November 22, 2024 1:35 am
Results: 81
LG polls before Sinhala & Tamil New Year - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the government expects to hold the Local Government election before the next Sinhala and Tamil New Year. MORE..
Govt will not sign CEPA with India - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe informed Parliament today that the government will not sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India but will enter into an Economic/Technical pact with the neighboring country. MORE..
MR urges govt not to jeopardize national security over petty politics
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused the government of “hastily” releasing “hard core terrorists” without regard to the nation’s security due to political pressure from certain interested quarters. MORE..
2016 Budget second reading passed
The second reading of the 2016 Budget was passed in Parliament today with a majority of 107 votes. A total of 159 members voted in favour while 52 voted against. MORE..
Sunil Handunnetti named new COPE Chairman
JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) in Parliament, Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera said. MORE..
The new government’s first full-year budget, for the fiscal year of 2016, is being presented to the Parliament of Sri Lanka by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. MORE..
UN resolution, Udalagama & Paranagama Commission reports tabled in Parliament
The resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council as well as the Udalagma and Paranagama Commission Reports were tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe a short while ago.
Wimal praises Russia’s role in confronting ISIS
Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa has praised the Russian Government and the Russian Forces over its military invention in destroying the ISIS/ISIL terrorist strongholds in Syria. MORE...
New traffic plan for Parliament Rd and Maharagama
A new traffic plan is to be introduced to ease congestion along the Parliament Road and the Maharagama Town while rehearsals are set to be carried out on Saturday and Sunday. MORE..
Discussing shape of domestic mechanism, not hybrid - PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that a host of steps including the passing of a new constitution should be followed in order to ensure the non- recurrence of past mistakes. MORE..
Parliament approves civil society representitives of CC
The Parliament today approved the 3 names nominated to represent the civil society in the Constitutional Council (CC). MORE..
India will expect a larger reward: Gammanpila
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya General Secretary and Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila opposed the new proposal to build a $5.19 billion road project to connect India and Sri Lanka through a sea-bridge. MORE...
Several UPFA MPs to meet Speaker today
Several MPs of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will have a discussion with the Speaker today (21), a source says. MORE...
Capital punishment if Parliament approves - President
President Maithripala Sirisena says that he expects to implement capital punishment in Sri Lanka next year, if the Parliament gives consent. MORE..
Parliament approves proposal to increase Ministers
The proposal to increase the number of ministers in the National Government was approved by Parliament with a majority of 127 votes today. MORE..
There might be an opposition party within the opposition: Vasu
Under the current political climate, there might be an opposition party within the opposition, former Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara says. He made the observation during the first sitting of the Eighth Parliament this morning (1). MORE...
New Parliament convenes tomorrow
The first sitting of the Eighth Parliament will be held tomorrow (1) from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE...
ITAK wants Opposition Leader post
The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) today said that the party’s Parliamentary Group Leader must thus be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with Parliamentary practice and convention as they have now emerged as the largest political party in Opposition in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. MORE..
Vacated PC seats to be filled after MPs take oath
The appointing of new Provincial Councillors to fill the seats left vacant by more than 50 Provincial Council members including 3 Chief Ministers who contested and won at the recent parliamentary elections, is scheduled to take place after the new Parliament is sworn in. MORE..
The United National Party (UNP) today named the MPs who will enter Parliament through its National List to fill the 13 bonus seats won by the party at the recent general election. MORE..
Senior UNP leader Karu Jayasuriya has been proposed as a suitable candidate for the post of Speaker of the next Parliament, according to political sources. MORE..
EU lauds Sri Lanka’s genuine election
The European Union says the parliamentary elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17 were genuine, well administered and peaceful overall. MORE..
I do not expect Opposition Leader post; should go to a senior - Mahinda
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to Ada Derana said that he does not expect the Opposition Leader post and will remain as a Member of Parliament. He added that the opposition leader post should be decided by the UPFA Parliamentary group and should go to a senior of the party. MORE...
US commends commitment to democracy
The United States has commended Sri Lanka’s commitment to democracy and rule of law as displayed by the peaceful parliamentary elections. MORE...
Information desk for MPs after election
An Information Desk to facilitate the arrangements for the first meeting of the first session of the eighth Parliament that will be elected on Monday will be operative in the House from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on August 23, 24 and 25 for the convenience of MPs, the Secretary General of Parliament said. MORE..
President asks voters to elect only suitable people to Parliament
All voters of the country have a great responsibility to elect only suitable persons to the Parliament in forthcoming General Election, says President Maithripala Sirisena. MORE..
Here is the TNA’s election manifesto
“We, the Tamil People of Sri Lanka are a distinct People in terms of relevant International Conventions and Covenants. We as a People want to continue to live in our country in peaceful co-existence with others. MORE...
Postal voting for parliamentary elections tomorrow
Police officers and teachers of state schools will be allowed to cast their postal ballot on August 3, the Election Department said. MORE...
UPFA Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the President Secretariat Office, has been further remanded until August 4 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court. MORE...
