- “We are transforming the education system to produce citizens who can contribute to making the world a better place,” said the Prime Minister.
- “A person who is not law-abiding can never be a lawmaker,” emphasized the Deputy Speaker.
The inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy, was held recently (28) under the patronage of Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Hon. Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, at the Old Parliament Chamber of the Presidential Secretariat.
This opportunity was given to Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy, as part of the ongoing Student Parliament Programme Series, jointly organized by the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Ministry of Education.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that education is not merely about passing examinations. She further emphasized that steps are being taken to gradually reform the education system in a way that reduces unnecessary burdens on students while nurturing citizens capable of contributing to a better world. The students of Mahamaya Girls’ College were also given the opportunity to directly present their questions to the Prime Minister.
Hon. Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, addressing the students, stated that a person who is not law-abiding can never be a lawmaker. He further pointed out that everyone should dedicate themselves to building a law-abiding society. The Deputy Speaker also highlighted that conducting the programme within the historic building that served as Sri Lanka’s Parliament for several decades was a unique and honorable opportunity for the students.
Acting Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne addressed the members of the Student Parliament regarding the history of women’s representation in Parliament and the functions of Parliament.
In addition, (Prof.) A. Sarwesvaran, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, delivered a special lecture on the subject of law.
Furthermore, Mr. Dharmasiri Gamage, Director General of Public Relations at the Presidential Secretariat, and Mr. Subash Roshana Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, educated the students on the benefits that can be obtained from the President’s Fund at the local government level and on the Clean Sri Lanka Programme.
Following the inauguration of the Student Parliament, the Speaker of the Student Parliament was appointed and took the oath, followed by the swearing-in of the Student Members of Parliament. After the speeches delivered by the Prime Minister of the Student Parliament and other Student Ministers, the session was adjourned.
Certificates of participation were also awarded to the Members of the Student Parliament in conjunction with the event. Major Nadeeka Dangolla, Assistant Director of the Presidential Secretariat, Principal of Mahamaya Girls’ College Ms. Shashikala Senadheera, and members of the academic staff, parents, and a number of invited guests were present at the occasion
