• Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena laments lack of professionalism among MPs during address at beginning of new session for the House
• Says most MPs come unprepared for debates and behaviour leads to shameful unparliamentary conduct
• Says only 330 books were borrowed from Parliament library by 225 MPs during 2021, of which 122 were works of fiction
• Says his responsibility is to conduct the House productively according to Standing Orders
• Urges all MPs to give up petty political dramas inside the Chamber and work in national interest 

By Chandani Kirinde

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday lamented the lack of professionalism among Members of Parliament (MPs) and said their conduct and lack of seriousness in their work as lawmakers was a cause of embarrassment.

Addressing the MPs at the beginning of the new session for the House, Speaker Abeywardena said, barring a few MPs, most come unprepared for debates and instead of addressing the issues up for discussions, choose to engage in behaviour that often escalates to shameful unparliamentary conduct.

“Today, very few Members prepare for their speeches in advance, refer to the library or speak facts.

Professionalism 

According to the information furnished by the library, only 330 books have been borrowed by members during the year 2021, and 122 of those have been under the title fiction. 94 of the borrowed books have been on political science and 27 on Sociology. Only 11 books on economics, five books on science, four books on law, three books on technology, one book on education, and one book on Sinhala literature have been borrowed by members,” he said.

The Speaker said for a Legislature of 225 members, this is embarrassing. 

“This lack of preparation and knowledge on subject matters have led to insults, lies, false allegations, unparliamentary language being part of speeches, and most speeches and statements being made to gain political mileage rather than on guiding the state. This finally escalates to shameful unparliamentary conduct,” he said.

He recalled that when he first spoke in Parliament, it was after weeks of preparation, reading in the library and watching and listening to speakers such as Late Gamini Dissanayake, Ranasinghe Premadasa, Lalith Athulathmudali, etc. 

“As new members, we wanted to give the best impression of ourselves at the house because it would have been a great shame to do otherwise.”

He said, as Speaker, his responsibility is to conduct the house productively and to ensure the rights of all MPs and the Standing Orders and other procedures are designed to facilitate that, taking for granted, that its members will conduct themselves honourably.

“All members must understand that upholding the dignity of this institution is the most sacred duty of all. If people lose faith in this House, that means they lose faith in democracy. The repercussions of that will be grave for all political parties and citizens of this country,” he said.

He urged all MPs to understand that and have national interest and the interest of all they represent at heart in all matters, putting a side petty political drama inside the House.

“People of this country are facing grave difficulties and they expect both the Government and the Opposition members to act responsibly, like statesmen and stateswomen. I earnestly request all of you to help me rebuild the image of this institution and discuss with me on how we can achieve that. I expect both Chief whips specially to act more responsibly and guide their respective sides.”

The Speaker also announced draft new proposals for discussion and adoption, to improve the quality of debates and the conduct of members. 

These include an independent Research and Analysis office, especially tasked on giving Members an independent view on the Budget and Performance, discussions and presentations by sector experts on topics such as Economics, Technology, Management, Leadership, Sociology, and any other related topic which any member can request to be held on evenings after parliamentary sittings conclude  and language and Education facilities for members who wish to master a different language or pursue education.

He invited all MPs to share their views on the proposals so they can be implemented to ensure a better functioning Legislature.

 

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