
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel delivers the opening statement of the 5th session of the 17th Parliament. Photo/ Tenzin Phende/CTA
Dharamshala: The 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile commenced its 5th Session this afternoon in Dharamshala.
The 10-day session is presided over by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering are attended by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Kalons, members of the 17th parliament, and the Secretaries of the respective departments.
Defining the opening day of the fifth session as felicitous and auspicious coinciding with the CTA’s offering of long-life prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel emphasised the importance of dedicated efforts from every Tibetan in fulfilling His Holiness commitments while stressing the benefits of his longevity in the sustenance of Tibetan tradition and culture as well as perpetuating and permeating the Buddhism. He further called for unitary harmony amongst Tibetans led by CTA heads. Moreover, while reminding the prevailing repression inside Tibet, Speaker urged the diasporic Tibetans to appropriately utilise the opportunities of the changing circumstances of international politics and China’s domestic politics which could have a potential impact on resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict.
Finally, he acknowledged the increasing and strengthening number of Tibet supporters in recent years. He further mentioned the significant legislatures on Tibet such as the formation of the Mexican Parliamentary Tibet Support Group, the Inter-parliamentary Group for Tibet in the Spanish Senate, the introduction of a bicameral Tibet bill in the US legislature, along with the endorsement of Tibet’s Middle Way Approach in Canadian House of Commons and successive resolutions on Tibet passed in the UNHRC. Speaker lauded the efforts made by every partaker while imploring a continued and determined effort.

The attendees sing the Tibetan national anthem. Photo/ Tenzin Phende/CTA

Finance Kalon presents 2023-2024 Budget. Photo/ Tenzin Paljor/TPiE

Chairman of Budget Estimate Committee, Parliamentarian Youdon Aukatsang presents the Précis 2023-2024 budget report. Photo/ Tenzin Paljor/TPiE

Parliamentarian Ven Tenpa Yarphel. Photo/ Tenzin Paljor/TPiE

The Parliament in progress. Photo/ Tenzin Paljor/TPiE