19/02/2026
🔷 Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation Participates in the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference, 2nd Joint CPA Asia Camp, South-East Asia Regional Conference in Karachi, Pakistan
A Parliamentary Delegation from Sri Lanka, led by the Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, MP, Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees, participated in the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Regional Conference , 2nd Joint CPA Asia Camp; South-East Asia Regional Conference, held from 3–7 February 2026 in Karachi, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, hosted by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh under the theme “Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace.”
The Sri Lankan delegation comprised the Hon. Arkam Ilyas, MP, Deputy Minister of Power; the Hon. Ajith Agalakada, MP; the Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake, MP; and the Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, MP. The Opening Ceremony held on 3rd February 2026 was graced by the Hon. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and the conference brought together Presiding Officers, Parliamentarians and Parliamentary officials from across Asia and South-East Asia, including representatives from Pakistan, Maldives and Malaysia and several provincial and state legislatures.
During Plenary Session I on “Peace and Democratic Trust: Parliaments as Engines of Reconciliation,” the Hon. Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih highlighted Sri Lanka’s experience in rebuilding democratic trust following recent economic and political challenges. He emphasized that modern Parliaments must function as institutions that listen, promote dialogue and strengthen accountability through transparency, inclusive oversight committees, anti-corruption mechanisms and youth engagement, noting that reconciliation and trust are essential foundations for lasting peace and democratic stability.
At the breakout session on “Parliamentary Education: Inculcating Democratic Principles in Everyday Living,” the Deputy Speaker explained Sri Lanka’s structured civic education framework, student Parliament programmes, youth Parliament initiatives and public outreach activities of Parliament, underscoring the importance of educating citizens from school level to adulthood on democratic governance and Parliamentary accountability.
The Hon. Arkam Ilyas, MP, Deputy Minister of Power; the Hon. Ajith Agalakada, MP; the Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake, MP; and the Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, MP participated in the sessions on the topics “Parliaments as Vanguards of Peaceful and Harmonious Societies: The Rise of Fake News, AI and Misinformation”, “Legislating for Survival: Climate Resilience and Vulnerable Voices”, and “Gender, Tech and Trust: Protecting Women Leaders from Online Violence and Digital Manipulation”, and made contributions.
At the Closing Ceremony, the Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, MP, Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing appreciation to the CPA Asia Region, the CPA Sindh Branch and the Parliament of Pakistan for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements. He noted that the conference provided a valuable platform for dialogue and peer learning, reaffirmed the importance of strong Parliaments in safeguarding democratic values, and emphasized the need to carry forward the spirit of cooperation and shared commitment fostered in Karachi for the benefit of citizens across the Commonwealth.
The Conference concluded with the adoption of the Karachi Declaration, in which participating delegations reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, Parliamentary accountability, inclusivity, responsible innovation and sustainable peace, while recognizing the need for transparent, participatory and forward looking Parliaments to address challenges such as declining public trust, misinformation, social exclusion, climate vulnerability and rapid technological change through cooperation and Parliamentary diplomacy.
