In 25 years when Sri Lanka has reached the path of success, the youth could proudly claim that it was the step taken by us today that led to the system change which paved the way for the country’s success, president Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
He made this statement while addressing the orientation workshop for youth representatives of the Sectoral oversight Committees of Parliament held at Waters Edge today (13).
President Wickremesinghe mentioned that the opportunity has been provided to the youth to contribute to the journey towards a developed Sri Lanka in 2048.
Noting that providing youth representatives the chance to participate in the Sectoral Oversight Committees of the Parliament is a novel approach, the president emphasized that it has not yet been done in any country in the world. He also expressed his confidence that this is the system change that the youth demanded and that they will take maximum advantage of this opportunity.
The orientation workshop was organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa also expressed their views during the occasion.
Following the publication of a newspaper advertisement, these youth representatives were chosen for the Sectoral Oversight Committees related to 17 subject areas established in the Parliament.
Accordingly, among the applications received by the Secretary General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, nearly 550 eligible youth representatives between 18-35 years were invited to this workshop.
These Sectoral Oversight Committees function with the participation of Parliamentarians representing all political parties in the Parliament.
According to the provisions of the amended standing orders passed by the Parliament, the Chairperson of a Committee can call five youth representatives each to assist the Committees regarding the inquiries led by these Committees, so it is expected that the youth representatives will be selected in relation to each Committee.
