A Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation, headed by Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and comprising Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, MP, and Mr. Dhammika Dassanayake, Secretary-General of Parliament participated in the 2nd International Forum “Development of Parliamentarism”, which was held on 01 – 03 July, 2019 in Moscow, Russia.
The forum was also attended by Hon. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, MP, Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, MP, Hon. Kanchana Wijesekara, MP and Hon. Kanchana Jayaratna, Chairman of Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council.
The Forum was dedicated to the main issues of the parliamentary agenda such as inter-parliamentary cooperation, counteraction to common challenges and threats to international security and applied aspects of legislative regulation of digital economy and innovations.
The event hosted more than 800 lawmakers and experts from 132 countries as well as 41 Speakers and 25 Vice-Speakers of national parliaments.
The Sri Lankan delegation participated at the Opening Ceremony of the Forum during which high-ranking officials, such as Hon. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Hon. Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Hon. Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, who addressed the attendees with welcoming remarks. In his speech, Hon. Vyacheslav Volodin noted that “the Forum is becoming an authoritative platform for the exchange of best legislative practices and parliamentary experience.”
The final Plenary Session of the Forum was graced by H. E. Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, on 3 July, 2019. In his address to the delegates, the President mentioned that “being held for the second time <the Forum> has already proved its relevance and significance, the absolute relevance and importance of inter-parliamentary interaction and dialogue”. President Putin also stressed the importance of sovereignty, development of different regions, handling the migration crisis, sustainable development, as well as legislative practices in the spheres of protection of individuals, digital technology, artificial intelligence, environment and exchange of legal practices.
Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga made a speech at the Section on “International Security: Dialogue of Legislators for Peace and Stability”, while Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake, Secretary-General of Parliament delivered a presentation on “Lawmaking and the Legal Framework for the Digital Future: Challenges and Solutions”.
The Sri Lankan Delegation took part in the Plenary Sessions and in the Round Tables, dedicated to the Role of Youth in the Development of Parliamentarism: Experience and Priorities, as well as to Media Wars: How to Beat Fake News.
On 02 July and 03 July, 2019 H. E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation hosted Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegates to a luncheon and a dinner.
