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| (peoplesgoals.org) |
The Inter University Alumni Federation said that although sovereignty was in the people, the norms of good governance, rule of law, social justice and civil rights have been systematically eroded over the past few decades. Hence, a better Sri Lanka had only become a distant goal. The Inter University Alumni Federation National Organizer, Ranjith Iddamalgoda, said this has been the constant socio-political phenomenon since the independence of our country, and as a result, the aspirations of all the segments of our society for a better Sri Lanka had only become a distanct goal.
“We hope that as members of the Inter University Alumni Federation who are products of free education in this country, have a profound obligation to make our country a better place to live; for us, our children and the generations to come,” he said.
Iddamalgoda added that in this context the federation had decided to create awareness among the members of the alumni, academics, professionals and other learned sections of Sri Lankan society to raise their voices against the prevailing socio-political situation in our country.
On the invitation of the Inter University Alumni Federation, former Auditor General of Sri Lanka Sarath Mayadunne making a presentation on “The structure and practice of public accountability in Sri Lanka’ said, the sovereignty of people included the legislative power, executive power and judicial power; and a system of checks and balances were needed to make these key pillars are accountable. He said, “Public finance is a major sector of the sovereignty of the people. The parliament shall have full control over public
finance. This is not only an authority, power and privilege, but also a great responsibility, duty and obligation. Therefore, if the control of public finance is poor or corrupted, Parliament and its members are the prime body accountable to the people.”
Highlighting public fund collection, Mayadunne said; “No tax, rate or any other levy shall be imposed by any local authority or any other public authority, except by or under the authority of the law passed by Parliament or any existing law. Mayadunne further
said that no government could say the Parliament had approved the financial Bills against the wishes of the government and the government had no way to evade the responsibility and answerability to the people.
He also pointed out that the President shall be responsible to Parliament for the due exercise, performance and discharge of his powers, duties and functions under the Constitution and any written law, including the law for the time being relating to public security.
By Charumini de Silva
Ceylon Today