A meeting of party leaders, convened by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, was held today (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the impact of recent US Tariffs on Sri Lanka’s economy and the proposals to discuss this with the US government.
This meeting was convened in response to a request made by several opposition Members of Parliament, who highlighted the importance of engaging in dialogue regarding this issue with the President.
The President briefed the party leaders on the findings of the Committee appointed to conduct an in-depth study on potential issues that may arise due to the new reciprocal tariff system introduced by the US and to submit recommendations to the government.
A thorough discussion was held regarding the main issues highlighted by the Committee and the suggestions presented by opposition parties.
The discussion also addressed possible frameworks for engaging in dialogue with the United States, as well as the necessity for Sri Lanka to diversify its export markets to reduce potential negative impacts.
The proposals discussed in the meeting, along with the Committee’s recommendations, will be compiled and advanced for further deliberation.
The meeting was attended and expressed their views during the meeting by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, MP Harsha de Silva representing Samagi Jana Balawegaya, MP S. Rasamanickam from Tamil National Alliance, MP Ravi Karunanayake from New Democratic Front, MP D.V. Chanaka from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, MPs Mano Ganesan and Palani Digambaram from Tamil Progressive Alliance, MP M.L.A.M. Hizbullah from Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, MP Rishad Bathiudeen from All Ceylon Makkal Congress, MP Dilith Jayaweera from Sarvajana Balaya Party, MP Jeevan Thondaman from United National Party, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from Sri Lanka Freedom Party and MP A. Archuna representing 17 Independent Groups. Additionally, the meeting was attended by MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Kavinda Jayawardena, S.M. Marikkar and Kader Masthan.
Subhashini Indika Kumari Liyanage has been appointed as the new Commissioner General of Examinations, effective immediately.
She succeeds H.J.M.C.A. Jayasundara, whose term ended on May 06, 2025.
Liyanage, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service, previously served as an Examinations Commissioner in the Department of Examinations.
Her appointment was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced to Parliament today (May 08) the members nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve on 06 Sectoral Oversight Committees.
Accordingly, the members appointed to the 06 Sectoral Oversight Committees are as follows. Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations
Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi
Mrs.Sagarika Athauda, Attorney at Law
Mrs.Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law
Kanthasamy Prabu
Wijesiri Basnayake
Thilina Samarakoon
Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development
Manjula Suraweera Arachchi
K. Ilankumaran
Ravindra Bandara
Danushka Ranganath
Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana
Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha
Mrs. Geetha Herath, Attorney at Law
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital
Aboobucker Athambawa
Ms. Krishnan Kalaichelvi
Mrs. Nilusha Lakmali Gamage
Sugath Wasantha de Silva
Sujeewa Dissanayake
Sanjeewa Ranasingha
Sunil Rajapaksha
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment
Muneer Mulaffer
Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe
Mrs. Samanmali Gunasingha
Prof. Sena Nanayakkara
Dr. S. Sri Bavanandarajah
Jagath Manuwarna
Ruwan Mapalagama
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability
Roshan Akmeemana
Upul Kithsiri
Mrs.M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani
Susantha Kumara Nawarathna
Sudath Balagalla
Kitnan Selvaraj
Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney at Law
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation
Chathuranga Abeysinghe
Arkam Ilyas
Lasith Bhashana Gamage
Thanura Dissanayake
Mrs. Hasara Liyanage, Attorney at Law
Dr. Janaka Senarathna
Chandima Hettiaratchi
The Speaker also announced that the Committee of Selection had also nominated Members of Parliament Wasantha Samarasinghe, Sundaralingam Pradeep, Aboobucker Athambawa to serve on the Committee on Parliamentary Business.
In addition, the Speaker further announced to Parliament that the Committee of Selection had also nominated Members of Parliament Aboobucker Athambawa, Arkam Ilyas, Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran to serve on the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Member of Parliament Sunil Rathnasiri to serve on the Committee on Public Accounts. (COPA).