Use CPA Small Branches conference as platform - Sir Alan Haselhurst

Rasika Somarathna

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee chairperson, British MP Sir Alan Haselhurst called legislators of small states within Commonwealth to use the CPA Small Branches conference opened in Colombo yesterday as a platform to build closer connections between their nations for mutual benefit.

Sir Haselhurst addressing the opening ceremony of the 32nd CPA Small Branches conference at Hotel Galadari, noted that means of communications between small nations within Commonwealth need improvement. While stating there is a good blend of smaller and larger states within the Commonwealth he noted that the opportunity for Parliamentarians and staff to interact with each other during the course of the 58th CPA conference in Colombo will help to build bridges and establish closer links.

In this regard, the topics chosen for deliberations at the 32nd Small Branches Conference was very relevant not only for smaller countries but also for larger states, he added.

Sir Haselhurst on the occasion also praised the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to organize the event.

While noting that this has been one of the warmest welcomes he has ever received an MP from UK said that Sri Lanka has made all efforts in their own traditional style to make the conference a success.

“It is evident to all, the effort that has gone into to organize the conference and it is much appreciated” he added.

Speaker and President of the CPA, Chamal Rajapaksa speaking during the opening ceremony identified the conference as an opportunity to discuss and find remedies to present day challenges faced by small states within the commonwealth.

“We are witnessing today rapid changes in global economics and politics. Globalization and liberation of the international economy has gathered an irreversible momentum.

In some areas borders are melting as groups of nations merge on economic interest.”

“Many countries, especially smaller nations’ economies are experiencing hardships.

“These are looking for answers to protect economic wellbeing of their people” he added.

Speaker Rajapaksa said that in the face of these new challenges it was important for small countries to build better connections among themselves and with bigger states.

For this purpose he added that it was important to ensure that channels of communications remain open and vibrant at all times and added that the conference will be an ideal opportunity to ensure the above.

The two day small branches conference is attended by over 20 nations with a population of less than 500,000. The topics for discussion are ensuring adequate Parliamentary scrutiny of foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the impact of the informal economy on economic diversification in small states, strategies to increase women’s representation in parliaments in small states and measuring progress and well-being beyond GDP in small states.

In addition a meeting of the CPA Executive Committee too was held at the same location yesterday.