The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Mr. Marc-André Franche, met with the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, recently. The Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on the occasion.
During the discussion, the Hon. Speaker highlighted the government’s increased focus on minimizing corruption and fraud. In response, Mr. Marc-André Franche pointed out that digitalization could help reduce corruption, fraud, and malpractice in the country’s administrative sector. He also emphasized that digitalization contributes to improving efficiency. Furthermore, he commended the government’s policy aimed at fostering national unity and reconciliation beyond ethnic and religious divisions.
Expressing gratitude, the Hon. Speaker thanked the United Nations and its affiliated organizations for their support of Sri Lanka through various development programs. In response, Mr. Marc-André Franche stated that the United Nations remains committed to assisting necessary sectors and development efforts in the future.
Additionally, the discussion covered the establishment of a Parliamentary Caucus for persons with disabilities, with the Hon. Speaker noting plans to hold a regional conference for the benefit of persons with disabilities. The discussion also included the establishment of sectoral oversight committees, with the Secretary-General of Parliament stating that there are plans to reduce the number of such committees to seven, ensuring coverage of all necessary areas. Mr. Marc-André Franche expressed the United Nations’ readiness to provide expert knowledge for the sectoral oversight committees and other parliamentary committees as required.
