Hon. Mani Shankar Aiyar, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj (Local Government) in India met members of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) and Panel of Experts at the Peace Secretariat today. Minister Aiyar was accompanied by Indian High Commissioner HE Ms.Nirupama Rao, Deputy High Commissioner A. Manickan, and other officials from the Indian High Commission. Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President also attended the discussion. Hon. Professor Wiswa Warnapala, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and member of the APRC welcomed the Indian Minister.

In his address, Minister Aiyar explained the concept of Panchayati Raj and described its implementation in India. The Panchyati Raj is a system of local democracy through local councils known as Panchayats that has been established by the Indian Constitution. It provides a mechanism for devolution from the central government to people at the local levels. Minister Aiyar provided insights about the methodology, principles, and practical issues regarding this system of devolution. At the conclusion of his address, Minister Aiyar responded to questions from members of the All Party Representative Committee and the Panel of Experts, and offered to provide further assistance and cooperation to them in the future.