PM submits motion to appoint PSC to identify appropriate electoral reforms

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had submitted a motion seeking the appointment of a Select Committee of Parliament to identify appropriate reforms of the election laws and the electoral system and to recommend necessary amendments.

The motion included in the latest addendum to the Order Book of parliament says “it has become necessary to identify appropriate reforms of the election laws and the electoral system; and to propose the amendments necessary to effect the desired reforms.

 “The Chair and Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Speaker in terms of the provisions of Standing Order 101 of Parliament, the Committee shall consist of fifteen (15) Members; and the Committee shall report to Parliament within six months of its first sitting or such extended period as Parliament may grant.

“The PSC shall have the power to fix its quorum; summon any person to appear before it, to require any person to procure any document or record, to procure and receive all such evidence, written or oral, as the Committee may think it necessary for the fullest consideration of the matters referred to above; obtain the services of specialists and experts in the relevant fields to assist the committee; and to make interim reports from time to time and sit notwithstanding any adjournment of Parliament”, the motion said.