US funds $ 14 mn for democracy

The United States has granted USD 14 million for the implementation of democratic reforms in Sri Lanka, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said today.

The Speaker told the Daily Mirror this was meant for the improvement of the committee system of Parliament, the capacity development of the MPs and others.

He said much progress had been made regarding the revision of the Standing Orders governing Parliamentary businesses.

He said he was in the United States recently to discuss matters in this regard. The Speaker noted that he maintained excellent relations with all the countries. (Kelum Bandara)