The Opposition has submitted a proposal to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne requesting the appointment of a Special Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the death of Sri Lankan Tusker Kawanthissa.

The proposal, signed by Opposition MPs under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, was handed over to the Speaker today (23).

According to the Opposition, the proposed committee aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding Kawanthissa’s death, determine whether all relevant parties had fulfilled their responsibilities and ensure justice for the elephant, which was considered part of Sri Lanka’s national natural heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stressed the need to take measures to protect the country’s remaining elephant population, in addition to investigating Kawanthissa’s death.

He emphasised that the matter should be addressed without political interference.

Premadasa also proposed that the committee be established under the joint chairmanship of Government and Opposition representatives.

Referring to the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, which operates under joint chairmanship, he said a similar bipartisan approach could be adopted for the proposed investigation into Kawanthissa’s death. (Newswire)

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Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne has endorsed the certificate on the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill today (19), bringing the legislation into law.

According to a Parliament statement, the Bill has been enacted as the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, No. 25 of 2026.

The Bill was initially presented to Parliament for its First Reading on August 19, 2026, by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

The Second Reading debate was held on October 8, following which the Bill was passed with amendments, without a division.

The new legislation seeks to address legal, interpretative, administrative and technical issues identified during the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023.

It also aims to resolve inconsistencies between the Sinhala and English versions of the Act and address challenges relating to the investigation and prosecution of corruption offences.

Additionally, the amendments are intended to improve the administrative functions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and streamline the submission of assets and liabilities declarations through a centralized electronic system.

According to Parliament, the amendments are expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal and institutional framework for combating corruption while ensuring greater transparency, accountability and effective implementation of anti-corruption laws. (Newswire)

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The Opposition has signed a no-confidence motion against Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today (08).

The signing took place at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Several Members of Parliament representing Opposition parties participated in the signing of the motion.

The move marks an effort by the Opposition to challenge the Speaker’s position through a parliamentary no-confidence motion. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ajith P. Perera announced in Parliament today (06) that the Opposition will submit a no-confidence motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on Friday (09).

Perera made the announcement while addressing Parliament, confirming the Opposition’s intention to formally hand over the motion against the Speaker later this week.

Responding to the announcement, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Government was prepared to take up the no-confidence motion for debate without delay.

He proposed that once the motion is formally submitted on Friday, it should be taken up for debate during the first parliamentary week that follows. (Newswire)

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Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has certified the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill, paving the way for the legislation to come into force as the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Act, No. 22 of 2026.

According to a statement issued by Parliament, the Speaker endorsed the Bill on September 22 after it completed the legislative process in Parliament.

The Bill was first presented to Parliament on August 4, 2026 and its Second Reading debate was held on September 9. It was subsequently passed without a vote.

The legislation was introduced to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009, which established the office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

The 2009 Act had created the position to carry out duties including the coordination of activities between the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence in line with the security and administrative requirements of the time.

With the repeal of the 2009 law, the office of the Chief of Defence Staff will also cease to exist.

Parliament said that, upon the Act coming into operation, all movable and immovable property belonging to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff will be transferred to the Ministry assigned the subject of Defence.

Accordingly, the Bill has now become law as the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Act, No. 22 of 2026. (Newswire)

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The Speaker of Parliament has received the Supreme Court’s determination on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, the Speaker’s Office confirmed in a statement today.

It is reported that the confidential opinion of the Court will be formally announced in Parliament tomorrow (22). The determination was conveyed to the Speaker following the conclusion of hearings earlier this month.

The 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill and the Judicial Reforms Bill were presented to Parliament on August 18 by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara. 

In response, more than 65 petitions were filed challenging the Bills, which were taken up for hearing on September 1 before a five‑judge bench presided over by the Chief Justice.

The hearings concluded on September 2, with the bench stating that its determination on the constitutionality of the Bills would be referred to the Speaker.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Business Committee has scheduled the debate on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill for September 24 and 25, setting the stage for a crucial discussion on the proposed reforms. (Newswire)

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Opposition parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara has formally appealed to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), urging intervention in what he describes as a serious breach of parliamentary privilege and impartiality within the Sri Lankan legislature.

In a letter addressed to CPA President Refilwe Mtshweni‑Tsipane and Secretary General Stephen Twigg, MP Jayasekara highlighted concerns over the refusal of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to allow him to raise a Privilege Question in Parliament on September 10, 2026. 

The matter related to an ongoing Bribery Commission (CIABOC) investigation reportedly involving the Speaker’s official functions.

Jayasekara argued that the Speaker’s decision to personally study the complaint, rather than refer it to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, violated the principle of nemo judex in causa sua — that no one should judge a case in which they are personally involved. He stressed that the refusal undermined procedural fairness and institutional impartiality.

The MP further alleged that his freedom of speech was curtailed when the Speaker stopped him from raising the issue during a parliamentary debate. He cited protections under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act No. 21 of 1953, which guarantees Members’ rights to speak and debate freely within the House.

