Speaker's approval to be sought to open SOC sittings to media : Prof. Marasinghe

A request will be made to the Speaker to open Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) meetings to the media from September 17, Parliamentarian Prof Ashu Marasinghe said today (Sept 11).

Prof. Marasinghe who heads the SOC on Education and Human Resources said it is through this mechanism that the public would be able to identify the Parliamentarians who actively engage in important matters.

"We would be taking up matters concerning royalty payments for musicians on September 17," he told a news conference at Temple Trees.

Mr. Marasinghe lamented that some committees face difficulties in fulfilling its quorum of three individuals, despite having some 20 members in the SOC's. "This culture must be changed," he insisted.

At present, there are 16 SOC's in Parliament through which all ordinances and gazettes are submitted to Parliament.

Commenting on the abolition of the Executive Presidency which has been discussed recently, the Parliamentarian noted that it was not too late to amend the constitution to this effect.

"This could be done even now if the cabinet reaches an agreement," he said adding that "honest politicians" could easily form the majority in Parliament in order to pass the amendment.