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At a time when we are moving forward with new hopes, let us unite to fulfill our common responsibility on behalf of the country – Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker stated joining the occasion of the commencement of duties in the New Year. 2024. I U.G. Nuwan Duminda, I’m Photographer, and I took all Pictures:0112024.

Approximately 70 Committees held in a sitting week during the previous year within a limited number of resources – The Secretary General states thanking the staff

Joining the occasion of the commencement of duties in the new year held today (Jan. 01), Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker, stated that at such time when we are moving forward with new hopes, we should all unite to fulfill our common responsibility on behalf of the country.

The Speaker also pointed out that all staff members of Parliament and affiliated staff have been assigned with the duty to perform a special task in behalf the country while going through a difficult period which they had to face at an unexpected moment.

The public service oath was taken by the entire parliamentary staff during the simple ceremony held for the commencement of duties for the year 2024.

Extending wishes for the new year, the Secretary General of the Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, stated that the Parliament met for 105 days in the year 2023. The Secretary General also pointed out that there are currently 91 committees in operation and within a limited number of resources, an average of 70 Committees have been held in one Parliamentary sitting week in the past year.

The Secretary General also said that in the past year, more than 100,000 school children and others have come to gain knowledge about the Parliament as well as to witness the sessions. She also pointed out that Parliament was able to hold more than 50 awareness programs regarding the business of Parliament outside the institution to bring Parliament closer to the general public. She also stated that more than 150 foreign delegations have visited the Parliament in the past year.

Accordingly, the Secretary General thanked the staff of parliament as well as the affiliated staff who dedicated themselves towards providing the necessary administration and services during the parliamentary sessions and other activities. She also expressed her gratitude to all the security forces, including the Sri Lanka Police, who contributed by providing security.

Hon. Ajith Rajapakse, Deputy Speaker, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, Assistant Secretary General Mr. Hansa Abeyratne, Heads of Departments and other parliamentary and affiliated staff were also present on this occasion.