TISL lauds provision for parties to disclose funding

Download Press Release [Sinhala]

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is extremely pleased to note that certain provisions in the proposed Bill to amend the Parliamentary Elections Act No 1 of 1981 will introduce major changes to political party accountability in the electoral system.

Among such provisions is the requirement for political parties to disclose the source of funders and to submit annual audited accounts. On request, access should be provided for the public to study the audited accounts.

TISL, while lauding the provision that political parties would cease to exist if they do not disclose the source of funding and accounts, considers it a very progressive measure.

“Providing access for the public to study the audited accounts will ensure transparency in transactions of political parties”, says TISL Executive Director J C Weliamuna. He adds that these provisions will help to create an environment leading to good governance. However, he says that information regarding political party funds and accounts should be freely available in the public domain including the election commission web site for easy access.

TISL, while appreciating the provision for parties to lose membership, suggests that the same can be applied to all elected members at all levels of different legislatures, national and provincial for failure to declare assets both before the election and annually thereafter within specified time periods.