MPs should uphold dignity of Parliament - Sumathipala

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Parliamentary watchdog expressed satisfaction on the investigations launched by the government on the killings of MPs Joseph Pararajasingham, Nadarajah Raviraj, T. Maheswaran and D.M. Dassanayake.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala who led the Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation to the recent 133rd IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. In this wide ranging interview with the sunday Observer, he talks about IPU expectations, dignity of parliament and why the code of conduct for MPs is something that had to happen from within

Q: What is the final outcome of the IPU session on the killings of Parliamentarians Joseph Pararajasingham, Nadarajah Raviraj, T. Maheswaran and D.M. Dassanayake?

A: We have given a report to the IPU regarding the current legal situation on the killing of MP Pararajasingham. We have gone ahead with the investigation but it has not been finalised yet. The suspects in the Raviraj killing have been in custody since February and March this year. In Maheswaran's killing, the accused has been convicted. In the case of D.M. Dassanayake, the suspects pleaded guilty and were convicted.

From the human rights point of view, the IPU observed that Sri Lanka has improved tremendously during the past six months especially with regard to the outstanding cases where efforts are being made to find the culprits and bring them to book. The IPU was happy that we are making steady progress.

Cases such as those of Lalith Athulathmudali, Gamini Dissanayake, Vijaya Kumaratunga, former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar as well as Neelan Tiruchelvam have not been reported. The IPU wanted certified copies of the final verdict of settled cases. I asked for another four weeks to make submissions with regard to the court proceedings. They were pleased with the outcome, because they had not got comprehensive reports earlier.

Q: You alleged that the political strategy by some UPFA constituents has transformed Parliament into a Lipton Circus. Has this behaviour eroded the dignity of Parliament and if so what are the corrective measures?

A: MPs must be aware of their role as Parliamentarians. We can expect public protests opposite the the UGC, Lipton Circus or the Fort Railway Station. But within the precincts of Parliament, we have to debate, pass new resolutions and enactments. The Legislature should be our priority. If there is any injustice to a party or MP, he can address the Speaker. There are measures that can be taken as an MP.

Q: The Government has many development priorities, specially in foreign policy, foreign trade promotion and human rights. Don't you think the radical politics of the joint opposition is an obstacle?

A: When the government has more than a two-thirds majority in Parliament, around 25 to 30 members are in the Opposition. Parliamentarians can express their views in Parliament. If there is dissension it can be addressed democratically.. But they can't over-react and demean the institution.

Q: There are the pros and cons regarding the live telecast of parliamentary proceedings. Considering the dramas and pandemonium launched by certain MPs, do you think, it is advisable to continue this practice?

A: It is appropriate to telecast live Parliamentary proceedings and MPs who shout for no reason will then be exposed.

Q : Is there any agreement on the seating arrangements now? Exactly how many members are in the Opposition?

A: We have only 123 seats on each side. When the government has more than 121 members, obviously some government MPs have to sit on the side of the Opposition. Apart from that, it is based on seniority.

Q: There have been a lot of disputes over speaking lists and slots. Will you sort it out?

A: This is not an issue and a section of the UPFA blow it out of proportion. Most of the time they ask for time, but they are not in the Chamber at the end of the day to speak. Every MP is given the opportunity to speak. The issue is that certain UPFA members have a problem with regard to their identity.

Q: What is the progress of the Code of Conduct for MPs that has been proposed? In the UK, after which our Parliament is modelled, selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership are the values on which the Code of Conduct is based. Will you be looking at such models when drafting the Code of Conduct?

A: We don't need examples from other countries. It has to be self-regulated.

The Code of Conduct is something that has to happen within us. We must think whether we are serving the people or we have come to Parliament to do something else. Our behaviour and Code of Conduct is something that matters to society at the end of the day. The government is keen to introduce a Code of Conduct.

If each political party has a Code of Conduct within the party, Parliament has a very small role to play, when the Code of Conduct is placed before it.

Q: It has been observed that a large number of MPs are absent even in very important debates. Is there any way that MPs could be urged to be more involved in Parliamentary debates and the various Select Committees?

A: Attendance should be made mandatory. Young Parliamentarians who have been elected to Parliament have to be in the Chamber full time. They must follow debates. If all Parliamentary debates are telecast live, obviously MPs will be happy to be in parliament.

Q: Many MPs and even Ministers in the current Parliament have been tainted with fraud, violence or other allegations. What should be done to ensure that only clean candidates are elected at least at the next General Election?

A: I think it is a sort of process that commenced on August 17. It was just not an event. The percentage of the people who are genuine and honest will have to be increased. That percentage of representation will come automatically over the next 20 years. You need to have visionary leaders who can transform this country into a developed one.

Q: Now that the composition of most Commissions has been announced. What are the next steps?

A: Those Commissions will have to function as independent bodies. Everyone will have his own responsibilities and we expect him to be impartial.

I think the country will experience a regime of justice and fairplay and there will be tangible results within the next two years. The Independent Commissions are expected to make a huge difference.

Q: One should have a valid passport for foreign travel. MP Wimal Weerawansa was caught at the Airport with an invalid passport and was later produced in court. Is this not a bad reflection on the dignity of Parliament?

A: That was an unnecessary problem. Now he is on bail and there is a case. I don't want to comment on it. But the overall impression of that incident is bad for Parliament practice.

Q: A section of academics, trade unionists and the masses have condemned the appointment of defeated parliamentarians for ministerial posts. What are your views?

A: If you look at it technically, it is illegal to appoint defeated candidates from the National List. But it has happened from 1988. When you are an MP, you represent your party.

The party has Ministerial positions. Most UPFA members were defeated because of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The people who were with the party were sidelined and those who personally supported him were promoted.

Obviously, that was not fair. Most of the UPFA candidates were defeated because they didn't trail behind Mahinda Rajapaksa. That was a bad move. You can't favour only a segment of people in the party.

(Pic by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa)