Code of Conduct for MPs circulated, includes disclosure of finances,conflict of interests

A draft Code of Conduct circulated among parliamentarian’s today calls on them to disclose sufficient information regarding their business relationships and financial interests, including information of close family members as a way to increase public trust and confidence in them.

Members shall fulfill conscientiously the requirements of the House in respect of the registration of interests in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Each Member shall disclose to the Parliament all relevant interests that a reasonable person might think could give rise to the perception of influencing behavior between the Member’s duties and responsibilities and his/her personal interests (e.g. land and property assets, share-holdings, gifts, foreign travel, symbolic rewards (e.g. honorary degree), sources of income, remunerated employment, directorships, liabilities, hospitality and affiliations). This applies to items received and could also apply to items donated or given. These shall be disclosed immediately following election and continuously updated within a reasonable period specified by Parliament,” the draft Code said.

Copies of the draft Code was given o MPs today and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya asked MPs to study it and send in their opinions and suggestions on it to the Office of the Secretary General of Parliament in writing within two weeks.

The introduction of a Code of Conduct for MPs was an election pledge of President Maithripala Sirisena and his Government.

The Code 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.

The draft states that MPs should be open to the public as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

MPs are also required to act in good conscience; respect human rights and intrinsic dignity of all; act as to merit the trust and respect of citizens and community; give effect to the ideals of democratic government, abide by the letter and spirit of the constitution and uphold the separation of powers and the rule of law; hold themselves accountable for the conduct and duties for which they are responsible and exercise the privileges and discharge the duties of public offices diligently and with civility, dignity, care and honour.

“In upholding parliamentary democracy, every member of parliament has a responsibility to ensure that the executive government is accountable to Parliament,” the draft of the Code said.