Sri Lankan Parliament Delegation attends Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva

A delegation of the Parliament of Sri Lanka led by the Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena attended the 148 th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Geneva from March 23 to 27, Speaker's Office said. 

The delegation comprised of Members of Parliament Hon. R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara,
Ashok Abeysinghe, Sumith Udukumbura, Mrs. Manjula Dissanayake and Secretary General of Parliament Mrs Kushani Rohanadeera.

Addressing the General Debate under the theme “Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding” Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena pointed out that parliamentary diplomacy acts as a bridge between governments and citizens, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of the people are taken into account in the formulation of foreign policies. Speaker also stated that in recent times, parliamentary diplomacy has gained prominence as a tool for conflict prevention and resolution.

By facilitating dialogue and understanding between nations at the legislative level, parliamentary diplomats contribute to creating an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence the speaker
added.

The Speaker further mentioned that, Parliamentary diplomacy is an important perspective and alternative form of diplomacy. Even if not widely studied yet, Parliamentary diplomacy has developed lately by the increasing role of Parliaments and their enrollment in foreign affairs and issues related to international relations.