New authority to expel MPs for misconduct: Minister
Colombo (LNW): Plans are underway for the establishment of an independent Parliamentary Standards Authority with the remit to dismiss MPs found guilty of serious misconduct, announced Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
This move, aligning with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s perspective, is aimed at drafting a code of conduct for Sri Lankan MPs and establishing an oversight body to boost public trust and ensure accountability, the Minister noted.
The preliminary draft received cabinet approval, and feedback will be sought from the Speaker and all Party Leaders.
This proposed body, possessing quasi-judicial powers, will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, excluding any political figures.
Currently, MPs found guilty of corruption face limited penalties, such as a short ban from parliamentary sessions.
The new legislation will also mandate transparency in MPs’ financial expenditures.
The President has formed a committee, led by former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, to offer insights on this new authority’s establishment.
Its roles will span overseeing MP remuneration, implementing the MP code of conduct, and conducting disciplinary proceedings.
The overarching aim is to foster integrity, transparency, and professionalism amongst MPs.
