody.

During the debate on the NCM today, Opposition MPs criticised the Justice Minister over his handling of the matter and called for him to take responsibility.

Government MPs defended Nanayakkara, arguing that holding the Minister responsible for the incident was unjustified and questioning the basis for bringing a NCM against him. (Newswire)

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Tamil Members of Parliament today (23) commemorated the 43rd anniversary of Black July in Parliament, remembering the victims of the anti-Tamil violence of July 1983 and renewing calls for justice and accountability.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, in a post on ‘X’, noted that forty‑three years have passed since the atrocities that forever changed the lives of the Tamil people. 

He said that despite political and social changes over the past four decades, “there has still been no justice and no accountability.”

Rasamanickam emphasized that the memories of those killed, the homes burned, and the scars left behind remain unhealed in the hearts of Tamils. (Newswire)

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The draft bill to establish the Sri Lanka Chartered Media Professionals’ Institute was presented in Parliament today (22) by Minister of Mass Media, Nalinda Jayatissa.  

According to the Ministry of Mass Media, the proposed legislation is described as a historic step to strengthen professionalism, standardization, and ethical responsibility in the country’s media sector. It seeks to create a formal mechanism to introduce, maintain, and develop professional standards for media practitioners.

The ministry states that the media profession plays a vital role in a democratic society by providing accurate information to the public and shaping opinion. Strengthening knowledge, professional skills, responsibilities, and ethical standards of journalists has therefore become a timely necessity.

The Institute is expected to support professional development, expand training opportunities, encourage knowledge and experience sharing, and foster a media culture aligned with international standards.

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to elevating the status of media professionals and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s media industry operates with recognized standards and accountability. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Business Committee has decided that the no‑confidence motion against the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, will be taken up for debate in Parliament on Friday (24).

The decision was reached during the Parliamentary Business Committee’s meeting held earlier today.

The Opposition formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament yesterday (22).

The submission was made with the signatures of several Opposition MPs, marking a coordinated challenge to the Minister’s position.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has stressed the urgent need for legal reforms to ensure a minimum of 33% women’s representation in Provincial Council and Local Government elections.

At a caucus meeting held in Parliament under the chairmanship of Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj, members discussed proposals to be submitted to the Special Parliamentary Committee tasked with reviewing women and youth representation in Provincial Council elections and determining the electoral system under which they should be conducted.

The caucus emphasized the importance of introducing legal provisions to guarantee women’s representation both in nomination lists and among elected members, with discussions also planned with the Election Commission to advance these proposals.

Options under consideration include ensuring representation through nomination list requirements, mandatory seat allocation, or a mixed electoral system.

Members also highlighted challenges such as prevailing social attitudes, high election expenses, and the need for political party cooperation in raising women’s participation. 

The caucus underscored the importance of public awareness programs to promote women’s political engagement. (Newswire)

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The Speaker of Parliament announced today that the Second Reading of the Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill has been passed.

The Second Reading of the bill was passed with a special majority.

The bill received 154 votes in favour, while only two votes were cast against. (Newswire)

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Parliament of Sri Lanka have formalised a new partnership to strengthen the use of population data in policymaking, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that underscores their shared commitment to ensuring demographic trends are reflected in future legislation and national development priorities. 

The agreement, signed by Parliament Secretary‑General Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative a.i. Phuntsho Wangyel, marks a milestone in efforts to prepare for challenges such as population ageing, changing family structures, and evolving development needs while advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women and young people. 

“The decisions made today will shape the lives of future generations,” said Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, UNFPA Regional Director ad interim for Asia and the Pacific. “This partnership is about ensuring that Parliament has the evidence, data and insights needed to build policies that respond to a changing population while protecting people’s rights, expanding opportunities and ensuring that no one is left behind. Demographic change is not something to fear. It is an opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive future if we prepare for it together.” 

The agreement was a key milestone during Dr. Bodiroza’s official visit to Sri Lanka from 28 June to 4 July, focused on strengthening partnerships to support the country’s long-term development priorities. 

During his visit, Dr. Bodiroza also met with Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne; and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Discussions focused on strengthening health systems, advancing gender equality, supporting women and young people and preparing for Sri Lanka’s changing population landscape through evidence-based, rights-centred policies. 

Dr. Bodiroza also visited communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah to observe UNFPA’s ongoing interventions to support women and girls in estate communities through reproductive healthcare, protection services and humanitarian assistance. Additional engagements with development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector reinforced the importance of broad partnerships in advancing inclusive development and ensuring that women, girls and young people can fully participate in Sri Lanka’s future.

UNFPA has partnered with Sri Lanka for more than five decades, supporting national efforts to improve maternal health, advance gender equality, strengthen population data systems and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services. The organization remains committed to working alongside the Government of Sri Lanka, Parliament and national partners to ensure that development policies are informed by evidence and centred on people’s health, rights and aspirations. (Newswire)

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Seventeen years after the end of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict, large tracts of privately owned civilian lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces remain under military occupation, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told Parliament today (08).

MP Rasamanickam said the Government must fulfil its election pledge to expedite the release of occupied lands and enable resettlement. 

He welcomed the recent release of two military camps in Batticaloa, following the concerns raised at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Defence, chaired by the President as Minister of Defence, but stressed that the pace of land releases remains far too slow.

The MP noted that continued military occupation hampers reconciliation, resettlement, and economic recovery, adding that except where there are genuine national security requirements, military deployment should be progressively reduced to levels comparable with the rest of the country.

Shanakiyan highlighted ongoing peaceful protests in Palaly, Myliddy, and Keppapilavu, where communities demand the return of their lands. 

He pointed out that the National People’s Power (NPP) secured a ward in Palaly at the recent Local Government Election largely on its promise to release civilian lands, saying, “The people who placed their trust in that promise now deserve to see it fulfilled.”

He called on the Government to present Parliament with a district‑by‑district breakdown of lands still under military occupation, the extent released since the current administration took office, and a timeline for releasing the remainder. 

Shanakiyan further outlined specific unresolved issues, such as:

• Myliddy: 556 acres belonging to around 700 families.
• Palaly: 556 acres belonging to about 300 families.
• Karaichchi Public Library: Land required for expansion.
• Iranamadu Agricultural Research Institute: Land still occupied.
• Keppapilavu: 59.5 acres remain under military control, with families only given temporary plots.

Rejecting claims that Keppapilavu residents had been provided with alternative lands, Shanakiyan said only a limited number of families had received temporary allocations. 

He urged the Government to accelerate demilitarisation in the North and East, stressing: “The affected communities have waited long enough.” (Newswire)

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