Events in Focus · Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's first blind MP wins a Commonwealth award for inclusive democracy
Sugath Wasantha de Silva entered Parliament in November 2024. Less than two years later, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has named him its New Parliamentarian of 2026 for his work on disability rights and inclusive governance.
In short
Sugath Wasantha de Silva, Sri Lanka's first blind Member of Parliament, received the 2026 New Parliamentarian Award at the Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards in Cape Town, South Africa. Elected in November 2024, he chairs Sri Lanka's Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association recognised his contribution to inclusive parliamentary democracy and his leadership on disability rights, accessibility and inclusive governance.
What happened
The Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards are given by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which brings together legislatures across the Commonwealth. The New Parliamentarian Award goes to a member early in their parliamentary career. This year it went to Sugath Wasantha de Silva of Sri Lanka, at a ceremony in Cape Town.
De Silva was elected in November 2024 and is the first blind MP in Sri Lanka's history. In Parliament he chairs the Caucus for Persons with Disabilities and has focused his work on disability rights, accessibility and inclusive governance, including advancing disability-inclusive public services and strengthening the participation of persons with disabilities in parliamentary processes.
The association specifically cited his contribution to inclusive parliamentary democracy. For Sri Lanka it is a significant moment for disability representation in public life: from the country's first blind MP to Commonwealth recognition in under two years.
Timeline
- November 2024Sugath Wasantha de Silva is elected, becoming Sri Lanka's first blind Member of Parliament.
- In ParliamentHe becomes chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities and focuses on disability rights, accessibility and inclusive public services.
- September 2026He receives the 2026 New Parliamentarian Award at the Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards in Cape Town.
Questions people ask
Who is Sugath Wasantha de Silva?
Sri Lanka's first blind MP, elected in November 2024, and chair of Parliament's Caucus for Persons with Disabilities.
What award did he win?
The 2026 New Parliamentarian Award at the Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards, in Cape Town.
What was he recognised for?
Inclusive parliamentary democracy and leadership on disability rights, accessibility and inclusive governance.