Prime Minister to deliver the 12th Sujata Jayawardena Memorial Oration on “Strengthening Democratic Institutions”

The 12th Sujata Jayawardena Memorial Oration, commenced with a formal academic procession comprising of the deans, professors and other academics of the University of Colombo. The Prime Minister, who was also in ceremonial dress, was accompanied into the hall by the President of the Alumni Association Rajeev Amarasuriya and the Vice Chancellor Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake. Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Mohan De Silva and Past President of the Association Thilak Karunaratne also joined in the procession.

Amarasuriya delivered the welcome address. The President mentioned that the topic for the oration “Strengthening Democratic Institutions” had been selected and conceptualised by the Prime Minister himself, and further that it was clear that the Prime Minister was not driven by short term objectives, but was looking beyond the traditional political fabric in order to build a country which is supervised and guided by institutions, which are independent, transparent and strong within their respective spheres.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo highlighted the plans which are in place to make the University of Colombo a centre of learning in Asia. He also stated that it was an honour to have the only Prime Minister of Sri Lanka who is a product of the Sri Lankan University System and an Alumnus of the University of Colombo to deliver the oration.

Read more from Daily FT: www.ft.lk/article/508577/Prime-Minister-speaks-on-strengthening-democratic-institutions