By Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel (LL.M (UCL London)), former Ambassador to UAE and Israel, former Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority, President of the Lanka Ambassador’s Forum – United Kingdom, Solicitor in England and Wales

The Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka occupies a vital position within the country’s legislative framework, serving as the presiding officer of the Parliament. This role is multi-dimensional, encompassing the moderation of debates, management of parliamentary proceedings, and the maintenance of order and decorum within the House.

The origins of the Speaker’s role in Sri Lanka can be traced back to the colonial period when the country was under British rule. The introduction of the Donoughmore Constitution in 1931 marked the beginning of representative government in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), and with it, the establishment of the position of the Speaker. The role was further solidified with the creation of the independent Ceylonese Parliament in 1947, following the country’s independence. The traditions and practices of the British parliamentary system, including the role of the Speaker, were adopted and adapted to suit the needs and context of the newly independent nation.

The primary duty of the Speaker is to ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted in an orderly and efficient manner. This includes moderating debates, deciding on points of order, and ensuring that all members of Parliament have an opportunity to contribute to discussions. The Speaker is also responsible for maintaining discipline within the House, including the power to suspend members for unruly behavior.
In addition to these procedural responsibilities, the Speaker represents the Parliament in its relations with the executive branch of government and with other national and international bodies. The Speaker is also tasked with ensuring that the rights and privileges of members of Parliament are protected and upheld.
The role of the Speaker in the Sri Lankan Parliament is modeled after the Speaker of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, which is currently held by Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Both positions share similar responsibilities in moderating debates, maintaining order, and representing their respective legislative bodies. However, there are differences in the selection process and the political neutrality of the role. In the UK, the Speaker is elected by members of the House of Commons and is expected to resign from their political party to maintain impartiality.
The current Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament is Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. The current Speaker, like his predecessors, plays a crucial role in facilitating the legislative process and ensuring that the Parliament functions smoothly.
In addition to the procedural duties mentioned earlier, the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in representing the Parliament in its interactions with the executive branch of the government and other external entities. This responsibility involves serving as a liaison between the Parliament and the President, Cabinet, and other governmental bodies. The Speaker also represents the Parliament in its interactions with foreign dignitaries, international organizations, and other countries’ legislative bodies. This role requires the Speaker to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Parliament in all diplomatic engagements. Furthermore, the Speaker is responsible for the administration of the Parliament, overseeing its staff and operations. This includes managing the Parliament’s budget, facilities, and administrative functions. The Speaker works closely with the Secretary-General of Parliament and other administrative officials to ensure the smooth running of parliamentary activities. Additionally, the Speaker is responsible for ensuring that parliamentary procedures are followed and that the rights and privileges of members are protected.
One of the most critical aspects of the Speaker’s role is to remain impartial, particularly during debates and voting. The Speaker is expected to detach themselves from any political affiliations and make decisions based solely on the rules and traditions of the Parliament. This impartiality is crucial for maintaining the trust and respect of all members of Parliament, regardless of their political positions. By upholding impartiality, the Speaker can ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted fairly and transparently, strengthening the democratic process in Sri Lanka.
The current Speaker, Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, assumed office in August 2020. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to upholding the traditions of the role and ensuring the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings. Hon. Abeywardena’s approachability and efforts to maintain a positive relationship with the public have been notable aspects of his incumbency. His ability to navigate the complexities of parliamentary debates and disputes while maintaining impartiality has earned him respect from members of all political parties.
In addition to his parliamentary duties, the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, is entrusted with a range of administrative functions critical to the efficient functioning of the legislative body. Among these responsibilities, overseeing the Parliament’s budget stands out as a fundamental task. The budget allocation for the Parliament is essential for the functioning of its various committees, staff salaries, maintenance of infrastructure, and other operational expenses. The Speaker’s role in managing this budget ensures that the Parliament can effectively carry out its legislative and oversight functions.
Additionally, the Speaker undertakes to establish a positive work environment that upholds the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism. Ensuring the smooth operation of the parliamentary complex is another vital administrative function of the Speaker. The parliamentary complex serves as the hub for legislative activities, housing the chambers, committee rooms, offices, and other facilities essential for parliamentary functioning. The Speaker oversees the maintenance of these facilities, ensuring that they are conducive to productive parliamentary activities. This includes ensuring the availability of necessary resources, such as technology and infrastructure, to support the work of parliamentarians and staff.
Recently, the Speaker has been faced with a challenging situation, as 44 Members of Parliament have signed a no-confidence motion against him. This motion has been brought forth on the grounds of the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and concerns regarding the Online Safety Bill. The situation has led to a division within the Parliament, with two distinct sides emerging. In such a contentious atmosphere, the role of the Speaker becomes even more critical, as he is expected to navigate these disputes with fairness and impartiality.
There is a general consensus that Hon. Abeywardena will take the necessary steps to remain impartial and handle the situation with the utmost integrity. His past conduct and commitment to fairness have instilled confidence among various stakeholders that he will manage this challenge effectively. As the custodian of parliamentary procedures and traditions, the Speaker’s role in resolving disputes and maintaining order within the Parliament is paramount to upholding the democratic principles on which the Sri Lankan Parliament is founded.
Incidentally, the Speaker has been proactive in maintaining positive relations with the Lanka Ambassadors’ Forum – United Kingdom. His diplomatic skills and ability to engage in constructive dialogue have been well-received, enhancing the image of the Parliament both domestically and internationally. By nurturing these relationships, the Speaker has contributed to a better understanding of Sri Lanka’s parliamentary processes and priorities among the international community.
As the Speaker continues to perform his duties with dedication, there is a hopeful sentiment that he will successfully navigate the current challenges and continue in his role until the end of his term. His leadership is seen as vital for upholding the democratic values and traditions of the Sri Lankan Parliament, ensuring that it remains a respected and effective institution. The Speaker’s commitment to fairness and impartiality, combined with his diplomatic skills and administrative acumen, positions him as a key figure in strengthening the Parliament’s role in the governance of Sri Lanka.