President inaugurates 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference today:

Showcasing SL’s post-conflict progress

Sandasen Marasinghe and Rasika Somaratne

* Over 850 Parliamentarians to attend

* Biggest international event after terrorism defeat

The 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference will be officially inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa today. The Conference will bring together 850 Parliamentarians and staff from 54 countries. Speaker and current CPA Chairman Chamal Rajapaksa told the media this will be the biggest event to be held in Sri Lanka since the end of terrorism and an opportunity for the country to showcase first hand the progress made, to global policy makers.

Today is the fifth day of the Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentarians and presiding officers of state or provinces.

The 32nd small branches conference and its executive committee meeting was held at Galadari Hotel yesterday.

During the sessions ‘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’ were discussed.

A cultural show featuring Sri Lanka’s traditional dances and songs native to various parts of the island was held at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre yesterday for the delegates. Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said artistes from various parts of the island performed traditional dances and songs.

This was followed by a dinner hosted by Speaker Rajapaksa for over 1,200 invitees, delegates, 225 members of the Sri Lankan Parliament and dignitaries representing the country in various spheres.

The sessions will be held until September 15.