Parliament is the heart of democratic governance where laws are debated, decisions are made and the voice of the people is heard. However, the effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings relies on maintaining decorum and ensuring that discussions are productive. Standing Orders of the Parliament of Sri Lanka outline specific guidelines to ensure orderly conduct, focusing on responsibility, speaking rules and the behaviour of members not participating in debates. This article gives an insight into these rules and their importance in creating a disciplined and efficient parliamentary environment.
Responsibility
The Speaker of Parliament or the Chairman in any committee holds the ultimate responsibility to maintain order during proceedings. Their authority ensures that debates remain focused and respectful, preventing unnecessary disruption or abuse of parliamentary rules.
Unquestionable authority: The Speaker’s decisions on points of Order are final and cannot be appealed during the same session. This authority safeguards the proceedings from endless disputes, allowing the business of Parliament to continue without delay.
Control during debates: If the Speaker or Chairman rises during a debate, all members must immediately cease speaking and remain silent. This provision ensures that the presiding officer’s rulings or instructions are given the attention and respect it deserves.
Handling Points of Order: When a member raises a point of order, they must resume their seats while the Speaker decides on the issue. Once resolved, the member originally addressing Parliament may continue the speech, provided they adhere to the ruling.
These measures reinforce the authority of the presiding officer, enabling them to steer discussions productively and maintain the dignity of the House.
Orderly conduct
Strict measures to address disorderly behaviour to preserve the sanctity of debates and discussions
Suspension of Members: If a member disregards the authority of the Speaker or persistently obstructs proceedings, the Speaker may immediately put forward a motion for his or her suspension. Penalties escalate based on repeated offences during the same session:
First offence: Suspension for one week.
Second offence: Suspension for two weeks.
Third or subsequent offences: Suspension for one month.
Such rules deter disruptive behaviour and encourage members to respect parliamentary norms.
Expulsion for grave disorder: In extreme cases of grave disorder, the Speaker has the discretion to adjourn Parliament or suspend the session temporarily. This ensures that tensions can be defused and proceedings resumed in a more controlled environment.
Behaviour during suspension: Suspended members must withdraw immediately from Parliament and its precincts, which include the building and surrounding grounds. Refusal to comply allows the Speaker to enforce the decision.
These provisions highlight the importance of maintaining decorum, allowing Parliament to function efficiently even amidst disagreement.
Rules for speaking
When members spe ak in Parliament, they must adhere to a set of guidelines that prioritise clarity, respect and relevance. These rules create an environment where ideas can be exchanged constructively.
Addressing the Speaker: All remarks must be directed to the Speaker.
Members must stand when speaking unless granted permission to remain seated.
Speaking in turn: Members must wait for the Speaker to identify them before speaking. If two members rise simultaneously, the Speaker will decide who will speak first.
Relevance and clarity: Members must confine their observations to the topic under discussion, avoiding unrelated matters or repetitive arguments. This rule ensures that debates remain focused and efficient.
Prohibited conduct: Members are strictly prohibited from:
Referring to matters under judicial consideration. Addressing other members by name.
Making imputation about the motives of other members.
Using improper or unparliamentary language. These restrictions promote a respectful exchange of ideas, preventing personal attacks or inflammatory remarks that could derail discussions.
Personal explanations: Members may explain matters of a personal nature but such explanations cannot be debated. This allows individuals to clarify misunderstandings while maintaining the flow of parliamentary business.
Right of reply: The Member who moves a resolution or motion has the right to reply after all other members have spoken. This ensures that the initiator of the debate can address points raised during the discussion.
Rules for Members not speaking
While much attention is given to those actively participating in debates, the behaviour of members not speaking is equally important. Their conduct reflects the discipline and decorum of the entire Parliament.
Entering with decorum: Members must enter the Chamber respectfully and without causing disruption. This sets the tone for orderly proceedings.
Movement within the Chamber: Crossing the floor irregularly or moving around unnecessarily is discouraged. Such actions can distract other members and disrupt the flow of discussions.
Prohibited activities: Members not speaking are expected to: Refrain from reading unrelated material such as newspapers or personal letters. Avoid smoking within the Chamber. Maintain silence during debates unless permitted to speak.
Respect for speakers: Members must listen attentively and avoid interrupting unless the speaker willingly yields the floor. This fosters mutual respect and ensures that every voice is heard without unnecessary interruption.
Discipline
The rules outlined above are more than procedural formalities; they are the foundation of a functional and effective parliamentary system.
They ensure:
Respectful discourse: By curbing disorderly conduct and promoting respectful speech, these rules uphold the dignity of Parliament as a democratic institution.
Efficient decision-making: Orderly debates allow for more thorough discussions of issues, leading to better-informed decisions.
Public trust: Citizens expect their representatives to engage in meaningful and respectful deliberations. Adhering to these rules reinforces public confidence in the legislative process.
The Standing Orders governing parliamentary behaviour reflect the delicate balance between the freedom of expression and the need for order.
From the Speaker’s responsibility to enforce rules, to the conduct of members during debates, each provision is designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of parliamentary proceedings.
Upholding these principles ensures that Parliament remains a space where diverse ideas converge, fostering robust democracy and meaningful governance.
