The 127^th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly was held in Quebec City, Canada from 21^st to 26^th October 2012. The IPU is an International Organization of Parliamentarians of Sovereign States established in 1889 and, is the focal point for Parliamentarians worldwide to discuss current international issues and a forum to work towards peace and cooperation and, for the maintenance of representative democracy.

The theme of this year’s IPU Assembly was “Citizenship, Identity and Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in a Globalised World”.  Some of the subjects of interest discussed were, Multiculturalism and the Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy, Building Peace after Conflict, Creating Opportunities for Youth in Today’s Global Economy and Plan of Action for Gender Equality.

The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, Leader of the House, and comprised  Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantation Industries and Special Envoy of HE the President of Sri Lanka on Human Rights, Hon. (Mrs.) Sudarshani Fernandopulle MP, Hon. Niroshan Perera, MP  Hon. Annamalai Sivasakthi, MP.   Mr. Neil Iddawala,  the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Mr. Lional Premasiri, Deputy High Commissioner assisted the delegation.

The Sri Lanka Delegation played an active role in the deliberations. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was appointed to the Chair of the Assembly convened for the Debate on  Energy Items.  The Sri Lanka delegation with the initiative of Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe had sent in advance a comprehensive report to the IPU on the current position with regard to cases before the Human Rights Committee. During the Assembly the delegation ensured that the Council was briefed on the situation as  at present, in respect of  the cases.  The Council therefore did not have to consider any resolution on the Sri Lanka cases at the 127^th IPU Assembly held in Quebec City.

Sri Lanka was an active participant in the Coordinating Committee on Women Parliamentarians and  Mrs. Fernandopulle made a presentation  on the role of Women Parliamentarians in Sri Lanka.  Sri Lanka also participated in the discussion on the role of Youth in Politics.

The Sri Lanka Delegation also made use of the  opportunity to brief other delegations on current political and economic developments in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa