COLOMBO ; . Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Rizvie Salih, stated that good leaders emerge only from a law-abiding and civilized society. He emphasized the importance of electing disciplined, law-abiding and civic-minded individuals as representatives to Parliament.
The Deputy Speaker made these remarks on Tuesday ,June (30) while attending, as the Chief Guest, the inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament of St. Joseph’s Girls’ School, Nugegoda, held at the Old Parliament Chamber located within the Presidential Secretariat.
The programme was jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka with the objective of providing students of St. Joseph’s Girls’ School with practical exposure to parliamentary proceedings and a better understanding of the democratic system of governance.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Deputy Speaker urged students to respect their teachers, noting that teachers dedicate their utmost efforts to shaping the future of their students. He encouraged students to remember and appreciate their teachers regardless of how successful they become in life.
He further advised the students to value their future professions, take pride in their work, carry out their responsibilities with honesty and integrity, and strive to excel in their chosen fields.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the vital role of parents in shaping children’s character, noting that children naturally emulate their parents. Therefore, he said, parents have a responsibility to demonstrate exemplary behaviour before their children. He encouraged the students to leave the programme with a firm commitment to becoming law-abiding citizens and to share this message with their parents, emphasizing that such values would benefit both the individual and the nation.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, addressing the event, explained the services provided by the President’s Fund for students and the general public. He stated that assistance for educational and other essential needs can be obtained through the Fund and noted that these services have been made more accessible through Divisional Secretariats across the country, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to travel to Colombo.
The inaugural sitting of the Student Parliament commenced with the election of the Student Speaker, followed by the swearing-in of the student Members of Parliament. Students appointed as Ministers presented programmes and development proposals they intend to implement within their respective portfolios for the benefit of the school.
The students were also briefed on the structure, functions and parliamentary procedures of the Parliament of Sri Lanka by Ms. Chintha Madhubhashini Bulathsinghala, Deputy Director (Administration) of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Certificates were presented to the participating students by the Hon. Deputy Speaker and other distinguished guests. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Principal of St. Joseph’s Girls’ School, Mrs. W.R.R. Silva.
The programme was successfully conducted as another initiative under the Student Parliament Programme jointly implemented by the Presidential Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Among those present were Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit of the Presidential Secretariat; Mr. Samantha Mallawarachchi, Director (Communication) of the Parliament of Sri Lanka; Ms. Chula Herath, Assistant Director (Administration) of the Human Resources Development Office of Parliament; members of the school’s academic staff, parents and students.
