A special workshop for the youth representatives selected to represent the Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs) of the Parliament was successfully held recently at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla.

Organized by the Parliament with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the main objectives of this workshop were to give the youth representatives a broader understanding of the Sectoral Oversight Committees and to get their views on the change that their representation has made in the SOCs during recent times.

The workshop was attended by Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans, Member of Parliament Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Increasing Export of Goods & Services, Member of Parliament Buddhika Pathirana, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis Member of Parliament. Gamini Valeboda, Member of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Children, Women and Gender Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga participated in the workshop as the chief guest.

Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kuralathna, Assistant Secretary General Mr. Hansa Abeyratne, Deputy Resident Representative – UNDP in Sri Lanka. Malin Herwig were also present at the event.

Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga delivered a special lecture on the theme “In the face of the current economic crisis, the contribution of the youth to be made through the Sectoral Oversight Committee towards strengthening the country’s economy”.

Also, the youth representatives expressed their views on the experience gained from joining the SOCs as a youth representative and how the youth representatives can effectively contribute to the SOC meetings.

The youth representatives expressed their views on the experience gained from joining the Sectoral Oversight Committees as a youth representative and how the youth representatives can effectively contribute to the SOC meetings.

They had the opportunity to join a special session with the chairman of the sectoral monitoring committee representing them and broaden their understanding of the relevant committees. Also, matters were discussed about the programmes implemented so far by the committee as well as the future activities expected to be implemented.

A group of ministerial officials who coordinate with the relevant SOCs, officials of the UNDP, and officials of the Parliament’s SOC office were also present on this occasion.