Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has initiated discussions to establish an “alternative parliament” as a platform for former Members of Parliament (MPs) to engage in governance-related activities, according to reports from Desaya. This initiative aims to involve former MPs and ministers who no longer hold seats in the current parliament, offering them an avenue to contribute to national discourse.
The proposal invites approximately 450 former MPs and ministers from various political parties, with plans to select 225 members to form the alternative parliament. The body is expected to convene on the same days as the official parliament sessions and operate as a shadow legislative institution.
A notable feature of this initiative is the establishment of a shadow cabinet, mirroring the existing governmental structure. Senior members of the alternative parliament will be appointed to oversee shadow ministries and act as counterparts to the current government ministers. Leadership roles such as Speaker, Leader of the House, and Leader of the Opposition will also be designated within this alternative body.
Committees akin to the parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) will also be established to examine issues of governance, public spending, and accountability.
The initiative aims to foster active participation from former leaders, with invitations extended to past presidents and senior heads of state from various countries. These dignitaries will have opportunities to address the alternative parliament, promoting international perspectives and collaboration.
This move by Wickremesinghe is seen as an attempt to create a parallel mechanism to the official parliament, potentially providing an alternative forum for policy discussions and critical evaluation of government actions. The proposal has sparked interest and debate in political circles, with its effectiveness and implications yet to be fully understood.
