Sri Lanka Participates in the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly
26-Oct-2025.
The Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation, led by State Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, participated in the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Switzerland from October 19 to 23.
The delegation also included Members of Parliament Oshani Umanga, Santha Padmakumara, Mohamed Faisal, Hesha Withanage, and Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera.
The session was held under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.”
This assembly brought together hundreds of lawmakers from around the world to discuss the role of parliaments in protecting international humanitarian law, strengthening multilateral commitments, and ensuring effective humanitarian responses during conflicts and crises in the context of ongoing global humanitarian challenges.
Speaking on behalf of Sri Lanka, State Minister Sunil Watagala elaborated on Sri Lanka’s experience in humanitarian response and crisis management.
Referring to the 2004 tsunami as a defining moment, he emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordination, and adherence to humanitarian principles, highlighting Sri Lanka’s resilience and the indispensable role of both local and international humanitarian cooperation.
MP Mohamed Faisal participated in the session titled “Reducing Methane for Climate and Clean Air: Is It Getting the Attention It Deserves?”
In his remarks, he reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to combating climate change, referring to national initiatives such as the Carbon Net-Zero by 2050 Roadmap and Strategy, the Clean Sri Lanka Project, and the national pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
He stated that Sri Lanka’s environmental policies reflect the nation’s vision for sustainable development and responsibility toward future generations.
MP Oshani Umanga took part in the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, where she spoke at the session titled “Parliaments and Gender Equality: Achievements and the Way Forward.”
She highlighted Sri Lanka’s continued progress in advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance.
MPs Santha Padmakumara and Hesha Withanage actively contributed to discussions in standing committees, thematic groups, and parallel sessions during the assembly.
They shared Sri Lanka’s positions on key global issues, including food security, migration, climate action, and parliamentary oversight.
Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera also participated in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP) sessions and related meetings held alongside the assembly.
As part of the event, the Sri Lankan delegation held a bilateral meeting with the Nepalese delegation led by Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of Nepal’s National Assembly.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as parliamentary exchanges, education, tourism, and cultural relations.
The delegation also met Sergey Aleinik, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of Belarus.
Talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of education, with special emphasis on scholarship opportunities for Sri Lankan students pursuing medicine, information technology, and engineering in Belarus.
Both sides also discussed strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation, facilitating high-level exchanges, and expanding trade relations between the two nations.
