Deputy Speaker at Mathisabaya launch:

‘Public’s attitude towards Parliament should change’

Nipuni WIMALAPALA

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Chandima Weerakkody stressed Sri Lanka is one of the best democratic countries in the Asian region. This is the ideal time to highlight the significance of Parliament in terms of forming democracy in the country, since Sri Lanka is hosting the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at the moment.

He was addressing the launching ceremony of the new tabloid journal, Mathisabhaya which is issued along with Dinamina newspaper. The ceremony was held at the Lake House Board Room.

“The public’s attitude towards Parliament should change. The usual image of Parliament which people see via the media is an entire clash among political parties. But this is not the real picture. Through this paper, we hope to make people aware of the country’s political system and the role of Parliament in protecting democracy,” Weerakkody said.

“Students should be educated about the role of Parliament. The public would get a better understanding of the functions of Parliament and the role of the Parliamentary representatives through this paper”, “he further said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena said her ministry is rendering a service to Parliament and its functions in many ways.

“Most of the people are under the impression that the ministry is just facilitating the parliamentary representatives. But we do a broader job in assisting to form certain acts, ordinances and circulars”, the minister said.

She said, the ministry is involved in providing training to MPs and initiating many other programmes through which Parliament is being benefited. Mathisabaya is another initiative to expand their endeavour in making people aware of the political system of the country and the functions and services done by Parliament and the Ministry.

ANCL Editorial Director Seelaratne Senarath said this is another paper which will is published by ANCL as a service to the public.

“This will help people understand the role of Parliament and its role. We are in the service of providing people with educational publications and many other knowledge based newspapers. Mathisabaya will provide a better image of Parliament, its role and its traditions to bring out the best in democracy”, he stressed.