A Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by COPE Chairman and Member of Parliament Nishantha Samaraweera participated in the UK–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Programme held at the UK Parliament in Westminster from June 16 to 18.

The programme, jointly organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch and the Parliament of Sri Lanka, aimed to enhance cooperation between the two legislatures and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in parliamentary governance and oversight.

The delegation included several Members of Parliament, along with Parliament Secretary-General Kushani Rohanadeera and Serjeant-at-Arms Kushan Sampath Jayarathna.

During the visit, participants engaged in discussions on parliamentary systems, committee structures, legislative scrutiny, public accountability, financial oversight, parliamentary modernisation and public engagement.

The delegation also observed parliamentary proceedings, including Prime Minister’s Questions, and held meetings with members of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, senior parliamentary officials and policy experts.

They further met representatives of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General Stephen Twigg to discuss parliamentary strengthening initiatives and future cooperation.