Dharamshala, 16 September 2026: The general session of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, scheduled from 16 to 25 September 2026, commenced today at 9:30 a.m.

Following the commencement announcement by Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the Speaker, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Kalons (Ministers), and Members of Parliament gathered in the Parliament Hall sang the Tibetan national anthem.

After ascertaining the requisite quorum of the House, the Speaker, in her opening address, congratulated the newly appointed Kalons who were nominated by the Sikyong and approved by the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile during its first session. She then introduced the day’s brief agenda, which included obituary references, legislative amendments, resolutions, bills, and motions.

The Speaker informed the House of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s strong opposition to the so-called “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress” adopted by the People’s Republic of China, which came into effect on 1 June 2026. She stated that the legislation threatens the Tibetan people’s language, religion, culture, identity, and fundamental human rights, before outlining its background and implications in detail.

She further informed the House that the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile had dispatched 837 official open letters to governments, parliaments, the United Nations, the European Union, and other international bodies around the world, and briefed Members on the responses received to those letters.

The House was also informed about a parliamentary delegation led by the Deputy Speaker that met with Indian Union Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other key dignitaries in late July, coinciding with the Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament. The delegation advocated for Tibet and submitted official appeal documents concerning the sacrifice of the late Lobga Rangzen and the Chinese government’s “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress.”

Finally, the Speaker spoke about the inaugural visitation program of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, noting the appreciation, grievances, suggestions, and feedback shared by members of the general public during the program.

Thereafter, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, a Panel of Chairpersons and an Ad Hoc Committee were appointed.

Following the list of business, obituary references were paid to Tibetan Patriotic Martyr Lobsang Palden, also known as Rangzen Lobga, who self-immolated in front of the United Nations headquarters, as well as to the passing of Kasur Chope Paljor Tsering, American Buddhist scholar Professor Robert A. F. Thurman, and former U.S. Congressman Barney Frank.

The obituary references were presented by Parliamentarians Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten, Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen, Kunchok Chodon Juchen, and Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen.

A resolution of condolence and solidarity to the victims of the devastating floods along the Nepal-Tibet border on 26 August 2026 was presented by Sikyong Penpa Tsering and supported by Kalon Kunga Tashi of the Department of Security.

A minute of silence was then duly observed in the House in mourning those named in the obituary references.

Thereafter, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Department of Religion and Culture presented a précis of the ministry’s 2025–26 annual report. Parliamentarian Geshe Lharampa Atuk presented the Standing Committee’s review of the detailed 2025–26 annual report of the Department of Religion and Culture.

Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel tabled a motion for debate on the report of the Department of Religion and Culture, which was supported by Parliamentarian Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen. Clarification to the questions from the Standing Committee’s review of the detailed 2025–26 annual report of the Department of Religion and Culture was presented by Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi.

Members of Parliament subsequently participated in deliberations on the functioning of the Department of Religion and Culture, raising questions on Jang Gun Choe (Non-Sectarian Nun’s Annual Winter Debate), scholarship programs, regarding the return of Gyalwang Karmapa to India, Tibetan Digital Library Initiative, and other related matters which were duly clarified by the DoR&C Kalon.

The deliberations on the undertaking of the Department of Religion and Culture will continue in tomorrow’s session.

The session adjourned at 5:30 pm.