Deputy Speaker, Harini and official at Westminster confab

By Sujeeva Nivunhella
reporting from London

In a demonstration of global parliamentary engagement, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa with Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, MP and Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament Chaminda Kularatne recently took part in the 72nd Westminster Conference held at the British Parliament in London.

The conference from March 11 – 15 was attended by delegates from approximately 28 Commonwealth countries, including Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretaries, to delve into a spectrum of topics pertinent to parliamentary affairs.

The event served as a platform to explore various aspects of parliamentary traditions within Commonwealth member states, shedding light on the privileges and powers of members, the committee system, methodologies for enacting statutory ordinances, as well as the integration of modern social media and technology in parliamentary processes.

Additionally, discussions revolved around the utilization of research techniques in enhancing the effectiveness of Members of Parliament in their roles.

This year’s conference held particular significance as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth. The Sri Lankan delegation participated in commemorative events, including a Mass held at Westminster Abbey church in London to mark the milestone. Those present there included Queen Camilla, Crown Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne, among others.

Sri Lanka’s participation underscored her commitment to fostering international parliamentary cooperation and staying abreast of global legislative practices. The insights gained from the conference are anticipated to contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of Sri Lanka’s parliamentary procedures.