Karu calls on President to reinstate oversight committees and strengthen democracy

Tuesday, 10 December 2024 03:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

National Movement for a Just Society (NMSJ) patron and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has appealed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to restore key democratic practices within Parliament.

In a letter addressed to the President, Jayasuriya urged the Government to reinstate oversight mechanisms such as the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Sectoral Oversight Committees, describing them as essential for ensuring transparency and maintaining public trust in governance. The letter highlighted the importance of entrusting the chairmanship of COPE to a member of the Opposition, a practice successfully implemented during the Eighth Parliament from 2015 to 2020. Jayasuriya noted the significant contributions of Opposition-led oversight committees during that period, which functioned effectively even as the ruling party held the majority in the committees.

Such practices, he argued, not only guaranteed accountability but also bolstered public confidence in Government operations. Jayasuriya expressed regret over the deliberate dismantling of democratic traditions during the Ninth Parliament, which had a two-thirds majority. He lamented the abolition of Sectoral Oversight Committees, which previously operated with cross-party representation and allowed for public engagement, including participation from young people. These committees, he asserted, were exemplary in their efficiency and effectiveness, offering a distinctive platform for inclusive governance.

The letter also addressed recent discussions on introducing alternative models to replace the oversight committees. Jayasuriya warned that such changes could undermine the transparency and inclusivity that these committees represented. He reminded the President of the mandate he and the National People’s Power (NPP) received from the electorate, which was based on pledges to protect and strengthen democratic principles.

Reflecting on the historical context of Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary oversight framework, Jayasuriya emphasised the role of civil society in initiating reforms such as the 17th Amendment, which laid the foundation for independent commissions and impartial governance. However, he noted that these achievements were later weakened by the 18th and 20th Amendments, which eroded the checks and balances vital to a functioning democracy.

Jayasuriya also recalled the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) collaboration with Opposition forces and civil society during Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s Presidency. This partnership, he argued, demonstrated the potential of collective efforts to uphold democratic values, even during politically challenging times.

The letter underscored the urgent need for the Government to adhere to its democratic commitments. Jayasuriya called for the reinstatement of Sectoral Oversight Committees and the restoration of Opposition leadership in key oversight bodies, asserting that these measures would rebuild public trust and safeguard Sri Lanka’s democratic heritage. He cautioned that any deviation from these principles could harm the Government’s credibility and erode public confidence.