No nominations for Earl from UNP
The nominations has not been given for former Parliamentarian Earl Gunasekara to contest at the August election under the United National Party (UNP) ticket, it was reported. MORE...
The Mahiyanganaya Magistrate’s Court on Monday (07) remanded Parliamentarian Thenuka Vidanagamage till 14 July in connection with his alleged involvement in an assaulting incident during the last Uva Provincial Council election. MORE...
Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources
President Maithripala Sirisena has refused to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA ticket, political sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
2015 General Election to be held on August 17
The Government Printer says that the General Election for a new Parliament is to be held on August 17, 2015. MORE..
Parliament dissolved - sources
The Parliament of Sri Lanka has been dissolved with effect from midnight today (June 26) by President Maithripala Sirisena, Government sources told Ada Derana. MORE..
No discussion on LTTE ban at TNA-GTF meet: Mangala
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister says that topics such as lifting the proscription of the LTTE or war crimes allegations did not feature in his recent discussion with the Global Tamil Forum and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in London. MORE..
Minority parties didn’t raise their voices properly - Rajitha
Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratna says that a final decision will be reached regarding the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, introducing electoral reforms, at the special cabinet meeting to be held on Friday (12). MORE..
No-confidence motion against PM a ‘senseless act’ - Wijedasa
Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa says that the President intends to dissolve Parliament after the constitutional amendment bill to change the electoral system is submitted. MORE..
No-confidence motion filed against Prime Minister
The motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was handed over to the Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake today, MP Manusha Nanayakkara told Ada Derana. MORE..
No-confidence Motion against PM handed over to Speaker
The motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been handed over to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa last night, UPFA Parliamentarian Bandula Gunawardena said. MORE..
Unfair to question CB governor’s citizenship – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that it is unfair to question the citizenship of Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran. MORE..
Parliament adjourned amidst CC stand-off
The Speaker today decided to adjourn Parliament until next Tuesday (June 09), despite its failure to reach a final decision with regard to the appointing of three civil society representatives to the Constitutional Council. MORE..
Cabinet nod for 20th Amendment
The Cabinet of the Sri Lankan government today granted approval for the draft bill of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, formulated to change the country’s electoral system, sources said. MORE..
Special Parliamentary session to approve CC members
(UPDATE) A special parliamentary session to approve the civil society representatives of the Constitutional Council will be held next Wednesday (June 03), Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said. MORE..
New Parliament by September - President
President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the Sri Lankan Parliament will be dissolved after appointing a constitutional council and that there will be a new Parliament by September. MORE..
No-confidence motion filed against Ravi Karunanayake
A no confidence motion, signed by over 100 MPs, has been handed over to the Speaker against Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Parliamentarian Ranjith de Zoysa told Ada Derana. MORE...
Speaker signs 19th amendment to constitution
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has put his signature validating the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which was passed in Parliament with an overwhelming majority on April 28. MORE..
Cameron claims absolute majority in UK Parliament
Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party swept Friday to an unexpectedly strong election victory, making big gains at the expense of rivals in a vote that reshapes the political landscape. MORE..
Sri Lankan-origin candidate elected to UK Parliament
Ranil Jayawardena, Conservative Party candidate of Sri Lankan origin who was running for election in North East Hampshire, has been elected to the UK Parliament.
Indian Origin Tamils aiming to double representation in Parliament
The Indian Origin Tamils (IOT), who are 4.16 per cent of the Sri Lankan population of 20.3 million, are aiming to double their representation in a reformed Sri Lankan parliament. MORE..
Even the best constitution can be wrongly implemented - GL
Former External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris says that the passage of the 19th amendment is not the “massive constitutional revolution” believed by certain sections of the public. MORE..
US welcomes passage of 19th Amendment
The United States had welcomed the passage of Sri Lanka’s landmark 19th Constitutional Amendment Bill (19A), which was adopted Tuesday with an overwhelming majority in Parliament. MORE..
EXCLUSIVE: Positive proposals from opposition not discarded – Wijedasa
Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapaksa says that not a single positive proposal brought forward by opposition parliamentary groups with regard to the 19th amendment were discarded by the government, despite the raising of baseless and childish arguments at various points. MORE..
19th Amendment to come into force from April 30
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution will come into force from April 30, except for 4 articles which will come into force in the next Parliament, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa told Ada Derana. MORE..
Here’s a look at changes made to 19A
Sri Lanka’s parliament overwhelmingly passed reforms on Tuesday (April 28) reducing some of the president’s powers, in a move that did not go as far as President Maithripala Sirisena had promised but is nevertheless seen as a victory for the leader and his government. MORE..
19th amendment hits another roadblock?
(UPDATE): The Parliamentary session was extended by one hour due to the discussion between Party Leaders with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa. MORE..
Historic moment where modern-day slavery will be abolished - Wijedasa
The next two days will be a historic moment for all Sri Lankans, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa said in parliament today. He added that with the 19th amendment to the constitution Sri Lankans will finally be rid of modern-day slavery. MORE...
Parliament to be dissolved only after electoral reforms
The Parliament will be dissolved only after the amendments to electoral reforms passed in the Parliament, sources close to the government said. MORE...
