Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka as a representative for Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) of the Asia Region, participated at the concluding Executive Committee Meeting held on 30th September, virtually and was accompanied by the Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake.
The virtual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) executive committee meeting which was held for three consecutive days, commenced on September 28. The Executive Committee is comprised of Officers of the Association & Regional Representatives of the 9 Regions of the Commonwealth namely; Africa, Asia, Australia, British Islands and Mediterranean, Canada, Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic, India, the Pacific & South- East Asia.
Accordingly, Hon. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana met with the Planning and Review Subcommittee online, on September 29th, where the Committee Members looked into the matters arising with regard to the implementation of the Subcommittee’s previous decisions by the CPA headquarters Secretariate.
The prospects of awarding a ‘Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Award’ as a part of the CPA’s desire to strengthen its advocacy agenda for the promotion of good governance and to identify best practices was discussed at length at this committee meeting held.
Furthermore, a detailed proposal for the establishment of a CPA Alumni was also presented to the Subcommittee for consideration. Following the briefing by the CPA Secretary General, the Subcommittee approved the establishment of a CPA Alumni highlighting the value in supporting new parliamentarians who will benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors.
Following the discussions, the three-day virtual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) executive committee meeting marked its end for the year 2021. Accordingly, the next Mid – Year Executive Committee Meeting for 2022 will be hosted by the Assam Branch, India and that the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) is due to be held in Halifax, Canada from August 20 to 26 in 2022.