Speaker hailed for honorary title

Friday, 22 March 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Both sides of Parliament yesterday joined together to praise Speaker Karu Jayasuriya for his integrity and commitment to Buddhism.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

Jayasuriya was recently conferred with the honorary title of Sasana Keerthi Sri Deshabimani by the Malwatte Chapter at the Mawatte Viharaya in Kandy, for succeeding in establishing democracy and the rule of law amidst a tumultuous situation in Parliament, overcoming difficulties and challenges

Lands and Parliamentary Reforms Minister and Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunathileka, opening the floor, said: “We are extremely happy that the Speaker was honoured by the Malwatta Chapter Chief Prelate and the Sangha Sabha in recognition of his services to the Buddha Sasana and the country.” During the recent past, Jayasuriya was conferred with the ‘Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun’ by the Government of Japan and the Abdul Kalam Institute of Technology of India with the title ‘Pride of Asia’.

Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Minister and Leader of the House of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella reminded the House of the bold and fearless actions of Speaker Karu Jayasuriya during the constitutional crisis. “The honorary title conferred to the Speaker is an honour to Parliament. The peaceful resolution of the political crisis was admired in the UNHRC report,” he said.

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) lawmaker and Chief Opposition Whip Mahinda Amaraweera also commended the Speaker who appeared steadfastly to protect democracy and the Parliament’s dignity.

“It was a unanimous decision of the Malwatte Chapter to award the Speaker who was selected after careful consideration. This is a title given to appreciate his contribution to protect Buddhism. We wish he would continue to strive for that cause. We wish him well for all his future endeavours,” said MP Amaraweera.

UPFA lawmaker Bandula Gunawardana, praising the Speaker as a leader who truly loves the country, said that he served the country irrespective of political divisions. “This award was an incentive for all who try to work for the welfare of the country and the religion. I wish you more strength to make Sri Lanka Parliament a more democratic institution,” held MP Gunawardana.