19A to be presented on April 20; Parliament dissolved after
President Maithripala Sirisena says that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be presented to Parliament on the 20th of April and that Parliament will be dissolved once the 19th Amendment is passed. MORE..
SC determines 19th Amendment consistent with Constitution
The Supreme Court has determined that the 19th Amendment is consistent with the constitution and that, however, certain sections require a referendum, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa informed Parliament today. MORE..
Proposal on Treasury Bill defeated in Parliament
A motion tabled by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake to increase the threshold of Treasury Bills was defeated in Parliament with 31 voting for and 52 against. MORE...
Speaker needs more time on Opposition Leader’s post
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa says that he needs more time to consider his decision on the Opposition Leader’s post, which subject of controversy after 26 Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MPs joined the new Government to accept ministerial portfolios. MORE...
Dinesh to get Opposition Leader post?
A proposal signed by some 60 Parliamentarians, requesting to appoint Mahajana Eksath Peramuna leader Dinesh Gunawardena as the Opposition Leader, has been handed over to the Speaker, former Minister T.B. Ekanayake told Ada Derana. MORE...
19th Amendment tabled in Parliament
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which could see the amending of executive powers and restoration of independent commissions, was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe a short while ago. MORE..
Sri Lanka plans to lift ‘terrorist’ ban on Tamil groups
Sri Lanka’s new government has announced plans to remove 16 groups and hundreds of Tamils from a list of “foreign terrorists” as part of reconciliation with its largest ethnic minority. MORE...
State Minister Rajiva Wijesinha joins the opposition
Former State Minister Rajiva Wijesinha on Tuesday (17) defected and sat in the opposition side of the Parliament citing several issues including the 19th amendment and removal of the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC). MORE...
UPDATE: 19th Amendment draft bill gets cabinet approval
The Cabinet approval has been granted for the draft bill on the 19th Amendment and it will be tabled in parliament within next few days, Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said.
Vigneswaran hits out at PM’s remarks
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jaffna, the Chief Minister of Tamil-majority region in Sri Lanka hit out at Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe for his controversial comments on shooting trespassing Indian fishermen. MORE...
Unity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka paramount to India: Modi
India and Sri Lanka don’t have a land boundary but we are the closest neighbours in every sense, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, addressing the Sri Lankan Parliament today. MORE..
National Drug Policy Bill passed in Parliament
The National Medicine Regulatory Authority Bill which was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday has been passed with amendments in parliament with a majority of 67 votes. MORE..
Fonseka files petition to get back lost seat
Democratic Party (DP) leader General Sarath Fonseka on Wednesday (25) filed a petition at the Court of Appeal seeking an order to reclaim his lost Parliamentary seat and revoke the appointment of Parliamentarian Jayantha Ketagoda. MORE...
Bill for 80% pictorial warning passed in Parliament
The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (Amendment) bill, which includes increased pictorial warnings covering 80 per cent of cigarette packets, has been passed in Parliament. MORE..
I want entire Parliament to be a Govt – Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe today said that he does not want to form a United National Party (UNP) government at the next General Election and that he desires for the entire Parliament to be a government. MORE..
UK Parliament delegates visit Mullaittivu
An all party Parliamentary team on Sri Lanka from the UK Parliament, chaired by British Conservative Party politician Baron Naseby, has visited the Security Force Headquarters in Mullaittivu. MORE...
State Minister Faizer Mustapha resigns
Parliamentarian Faizer Mustapha has tendered his resignation as State Minister of Aviation, this morning. Mustapha told Ada Derana, however, he will continue to support the President Maithripala Sirisena though he resigned from the ministerial portfolio. MORE...
VIDEO: 2015 Interim Budget passed in Parliament
The Second Reading of the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill for 2015, presented to Parliament by the new government, has been passed with a majority of 163 votes with 164 members voting in favor and a single MP voting against. MORE..
President reiterates promise to empower Parliament
President Maithripala Sirisena, addressing the 67th Independence Day celebrations today, reiterated that he will empower Parliament and reduce the unprecedented powers of the Executive. MORE..
Mohan Peiris says his removal as CJ was ‘unlawful’
Mohan Peiris says that he has not retired, resigned or vacated the office of Chief Justice and that, however, due to exertions by external forces he has been displaced from office through an “unconstitutional process.” MORE..
Parliament adjourned amid uproar over PM’s statement
The parliament adjourned its session for 20 minutes following uproar over a statement made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe pertaining to the impeachment of former Chief justice Shirani Bandaranaike. MORE..
2015 Interim Budget presented in Parliament
Ravi Karunanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, presented the interim Budget for the fiscal year of 2015 to Parliament, a short while ago. MORE...
Mini Budget before Parliament tomorrow
The mini budget will be presented by the Finance Minister in Parliament tomorrow (29) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is also due to make a brief statement on this. MORE...
Shirani assumes duties as CJ; will retire tomorrow
The Government has removed all obstacles for Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayaka to hold her position as the 43rd Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Bar Association President Upul Jayasuriya said. She has assumed duites and will retire from her post tomorrow, Jayasuriya added. MORE...