Remanding of JO MP unacceptable: Speaker

25 May 2018 03:01 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The remanding of joint opposition MP Sarath Nishantha is unacceptable and unreasonable, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya told Parliament today.

He said this when joint opposition MPs raised the matter in the House this morning.

JO parliamentary group leader Dinesh Gunawardene said nothing has been done about this even though his party had raised this matter thrice. “We are highlighting this matter pertaining to Mr. Nishantha because it affects all members of Parliament."

The MP was arrested on a complaint made by the government with regard to the construction of a a Daham Pasala building in a temple.

The Speaker said he discussed this matter with the Justice Minister and the Attorney General and assured he would look into it again.

"I contacted Mr. Nishantha and inquired about his health. I informed the Justice Minister and she also said this was unreasonable. This incident has happened about four or five years ago. I do not accept this procedure. It is unreasonable," he said.

Mr. Gunawardene said the remanded MP had not been granted bail yesterday because the judge was absent.

MP Bandula Gunawardene said this government had gone down history for jailing the most number of members of Parliament.

MP Wimal Weerawansa said Mr. Nishantha has been held for violating bail conditions and the Court should finish up the matter in a reasonable manner, without keeping him in remand.

MP Lakshman Kiriella said Parliament could not influence the Judiciary to act in any particular way. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 9

Ramj Friday, 25 May 2018 07:02 PM

Govt must have put more mps behind bars for their past criminal records. Why is the govt not doing it.

yatinuwara Friday, 25 May 2018 08:36 PM

Then there will be only a handful left in the 'Con House'

abc Friday, 25 May 2018 08:35 PM

If it is acceptable to arrest a non-parliamentarian for the same offence, there shouldn't be any issue in arresting an MP. The problem in this country is that MP's are corrupting the system to get preferential treatment, such as instant bail etc

Citizen Friday, 25 May 2018 08:35 PM

Mr Speaker - You should not allow Parliament to influence Judiciary. Judiciary should remain as an independent body

Gamaya Friday, 25 May 2018 09:04 PM

Mr Speaker hold it. This is the process of CRIMINAL LAW in motion. An MP can have no special privilege other than the Speaker being informed. PLEASE PUBLISH THIS

Don Friday, 25 May 2018 09:18 PM

Mr. Speaker, accepting one million is unacceptable by an MP is worse than putting an MP in remand prison for not following courts order.

Wise Donkey Friday, 25 May 2018 10:00 PM

Because the prison has to be expanded to accommodate all of them. What a disgraceful lot.

NJ Saturday, 26 May 2018 08:36 AM

Parliamentarian or otherwise, the law should be equal to every citizen of a country. Need I say more?

dulan Saturday, 26 May 2018 09:49 AM

Surely is this not Contempt of Court? Or our politicians above such things?

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Remanding of JO MP unacceptable: Speaker

Comments - 9

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