A Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation, led by (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Hon. Speaker of the Parliament, attended the 1st Joint CPA Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference, held from 6th to 10th February 2025 held in Lahore, Pakistan. Speakers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, professionals, and officials, representing the National Parliaments and Provincial Assemblies across the region, participated in this esteemed event.
Hon. Speaker, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Regional Executive Committee – CPA Asia Region, along with Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament and Regional Secretary – CPA Asia Region, and the delegation comprising Hon. Deputy Minister of National Integration Mohamed Muneer, and Hon. Members of Parliament (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney at Law, K. Ilankumaran, and Chithral Fernando, represented Sri Lanka at the conference.
The delegation actively engaged in discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing parliamentary strategies for sustainable development. Themed “Parliamentary Strategies for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Futures in Asia and South-East Asia,” the conference provided a platform for parliamentarians to deliberate on key regional issues, such as empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities, enhancing regional cooperation on climate change, promoting renewable energy, ensuring disaster resilience, strengthening sustainable tourism frameworks, and fostering inclusive representation in governance.
The Opening Ceremony of the conference was held on 7th February 2025 (Friday), with Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, attending as the Chief Guest. Addressing the Opening Ceremony, (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, underscored the critical importance of collaborative governance and sustainable development, particularly in combating corruption, which remains a significant barrier to economic growth and public trust.
He stressed the need for transparent governance, accountability, and ethical leadership, outlining Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts in implementing e-governance reforms, strengthening anti-corruption laws, and fostering public-private partnerships to improve institutional integrity. Furthermore, Hon. Speaker Wickramaratne highlighted Sri Lanka’s Clean Sri Lanka Project, an initiative launched by His Excellency the President and the Government, which integrates environmental, social, and ethical principles to promote sustainability.
During the event, (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney at Law, Hon. Member of Parliament, participated as a panelist in the session titled “Strengthening Local Governance: Legislative Pathways for Effective Decentralization”.
She elaborated on Sri Lanka’s three-tier governance structure—national, provincial, and local—and the legislative framework governing local authorities, emphasizing the crucial role of provincial councils and local authorities in service delivery, economic development, and governance. She further stated that the government is seeking adjustments to the current system as per the call of the people.
The Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan also commended Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, recognizing it as a model for the region. This acknowledgment highlighted Sri Lanka’s significant achievements in universal healthcare and its proactive role in regional public health initiatives.
H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Acting President of Pakistan and Chairman of the Senate, attended as the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.
Muneer Mulaffer, Hon. Deputy Minister of National Integration, in his speech at the Closing Ceremony of the Conference, emphasized the need for collective action on key challenges facing the region and concluded by expressing deep gratitude to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, CPA Secretariat, and the people of Lahore for their exceptional hospitality and efforts in making the conference a success.
The conference served as a valuable opportunity for Sri Lanka to reaffirm its commitment to regional collaboration in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening democratic institutions across Asia and South-East Asia. The participation of the Sri Lankan delegation underscored the country’s dedication to regional cooperation, good governance, and sustainable growth, fostering stronger ties with fellow nations within the Commonwealth.
