As a concerned citizen of Sri Lanka, I have watched with growing frustration as our parliament has become a place where the rule of law is frequently undermined. It pains me to see members of parliament exploiting their rights to deliver speeches that often prioritize personal or political gains over serving the public good. More disturbingly, even members who have been convicted and are serving time can still participate in parliamentary sessions, eroding the integrity of our democratic institutions.

In Sri Lanka, a country striving to rebuild and strengthen its democracy, we cannot afford to have representatives who misuse their roles and privileges. Parliament should be a pillar of accountability and transparency, a place where the voices of ordinary citizens are truly represented and heard. However, when members can continue to partake in legislative duties despite facing serious legal allegations or convictions, it tarnishes the credibility of our entire governance system.

To address these concerns, I propose a series of reforms aimed at tightening regulations around the rights of parliament members. Firstly, any member facing serious criminal charges should be temporarily suspended from participating in parliamentary sessions until the legal process is fully resolved. This suspension should also extend to those who are currently incarcerated.

Secondly, there needs to be a review of the code of conduct that governs what members can say during their speeches. Misusing parliamentary privilege to spread misinformation or launch personal attacks should have appropriate consequences.

Finally, an independent oversight body could be established to ensure that these rules are being applied fairly and consistently. Such a body would play a crucial role in safeguarding the democratic principles we hold dear.

These actionable steps will help restore faith in our parliamentary system and ensure a disciplined and responsible governance framework. It's time we hold our representatives to a higher standard.

I urge the Sri Lankan cabinet to consider these changes seriously and implement immediate reforms to ensure our parliament reflects the integrity and discipline it was meant to uphold. Please sign this petition to show your support for a more accountable parliament in Sri Lanka.