‘Lanka making headway in solving post-conflict issues’

CPC will bring fame, benefits to Sri Lanka:

Sandasen MARASINGHE and Rasika SOMARATNE

The 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) was a success and will bring fame and benefits to Sri Lanka, Deputy Speaker and 58th CPA Conference Organising Committee president Chandima Weerakkody said.

He made this observation at a press conference after the closing ceremony of the Conference yesterday.

“A number of topics important to the entire Commonwealth were discussed. The sessions ended successfully under the leadership of the President of the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference and Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa,” Weerakkody said.

He said in addition to the objectives of the Commonwealth Conference, one of the greatest benefits earned was that the delegates who visited various parts of the country, understood the reality that the reconciliation, development and resettlement programmes were moving forward vibrantly.

The delegates realised that the country is going forward in the correct path which will finally result in a united and a peaceful nation, the Deputy Speaker said. He said the delegates’ responses on the tours were much higher than expected.

“They had an opportunity to talk to the common masses and people’s representatives in these areas. The delegates commented not only about the development and reconciliation in the North, but also about the opportunity to tour other areas as well.

Most said they decided to tour Sri Lanka in the future with their family members,” Weerakkody said.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association President Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, CPA Secretary - General Dr William F Shija, CPA Executive Committee chairman Sir Allan Haselhurst, Deputy Speaker and President of the Organising Committee of the 58th CPA Conference and Deputy Chairman of Committees Chandrakumar Murugesu were also present.