News
MP’s Code of Conduct to be adopted shortly
View(s):The draft Code of Conduct (CoC) for Sri Lanka’s lawmakers, which was circulated among MPs in April. will be adopted shortly, a senior Parliamentary official said.
“The adoption of the CoC was discussed by party leaders this week and, with a few amendments suggested by MPs, it would be put to the House and adopted within the next few weeks,” the official said.
The CoC comprises eight sections namely, purpose of the code, scope of the code, duties of MPs, general principles of conduct, rules of conduct, upholding the code, enforcement and making and updating the code.
Some of its salient points include the declaration by MPs of sufficient information regarding their business relationships and financial interests, including information of close family members, and not participating in debates or voting in matters in which he/she has a particular direct pecuniary interest.
The CoC also lays down strict rules for use of public property by lawmakers. It prohibits the acceptance of any form of inducement that would give rise to conflict of interest or, influence their conduct as MPs, and engaging in paid lobbying, paid parliamentary advice or paid advocacy.
The CoC also makes reference to civility and behaviour of MPs. At present, MPs are governed by Standing Orders of Parliament on how they should conduct themselves in the House, with specific guidelines for members speaking in Parliament and for members not speaking, but these are often ignored.
The envisaged new rules for MPs will, however, not take away the special immunities they are entitled to under the Parliament (Powers & Privileges) Act.
The introduction of a CoC for MPs was an election pledge of President Maithripala Sirisena.
(CK)