12 September 2020 12:00 am
Ruling party ready for substantive motion on it
By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana
Whilst the Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa accused the Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana of violating the constitution by allowing SLPP MP Premalal Jayasekara who had appealed against his conviction of murder to be sworn in as a Parliamentarian, ruling party said it is ready to entertain a substantive motion on the issue.
The issue with regard to Mr. Jayasekara became a point of discussion for the fourth consecutive day in Parliament yesterday.
Mr. Premadasa said Speaker had violated sections 89 and 91 of the Constitution. He said any person who has been convicted of murder is not eligible to be sworn in and function as an MP or to attend Parliament sessions. “Mr. Jayasekara has been been sworn in and is allowed to attend House sessions in violation of the Constitution” Mr. Premadasa said.
“There is a precedent created by one time Speaker Bakeer Markar who did not allow Selvaraj Yogachandran popularly known as ‘Kuttamani’, who was convicted or murder and was held in prison for charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Also you should hold Parliament supreme as per the precedent created by late Speaker Anura Bandaranaike and not allow the Judiciary to rule the legislature.” Mr. Premadasa said.
Speaker Abeywardana who responded said these were matters which Mr. Premadasa should have raised in courts. “There is no point in raising this matter in the House now as these were matters which were raised in courts” the Speaker said.