PARLIAMENT

The Hon. Prime Minister Dr.Harini Amarasuriya, emphasized the necessity of setting early ambitions for future political leadership by obtaining a quality education and contributing to national development. She made these remarks while addressing students representing the Student Parliament of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo.

The Hon. Prime Minister stated the above while addressing the inaugural session of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya Student Parliament held at the Presidential Secretariat on 28.01.2025.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Student Parliament the Hon. Prime Minister pointed out that there is a certain reluctance among the younger generation to engage in politics. She highlighted the importance of fostering a positive political culture and encouraged students to aspire to leadership roles in the future. Furthermore, she underscored the significance of enhancing civic participation within a democratic system. The Hon. Prime Minister also mentioned that the government expects to build a more structured and disciplined nation through initiatives such as the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ program, which extends across various sectors, including education. Additionally, students were given the opportunity to engage with the Hon. Prime Minister in a Q&A session.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, who was also present at the event, stressed the importance of instilling discipline from a young age. He pointed out that cultivating strong moral values and ethics during school years is essential for building a better society.

Secretary-General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, in her address, highlighted Sri Lanka’s historical milestone of producing the world’s first female Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. She further noted that the current Prime Minister is also a female, reinforcing the notion that leadership is not restricted by gender. She emphasized that the increased representation of women in the present Parliament is a positive indication for future female leaders. Additionally, she stated that the Student Parliament serves as a valuable platform for enhancing leadership skills, and she provided an overview of parliamentary procedures.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President, K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, provided a brief introduction to the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative and elaborated on the responsibility of young citizens in building a better nation.

Moreover, Director Legislative Services / Director Communications (Acting), M. Jayalath Perera, who was present at the event highlighted the importance of cultivating leadership qualities alongside moral values. He emphasized that initiatives like the Student Parliament play a crucial role in shaping future leaders.
The Principal of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Dr. J. Sumedha Jayaweera, remarked that providing students with this firsthand experience at such a historically significant institution as Parliament was an invaluable opportunity.

Following the key note speeches, students representing the Student Parliament conducted a debate on the topic, "The Responsibility of Citizens in Building a Better Sri Lanka."

Additionally, certificates were awarded to participating students by the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests.

This program was organized as part of a series of Student Parliament initiatives jointly conducted by the Presidential Secretariat and the Public Outreach Division of the Communications Department of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The event was also attended by Major Nadika Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat, Buddhini Ramanayake, Manager Public Outreach of the Parliament’s Communications Department, and several other officials.