COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 01 September 2026 – Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, successfully concluded his participation in the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) held in Phnom Penh, the Kingdom of Cambodia, from 26 to 28 August 2026. Accompanied by Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna, Member of Parliament, Speaker Wickramaratne’s presence underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to global parliamentary collaboration and peaceful international relations.
Global Forum for Legislative Leaders
The ISC-2, a high-profile international event, was jointly hosted by the Senate and the National Assembly of Cambodia at the GDT Convention Centre. It brought together a distinguished gathering of legislative leaders, heads of international organizations, and parliamentary delegations from across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and Latin America. The conference convened under the crucial theme: “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully.”
The official proceedings commenced with a royal audience with His Majesty King Preah Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace. Further diplomatic engagements included courtesy calls with the President of the Senate and Chairman of the ISC-2, Hon. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Mohaborvor Thipadei Hun Manet.
Speaker Wickramaratne Advocates for Enduring Peace
Addressing the high-level General Debate, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne delivered a compelling speech, emphasizing the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy as a resilient complement to traditional statecraft. He asserted that legislative bodies must serve as vigilant guardians of democracy and the rule of law, fostering open channels of communication to build trust, even amidst periods of significant political friction.
The Speaker articulated a profound definition of peace, stating that “true, lasting peace cannot exist merely as the absence of war; rather, it demands a foundation built on justice, mutual respect, and inclusive development that leaves no citizen behind.” His remarks resonated with the core theme of the conference, highlighting the interconnectedness of peace, justice, and prosperity.
Furthermore, Speaker Wickramaratne leveraged Sri Lanka’s strategic maritime location to reiterate the nation’s historic foreign policy, firmly rooted in non-alignment, friendship, and peaceful coexistence. He stressed the imperative for unified regional and international solidarity to tackle borderless modern crises such as climate change, cybercrime, and food insecurity, which no single nation can address in isolation. Concluding his intervention, Hon. (Dr.) Wickramaratne affirmed Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, framing the achievement of these global goals as the ultimate vehicle for achieving widespread social justice and shared economic prosperity.
Strengthening Bilateral Parliamentary Ties
During his visit to Cambodia, Speaker Wickramaratne engaged in crucial bilateral discussions with parliamentary counterparts, aiming to bolster Sri Lanka’s diplomatic relations.
- Australia: A productive meeting was held with Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the Parliament of Australia. The two Speakers discussed matters of mutual interest, exploring avenues for further strengthening parliamentary cooperation and the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Australia. They also exchanged views on enhancing collaboration through greater engagement and the sharing of parliamentary experiences and best practices.
- Nepal: Speaker Wickramaratne also met with Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. Discussions focused on the enduring cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal, with a particular emphasis on fortifying bilateral parliamentary ties. Both leaders exchanged views on enhancing cooperation between their respective legislatures and promoting greater interaction and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Phnom Penh Declaration Adopted
The ISC-2 culminated with the formal adoption of the landmark Phnom Penh Declaration. This significant document cements a unified legislative framework dedicated to the peaceful resolution of international differences, marking a collective step towards global harmony. The conference concluded with closing remarks delivered by the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Hon. Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary.
Sri Lanka’s active participation in this international conference reaffirms its role as a responsible member of the global community, committed to fostering peace, stability, and shared prosperity through parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation.
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