Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that while the public had, over the years, become disillusioned by the nature of debates and exchanges in the Parliamentary Chamber, that perception is now changing as Parliament’s committee system has emerged as a vital mechanism through which significant and meaningful work is carried out.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the Adjournment Debate in Parliament on 21 July.
Elaborating further, the Prime Minister noted that unfounded allegations made by Opposition Members of Parliament in the Chamber, without evidence or factual basis, have contributed to creating a negative public perception of Parliament. However, she emphasized that Parliamentary Committees are functioning actively to ensure financial oversight, prevent the misuse of public funds, and safeguard democratic governance.
She further highlighted the important role played by the Committee on Public Petitions, describing it as a valuable platform through which citizens who have been unable to obtain justice elsewhere can raise their grievances through their elected representatives and seek effective solutions.
The Prime Minister stressed that committee recommendations should be issued with clearly defined timeframes and that where such recommendations are not implemented, the relevant public officials should be summoned again for follow-up and accountability. She emphasized the need to strengthen this monitoring process.
The Prime Minister also stated that public officials appearing before Parliamentary Committees should not regard the process as an inconvenience or a burden. Instead, they must recognize it as a serious responsibility in upholding the value of the people’s vote and the proper use of taxpayers’ money.
She further noted that these committee proceedings help educate the public about the role of Parliament and elected representatives, whose work is funded by public tax revenue, while also fostering a broader public dialogue on how democracy functions in practice.
Prime Minister’s Media Division