News
Dy Speaker urges youth to choose statesmen over politicians
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salih has called for public representatives to be elected as statesmen committed to the welfare of future generations rather than politicians focused on the next election.
Dr. Salih made the remarks while attending as Chief Guest the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of St. Joseph’s Girls’ School, Kegalle, held at the Old Parliament Chamber at the Presidential Secretariat.
The programme was jointly organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Department of Communication of Parliament and the Ministry of Education to provide students with practical exposure to parliamentary proceedings and strengthen their understanding of democratic governance.
Addressing the students, the Deputy Speaker said politicians often act with the next election in mind, while statesmen make decisions based on the long-term interests of the country and future generations.
He stressed the importance of electing lawmakers who respect the law and are accountable to it, noting that Parliament has the responsibility of enacting laws necessary for the country’s progress.
“It is impossible to imagine the consequences for a country where people do not respect the law,” Dr. Salih said, adding that only those who uphold legal principles can create laws that truly serve the nation.
He also encouraged students to respect their teachers and parents, pursue their chosen professions with dedication and maintain honesty and responsibility in all aspects of life.
Urging the students to become responsible citizens, Dr. Salih said respect for the law was fundamental to building a disciplined and democratic society.
Among those present were Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi; Director of Legislative Services of Parliament M. Jayalath Perera; Principal of Kegalle St. Joseph’s Girls’ College Gangani Thilakaratne Menike; Director General of Public Relations at the Presidential Secretariat Dharmasiri Gamage; Assistant Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat Lt. Col. Nadeeka Dangolla; Director (Communication) of Parliament Samantha Mallawarachchi; as well as teachers, parents and students of St. Joseph’s Girls’ College, Kegalle.
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
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