Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has requested the Hon. Speaker and the leaders of the political parties represented in Parliament to select two members of the Opposition to head the two vital financial committees of COPE and PAC.
It will help to establish financial integrity and fall in line with this highly respected Parliamentary tradition in the Commonwealth TISL said in a letter to the Speaker. Copies of this letter have been sent to all the Party Leaders.
It has been the general practice in all democracies that the financial committees are headed by Members of the Opposition thereby maintaining independence of the august assembly the letter said.
Full text of the letter is follows.
While congratulating you on your unanimous election as Hon. Speaker, we wish to kindly draw your attention to the tasks ahead, particularly to the appointment of vital Parliamentary Committees.
As you know, one of the main responsibilities of the newly elected Parliament is to ensure financial integrity of the country. This is achieved mainly through its financial committees – the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). You are well aware that while the Public Accounts Committee exercises oversight in the financial performance of Government Institutions, COPE ensures the observance of financial discipline in Public Corporations and other Semi – Governmental bodies in which the Government has a financial stake.
It has been the general practice in all democracies that the financial committees are headed by Members of the Opposition thereby maintaining independence of the august assembly. This practice was followed for many years in Sri Lanka with only a few unfortunate exceptions. This tradition should be continued.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) earnestly request the Your Honor and the leaders of the political parties represented in Parliament to revert to the earlier practice and select two members of the Opposition to head these two vital financial committees. It will help to establish financial integrity and fall in line with this highly respected Parliamentary tradition in the Commonwealth.
Full Letter:
Hon. Speaker,
Parliament of Sri Lanka,
Parliament Complex,
Sri Jayawardenapura , Kotte.
Hon. Mr. Speaker,
Chairmen of COPE and PAC
While congratulating you on your unanimous election as Hon. Speaker, we wish to kindly draw your attention to the tasks ahead, particularly to the appointment of vital Parliamentary Committees.
As you know, one of the main responsibilities of the newly elected Parliament is to ensure financial integrity of the country. This is achieved mainly through its financial committees – the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). You are well aware that while the Public Accounts Committee exercises oversight in the financial performance of Government Institutions, COPE ensures the observance of financial discipline in Public Corporations and other Semi-Governmental bodies in which the Government has a financial stake.
It has been the general practice in all democracies that the financial committees are headed by Members of the Opposition thereby maintaining independence of the august assembly. This practice was followed for many years in Sri Lanka with only a few unfortunate exceptions. This tradition should be continued.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) earnestly request the Your Honor and the leaders of the political parties represented in Parliament to revert to the earlier practice and select two members of the Opposition to head these two vital financial committees. It will help to establish financial integrity and fall in line with this highly respected Parliamentary tradition in the Commonwealth.
Thanking you in anticipation,
Yours sincerely,
J C Weliamuna
Executive Director
CC: All the Party Leaders