In Sri Lanka, WFD supports parliament in its lawmaking and policy scrutiny functions, especially through its committee system. WFD also supports legislators who deputise for the Speaker and the operationalisation of newer rules and processes of Parliament such as the Standing Orders and Code of Conduct. Gender responsove and inclusive approaches, as well as public engagement, are integral to WFD support. Additionally, WFD is exploring the role and responsibilities of parliament in supporting national harmony and security and provides technical assistance to the Parliament’s finance committees and the National Audit Office of Sri Lanka to support anti-corruption initiatives. Working at the national level with legislators, parliamentary officials, independent commissions, and civil society organisations is helping to create accountable and inclusive policies and laws that benefit all Sri Lankans.
In the past decade, Sri Lanka has developed parliamentary practices which aim to strengthen parliament and safeguard the independence of commissions. In this evolving political environment, parliament has a key role to play to secure these ambitions. Through our programmes, WFD has engaged with key parliamentary stakeholders as they seek to develop and embed parliamentary practices that will contribute to strengthened oversight and scrutiny of the executive and provide more avenues for inclusive political participation.
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is a non-departmental public body supported by, but independent of, the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Established in 1992, the remit of WFD is to provide expertise in developing parliaments, political party structures and civil society organisations – the key institutions that make up a functioning democracy. The patron […]
Parliaments are likely to play a crucial role when states transition from war towards peace. Yet this role is often overlooked and very little research exists on the role of parliaments in peace processes and peacebuilding. Parliaments are an important arena for the inclusion of warring parties, and the resulting interactions could either aid […]
The transition period in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) presents a unique opportunity to lay the foundations of a parliamentary system that not only values the contributions of civil society but actively seeks it by instituting mechanisms and protocols for dialogue and exchange with citizens. BARMM has a vibrant civil society with many […]
