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| Wednesday, 6 August 2003 |
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A visiting delegation from the United Nations Development Programme to conduct a needs assessment of modernisation needs of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, met with Constitutional Affairs Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris to discuss his views on the subject. The high-powered team was led by Former Vice President and one time President of the Senate of Uruguay Hugo Fernandez who is currently the Ambassador of Uruguay to the United States of America. The team included Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Anders Johnson, former Clerk of the British Parliament John Sweetman and Project Manager of the Swedish Parliament Bodil Wennerlund. The team was accompanied by Resident Representative of the UNDP Mission to Sri Lanka Miguel Bermeo. Prof. Peiris explained to the United Nations delegation a series of initiatives by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with regard to the strengthening of Parliament, the release said. Prof. Peiris who is currently heading a sub-committee appointed by the Speaker to evaluate the efficient functioning of parliamentary committees, briefed the team on the current situation in Sri Lanka, and how a strengthened parliament can help reduce political polarisation in the country and help us to achieve our aspirations in the areas of peace, democracy and development. He stressed the need for rationalisation of the committee system, and the need for more funds, staff, and equipment for the committees to function effectively, a press release said. Prof. Peiris, explained the 14 oversight committees that have been proposed by the parliament. The committees will be established on a sectoral basis. The committees will include 4-8 members of Parliament, and to ensure transparency, will be chaired by a member of the Opposition. There is also a proposal to enable each Committee to co-opt up to three members from civil society to serve as consultants. Other facilities will include interns to conduct research as required. Prof. Peiris also confirmed that his sub-committee is now looking at the possibility of allowing media access to the deliberations of the oversight committees. Other measures that the Government is now strengthening to achieve higher levels of democracy in the country include strengthening the Auditor General's Department, and the establishment of new Audit Commission for increased financial accountability of government institutions. Among other measures, an important proposal to strengthen and decentralize the functioning of the Ombudsman according to regions or subject matter is now under consideration. The strengthening of the Human Rights Commission and institutionalising the availability of legal aid to all segments of society are also priorities. Although there are well-developed justice institutions in the country, the question of social equity in accessing judicial services needs urgent attention. The necessity to make the Bribery and Corruption Commission more effective was also mentioned. Increasing the number of Commissioners from three to five with a quorum of three, is one of the amendments that the government is now considering to enable the Commission to meet more frequently. Prof. Peiris emphasised the need for cumulative thrust in all of the above areas to enable Sri Lanka to achieve its hopes and aspirations in achieving lasting peace and economic growth. He thanked the United Nations Development Programme for its continued interest in assisting Sri Lanka in its effort to become a democratic nation where the rights of all its people are protected through a modernised Parliament. |
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