Matthew Hedges, Regional Director, Asia-Pacific and the Americas of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, met the with the Speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana in Parliament recently. Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera and the WFD Country Director Sanje Vignaraja, were also in attendance at this meeting held.
The contributions of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which works closely with the Parliament of Sri Lanka and its Committees such as the Committee on Public Finance, the Committee on Public Enterprises, and the Committee on Public Accounts was appreciated by the Speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana. The Speaker stated that this has made it possible to further strengthen democracy and expressed his gratitude for this support and stated that he expects the same support in the future as well.
Speaking at this occasion, Matthew Hedges, Regional Director, Asia-Pacific and the Americas of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, stated that he was happy to be able to support the Parliament of Sri Lanka. He also elaborated on the system prepared by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy on effectiveness of laws post the adoption and stated that he hopes to work with the Parliament of Sri Lanka in this regard.
Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of the Parliament, stated that it is expected to establish a Parliamentary Committee on the Post-Legislative Scrutiny, and steps have been taken to amend the Standing Orders accordingly. Meanwhile, the Secretary General also pointed out the need to provide capacity building and training to the parliamentary staff on the post-legislative scrutiny.
Furthermore, discussions were also held regarding the programs being implemented to reduce the gap between the public and the Parliament through public outreach activities, allowing youth representatives to the Sectoral Oversight Committees of the Parliament, the Open Parliament Initiative.
