A workshop on ‘Parliament, Press and the Public Building an Effective Relationship’ presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana was held at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo on June 28.
The workshop was conducted with the aim of building a stronger relationship between Parliament, the media and the public and was attended by journalists representing all media institutions affiliated with Parliamentary reporting.
Addressing Parliament journalists, the Speaker said that Parliament journalists have a huge responsibility to disseminate more accurate information in reporting Parliament related matters which is the supreme legislative body.
Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake elaborated on the mechanism of strengthening the relationship between Parliament, media and the public to strengthen democracy. Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera also spoke on the Parliament Secretariat, Parliament Standing Orders and Parliamentary Privileges.
Assistant Secretary-General of Parliament Tikiri K. Jayathilake elaborated on the committee system of Parliament and Director (Legislative Services)/ Director (Communication) (Acting) H.E.Janakatha Silva elaborated on the legislative process and the peculiarities of the usage of language pertaining to matters related to Parliament.
Director (Information Systems and Management) Mahesh Perera said the use of the digital space available in Parliament. Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando explained matters important to journalists in dealing with the Department of the Serjeant-at-Arms. The concerns faced by journalists in carrying out parliamentary reporting and possible solutions were also discussed.
Coordinating Engineer Lalith Adikari was also present at this workshop. The workshop was organised by the Secretariat of Parliament and was sponsored by the National Democratic Institute (NDI).