MPs accept the need to combat corruption
View(s):Parliamentarians who responded to the invitation by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) to discuss an action plan to combat corruption in Sri Lanka agree that it is a problem that needs to be addressed without delay.
Thirty MPs, mainly from the Opposition were present at the roundtable discussion held at Waters’ Edge on June 6, according to a media release issued by TI.
Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha MP, leader of the Liberal Party – a constituent party of the Government, said that ideas about eliminating corruption had been presented by his party continuously and that he was pleased that some of them are being gradually accepted by the other parties. Stressing the need for Parliament to play an active role in combating corruption, he pointed out that a revision of the Standing Orders was necessary. These should entrench anti-corruption provisions.
He also dealt with the need to reduce the size of the Cabinet. It was impossible for Parliament to perform its oversight function in terms of public finance when a majority of parliamentarians were ministers or part of the Executive, he said.
Leader of the Opposition, Ranil Wickremasinghe expressed his disappointment in not seeing many faces of government MPs. Accepting that corruption is a vital issue, he said that the flow of foreign aid has led to mass scale corruption. Stating that corruption has overtaken people’s sovereignty and terming is as a threat, he pointed out that foreign loans have created an avenue for corruption. When these are obtained or when agreements are signed there is a need for machinery and equipment.
He noted that today foreign loans are obtained through the Export Import Bank at a higher interest which also includes a commission if the money is used for services. People have to repay these loans. When loans pile up, it affects education and health services which have to be curtailed. The country is thus moving in the same direction like Greece, Cyprus and Ireland. During the open forum several Parliamentarians expressed their views and made suggestions which can help combat corruption.
UNP parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapaksha said that the legislature has lost the powers it had after such powers were taken over by the Executive President. He said that corruption happens when the portfolios of Defence and Finance are under the Executive.
UNP parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa stated that the present electoral system had led to the candidates having to spend a lot of money thereby creating a situation where they have to look for big money. He stressed the need for transparency in campaign funds to funding. UPFA parliamentarian Manusha Nanyakkara said that although the subject of corruption is talked about in Parliament, no details are revealed about corrupt activities. The government does not want corruption. Corruption should be exposed, he says.
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