A delegation from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International Headquarters met with the Parliament of Sri Lanka from 24 to 28 March as part of a CPA Benchmarks Self-Assessment. The CPA’s Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice and were updated in 2018 to include the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG16 on strong and sustainable democratic institutions.

In recent years, 38 Commonwealth Parliaments have undertaken Self-Assessments against the updated CPA Benchmarks. The Parliament of Sri Lanka is now the 39^th Commonwealth Legislature to do so.

As part of their visit, the CPA delegation met with the Speaker of Parliament, as well as wider Members and staff from the Legislature. The CPA team also held discussions with a range of external stakeholders including representatives of the Sri Lankan Government, the Sri Lanka Election Commission, the offices of the Attorney-General and Auditor-General, as well as civil society organisations and media personnel.

Speaking about the CPA Benchmarks self-assessment, the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr Jagath Wickramaratne, MP, said:

"The Parliament of Sri Lanka is pleased to undertake the CPA Benchmarks Assessment as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening democratic governance. This exercise provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on our practices and ensure that our Parliamentary processes align with the highest international standards."

The CPA Benchmarks Self-Assessment was undertaken by Alexandria Faure, Deputy Clerk at the National Assembly of Seychelles and CPA Headquarters Good Governance Project Manager, Fraser McIntosh.

Following the visit to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a Report from the CPA Benchmarks self-assessment will be formulated with Recommendations for reform to strengthen parliamentary institutions in Sri Lanka. The outcome Report will play an important role in developing the effectiveness of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and contribute to its implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg, said:

“Effective Parliaments are the cornerstone of good governance, and the CPA works to ensure that Legislatures can function to their maximum potential. Self-assessment against the CPA Benchmarks ensures that Parliaments can vigorously scrutinise their practices and procedures to become better performing Legislatures. In addition, the CPA Benchmarks self-assessments have strengthened public outreach, engagement and confidence.”

The CPA Benchmarks self-assessment was supported with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The CPA supports Parliaments to fulfil the outcomes of the self-assessments through CPA Technical Assistance Programmes which could involve updating the Legislature’s Rules of Procedure, training for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, or developing corporate policies and strategic plans. These project outputs will continue strengthening Legislative institutions for improved good governance across the Commonwealth.

To find out more about this project please email hq.sec@cpahq.org. The CPA's Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are also available to download from the CPA website.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.