Government to initiate complete change in existing political environment
[March 6, 2003 - 11.15 GMT]

The Government hopes to initiate a complete change in the existing political environment, by establishing seventeen Oversight Committees, aimed at securing better co-operation in Parliament.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing in Colombo this morning, Government spokesman Prof. G.L. Peiris said, “We presented to party leaders yesterday, a set of comprehensive proposals to strengthen Parliament.”

“We proposed the establishment of seventeen Oversight Committees. One of the most interesting features is that an opposition member of Parliament will be the Chairperson. The standing orders, which were proposed for this, specifically declare that no Minister or Deputy Minister can chair these committees. You will have opposition members chairing these committees. This is a perfect opportunity for members of Parliament who do not hold executive office to get fully involved in the formulation of policy with regard to a whole variety of matters,” he said.

Elaborating further Peiris said each committee would consist of between five and eight Members of Parliament. Parliament can refer to each committee any particular matter having a bearing on the subject that the committee is dealing with. This committee would then be obliged to examine the matter and report back to Parliament within three months. There is also an opportunity for civil society - from Universities, the business sector - to join with the legislature in constructing public policy for the country.

“This is something that can be done immediately, there is no need for a two-thirds majority, there is no long complicated legislative procedure involved. These are changes that can be made by a simple amendment to the standing orders of Parliament. Yesterday the draft amendments to the standing orders were made available to the party leaders. We hope to reach an agreement on March 19, when Parliament next meets”, he said.

“The Oversight committees can even call a Minister or Deputy Minister to rectify issues. The United States has such a system,” Peiris said.

The spokesman added that the week ahead would be an active one in terms of preparations for the forthcoming peace talks to be held in Japan, March 18-21. The next round of talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE will focus on issues such as the proper implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and child recruitment, with political and fiscal issues receiving priority.

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: March 6, 2003  - 11.15 GMT.