UK and Sri Lanka Strengthen Parliamentary Ties through “Partners through Parliament” Governance Exchange

LONDON, United Kingdom – A high-level delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka is on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom this week under the theme “Partners through Parliament” Governance Exchange, aimed at strengthening parliamentary collaboration and advancing good governance.

The delegation, led by Hon. (Dr) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament, includes Hon. (Dr) Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip; Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice and National Integration and President of the UK–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association; Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs and Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus; and Mr. Hansa Abeyratne, Assistant Secretary General of Parliament.

Facilitated by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and funded by UK International Development, the visit focuses on institutional frameworks that strengthen transparency, accountability, and legislative effectiveness.

A key area of discussion is post-legislative scrutiny (PLS)—the systematic review of laws after enactment to ensure they achieve intended outcomes and serve citizens effectively. The Sri Lankan delegation is engaging with UK parliamentarians, committee staff, and oversight bodies to understand how PLS contributes to improved governance, including anti-corruption efforts.

During the visit, the delegation will also meet with senior UK government officials, including Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), to discuss ongoing UK–Sri Lanka cooperation and shared priorities in democratic governance.