During our tenure we were able to stand up for Parliament Democracy

Karu Jayasuriya, the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament, said that he was able to execute significant duties in the democratic process of the Parliament during the past four and a half years.

Speaking at a function held at the Parliamentary Complex March (06), he said that Parliament of Sri Lanka is respected worldwide as an exemplary parliament.

The ceremony was held to felicitate the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees Ananda Kumarasiri and Deputy Chairperson of Committees Selvam
Adaikkalanathan of the Eighth Parliament.

Speaking further Jayasuriya said he was able to keep his hands clean since his entry to politics and expressed his gratitude to the Parliament staff for the support extended to him
during challenging times. Further he requested the public to elect representatives who are worth of being addressed as ‘’honorable member’’ at the next general election.

Also, he stated the importance of the Sectoral Oversight Committees of Parliament and said these committees must be implemented in the future as well.

He pointed out that the Parliamentary Select Committees had made a major contribution to extinguish the flames of racism caused by the Easter Sunday attacks. He also thanked
the Secretary General of Parliament and the staff for their assistance in carrying out their duties.

Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri said that the Parliament of Sri Lanka has played an important role in upholding the principles of democracy. He added that being able to
update the Standing Orders of Parliament was a great achievement.

Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Eighth Parliament Selvam Adaikkalanathan thanked the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Secretary General of Parliament and the staff
for their support.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake extended his gratitude to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees
for safeguarding the traditions of the Parliament and for establishing a quality Parliament.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri and Deputy Chairman of Committees Selvam Adaikalanathan were felicitated by Secretary General of Parliament
Dhammika Dassanayake, Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff Neil Iddawala, Assistant Secretary General Kushani Rohanadheera and Assistant Secretary
General Tikiri K. Jayatilake.

Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff Neil Iddawala also addressed the gathering. Heads of the Departments of Parliament and other staff were present at the
occasion.