RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO : A Parliamentary delegation from Nepal, led by Padma Prasad Pandey, Secretary General of the Federal Parliament of Nepal, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, ON June (16) at the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The Secretary General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, also participated in the meeting.
The Nepalese delegation, on a five-day official visit to Sri Lanka, included Dr. Rojnath Pande, Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat; Mr. Laxmi Prasad Gautam, Joint Secretary; Bhojraj Sharma Paudel, Under Secretary; and Ms. Rekha Upadhyaya Khanal, Under Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat. The delegation was warmly welcomed to Parliament by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, Mr. Achintha Cooray.
During the meeting with. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, discussions covered a wide range of important matters, including the legislative process, parliamentary procedures, and the government systems of both countries. The Hon. Speaker emphasized that the Parliament of Sri Lanka is currently enacting a series of important laws aimed at enhancing good governance, strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms, and promoting democracy. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to digitalize the judicial system, advance national reconciliation, and establish a legal unit within the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Reflecting on his previous visit to Nepal as a medical director, the Hon. Speaker fondly recalled the country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Mr. Padma Prasad Pandey expressed his gratitude to the Hon. Speaker for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the delegation. He remarked that the meeting was significant for enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the two Parliaments. He also extended an invitation for a parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka to visit Nepal.
The delegation also met with the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih, on the 17th, and held discussions on the sectors of education, healthcare, and industry in both countries. The discussion further focused on enhancing overall bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
During their visit, the delegation also held discussions with the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, on the 16th. She delivered a presentation on the Parliamentary System of Sri Lanka, providing an overview of the country’s Constitution, parliamentary structure, committee system, and public outreach initiatives. She also highlighted that plans are underway to establish a Parliamentary Training Institute aimed at enhancing the capacity of parliamentary staff and members.
The delegation further met with the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament, Mr. Hansa Abeyrathne, on the 16th, for discussions regarding the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO). During the meeting, Mr. Abeyrathne explained the duties and functions of the PBO, as well as the ongoing process of setting up the PBO in the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the delegation held discussions with the staff of the Department of Legislative Services, focusing on the legislative process giving special reference to the Committee System. Director Legislative Services and Acting Director Communication M. Jayalath Perera, along with staff members of the Bills Office, Table Office, and Committee Offices, exchanged knowledge and shared experiences with the delegation.
The delegation also undertook a parliamentary tour and observed the parliamentary proceedings from the Speaker’s VIP Gallery. Furthermore, they participated in the revival meeting of the Sri Lanka – Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, held on 17th June.
