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by Edither G. Perera
(April 24, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Recently the Speaker said that the people should elect suitable representatives to Parliament. He said this, because of the problems he is confronted with certain Members of Parliament in respect of discipline during proceedings. But it is the responsibility of all political parties to screen and select responsible and educated persons to represent the party at the elections in the various electorates. They should have the ability to contribute adequately to debates in Parliament. The voters elect people selected by the Party.
Parliament is the supreme legislature of the country. Laws have to be passed in Parliament, finances have to be approved and vital issues pertaining to the policy of the government in power are debated in this August assembly. All proceedings are not only recorded and published in the Hansard, but wide publicity is also given in the different sectors in the media. Parliament consists of both elected and nominated Members. Since they represent the people, they are accountable to the people. They should set an example because they are the accredited leaders of the country.
Therefore it is of paramount importance that all those in Parliament both the government and the Opposition, irrespective of the post they hold or the party to which they belong, maintain the dignity and decorum of the supreme legislature. Otherwise, it will erode the prestige and image of the Parliament.
Certain Members of Parliament have insulted, made derogatory remarks and used unparliamentary language. Certain members have criticised those not in Parliament and they are not in a position to defend themselves, MPs are unnecessarily heckled when speaking, irrelevant questions are asked and time is wasted. There were instances when MP’s removed the mace, papers were snatched from the Speaker and a certain MP was roughly handled causing injuries in sensitive areas. Public in the gallery, distinguished visitors and sometimes students are watching all this drama and misbehaviour in Parliament. Parliament is adjourned and meetings of party leaders arranged to find solutions and time is unnecessarily wasted, despite the stentorian voice of the affable. Speaker, he has to remind members of the importance of good conduct and has adjourned Parliament on many occasions to restore order in the House. There was that sordid Rupavahini incident to which the TV and media gave wide publicity and was condemned by the citizens of this country.
Gone are the days when Parliament was adorned by stalwarts with impeccable conduct who adhered to traditional convention and the dignity and decorum of parliament. I am reminded of Messrs D. S. Senanayake, Francis Molamure, Susantha Fonseka, John Kotelawala, Dudley Senanayake, M. D. Banda, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, Maithripala Senanayake, Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike, D. M. Rajapaksa, Felix Dias Bandaranaike, W. Dahanayake, N. M. Perera, Philip Gunawardena, Colvin R. De Silva, Pieter Keuneman, S. J. V. Chelvanayagam and G. G. Ponnambalam to mention a few. Their contributions in Parliament were greatly appreciated and copies of the Hansard were in demand especially after important debates.
Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike sold some of his estates to raise funds for the SLFP to contest the 1956 General Election. Mr. Dudley Senanayaka had just a few rupees to his credit in the Bank when he passed away. Mr. C. W. W. Kannangara was in a difficult situation when he was old due to lack of funds and the then government came to his rescue by assisting him financially. There were no pensions for MP’s at that time. Mr. W. Dahanayake travelled by train from Galle to Colombo. The majority of the MP’s lived in a room at ‘Sravasti’ when Parliament was functioning. Integrity of MP’s was at a high level.
I am reminded of an incident which took place in the late Nineteen Fifties. At the 1956 General Election, an employee in the Postal Department was elected as an MP. One day when he was going up the steps in the Old Parliament, he met Sir John coming down. He greeted Sir John by saying, "Hello John". Sir John in his immitable manner, retorted with the choicest of words, which he never expected. He complained to Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. Mr. Bandaranaike was surprised and he told him that he addressed Mr. Kotelawala as Sir John. Such was the magnanimity, regard and respect they had towards fellow Members of Parliament whether they be in the Government or Opposition.
Consequently, it is necessary for all political parties to get together to have Seminars in regard to the responsibilities and duties of the Members of Parliament and ensure significant contributions, for the progress of the people and the country.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
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