The Hon. [Unnamed Member]

¶ 01 4. Audit Service Commission 5. Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka 6. Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) 7. Finance Commission 8. Delimitation Commission 9. National Procurement Commission 10. Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) – which is semi-independent.

¶ 02 While these Commissions derive their authority from the Constitution or enabling statutes, many appear to function without publicly available or standardized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing internal operations such as recruitment, disciplinary processes, complaint management and public engagement. This has led to inconsistencies and an ad hoc policy framework in their administration.

¶ 03 In view of the above, I seek clarification from the Hon. Prime Minister, as Minister in charge of Constitutional Affairs, by raising the following questions:

¶ 04 1. Is the list of Commissions stated above accurate? If not, how many independent Commissions have been established under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, including those under Article 41B? 2. Have all these independent Commissions adopted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or internal administrative guidelines? Have they received approval from Parliament or are they only internal policies? 3. If such SOPs have been adopted, - which Commissions have made them publicly available? - what oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure uniform implementation and transparency? 4. If SOPs have not been adopted, - what steps have been taken by the Government or the Constitutional Council to develop and implement them? - what is the expected timeline for formalizing such SOPs in each Commission? 5. Will the Government consider tabling the SOPs of each Commission in Parliament to ensure transparency, consistency in governance and public accountability?

¶ 05 At this moment, we also wish to know the procedure for accountability—especially to whom these Commissions are accountable in relation to the discharge of functions and the assignment of various persons to these Commissions. Is it to Parliament or to the President? How fair play takes place is yet to be known.

¶ 06 So, Sir, I expect the Hon. Prime Minister to give us an answer as to how fair play and accountability are going to be upheld in these independent Commissions.