Jayasekara, a long‑serving legislator with nearly two decades in Parliament and a senior figure in the Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) coalition, requested the CPA to:

• Take note of the matter as one concerning parliamentary democracy and Members’ rights.
• Assess whether the circumstances align with accepted principles of fairness and impartiality.
• Encourage referral of the Privilege Question to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
• Support independent review of the Speaker’s refusal to permit the question.
• Take further action within its mandate to safeguard parliamentary democracy and freedom of speech.

Jayasekara stressed that the issue strikes at the heart of parliamentary accountability, as it concerns the ability of elected Members to raise privilege matters involving the very officer presiding over the House. (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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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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Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today informed Parliament that he has received copies of two additional petitions filed against the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill.

The Speaker noted that these submissions come on top of the seven petitions already received on August 19 and 20. 

He explained that three petition copies were handed in on August 19th, followed by four more on August 20th.

With today’s additions, a total of nine petitions challenging the 22nd Amendment Bill have now been received by the Speaker. (Newswire)

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Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today certified three major financial reform bills passed by Parliament, officially enacting the Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Act, No. 16 of 2026, the Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Act, No. 17 of 2026, and the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Act, No. 18 of 2026.

The Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, passed on July 9 with a special majority following a Supreme Court ruling on Clause 14, strengthens Sri Lanka’s legal framework against money laundering. It expands the scope of offences, allows proceedings without a predicate conviction, enhances freezing and confiscation powers, introduces new asset management and disposal mechanisms, increases penalties, and broadens investigative powers and international cooperation.

The Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Bill, passed with amendments, updates compliance with global standards on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. It introduces risk‑based and customer due diligence requirements, expands obligations for reporting institutions, includes Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) as financial businesses, strengthens the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), extends transaction suspension orders from seven to fourteen working days, creates a National Committee on Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing, and improves implementation of targeted financial sanctions under UN Security Council resolutions. It also clarifies definitions and corrects inconsistencies between Sinhala and English texts.

The Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill, passed without amendments, further aligns Sri Lanka’s measures against terrorist financing with international standards and UN conventions, while supporting preparations for the country’s forthcoming Mutual Evaluation under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework.

According to a Parliament statement, these reforms will safeguard the integrity of Sri Lanka’s financial system, strengthen national security, and reaffirm the country’s commitment to meeting international obligations. (Newswire)

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A group of Opposition members has formally requested an urgent adjournment debate under Standing Order 19(1) in Parliament, citing the government’s responsibility for the deaths and injuries caused by the recent unrest at Negombo Prison.

In a letter dated 07 July 2026 addressed to the Speaker, Opposition MPs referenced the Hansard Report of 30 November 2020, which affirmed the state’s duty to ensure the safety of prisoners and detainees under custody.

The letter highlighted that clashes inside Negombo Prison on 05 and 06 July resulted in 26 deaths, including prison officials and inmates, and more than 100 injuries. 

The Opposition argued that the government bears full responsibility for the tragedy and urged immediate parliamentary attention. 

“Accordingly, considering the gravity and urgent nature of this matter, we kindly request you to grant an opportunity for an urgent adjournment debate under Standing Order 19(1) to bring this matter to the urgent attention of Parliament,” the Opposition requested. (Newswire)

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Opposition Members of Parliament today handed over a letter to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne requesting an urgent debate on structural issues in the judicial sector, citing mounting case delays and vacancies in superior courts.

The letter, submitted under Standing Order 19(1), calls for Parliament to intervene in what MPs described as “a matter of urgent public importance.” 

They stressed that the failure to fill judicial vacancies has created serious practical problems in the efficient and independent functioning of institutions.

According to the Opposition, the backlog of cases and prolonged trial delays have now reached crisis levels, undermining public confidence in the justice system and evolving into a wider social issue.

The MPs urged that Parliament immediately debate the vacancies, case delays, and the structural and administrative challenges behind them, and take steps to implement swift and effective solutions. (Newswire)

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The Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill has officially become law, with Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne today (17) endorsing the certificate on the legislation. 

The Bill was first read in Parliament on 17 March 2026 and was subsequently passed by Parliament following a debate held on 6 May 2026.

The Act provides for the amendment of the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Act, the Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007, the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, and the Mediation Boards Act, No. 72 of 1988, while repealing the Insolvency Ordinance (Chapter 97).

The Act introduces specific procedures relating to personal insolvency, including provisions for debt protection, moratoria, and debt restructuring, while ensuring the protection of a debtor’s reasonable income and essential assets.

In addition, the legislation addresses matters relating to corporate governance, receivership, and cross-border insolvency, with a view to enhancing predictability and confidence in the credit market.

The Act is also intended to provide a fresh start for honest individual debtors and establish a structured mechanism for the rehabilitation of distressed but fundamentally viable companies.

Accordingly, the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill shall come into force as the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Act, No. 12 of 2026. (Newswire)

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A group of opposition Members of Parliament has written to the Speaker of Parliament, who also serves as Chairperson of the Constitutional Council, raising concern over prolonged vacancies in Sri Lanka’s higher judiciary.

