CPA conference will boost Sri Lanka’s image - Speaker

By Uditha KUMARASINGHE

Scion of a famous political family in Giruwa and Magam Pattu, down South, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa learned his ABC in politics from his father, D.A.Rajapaksa, one time Cabinet Minister in the national legislature who never failed to identify himself with the downtrodden peasantry of the Ruhuna. During his 25-year political career, the Speaker gained a reputation from among the Government and the Opposition Parliamentarians as a politician who always respects parliamentary traditions and the views of all Parliamentarians. His appointment as the ninth Speaker of Parliament on April 22, 2010 since the introduction of the current Constitution in 1978 was a landmark in his political career.

The pivotal role played by him in upholding the dignity and decorum of Sri Lanka’s Parliament provided him the Opportunity to be elected president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at its 57th session held in London on July 28 last year. The Speaker in an interview with the Sunday Observer explained the arrangements made to host the 58th CPA conference in Sri Lanka from September 7 to 15 and other matters relating to Parliamentary business. He said the Government has already finalised arrangements to host the CPA conference and warmly welcome the Commonwealth delegates. The Government’s intention is to hold this conference on a grand scale in displaying Sri Lanka’s hospitality to the world.

The Speaker said that the unity among the Commonwealth countries would help strengthen Parliamentary democracy and share the experience of parliamentary traditions in other countries. The opportunity to host the CPA conference in Sri Lanka would promote mutual understanding between Commonwealth countries in socio- economic and political matters. He said the conference would also be an ideal forum to inspire our parliamentarians to perform their duties based on the ideals of Parliament democracy. The rapport between the local Parliamentarians and their Commonwealth counterparts would eventually help improve our parliamentary system.

The CPA conference would present the opportunity for wider publicity to project the country’s image internationally and showcase its national heritage to the delegates. It would also attract econmic and other benefits to the country. The conference would help the foreign delegates to get first-hand information on the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the country, he said.

Q: Sri Lanka will host the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference this month and Commonwealth Heads of Meeting next year. What is the significance of these events?

A: The situation in the country was unsafe due to the 30-year terrorism. It was difficult to ensure guarantee for life for anyone coming over to the country via airport or harbour. The government eradicated terrorism from the Sri Lanka soil and protected the lives of the people and those visiting Sri Lanka from various parts of the globe. Speakers and Parliamentarians from 54 Commonwealth countries will be in Sri Lanka to participate in the CPA conference. We hope there will be nearly 800 delegates comprising observers, secretaries their spouses and journalists.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Heads of Meeting to be held in Sri Lanka next year is a firm endorsement of the current peaceful environment in the country for the visiting world leaders. The CPA conference would be a rehearsal for these State leaders to visit Sri Lanka next year. When the image of the country is projected through the CPA conference, the people in the Commonwealth countries would be keen to visit Sri Lanka as tourists, historians or environmentalists.

The unity among the Commonwealth countries would help promote Parliamentary democracy and share the experience of parliamentary traditions in other countries. Our parliamentarians could also learn to perform their duties on the ideals of Parliamentary democracy. Eventually we would be able to educate the public on the role of the Parliament and its practices.

According to our electoral system, after every six years, the people have the right to vote for the political party of their choice. If we are still not following good parliamentary practices adopted by other countries, this forum would be an ideal opportunity for us to rectify our shortcomings.

Q: How can we make use of this opportunity to tell the world about our post conflict development and reconciliation activities and plans?

A: The delegates who come to Sri Lanka to attend the CPA conference would get the opportunity to talk to the people. It would help them to dispel certain misconceptions created among them. This would also help project the country’s image. The opportunity thus gained would pave the path to act always in mutual understanding with other Commonwealth countries in socio, economic and political fields.

Q: You were conferred the Presidency of the CPA at its 57th session held in London last year. What kind of plans you have drawn up for the CPA’s 58th session to be held in Sri Lanka as its Chair?

A: The 58th CPA conference will be held from September 7 to 15 under the theme of “Ensuring a relevant Commonwealth for the future”. The official opening of the 58th CPA conference will be held at Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre on September 11 under the patronage of the President. When we organise the conference, we have to act according to the traditions of the CPA.

Several committees have been appointed to share responsibilities among several groups of Parliament officials. The advisory panel is chaired by me while the organising committee and all other committees will function under Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody. We have also discussed with Party Leaders and sought their views to make the event a success. Initiatives have also been taken to promote Sri Lanka’s history and culture during the CPA sessions. Workshops will be held on different topics with foreign delegates and parliamentarians. Such workshops and regional group meetings will be held at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre and BMICH.

An awareness campaign will be launched to market our indigenous products. Facilities will be provided to delegates to visit several locations of historical importance such as Kandy, Sigiriya, Koggala and Colombo. All arrangements have now been finalized and we are waiting to warmly welcome the delegates. The conference will be conducted on a grand scale displaying Sri Lankan hospitality.

