Department of Communication
In recent years, the work of the Parliament of Sri Lanka has become more accessible and transparent. Hundreds of thousands of people, including school children visit the Parliament each year. With the passage of new standing orders of Parliament Committee system has been expanded with a number of new Committees to be established shortly. These Committees will welcome public representation and participation, which may draw even greater focus on the work of Parliament.
Newly established Department of Communication comprised with qualified professionals is a key to assure that highest standards of information on Parliament can be effectively communicated to the people of Sri Lanka thereby strengthening the concept of public outreach as well.Vision: Enhanced quality of interaction between the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Parliamentarians and citizens, media, civil society organizations and community groups
Vision: Enhanced quality of interaction between the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Parliamentarians and citizens, media, civil society organizations and community groups
Mission:
To increase public awareness and participation in the work of the Parliament.
To empower citizens with knowledge and information on important issues and parliamentary decisions.
To institutionalize and ensure sustainability of the Parliament's public outreach and communication effort.
In recent years, the work of the Parliament of Sri Lanka has become more accessible and transparent. Hundreds of thousands of people, including school children, visit the Parliament building each year. With the Parliament's Committees now welcoming public participation there will be even greater focus on the work of Parliament.
A variety of service units and a multitude of staff in the Parliament are providing direct communications services as well as online and media contact with the public. There was a clear need to establish a dedicated Communications Directorate within Parliament to coordinate the growing engagement with the public. Much great communications work in the parliament is being duplicated from different sources, with gaps identified in other areas. Now the Communications Department has ensured that there is a clear message coming from the Parliament, with ownership by Members, officials and staff.
The media who convey Parliament's activities to Sri Lankans throughout the country need to have access to timely and accurate information. We know historically that public views about parliament, its Members and their work can vary greatly. There can also be mixed perceptions about the role of Members generally and within Parliament and about their responsibilities and about the role of Parliament. A functioning, professional Communications Department is a key to ensuring the highest standard of Parliament conveyed openly to the people of Sri Lanka.
Communications Director, Parliament of Sri Lanka
The Communication Director direct the development of an efficient Parliament where stakeholders have access to relevant information and can utilise communication technologies to perform their functions of law making, representation, communication and oversight effectively, with quality engagement from the public and media. The director will refine and deliver a communications strategy across the entire spectrum of communication disciplines including: media, visitor services, public relations, brand marketing, advertising, digital/social media and production of materials.
The Parliament has now taken possession of a major building, which is being developed into an offsite satellite Parliament Visitor & Media Centre. The Communications Director oversee the efficient operations and staffing of this center ensuring all visitors, media and existing parliament stakeholders enjoy the highest quality service and experiences.
Media Manager
Managing the department's communications, making sure Parliament is heard and branded with a clear, consistent voice, design and carry out the communications strategy, Pro-actively manage media profile and presence, identifying opportunities for engagement and designing communications plans. The Media manager assist in project managing, editing, and pitching larger-scale publication projects such as Parliament brochures, coffee table book and flagship reports such as design of annual report.
The manager has to act as editor of Annual Report, new blogs, commissioning and editing articles from researchers and experts on parliament issues. Lead on audio-visual materials, including producing videos, photos, podcasts of events and other Parliament activities. The manager represent as required high-level officer engagement with media associations and editors; produce professional television commercial for major TV showing a modern, people-centered, welcoming Sri Lankan Parliament.
Media Officer(s)
The Media Officers draft and pitch press releases, work with Parliament/Committee teams on public comments, as well as summarizing research and publications for public dissemination. The Media Officer(s) assist media using media center equipment / studio, assist events and briefings held in Media Centre.
Day to day management of communications channels, including website updates, co-ordination with other content providers to the website and multiple social media accounts (twitter, facebook, youtube).
Take photographs, videos and sound grabs as required, help organize and manage events, including logistics, marketing and press around launches and produce interactive media materials for students/visitors.
Public Outreach Team
Hundreds of people with a huge range of skills, experience and backgrounds work behind the scenes supporting a thriving Parliamentary democracy in many different ways.
The Public Outreach team is part of the wider Communications Department Team which opens up Parliament, engages people in the work that happens here, and signposts opportunities to get involved. We are politically impartial and take great pride in the vision and values which guide our work.
They deliver a portfolio of tours about contemporary democracy and the Sri Lankan Parliament today, as well as hundreds of years of parliamentary history in Sri Lanka. This includes both education tours targeted at school students, general public tours and specialist tours. We also provide essential welcome and access services that enable hundreds of thousands of visitors to engage with Parliament each year, whether coming to watch a debate, meet their MP or attend an event.
Public Outreach Manager
The Public Outreach Manager oversee welcoming visitors from around the world into the Parliament and the new Visitor Centre, develop and train team of Outreach officers to deliver inspiring tours and public engagement activities. Offer meaningful and rich visit experiences to all audiences, including Sri Lanka citizens, overseas visitors and those who are disengaged from mainstream politics.
Encourage future generations of voters to play their part as informed, engaged citizens, support all public engagement activity from events to talks and tour content .The manager establish mock parliament and meaningful activities at the Visitor Centre and establish an interim Parliament Museum at the Visitor Centre. Take the lead in management of the new Parliament Museum. While overseeing the development of a mobile parliament outreach module, liaise with the Education Ministry's School Parliament programme, education bodies and schools to enhance student civic engagement at Parliament.
Public Outreach Officer(s)
Primary job of the Public Outreach officers are to welcome visitors from around the world into the Parliament and the new Visitor Centre. Manage the day to day operations of the team including the delivery of the tours programme and offer meaningful and rich visit experiences to all audiences, including Sri Lanka citizens, overseas visitors and those who are disengaged from mainstream politics.
They encourage future generations of voters to play their part as informed, engaged citizens and support all public engagement activity from events to talks and tour content.
Establishment of mock parliament and meaningful activities at the Visitor Centre and Establishment of an interim Parliament Museum at the Visitor Centre are primary responsibilities of the Public Outreach officers.
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