A delegation of Sri Lankan parliamentarians has begun a study programme in the United States under a special International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) organised by the U.S. Department of State.
Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the programme, running from September 7 to 19, focuses on U.S. governance and democratic institutions.
The delegation will visit Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Raleigh and Tulsa, engaging with federal, state and local institutions.
According to Abeysinghe, discussions will cover legislative oversight and accountability, parliamentary budget analysis, federal and local governance, economic development, maritime security and trade, electricity management, digital government and responsible AI governance.
The programme includes engagements with institutions such as the Congressional Budget Office, House Democracy Partnership, state legislatures, local governments, technology and innovation organisations and academic institutions.
The delegation includes government MPs Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, Nimal Palihena, Wijesiri Basnayake, Sunil Rajapaksha and Chapika Hettiarachi, along with opposition MPs Dr. Harsha de Silva and Harshana Rajakaruna.
Abeysinghe said MPs D.V. Chanaka and M.M. Nazim Kariapper had been due to participate but withdrew at the last minute.
“For us, it is not simply a visit to observe another country’s system. The real value is to learn, question and identify what lessons can be adapted to our own context in Sri Lanka,” Abeysinghe said.
He thanked the staff of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Parliament’s Protocol Office for assisting with the delegation’s travel arrangements.
Abeysinghe said the visit is fully sponsored by the U.S. government under the IVLP, a programme that has operated since 1940. (Newswire)