Government and Opposition lawmakers united to congratulate Speaker Karu Jayasuriya in Parliament yesterday for the honourary title ‘Sasana Keerthi Sri Deshabimani’ conferred on him by the Malwatte Chapter of the Siam Sect.
Chief Government Whip and Minister Gayantha Karunathilake taking the floor at the commencement of the sittings said that it was a well-deserving honour on the Speaker.
“We are extremely happy that the Speaker was honoured by the Malwatte Chapter Chief Prelate and the Sangha Sabha in recognition of his services to the Buddha Saasana and the country.
Previously he was accorded with the ‘Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun’ by Japan and recently, the Abdul Kalam Institute of Technology of India awarded him the title of ‘Pride of Asia’.
We congratulate the Speaker for these achievements. He was a bold leader who appeared steadfastly to protect democracy and the Parliament’s dignity,” said Minister Karunathilake.
Chief Opposition Whip and UPFA MP Mahinda Amaraweera added his compliments to the Speaker on behalf of the Opposition. “This was a unanimous decision of the Malwathu Chapter and the Speaker was selected after careful consideration. It was to appreciate his contribution to protect Buddhism and we wish he would continue to strive for that cause. We wish him well in all his future endeavours,” Amaraweera said.
UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardena, praising the Speaker as a leader who truthfully loves the country, said that he served the country irrespective of political divisions. He added that this award was an incentive for all who strive to work for the welfare of the country and the religion. He wished the Speaker more strength to make the Sri Lankan Parliament a more democratic institution.
UPFA MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the Speaker works with political integrity and has high regard for Buddhist philosophy.
Leader of the House and Minister Lakshman Kiriella, reminding about the Speaker’s bold actions during the time of the Constitutional Crisis in the country in October last year, said the honorary titled conferred on the Speaker is an honour to Parliament. He pointed out that the peaceful resolution of the political crisis was admired in the UNHRC report.
JVP MP Nihal Galappatti taking the floor said that the JVP is happy that the accolade was conferred to a deserving person. Speaker Jayasuriya humbly acknowledged all the views expressed in the House.
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