By Rushika Rodrigo

Under the patronage of Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament, the student Parliament of MDH Jayawardhana College, Battaramulla, recently held its inaugural session at the college’s main hall. The program was organized by the school in partnership with the Communication Department of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The Zonal Education Director of Sri Jayewardenepura Zone, Mrs. Samanmali Dinamuni also attended the event.

The Program aimed to raise awareness among students about the functioning of Parliament and the values of democracy practiced in parliamentary procedures. Addressing the student Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera explained the parliamentary process and its functions, sharing her views and suggestions for the student Parliament to reflect the values and structure of the national Parliament. She further suggested appointing a group, representing the opposition in addition to government members in order to instill a deeper understanding of democratic principles in students.

The inaugural session commenced with the election of the Speaker, followed by the Prime Minister, along with the Cabinet of Ministers and Members of Parliament who formally took their oaths. Thereafter, proposals for future plans to be implemented were presented by each Minister of the student Parliament under their respective Ministries.

With the participation of Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the official badges were then conferred on the student representatives of the Parliament.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Samanmali Dinamuni,emphasized the Importance of student Parliaments being conducted more actively for students to gain in-depth knowledge of democracy, ultimately contributing to future success.

Also present at the event were Mrs. Wasana Hettiarachchi, Deputy Director of Education (Social Sciences) of Sri Jayewardenepura Zone, Mrs. Vijitha Lakshmi Liyanage, Principal of MDH Jayawardhana College, Mrs. R.C. Iddamalgoda, Deputy Principal, together with members of the academic staff, students, and parents.