Today’s resignation of the Speaker after concerns were raised by the public on his claims to educational qualifications, is an important signal on accountability on the part of those holding public office.
In many democracies politicians and officials resign from office taking personal responsibility for actions, inactions or failures on their part or of those under them. This convention which prevailed in Sri Lanka too prior to the 1990s has been observed in the breach in the recent past.
It is refreshing to see the public being willing to challenge the newly elected Government to make good on the promises they made. Credit to those in authority too for taking into account albeit a little late, the concerns of the public expressed mainly through social media.
Once again social media has turned out to be an important tool in the political landscape of our nation.
(From Saliya Pieris, PC FB)