News

2-day adjournment debate on the “Clean Sri Lanka”, next week

Published

1 month ago

January 17, 2025

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Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera states that Parliament is scheduled to convene from Tuesday (Jan.21) – Friday (Jan. 24) next week.

This was decided at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on Jan. 10 under the patronage of Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
Accordingly, on Tuesday, January 21st, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allotted for Business of Parliament as per (1) to (6) of Standing Order 22 of the Parliament. The time from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers and the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been set aside for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament. Thereafter, the Adjournment Debate on the “Clean Sri Lanka” program moved by the government will be held from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and it was decided to adjourn the debate to be held on Wednesday, the 22nd , the Secretary General said.

On Wednesday, January 22nd, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been set aside for Business of Parliament as per (1) to (6) of Standing Order 22 of the Parliament. The time from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers and the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allotted for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament. Thereafter, the Adjournment Debate on the “Clean Sri Lanka” program moved by government will be held for the second day from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

On Thursday, January 23rd the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been set aside for Business of Parliament as per (1) to (6) of Standing Order 22 of the Parliament. The time from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers and the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. has been allotted for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament.

It has also been decided to debate the Regulations published in the Gazette No. 2413/37 under the Import and Export (Control) Act, the Notification published in the Gazette No. 2399/16 under the Strategic Development Projects Act, the Regulations published in the Gazette No. 2384/35 under the Import and Export (Control) Act, and the Order published in the Gazette No. 2377/39 under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm. It has also been agreed to hold the Adjournment Debate as per the motion moved by the opposition from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

On Friday, January 24th, the entire day has been dedicated to the Votes of Condolence on the late Members of Parliament. Accordingly, it was decided to set aside time from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on that day to express condolences for the late Members of Parliament Hon. Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, Hon. Rukman Senanayake, Hon. Reginold Perera, Hon. Sirinal De Mel and Hon. Mahamed Illiyas the Secretary-General said.

Also, on all four sitting days, time from 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm has been set aside for the lunch Interval.

News

Gazette issued on term of newly elected LG members

Published

11 minutes ago

February 19, 2025

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A Gazette notification has been issued by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Chandana Abayarathna specifying that the term of the members of 337 Local Government Authorities should commence on June 02, 2025.

Accordingly, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has issued the Gazette in terms of the powers vested in him by Paragraph (b) of Sub-Section (1) and Section 10 of the Municipal Councils Ordinance, Chapter 252.

The 337 Local Government Authorities include 27 Municipal Councils, 36 Urban Councils and 274 Pradeshiya Sabhas.

News

Budget 2025 lays foundation for a strong economy – President

Published

13 minutes ago

February 19, 2025

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake highlighted that due to the mismanagement of public finances by previous administrations, the country had fallen into bankruptcy and is currently operating under a probationary period of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. Given this situation, he emphasized that the Budget 2025 has taken the initial steps towards building a strong and stable economy.

The President made these remarks while participating in the Post-Budget forum 2025 organized by the University of Colombo Master of Business Administration (MBA) Alumni Association held today (19) at Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the government aims to utilize the three-year debt moratorium granted through debt restructuring effectively and implement proper economic management to regain debt repayment capacity by 2028.

The President further noted that while many countries in the world have taken decades to recover after facing bankruptcy, Sri Lanka is expected to recover in a significantly shorter period.

The President also highlighted that this year’s budget proposes to increase government revenue to 15.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing expenditures based on identified national priorities.

The President emphasized that this year’s budget focuses on expanding the economy by driving economic activities to rural areas and integrating citizens as stakeholders in the economy. He expressed confidence that this approach would enhance the economic benefits available to the people.

The government plans to reintegrate marginalized groups into the economy by establishing small economic units at the village level. As a result, the country aims to foster a surge in Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), the President stated.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting industries, the President noted that reducing production costs would ultimately provide relief to consumers.

To uplift the nation from rural poverty, the highest budget allocation this year has been directed towards education. This investment aims to restructure both human and physical resources within the school system, transitioning from a linear education model to a more diversified, multi-directional approach.

The budget also prioritizes public expenditure management. Given the high costs associated with delivering public services, the government intends to conduct a comprehensive review of state institution expenditures.

President Disanayake stressed the importance of maintaining a corruption-free political authority and underscored that fostering a culture where bribery is rejected is a collective responsibility of the citizens.

To establish an export-driven economy, the government plans to sign new trade agreements and anticipates higher export earnings this year.

Additionally, the current administration is focused on developing a port-centric economy. The budget has placed special attention on establishing an efficient transhipment hub.

Tourism promotion initiatives will be further strengthened through City Branding programs, with plans to develop key cities such as Anuradhapura, Yapahuwa, and Jaffna as major tourist destinations.

The President also emphasized the need to leverage the country’s diplomatic service to expand economic opportunities for Sri Lanka.

The event was attended by Duminda Hulangamuwa Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce & Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs and Finance,President of the University of Colombo Master of MBA Alumni Association Suraj Radampola, along with several experts from academia and the business sector.

(President’s Media Division)