Parliaments, or Houses of Representatives, in most countries command respect – but not here in Sri Lanka.
Our Parliament, sad to say, has lost all dignity. It has deteriorated to such an alarming degree – notably, since the J. R. Jayewardene Constitution of 1978 – that indiscipline and rowdyism have become the order of the day. What goes on in Parliament sometimes amounts to nothing less than downright hooliganism, and even thuggery.
We, the voters who elected these unruly Members of Parliament, look on in helpless disbelief as our MPs continue to embarrass us and the country.
This despicable state of affairs was quite evident when former President Chandrika Kumaratunge presented the Draft Constitution in 2002, and also during the presentation of the 18th Amendment in August this year.
The scene in the House on both occasions was as if the gates of Bedlam had been opened. The so-called “honorable” representatives in the Opposition tore up the Amendment document, while their leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe, looked on. Is this the new pattern of political behaviour we are to expect in this country?
This was not the case in the golden, pre-1977, era of Sri Lanka politics. Politicians were once considered “servants of the people”. Our new generation of politicians has glorified itself as “Masters of the People.” They enjoy a range of privileges. They are entitled to pension rights even after serving the country for a mere five years. The average public servant has to toil for at least 25 to 30 years, until he reaches the age of 55, to get his or her meagre pension.
Our present politicians should study the Hansards of the Golden Era to see how Parliamentarians of the past conducted themselves. In those days, decency prevailed. The business of the House was carried out in good faith and with humour. The Government and the Opposition conducted themselves with dignity during important debates.
Indiscipline has reached the point that members have the audacity to handle the House’s most revered symbol, the Mace, during important Parliamentary sessions.
Rowdy elements disrupt proceedings, even over-riding the Speaker’s orders. We voters request all Parliamentarians to respect the sanctity of the House, behave with dignity, and serve us with humility and honesty.
Don Sarath Abeysekera,
Bandarawela
|
E-mail