In their letter, the MPs draw attention to four unfilled vacancies in the Supreme Court and four in the Court of Appeal, stating that the positions have remained vacant for an extended period. They argue that the delay in filling these posts appears inconsistent with Article 107(1) of the Constitution, which provides for the appointment of judges of the superior courts by the President, subject to the approval of the Constitutional Council.

The MPs have requested the Constitutional Council to ascertain whether the Chief Justice has formally notified either the Council or the President regarding the existence of these vacancies. If such notification has not been made, they urge that the reasons for the omission be examined.

The letter states that the continued existence of vacancies in the superior courts may discourage eligible senior judges from expecting timely consideration for promotion and could create uncertainty regarding judicial career progression. It also raises concerns about equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution, in the context of delayed appointments.

Beyond individual implications, the MPs warn that the vacancies are affecting the efficient administration of justice, increasing the workload on serving judges, and potentially undermining public confidence in the judicial system. They further reference Article 4(c) of the Constitution, which places responsibility on the state to ensure the effective exercise of judicial power through properly constituted courts. 

In their appeal, the opposition MPs have requested the Speaker, in his dual capacity, to bring the matter before the Constitutional Council and the President for urgent consideration. They also call for the issue to be highlighted in Parliament as a constitutional concern requiring prompt action. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ruled that the Prevention of Money Laundering Amendment Bill may be passed by a simple majority in Parliament, except for certain clauses requiring a special majority.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament today (09) that the Court determined Clause 14, proposed Sections 12A and 12B, and Clause 18, proposed Sections 17A, 17B, and 17C, must be passed by a special majority. 

However, the Court further stated that these clauses could also be passed by a simple majority if amended as proposed.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Amendment Bill was challenged in the Supreme Court under Article 121(1) of the Constitution. (Newswire)

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Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne on Wednesday (June 3) endorsed the certificate on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, which introduces mandatory Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates for significant financial transactions as part of wider reforms to modernize tax administration.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, amending the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, was passed on May 19, 2026. 

The Act clarifies provisions, strengthens compliance and enforcement, improves accuracy in tax calculations, supports strategic economic objectives, and enhances transparency and anti‑money laundering measures.

Key changes include revisions to income calculation, clearer rules on exemptions for specific projects and businesses, and an expanded scope for disclosure of information to relevant authorities.

Accordingly, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill now comes into force as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026. (Newswire)

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Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne today informed the House of two Supreme Court determinations delivered under Article 121 (1) of the Constitution, relating to key financial legislation.

First, the Court ruled that the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill is fully consistent with the Constitution. 

The Speaker said the Court had determined that “the Bill or any provision thereof is not inconsistent with any provision of the Constitution,” allowing the legislation to proceed without alteration.

Separately, the Supreme Court issued its determination on the Financial Transaction Reporting (Amendment) Bill, concluding that the Bill may be passed by a simple majority of Parliament, except for Clauses 22 and 39. 

These clauses, the Court held, require a special majority unless amended as proposed. If the amendments recommended by the Court are adopted, Clauses 22 and 39, too, could be passed by a simple majority.

Both rulings were formally communicated to Parliament this morning, clearing the way for debate and passage of the two Bills. (Newswire)

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A proposal prepared under the instructions of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, requesting a debate to condemn alleged interference by the Executive in the Judiciary, was today handed over to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

The proposal was handed over by Opposition Chief Organizer Gayantha Karunathilaka, together with Deputy Organizers J.C. Alawathuwala and Ajith P. Perera, and other Opposition MPs.

The proposal calls for an urgent adjournment debate in Parliament, citing remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the May Day rally on May 1, where he suggested that a court ruling expected on May 25 should be “celebrated.”

Opposition legislators argue that such statements risk undermining judicial independence and public confidence in the administration of justice.

The resolution outlines the following key points:

• This Parliament unequivocally condemns any statement or conduct by members of the Executive that undermines, interferes with, or appears to interfere with the independence of the judiciary;
• This Parliament affirms its unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the doctrine of separation of powers;
• This Parliament calls upon all public office holders, including the Executive, to exercise restraint in public statements relating to pending judicial proceedings, so as to avoid any perception of influence or impropriety;
• This Parliament urges His Excellency the President to clarify his remarks and reaffirm his commitment to respecting the independence and integrity of the judiciary;
• This Parliament resolves to take all necessary steps within its constitutional mandate to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.

The Opposition emphasized that the debate is essential to protect the integrity of the judiciary and to ensure that executive actions do not erode democratic governance. (Newswire)

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Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, on Thursday (09) endorsed the certificate on the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill. 

The Second Reading debate of the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill was held April 07, and the Bill was passed following its Third Reading with amendments.

The objective of the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill is to amend the Social Security Contribution Levy Act No. 25 of 2022, mainly to lower the turnover threshold required for registration for the levy and revise certain exemptions relating to motor vehicles.

Accordingly, this Act expands the tax base of the Social Security Contribution Levy by lowering the turnover threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million per annum.

It also introduces new registration requirements and cancellation of registration consistent with the revised threshold and revises exemptions relating to motor vehicles.

Thus, the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Act, No. 10 of 2026. (Newswire)

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