PARLIAMENT

The Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus Annual Meeting – 2023 which began in Colombo had its inaugural opening recently (Oct. 09) in Parliament. The meeting of the Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus is held under the theme "Inclusivity & Diversity in Gender Equality in Parliaments in Asia".

Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ajith Rajapakse, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Chair of the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament delegates of the Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus, government officials of several foreign countries participated at the event held.

The officials who participated also commented on the importance of standing up against the various violence against women, including war situations, as well as the importance of creating gender equality in the world.

The policy decisions taken and the services rendered for the betterment of women in Sri Lanka through the creation of the Sri Lanka Women Parliamentarians' Caucus was also remembered at this occasion.

Tokens of appreciation were presented to Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Chair of the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus and Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament for their assistance in making the Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus Annual Meeting a success.

Members of the Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus, who joined a tour of the Parliament, also posed for a group photo.

The Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus then participated in discussions with the Election Commission, government institutions, non-governmental organizations and members of civil organizations as well as join several observation tours.

The Women Parliamentarians' Caucus has organized this year's annual meeting together with the Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus.