By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene yesterday urged all MPs to support rebuild Parliament’s lost image and come for a dialogue on the same.   

“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. I urge all of you to understand that and have national interest and the interest of all you 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 said in a special statement.  

The Speaker proposed the setting up of 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 , education for MPs to master different languages or pursue education.  

• All members must understand that upholding the dignity of this institution is the most sacred duty of all
• Both the Government and the Opposition members must act responsibly, like statesmen and stateswomen