PARLIAMENT

A special awareness program on the parliamentary procedure organized by the Public Outreach Division of the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, conducted with the primary objective of providing a broad understanding of the parliamentary procedures was recently held at the Jaffna National College of Education - Kopay.

This program, which was presided by the Secretary General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was conducted with the Librarian Mr. Siyath Ahmed, Deputy Principal Officer Mr. S.A.M. Shaheed and Public Outreach Officer Mr. Yary Mohammed joining as resource personals.

Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of the Parliament, who delivered the keynote speech, emphasized that it is very important for every citizen of the society to understand the practices of a democratic governance system. The Secretary General also pointed out that the role of the Legislature will be transferred to the school student community through these scholars who will be assigned to schools in the future to achieve the goals of national education. Mrs. Rohanadeera also mentioned that through these teachers who are present here, the necessary guidance for the future leadership will also be systematically received. She also added that this program is expected to be held in every National College of Education.

This program provided a broad understanding of the Parliament and its legislative process, parliamentary traditions, parliamentary committees, public participation, women and youth representation, the concept of open parliament, constitutional reforms, etc.

A group of lecturers including the Dean of the Jaffna National College of Education, Mr. Thirunanantham Jeyakandeepan, teacher trainees of the same also participated in this event. Certificates were also awarded to the teacher trainees at this program which was held with colorful cultural items as well.

The Country Director of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Mr. Asoka Obeysekera and a group of officials, the Co-ordinating Secretary to the Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka Ms. Sujeevi Gamage and the Public Outreach Officers of the Communication Department Mr. Duminda Wickramasinghe, Mr. P. Rudrakumar, Media Officers Mr. Maheshwaran Pirasath, Mr. Nusky Mukthar and Public Outreach Coordinator Mr. Jaya Prakash were also present on this occasion.