Advanced Residency Programme on Parliamentary leadership held in Sri Lanka

The inauguration of the Advanced Residency Programme on  Leadership in Parliament for Clerks and Officials organised by the  Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Parliament of Sri Lanka  was held recently in  Parliament under the patronage of the  Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.   

About 40 Parliamentary officials from 15 Commonwealth  countries including India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia joined this event and this residential training programme was held in Colombo from  June 11th to 14th.   

Addressing the gathering, Speaker Mahinda Yapa  Abeywardena, stated that the parliamentary officials have a great  responsibility to serve the country by strengthening democracy. “This  programme would be a great platform to build up friendship and  professional relations across the commonwealth countries’’ the Speaker  said. Also, he extended his gratitude to all who have worked  tirelessly to make the event a success.   

Welcoming the gathering Secretary General of Parliament of  Sri Lanka Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera said that the aim of this programme is  not only to enrich professional skills but also to foster a culture of  continuous learning and development within Parliamentary institutions.  She also expressed her gratitude to the Commonwealth Parliamentary  Association for conducting this programme in Sri Lanka.   

Also, Chief of Staff and the Deputy Secretary General of  Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne said that this is important for  everyone belonging to the Commonwealth family to enhance Parliamentary  leadership and exchange ideas. He also expressed his gratitude to all  those who worked hard to make the event possible.   

Addressing the gathering, the Head of Programmes of CPA  Headquarters Secretariat Mr. Matthew Salik also expressed his gratitude  to all those who supported including the Parliament of Sri Lanka in making this programme a success.   

Clerk to the Parliament of Eswatini Mr. Benedict Xaba,  Assistant Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka Mr. Hansa  Abeyratne, Mr. Mark Webb, Chief Executive, Department of Parliamentary  Services of Australia, Mr. Rafael Gonzalez-Montero, Chief Executive,  Parliamentary Service of New Zealand, Ms. Kate Faragher, International  Coach, Facilitator and Trainer of New Zealand and Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu,  Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau were also present on this  occasion.