Modernisation and Challenges in Sri Lanka's Parliament: A Multifaceted Analysis
About the Parliament of Sri Lanka | Written on September, 2023
Introduction
The Parliament of Sri Lanka is a crucial institution that plays a vital role in shaping the political and economic direction of the country. With 225 members, it is responsible for key functions such as budget preparation, policy formulation, and law-making. In recent times, there has been a significant focus on modernising the parliamentary system to improve its efficiency, transparency, and accountability. This essay delves into the various facets of these modernisation efforts, from leveraging technology to addressing gender disparities, and examines the challenges that the Parliament faces in this transformative journey.
Digitalisation and Transparency
One of the most notable aspects of modernisation is the digitalisation of parliamentary operations. The parliament has started to use advanced technologies for budget preparation and other financial matters. The move to digital platforms promises not only to streamline operations but also to significantly enhance transparency. Digitalisation allows for all expenditures and income to be publicly accessible, enabling citizens to interact with the Parliament and hold it accountable.
Citizen Participation and Policy-Making
The modernisation efforts are also aimed at improving citizen participation. Previously, there was a disconnect between policy-makers and the public. However, the digitalisation initiatives aim to bring them closer. For example, the Right to Information Act was introduced to provide the public with necessary information and thereby reduce corruption and bribery. These measures are part of the broader aim to establish a system of good governance through increased transparency and accountability.
Gender Disparities
Despite these advancements, the Parliament faces significant challenges, one of which is gender disparity. While women make up about 52% of Sri Lanka's population, they are underrepresented in the Parliament, with only 11 out of 225 members being female. Efforts are underway to utilise technology to encourage women to enter politics, but much remains to be done to change existing policies and cultural norms.
Economic Challenges
Sri Lanka is grappling with economic issues, including deficits in the balance of payments and the national budget. The government is aiming to increase revenue through taxation, but these economic challenges pose a substantial hurdle for modernisation efforts. The Parliament has the responsibility to legislate economic policies that can alleviate these challenges while ensuring that they align with the broader public good, such as free education and healthcare.
Infrastructure and Rural-Urban Divide
Another challenge lies in the lack of robust communication infrastructure across the country. While cities have good network coverage, rural areas lack modern devices and fast network coverage, which creates a divide in accessing parliamentary proceedings and other information. This disparity extends to other sectors as well, such as agriculture, where traditional methods are still prevalent in rural areas.
Role of Research and Human Resources
The Parliament also faces challenges in terms of human resources. The research division, for instance, has only ten staff to support 225 members. These researchers often work beyond office hours, yet they lack sufficient facilities and resources, which affects the quality and timeliness of their work.
Conclusion
The modernisation of Sri Lanka's Parliament is a complex and multifaceted endeavour that involves not just technological advancements but also deeper structural and cultural changes. While significant strides have been made in terms of digitalisation and improving transparency, challenges remain in terms of gender representation, economic constraints, and infrastructure. It is imperative for the Parliament to continue its modernisation efforts while addressing these challenges comprehensively. This will not only improve its functionality but also better serve the citizens of Sri Lanka by fostering a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive democratic institution.