Modernising the Parliament of Sri Lanka: A Digital Revolution Amidst Sociopolitical Contexts
About the Parliament of Sri Lanka | Written on January, 2023
Introduction
The Parliament of Sri Lanka is undergoing a remarkable transformation in the digital age, shifting its traditional operations towards a more streamlined, cost-effective, and accessible approach. This move towards modernisation, while largely technology-driven, is inherently interwoven with sociopolitical, economic, and cultural contexts. It represents a significant challenge, given the country's diverse demographic and socioeconomic landscapes, varied levels of digital literacy among parliamentarians, and the pressing necessity for information security.
The Push for Digitalisation
The catalyst for change is evident in two primary aspects of the Parliament's operations – cost-effectiveness and evidence-based debates. The traditional practices, heavily reliant on physical paperwork, not only incur considerable expenditure but also impede the speed and accessibility of information. The digitalisation effort promises a significant reduction in these challenges, paving the way for a more effective and efficient parliamentary system. Simultaneously, the modernisation drive is facilitating an emphasis on evidence-based debates, helping to enhance the quality of parliamentary discourse and decision-making processes.
The Role of Social Media and the Challenge of Information Security
In the quest for digital transformation, social media platforms are playing a pivotal role. As a free service, they provide an efficient and cost-effective avenue for disseminating information to the public and enhancing public engagement. However, their use raises questions around information security, particularly when sensitive or confidential information is involved.
It is, therefore, vital to choose digital platforms that ensure the secure sharing of information between Parliament and its members, and among the members themselves. The conundrum between openness and security necessitates a careful balancing act, ensuring that transparency does not compromise sensitive matters.
Addressing Digital Literacy Among Parliamentarians
Another challenge in the modernisation endeavour is the diverse demographic of Parliament members, encompassing a wide range of age, educational backgrounds, and tech-savviness. Ensuring equal access to digital tools and resources is critical to prevent any potential disadvantage due to varying levels of digital literacy.
The approach to mitigate this challenge incorporates targeted education and training, equipping the members to effectively utilise the modern technology. An example of this is the introduction of a digital voting system in the chamber, where support is provided to those members who face difficulty in adapting to the new system.
The Sociopolitical and Economic Context
The digitalisation drive in the Parliament of Sri Lanka is taking place against a backdrop of the country's complex sociopolitical and economic history. Sri Lanka, divided into nine provinces with varied linguistic and cultural populations, has faced internal conflicts in the past and is currently grappling with economic difficulties.
The country, which once boasted the third highest per capita income in Asia, is now dealing with an economic crisis. The modernisation of Parliament, therefore, is not just a question of technological innovation but also a response to the changing societal needs and expectations. It signifies a commitment to progress, in spite of the existing challenges, and to meeting the evolving demands of a diverse and rapidly changing society.
Conclusion
The journey towards the digitalisation of the Parliament of Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a complex one, fraught with numerous challenges and implications. However, it is a necessary transition that has the potential to transform parliamentary operations, enhance democratic processes, and ultimately contribute to a more open, inclusive, and efficient governance system. Through careful navigation of these challenges, the Parliament of Sri Lanka is setting a precedent, proving that embracing change and progress in the face of adversity is not only possible but also pivotal for the betterment of a nation's governance.