A Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, attended the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19th to 23rd October 2025.

The delegation, including Members of Parliament Oshani Umanga, Shantha Padmakumara, Mohammed Faizal, Hesha Withanage, and the Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, participated in the Assembly held under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.”

Against the backdrop of ongoing global humanitarian challenges, the Assembly brought together hundreds of legislators from around the world to deliberate on the role of Parliaments in safeguarding international humanitarian law, strengthening multilateral commitments, and ensuring effective humanitarian response in times of conflict and crisis.

During his intervention at the General Debate, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala highlighted Sri Lanka’s experience in humanitarian response and crisis management. He emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordination, and adherence to humanitarian norms, citing the 2004 tsunami as a defining moment that underscored Sri Lanka’s resilience and the vital role of both local and international humanitarian cooperation.

MP Mohammed Faizal attended the workshop on “Reducing Methane for Climate and Clean Air: Is it Getting the Attention it Deserves?”. In his remarks, he reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to combating climate change, highlighting national initiatives such as the Carbon Net Zero 2050 Roadmap and Strategic Plan, the Clean Sri Lanka Project, and the country’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He noted that Sri Lanka’s environmental policies reflect the nation’s vision of sustainable development and intergenerational responsibility.

MP Oshani Umanga participated in the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, where she addressed the session on “Parliaments and Gender Equality: Achievements and the Way Forward.” She outlined Sri Lanka’s continued progress in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance.

MPs Shantha Padmakumara and Hesha Withanage actively contributed to the discussions of the Standing Committees, thematic panels, and workshops held during the Assembly, sharing Sri Lanka’s perspectives on issues including food security, migration, climate action, and parliamentary oversight.

Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, participated in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) sessions and other related meetings held alongside the Assembly.

On the sidelines of the event, the Sri Lankan delegation held a bilateral meeting with the delegation of Nepal, led by Rt. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as Parliamentary exchange, education, tourism, and cultural relations.

The delegation also met with the Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Aleinik. The discussions centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, with emphasis on scholarship opportunities for Sri Lankan students in medicine, information technology, and engineering. Both sides also exchanged views on promoting inter-parliamentary collaboration, facilitating high-level exchanges, and expanding trade relations between the two countries.

The 151st IPU Assembly concluded with the adoption of key resolutions and reports at the final session of the IPU Governing Council on 23rd October 2025, reaffirming the collective commitment of Parliaments worldwide to uphold humanitarian norms, promote peace, and advance sustainable development. (Newswire)

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The 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 05-09 April 2025, bringing together Parliamentarians from across the globe to discuss key issues impacting international relations, social development, and governance. 

The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Speaker of the Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, actively participated in the Assembly’s sessions, contributing to global discussions on critical issues facing the world today. 

According to a Parliament statement, this platform provides a unique opportunity for delegates to exchange ideas and formulate actions to address some of the most pressing global challenges.

The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, also addressed the Assembly, marking a significant moment in the proceedings and reaffirming the importance of high-level engagement in inter-parliamentary dialogue.

The Assembly has been convened with the overarching theme of Parliamentary Action for Social Development. Sri Lanka’s Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne addressed the General Debate on 06 April 2025, emphasizing the progressive reforms underway in Sri Lanka. In his speech, he outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing social protection, improving public health, modernizing free education, fostering gender inclusivity, and strengthening governance. Furthermore, he stressed the Parliament’s strict policy of zero tolerance for corruption, as highlighted in the recently approved 2025 Budget. Speaker Wickramaratne underscored that these efforts are pivotal to the country’s social development and justice goals.

Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media, Hansaka Wijemuni, participated in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, where he delivered remarks on the crucial topic, “The Role of Parliaments in Advancing a Two-State Solution in Palestine”. His speech contributed to ongoing deliberations on peace, security, and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Member of Parliament, Anushka Thilakarathne, represented Sri Lanka at the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and actively participated in the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development. She addressed the critical theme, “Parliamentary Strategies to Mitigate the Long-Lasting Impact of Conflict, Including Armed Conflict, on Sustainable Development”, highlighting Sri Lanka’s experiences and policies aimed at promoting long-term peace and stability in post-conflict societies.

On April 7, 2025, Member of Parliament, J. C. Alawathuwala, addressed the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights under the theme Recognizing and Supporting the Victims of Illegal International Adoption and Taking Measures to Prevent this Practice. His intervention contributed to global efforts in advocating for the rights of vulnerable children and ensuring that the international adoption system remains ethical and transparent.

Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, participated in the meetings of the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP), where she made a presentation on Accessibility of Parliament for Disabled People. Her presentation focused on the need for accessibility to committees and parliamentary proceedings in the House, specifically from a Sri Lankan perspective, and highlighted the steps Sri Lanka is taking to ensure inclusivity and equal participation for all citizens, regardless of disability.

The 150th IPU Assembly provided a vibrant platform for dialogue on a wide range of global issues, and the Sri Lankan delegation played an active role in shaping discussions on peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development. The event concluded on 09 April 2025, with the Governing Council Meeting. (Newswire)

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