Despite the economic challenges the country is currently facing, I am extremely pleased that Women's Day is being celebrated on this occasion, that too under the theme "She is the pride of the Nation”, reflecting the pride, honour and strength of women.

The Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake said that 8 Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs)will meet for the first time on 8 th and 9 th March.

He further said that the chairpersons of these 8 Sectoral Oversight Committees are to be appointed in these first meetings and the chairpersons of 4 committees are to be appointed from the ruling party and the chairpersons of 4 committees are to be appointed from the opposition party. Recently, Speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced the names of 17 Sectoral Oversight Committees to Parliament, and the following 8 committees are scheduled to meet 8 th and 9 th of March.

Wednesday, the 08th of March 2023

1. Sectorial Oversight Committee on Religious Affairs and Co-Existence
2. Sectorial Oversight Committee on Reconciliation and National Unity
3. Sectorial Oversight Committee on National Security.
4. Sectorial Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural resources & Sustainable
Development.

Thursday, the 09th of March 2023. -

5. Sectorial Oversight Committee on International Relations
6. Sectorial Oversight Committee on Increasing Export of Goods & Services
7. Sectorial Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis.
8. Sectorial Oversight Committee on Energy & Transport

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka Bill was presented to the Parliament today (07) by the Leader of the House and Minister, Hon. (Dr.) Susil Premajayantha for its first reading.