The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka recently received a standing ovation and a ceremonial welcome during their study tour to the New Zealand Parliament. Warm Reception, This event highlighted the bilateral ties between the two countries and emphasized the importance of female leadership in politics.
Upon arriving at the New Zealand Parliament, the Sri Lankan delegation was greeted with a song of blessing, performed according to the Māori culture of New Zealand by Deputy Speaker Greg O’Connor and other Parliamentarians. The study tour, organized by NDI and sponsored by USAID, aimed at empowering women’s leadership in Sri Lankan politics, securing gender equality, and strengthening actions for the advancement of Sri Lankan women.
While visiting the House of Representatives, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka had the opportunity to witness a New Zealand Parliament session. The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament announced the presence of the Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Member of Parliament (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, and Warm Reception welcomed the delegation. Members of the Sri Lanka Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus were given a standing ovation by the Members of the New Zealand Parliament.
The delegation engaged in discussions with significant figures like the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Adrian Rurawhe, Deputy Speaker Greg O’Connor, and Assistant Speaker Jacqui Dean. Other meetings included discussions with New Zealand’s Minister of Women and Education, Jan Tinetti, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, and various Labor Party members. The Sri Lanka Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus also participated live in the New Zealand Parliament’s Social Service and Community Standing Committee to gain experience.
The study tour included a guided exploration of the New Zealand Parliament and interviews recorded by the New Zealand Parliament’s Communications Team. The visit signifies a step towards stronger collaboration between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in political leadership, governance, and the continued empowerment of women in politics.
The warm reception and extensive engagements of Sri Lanka’s Women Parliamentarians in New Zealand underline a shared vision for women’s empowerment and a robust relationship between the two countries. The learnings and connections made during this study tour are expected to contribute positively to the advancement of women’s leadership in Sri Lanka.
