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‘Take advantage of this opportunity and make a change’
View(s):- President Ranil Wickremesinghe addresses youth selected for Sectoral Oversight Committees of Parliament
A “system change” can be done in accordance with the Constitution, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed while addressing an orientation workshop for nearly 550 youth representatives of the Sectoral Oversight Committees of Parliament.
Following a newspaper advertisement, youth between the ages of 18 and 35 were chosen for the Sectoral Oversight Committees related to 17 subject areas established in Parliament.
'Take advantage of this opportunity and make a change'
The Orientation workshop, held at Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla, on Friday, was organised by Parliament with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“Take full advantage of this opportunity. This is a historic moment. For the first time, a Parliament appoints representatives like this. This has not happened anywhere,” the President said.
Instead of waiting for the next Parliament to be appointed, now is the opportunity to get together and do this work, President Wickremesinghe added. “So let’s accept this challenge. Let’s provide successful solutions. In another 25 years, all of you can say that Sri Lanka has become a developed country now, because of the steps we had taken today.”
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the country needs to embark on a new journey through creativity, not just focus on the challenges ahead. “Let’s shift from traditional thinking and make the opinions held by Oversight Committees and the suggestions of the youth a great strength for our country’s progress,” he told the gathering.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said he feels proud to be part of a turning point in the country’s political history. “This is the first time that such a programme has been implemented, and it’s an honour to be part of it. The President’s idea of using youth representation for this purpose is a testament to his belief that the ideas and suggestions of the youth are necessary for the governance of the country,” he noted, adding that the Secretary General of Parliament too played a key role in organising these activities.
“As the opposition, we see this process as a positive aspect. As an opposition, even if the shortcomings of the Government are pointed out, in a cultured political system, when something correct, optimistic, substantive and positive happens, it is impossible to look away without praising it. One must have the guts to appreciate good as good,” said Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
The UNDP’s global collaboration with parliaments around the world focuses on strengthening core functions of Parliament, including lawmaking, oversight representation and budget scrutiny, said Azusa Kubota, the UNDP’s Resident Representative. “While doing so, we hope to enhance the inclusivity and representation of the people. We promote a greater oversight of transparent governance processes and to improve the effectiveness of its functioning. The current programme we have with the Parliament of Sri Lanka is one of such flagship partnerships in the Asia Pacific region,” she said.
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