MP Sugath de Silva honoured with CPA New Parliamentarian Award 2026

Sri Lankan MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva, representing the National People’s Power (NPP), has been awarded the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) New Parliamentarian Award 2026, in recognition of his exceptional dedication to parliamentary engagement, inclusive governance, human rights, and democratic participation.

The award, presented during the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, on 17 September 2026, celebrates emerging legislators who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and impact within their first term in office.

MP de Silva’s nomination was submitted by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) – Sri Lanka to the CPA Headquarters Secretariat in London on 8 July 2026.

As the first-ever visually impaired Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka’s history, MP de Silva has shown remarkable leadership as Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities. He has championed legislative reforms, accessibility standards, and the official recognition of sign language, while overseeing budgetary implementation across nearly 25 government ministries under the 2026 National Budget.

He also led district-level public consultations in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, and Kalutara, addressing grassroots challenges faced by persons with disabilities. His collaboration with the Ministries of Labour and Health, involving over 100 officials, and his initiative to train a national cadre of youth and disability advocates to conduct accessibility audits, have been widely commended.

MP de Silva’s educational journey, from Kandegoda Junior School and Watugedara Siri Abeythissa Junior School in Ambalangoda, to the School for the Blind in Ratmalana, and later Dharmasoka College and the University of Colombo, where he graduated with First Class Honours in History, reflects his lifelong commitment to learning and resilience.

His ability to translate parliamentary leadership into tangible governance outcomes within a short span has earned him international recognition, marking a milestone for Sri Lanka’s inclusive political representation.