Sri Lankan MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva, representing the National People’s Power (NPP), has been awarded the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) New Parliamentarian Award 2026, in recognition of his exceptional dedication to parliamentary engagement, inclusive governance, human rights, and democratic participation.

The award, presented during the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, on 17 September 2026, celebrates emerging legislators who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and impact within their first term in office.

MP de Silva’s nomination was submitted by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) – Sri Lanka to the CPA Headquarters Secretariat in London on 8 July 2026.

As the first-ever visually impaired Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka’s history, MP de Silva has shown remarkable leadership as Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities. He has championed legislative reforms, accessibility standards, and the official recognition of sign language, while overseeing budgetary implementation across nearly 25 government ministries under the 2026 National Budget.

He also led district-level public consultations in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, and Kalutara, addressing grassroots challenges faced by persons with disabilities. His collaboration with the Ministries of Labour and Health, involving over 100 officials, and his initiative to train a national cadre of youth and disability advocates to conduct accessibility audits, have been widely commended.

MP de Silva’s educational journey, from Kandegoda Junior School and Watugedara Siri Abeythissa Junior School in Ambalangoda, to the School for the Blind in Ratmalana, and later Dharmasoka College and the University of Colombo, where he graduated with First Class Honours in History, reflects his lifelong commitment to learning and resilience.

His ability to translate parliamentary leadership into tangible governance outcomes within a short span has earned him international recognition, marking a milestone for Sri Lanka’s inclusive political representation. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s first-ever vision-impaired Member of Parliament, Sugath Wasantha de Silva addressed the Parliament today, marking a historical moment in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. 

MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva was appointed as a Member of Parliament through the National List of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva said that after a period of 76 years, a differently-abled person has been appointed to the Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva also expressed confidence in proving the changes a differently-abled representative in Parliament can make, along with the ruling party over the next five years. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s first-ever vision-impaired Member of Parliament, Sugath Wasantha de Silva has requested the public to immediately seek medical attention if they sustain any injury to the eye, and not take it lightly.

Speaking during an interview with local media, the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) MP narrated the story behind the injury of his eye, as a lesson for the public, revealing that one of his eyes had been injured after a cricket ball hit the eye while playing cricket at the age of 11.

“The first mistake I made was not using my hands to catch the ball. The second mistake was that I hid the injury and failed to report it to my family at the time. This caused me to become vision-impaired. My advice to the public is to immediately go to the eye hospital even if it is as simple as dust in your eyes. These eye injuries go a long way,” he added. 

MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva also warned that the life of a vision-impaired person was extremely difficult and people cannot recover from such eye injuries if ignored. 

MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva has been appointed as a Member of Parliament through the National List of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP). (Newswire)

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The Secretary General of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera has announced plans to introduce special arrangements to meet vision-impaired MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva’s requirements.

MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva has been appointed a Member of Parliament through the National Peoples’ Power’s (NPP) National List. He is also Sri Lanka’s first-ever vision-impaired Member of Parliament.

Revealing details on the arrangements being made for the MP, Kushani Rohanadeera said measures are being taken to ensure smooth passage to enter and exit the Chamber.

She further said that arrangements are also being made to ensure the MP’s participation in voting, making technical adjustments to accommodate the unique requirements of the new MP.  

The Parliament is also considering introducing the braille system and voice prompt for voting to assist MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva in his parliamentary activities.

The inaugural session of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka will be held on 21 November 2024. (Newswire)

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