National People’s Power (NPP) MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva has received the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) New Parliamentarian Award 2026, in recognition of his contribution to inclusive parliamentary democracy and disability rights.
The award was presented on 17 September at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The CPA said the award recognised de Silva’s leadership in advancing disability rights and inclusive governance since his election to Parliament in 2024.
De Silva is Sri Lanka’s first-ever visually impaired Member of Parliament and serves as Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities. He has worked on issues including accessibility, disability rights and the recognition of sign language. He has also conducted public consultations in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa and Kalutara to identify challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
His nomination was submitted by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) – Sri Lanka to the CPA Headquarters Secretariat in London. The CPA’s New Parliamentarian Award is presented to a parliamentarian in their first term who has demonstrated achievements and promoted democracy and good governance in their jurisdiction.
The award marks an international recognition of de Silva’s work in promoting disability-inclusive parliamentary representation and governance in Sri Lanka.