The CPA’s mission is to foster the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance. It will be achieved through a Strategic Plan which ensures that CPA activities will continue to meet the changing needs of today’s Parliamentarians. The CPA covers good governance of democracy, elections and human rights while paying special attention to gender sensitizing (through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians) and promoting awareness of parliamentary democracy among the Commonwealth youth.

Q: What are the benefits and experiences gained by our Parliamentarians during reciprocal visits to other Parliaments? What are the lessons we can draw from them?

A: Actually this would provide them the opportunity to get first hand information about the role played by those Parliaments and its members to fulfill their responsibilities to the people. These visits will also give an understanding to our MPs about the plans by those countries to address issues at international level such as global warming. They can also get an idea about the health, education and other key areas in those countries which could in turn share our experiences. This would be an ideal opportunity for our Parliamentarians to go outside their electorates and see the world. Finally it would help them sort out the country’s problems with a broader perspective and make their contribution towards the democratic process in a more productive manner.

Q: There is a perception that the Commonwealth and its institutions are not relevant in today’s world. What is your view?

A: Despite changes, we are still following the system introduced by the British rulers over 1600 years ago. Some countries have changed the system to suit to their countries and yet they have preserved the fundamental ideals of this system. In Parliamentary system, problems are discussed and the majority view is always respected. Under the Parliamentary system, the avenues for dictatorships are restricted to a great extent, since the electoral system can check it.

Q: Do you see an improvement in the conduct and discipline of Parliamentarians? What is the progress of the committee appointed by you under the chairmanship of Senior Minister D.E.W.Gunasekera to make recommendations in this regard?

A: The committee is now in the process of obtaining the views from intellectuals, professionals and retired eminent personalities. The committee will also look into instances where the amendments have to be made on certain Standing Orders of Parliament. It would also recommend the ways and means of ensuring discipline in the House. The discipline is an essential attribute of parliamentary democracy. People are always very keen to see what is happening inside the Parliament. During the sessions, a large number of schoolchildren visit the Parliament. If Parliamentarians behave in a responsible manner, it would go down well in the minds of the students. If an MP misbehaves or questions in an unnecessary manner merely to gain publicity, it would project a dismal picture of our Parliamentary system.

If all MPs act according to the Standing Orders, such unhealthy situations will not occur. Then what the country and the people want to know will be conveyed to them through Parliament. If Parliament conducts its activities in a proper manner it will help strengthen discipline in the country. If MPs misbehave in Parliament, clashes may occur even at village death donation meetings by taking it as an example. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the discipline among Parliamentarians. All Parliament employees are supposed to be independent. Ensuring discipline among MPs would help Parliament employees perform their duties independently.

Q: Judging by the rows of empty seats during House sittings, many members don’t seem to be keen to attend Parliament and make a meaningful contribution. What can be done to improve this situation?

A: This issue will also be taken into consideration by the committee appointed under the chairmanship of Minister D.E.W.Gunasekera. It will look into a methodology of improving the attendance of MPs in Parliament during its sessions. Some MPs who are engaged in other businesses, always tend to apply for leave. However, a system should be introduced to grant no pay for MPs who have taken more leave. As Parliamentarians, every MP has the responsibility to attend Parliamentary sittings regularly to know what is happening in the country and discuss issues. It enables a Parliamentarian to perform his duty to his voters. An MP should properly study views expressed in favour and against and finally make his voters understand the ground reality.

Q: What is the significance of the President coming to Parliament in every three months?

A: Actually it creates an interest in MPs to attend Parliament at least on the day when President himself comes to Parliament. This gives the opportunity to both Government and the Opposition MPs to exchange their views with the President. This would also reduce the gap between the Executive and the legislature. If this practice improves further there will be an opportunity for the MPs to ask questions from the President.

Q: What is the progress with regard to the formation of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the national issue?

A: Some political parties have not proposed their nominees to the PSC. I see a very cordial relationship and mutual understanding among MPs in Parliament whatever the politcal party they represent. I think this mutual understanding can be used to sort out this problem.

If we individually try to sort out this problem, some may agree and some may disagree to the proposals put forward. Each political party has a responsibility to treat this issue as a matter of national importance without taking into account its personal advantages or disadvantages. They should make a joint decision by seriously considering the advantages and disadvantages to the country. This would probably lead to a solution acceptable to the people. Some political parties may not attend the PSC as mutual trust has not been built up so far. When we look into a national issue, it is important that mutual trust should be created.

Q: How do you view the lack of a vibrant Opposition in Parliament?

A: This vibrant opposition should not always confine to numbers. If the limited number of MPs in the Opposition acts according to the hopes and aspirations of the people without expressing their views with hatred, the Opposition can realise most of their objectives which would be beneficial to the people. People watch the manner in which the Opposition members behave in Parliament via television.

More Opposition members are there, but if they don’t speak or properly raise questions on the relevant matters, there is no use of that Opposition. Even a single Opposition member can successfully fulfill his task if he can express his view clearly in or outside Parliament. Then the people will decide what is right and what is wrong. In most occasions, when a reply is given, various unnecessary references are made to counter it with hatred. The people will see it as a clash in Parliament and lose the confidence in both sides.