“If we are to restore the Parliament as a supreme institution, which has faced public scorn and disapproval in the past, we must act with the awareness that we are the representatives of the people,” stated Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during the inaugural session of the awareness workshop on parliamentary procedures for new members of the Tenth Parliament, held this morning (25).

In her address, the Prime Minister congratulated the newly elected members of Parliament, stating:

“I extend my congratulations to all of you who have been elected to serve as members of the Tenth Parliament. This Parliament holds a historic and special significance. We must approach our duties with a profound understanding of the responsibilities this institution entails.

This Parliament is historic for several reasons. Notably, 22 female MPs have been elected, marking the highest representation of women in our parliamentary history. Furthermore, 162 out of the 225 MPs are newly elected members. This remarkable turnover reflects the public’s sentiment and the rejection of previous parliamentary practices.

The people of our country, who are politically mature, have sent a strong message through the general election. All MPs, irrespective of their positions, must recognize that they are first and foremost representatives of the people. Whether holding ministerial or deputy ministerial positions, we must prioritize the hopes and trust placed in us by the citizens. The disapproval of Parliament in recent years can only be reversed if we collectively work to meet the people’s expectations and uphold their aspirations.

This Parliament must serve as a turning point in our political practice, and this workshop plays a crucial role in equipping us to innovate parliamentary procedures while preserving its traditions.”

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Ranwala, Deputy Speaker Dr. Mohamed Rizvi Salley, Deputy Committee Chairman Hemalee Weerasekara, Leader of the House Minister Bimal Ratnayake, Chief Organizer of the Government Party Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, newly elected public representatives, the Secretary General of Parliament, Deputy Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, and other dignitaries were in attendance at this event.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that simply reinforcing institutional frameworks is insufficient for effective disaster management. The President stressed the need to establish mechanisms to deliver practical solutions at the grassroots level.

The President made this comment after Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara assumed office today (25).

President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of empowering local government institutions to prevent disasters in vulnerable areas and develop innovative solutions.He  noted that the country’s disaster management laws were formulated after considerable study and that it is the responsibility of officials to implement them effectively. He assured his unwavering support for any official who upholds their duties with integrity and called on Government officials to propose enhancements to the legal framework if needed.

President Dissanayake pointed out that disaster management imposes a significant financial burden on the government, but stressed that by enforcing laws effectively, these costs can be reduced significantly.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, among others.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed two new secretaries to ministries.

The letters of appointment were handed over today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Accordingly, President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinasena has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.

Meanwhile, Ms. Malarmathi Gangadharan has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment.

[PMD]