COLOMBO : Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation Attended the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19th to 23rd October 2025, under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.”
Against the backdrop of ongoing global humanitarian challenges, the Assembly brought together hundreds of legislators from around the world to deliberate on the role of Parliaments in safeguarding international humanitarian law, strengthening multilateral commitments, and ensuring effective humanitarian response in times of conflict and crisis.
A parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Hon. Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law, participated in the Assembly. The delegation included Hon. Members of Parliament (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga, Shantha Padmakumara, Mohammed Faizal, Hesha Withanage, and Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament.
During his intervention at the General Debate, Hon. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, highlighted Sri Lanka’s experience in humanitarian response and crisis management. He emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordination, and adherence to humanitarian norms, citing the 2004 tsunami as a defining moment that underscored Sri Lanka’s resilience and the vital role of both local and international humanitarian cooperation.
MP Mohammed Faizal, attended the workshop on “Reducing Methane for Climate and Clean Air: Is it Getting the Attention it Deserves?” In his remarks, he reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to combating climate change, highlighting national initiatives such as the Carbon Net Zero 2050 Roadmap and Strategic Plan, the Clean Sri Lanka Project, and the country’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He noted that Sri Lanka’s environmental policies reflect the nation’s vision of sustainable development and intergenerational responsibility.
SwitzerlandMP (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga, participated in the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, where she addressed the session on “Parliaments and Gender Equality: Achievements and the Way Forward.” She outlined Sri Lanka’s continued progress in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance.
MPs Shantha Padmakumara, and Hesha Withanage, actively contributed to the discussions of the Standing Committees, thematic panels, and workshops held during the Assembly, sharing Sri Lanka’s perspectives on issues including food security, migration, climate action, and parliamentary oversight.
Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, participated in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) sessions and other related meetings held alongside the Assembly.
On the sidelines of the event, the Sri Lankan delegation held a bilateral meeting with the delegation
of Nepal, led by Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as Parliamentary exchange, education, tourism, and cultural relations.
The delegation also met with His Excellency Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of education with emphasis on scholarship opportunities for Sri Lankan students in medicine, information technology, and engineering. Both sides also exchanged views on promoting inter-parliamentary collaboration, facilitating high-level exchanges, and expanding trade relations between the two countries.
The 151st IPU Assembly concluded with the adoption of key resolutions and reports at the final session of the IPU Governing Council on 23rd October 2025, reaffirming the collective commitment of Parliaments worldwide to uphold humanitarian norms, promote peace, and advance sustainable development.
