Switzerland vows to strengthen parliamentary democracy in SL

Switzerland has vowed to stand ready to assist in strengthening parliamentary democracy in Sri Lanka including providing technology, training and capacity building. 

This was discussed when a cross-party Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva was hosted by Christa Markwalder, President of the National Council, Switzerland at the Switzerland National Parliament in Bern.

During the official meeting, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva briefed the Swiss delegation regarding the steps taken to strengthen the parliament through constitutional amendments in recent times including the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, paving the way for the establishment of the independent commissions, as well as the proposed Constitution and the electoral reforms currently under deliberation. Noting the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva called for cooperation between the two parliaments in the years ahead.  

The President of the National Council Ms. Markwalder, welcoming the Sri Lanka delegation recalled her recent successful visit to Sri Lanka and her interactions with the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the Parliament.