CaFFE requests party leaders to support the government’s proposal to broadcast parliamentary sessions live via internet

(July 02, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Campaign for Free ad Fair Elections (CaFFE) commends Minister Dinesh Gunawardane’s proposal to broadcast parliament sessions live via internet and requests all political parties to support this proposal in the coming party leaders meeting. We believe that this step will help the general public to understand the role played by the MPs in the parliament.

Presenting the manner in which the MPs conduct in parliament and the extent of their contribution to the highest decision making institution will help the voters get a better and fuller view of their elected members and this transparency is essential to the well being of representative democracy. By broadcasting parliamentary debates live, without editing, is an internationally accepted practice by many democracies and the attempt to follow this tradition is an attempt by the Sri Lankan legislature to adhere to international norms.

Chief Government Whip, Water Supply and Drainage Minister, Dinesh Gunawardene proposed to the Speaker that the parliamentary proceedings be posted on the Internet on July 1st. The Parliament website, www.parliament.lk, could be used for this purpose.