Independent commissions have pros and cons: Wajira

Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Wajira Abeywardana cautioned the Parliament yesterday of possible damages that could be caused by independent commissions if they are allowed to intervene extensively in the functions of specific ministries.

Seeking a full-day debate to assess the good and the bad of the independent commissions, the Minister said: “The independent commission we brought provides us with both positive and negative result. The Parliament should see how these independent commissions execute their duties and also assess the damage done to the country. On certain occasions, failing to reply to a letter within a short period delays the Government activities. There are instances it took over six months to reply to a letter.”

The Parliament passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution on 28 April 2015. The strongest feature of the Amendment is the de-politicisation framework that is established with the Constitutional Council and the independent commissions.

“No matter how best the lawmakers present their issues in the Parliament, unless the Speaker is able to resolve them no positive action will be taken. I propose we go for a full-day debate on the independent commissions to talk about the guidelines and the damages these guidelines do. It will come to a point that ministries will not be responsible for the damages incurred as a result of these commissions. The development of the country is held back by these commissions,” lamented Abeywardana.

As per the provisions of the Constitution, there are independent commissions to oversee the public service, Judiciary, Police, elections, and human rights. 

“Imagine we construct a new building with 22 floors and appoint a premises manager, the commission has no knowledge of the role he would play. The commission will want to assign the role of the premises manager to another who has a different job role. The commissions should not be allowed to decide the Government policies. The independent commission should only provide us with the guidelines to operate,” he added. (AH)