JO says English copy marked 'draft'

Joint opposition MPs today brought to the notice of the Speaker that the English version of the panel of experts report on constitution-making was marked 'draft' while the Sinhala and Tamil copies were not described as such.

JO MP Namal Rajapaksa said the English copy carried a water mark saying, “draft discussion only" whereas it was not there on the Sinhala and Tamil copies and asked the Speaker whether there was any special reason for that.

Minister Harsha De Silva, who agreed on matter said one could misinterpret it when the draft was marked only in one language and said it should be corrected.

MP Bandula Gunawardane said it could lead to a serious issue if someone goes to court and said the Speaker could not change it.

MP Shehan Semasinghe said the Prime Minister said it was not a draft but it creates suspicion.

Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri said he would look into this matter. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)