Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has highlighted Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusivity and improve public accountability at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 05 to 09.

Dr. Wickramaratne, accompanied by MP Rishad Bathiudeen, led the Sri Lankan delegation at the Assembly, which brought together parliamentarians to discuss global challenges and parliamentary cooperation under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”

Addressing the General Assembly, Wickramaratne stressed that public trust and inclusiveness were fundamental to sustainable democracy, outlining measures taken by Sri Lanka to broaden parliamentary representation and strengthen institutional accountability.

He said the Tenth Parliament comprised 22 women members, representing 9.8 percent of its membership, including two women from the Malayagam community. He also noted that, for the first time, a person with a disability was serving as a member of Parliament. The parliamentarian had recently received the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s 2026 New Parliamentarian Award.

The Speaker highlighted the role of parliamentary mechanisms, including the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, in advancing equitable representation and legislative reforms.

He also pointed to the work of parliamentary oversight bodies, including the Committee on Public Finance, Committee on Public Accounts and Committee on Public Enterprises, in promoting transparency and accountability.

Sri Lanka’s Open Parliament initiatives were also highlighted, particularly the broadcasting of parliamentary debates with sign-language interpretation and the opening of committee proceedings to the media and civil society, measures aimed at improving public access to parliamentary work.

The Sri Lankan delegation also received special recognition at a high-level side event hosted by the IPU African Geopolitical Group on parliamentary action to achieve the “Three Zeros” in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health by 2030.

The recognition acknowledged Wickramaratne’s professional medical background and parliamentary leadership, highlighting the contribution of medical expertise to efforts to improve maternal and newborn health, strengthen healthcare systems and protect vulnerable populations.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, the delegation held discussions with World Health Organisation representatives, including Ludy Suryantoro, head of multisectoral engagement for health security preparedness.

The talks focused on strengthening national health security and advancing the WHO’s Universal Health Preparedness Review.

The Sri Lankan delegation emphasised Parliament’s role in establishing the legal framework for preparedness reforms, safeguarding funding through budgetary processes and ensuring effective oversight and accountability. It also stressed the importance of multisectoral coordination and protecting the rights and interests of vulnerable groups.

The delegation participated in deliberations across the IPU’s Standing Committees and thematic workshops, covering a broad range of international concerns.

These included parliamentary approaches to inclusive social development, the implications of military artificial intelligence for peace and security, parliamentary diplomacy and mediation, maritime security and the protection of critical infrastructure during conflicts.

Discussions also addressed proposals to review the United Nations Charter and conflict-prevention mechanisms, counterterrorism strategies, oversight of extractive industries, digital overload and mental health, ethical artificial intelligence and children’s rights, food security amid climate change, and the implementation of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The participation underscored Sri Lanka’s continued engagement in international parliamentary cooperation, with the delegation focusing on democratic governance, inclusion, public accountability, health security and sustainable development.

by Norman Palihawadane

Four Jamaican nationals, including two women, have been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division with over one kilogram of cocaine following raids in Colpetty.

The suspects were arrested on Monday (12) during raids conducted at a hotel and a shopping complex in the area.

Police seized 1.49 kilos of cocaine during the operation.

The male suspects are aged 23 and 48, while the female suspects are aged 43 and 52, police said.

The Colombo Crimes Division is conducting further investigations.

By S.K. Samaranayake

During a routine search conducted by prison officials at the Pallekele Dumbara Bogambara Prison, 160 milligrams of heroin was found in the possession of an inmate. The suspect and the contraband were handed over to the Pallekele Police for further investigations.

The inspection was carried out under the supervision of Pallekele Dumbara Bogambara Prison Superintendent Sampath Warnakula

Pallekele Police are conducting further inquiries into the incident to report the facts to the Teldeniya Magistrate’s Court.