• March 12 Movement writes to CC Chair 

The March 12 Movement has urged Speaker of Parliament and Constitutional Council (CC) Chairperson, Dr Jagath Wickramaratne, to revise the procedure used to appoint members to independent commissions, claiming that the current application process discourages qualified candidates and falls short of the transparency expected in such appointments.

In a letter dated Monday (27), addressed to the Speaker, the civic organisation's Convenor Rohana Hettiarachchi expressed concern over the procedure adopted for recruiting new members to several commissions and called for changes to the application process and the application form itself. He noted that although appointments had already been made to several commissions, the CC had decided to call for fresh applications for some others. He said that the purpose of the letter was to express its "serious concern" that the procedure had departed from the inclusive approach that should accompany a citizen-centred exercise. "Adopting the most transparent and accountable approach possible is not something that anyone who expects good governance can easily overlook," the letter stated. 

The first concern raised by the Movement relates to the change in the method of calling for applications. Hettiarachchi noted that when the CC was first established, individuals did not apply for commission memberships on their own. Instead, he said that suitable candidates were nominated by recognised organisations or institutions with their consent. 

"The present requirement for individuals to submit their own applications is not an effective approach. A self-application process allows anyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply, even though commission members should possess far more than basic eligibility." He further observed that many accomplished professionals, academics, retired public administrators and social activists are, for the most part, reluctant to nominate themselves for such positions. 

"We therefore urge the CC to restore the previous nomination-based system, allowing recognised external organisations to recommend candidates together with a formal letter confirming the nominee's willingness to serve. Reinstating this procedure would demonstrate the CC's commitment to strengthening governance." Its second concern relates to the complexity of the application form. 

Acknowledging that the current form requests important information, Hettiarachchi said that a simpler and more user-friendly format should be introduced, particularly because only a limited number of applicants are shortlisted at the initial stage. "The application form should specifically ask candidates to demonstrate how they have contributed to achieving meaningful social change through their professional or practical work. If external organisations are once again allowed to nominate candidates, they would naturally put forward individuals with proven records of public service and administrative leadership."